Ever watch a flock of doves scatter like windblown leaves? Those fast, erratic flights can make hitting them feel impossible. If your shots are falling short or spreading too wide, the problem might be hiding right at the end of your shotgun barrel: the choke tube.
Choosing the right choke tube for dove hunting is tricky. Too tight, and you might miss the fast-moving bird entirely. Too open, and your pellets spread out too soon, leaving you without enough stopping power. This simple piece of metal controls your shot pattern, and getting it wrong means fewer birds in your bag and a frustrating day in the field.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will clearly explain what each choke does, which ones work best for different dove hunting scenarios, and how to pattern your shotgun for perfect results. Get ready to understand choke tubes like a pro.
Table of Contents
Top Choke Tube For Dove Hunting Recommendations
- The NEW White Wing Dove choke features Carlson's Exclusive TST (Triple Shot Technology) which results in reduced pellet deformation, denser patterns, and less flyers
- Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters
- For all ranges, when hunting doves we guarantee the reliability and performance dove hunters want and deserve
- Available in Decoy (LM) or Extended Range (IM) all White Wing chokes are ported to help reduce recoil and muzzle jump
- These chokes can handle steel, lead, Hevi-Shot, and TSS as some public grounds stipulate shot composition
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Beretta Benelli Mobil [ Light Modified | 0.710 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31uKWOfkL8L._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge constricted at Light Modified and measured at 0.710 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [ Improved Modified | 0.705 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31d8CMbHTxL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove for Remington is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove for Remington 12 Gauge constricted at Improved Modified and measured at 0.705 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 20 Gauge Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil [ Improved Modified | 0.595 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ik6PWZ1FL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge constricted at Improved Modified and measured at 0.595 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 20 Gauge Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil [ Light Modified | 0.605 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/219Hu9TmxjL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge constricted at Light Modified and measured at 0.605 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [ Light Modified | 0.715 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/314FEOtuRlL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove for Remington is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove for Remington 12 Gauge constricted at Light Modified and measured at 0.715 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlsons Choke Tubes 12 Gauge Compatible for Benelli Crio Plus [ Improved Modified | 0.700 Diameter ] Stainless Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31mSGpDFJbL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove Compatible for Benelli Crio Plus is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove Compatible for Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge constricted at Improved Modified and measured at 0.700 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
- DURABLE CHOKE TUBE - The TRUGLO Double-Threat Dove Choke is designed to make quick choke adjustments in the dove field; these choke tubes quickly adjust for long-range passing shots or close-range decoy shots; these choke tubes accept lead shot and can't be used with buckshot or steel
- CNC-MACHINED CONSTRUCTION - It's precision-made using CNC to adhere to tight tolerances and can be twisted quickly to change the diameter of the choke; made using the best available materials, these gun chokes from TruGlo are built to deliver a resilient and efficient product
- DECOY AND PASS SETTING - DECOY - The DOUBLE THREAT lets hunters quickly change between two choke tube setting optimized for close-range shooting with more open patterns; PASS: optimized for longer-range shooting with tighter patterns; carry only one choke in the field
- COATED FOR WEAR RESISTANCE - The TRUGLO Double-Threat Dove Choke is one of the few chokes available that lets you change the diameter in just seconds; It's available for the following brands: Remington, Mossberg, Winchester, Beretta, Benelli, and Browning; includes installation tool (spanner wrench)
- SIMPLE "TWIST AND CLICK" DESIGN - The DOUBLE-THREAT is designed for common lead dove loads ranging from #6 to #8 shot; this choke tube gives hunters more options in the field and adapts to changing conditions through the hunt; a simple "twist and click" operation changes patterns in seconds without any tools
Choosing the Right Choke Tube for Dove Hunting: A Buyer’s Guide
Dove hunting is exciting! A good choke tube helps you hit those fast, flying birds. This guide helps you pick the best one for your shotgun. Think of a choke tube as a special part that squeezes the shot pattern at the end of your barrel. This squeeze makes your shots hit closer together when they reach the dove.
Key Features to Look For
Constriction Level
This is the most important part. Constriction means how much the choke squeezes the barrel. For doves, you usually want a tighter pattern than for close-range targets, but not too tight. Too tight, and you might miss because the dove moves fast.
- Improved Cylinder (IC): Good for very close shots, maybe 20-30 yards. It makes a wider pattern.
- Modified (Mod): This is the most popular choice for dove hunting. It works well from 30 to 45 yards. It gives a nice balance.
- Light Full (LF) or Full (F): Use these only for very long shots (over 45 yards). They pattern very tight and are less forgiving if you miss the timing.
Material and Durability
The material must handle the pressure of the shots you fire. Good materials last a long time.
- Stainless Steel: This is strong and resists rust. It is a very common and reliable choice for good quality tubes.
- Chromium-Molybdenum Steel (Chrome-Moly): This is often used in high-end tubes. It offers excellent strength.
Porting and Ventilation
Some chokes have small holes or slots cut into them. These are called ports. Ports help reduce muzzle flip, which means your shotgun jumps less when you shoot. Less jump means you can track the next dove easier.
Important Materials and Quality Factors
Material Matters
Always check what the choke tube is made from. Cheap aluminum tubes might not last long, especially if you shoot powerful shells. Steel tubes offer the best longevity and safety.
Factors That Improve Quality
Tight Tolerances
High-quality manufacturing means the choke fits perfectly inside your barrel. If the fit is poor, gas can leak, which lowers your shot velocity and ruins your pattern. Look for brands known for precise machining.
Surface Finish
A smooth interior finish helps the shot pellets exit cleanly and quickly. Rough interiors can actually damage the pellets slightly, making the pattern spread out sooner.
Factors That Reduce Quality
External Threads
If the threads (the part that screws into the barrel) are poorly cut, the choke might get stuck or cross-thread. Never force a choke tube in.
Weight
Very light chokes might feel unbalanced, especially on heavier barrels. A slightly heavier, well-made choke often feels better during rapid shooting.
User Experience and Use Cases
Dove hunting often requires fast target acquisition. You see the bird, swing the gun, and shoot quickly. This means you need reliability.
Quick Changes
If you hunt in fields where doves fly at different distances, you might want an “easy-to-change” system. Some chokes are designed to be swapped quickly using a special wrench or even by hand (though a wrench is usually recommended for proper tightening).
Pattern Testing
The best user experience comes from testing. Before the season, pattern your chosen choke. Shoot at a large piece of cardboard (a pattern target) at 30 and 40 yards. This lets you see exactly where your shot is going. Every barrel shoots differently, so testing is crucial for success.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dove Hunting Choke Tubes
Q: Do I really need a special choke tube for doves?
A: Yes! A standard full choke might be too tight for fast-moving doves. A Modified or Improved Cylinder choke usually works best for the typical dove ranges.
Q: Can I use the same choke for quail and doves?
A: Often, yes. Quail fly lower and closer, so an Improved Cylinder might be great for quail. For doves, you might want to step up to Modified for a little more reach.
Q: What is the safest way to install a choke tube?
A: Always make sure the shotgun is unloaded. Screw the choke in gently until it seats fully. Then, use the correct wrench to tighten it securely. Never shoot with a loose choke!
Q: What happens if my choke tube is too tight (e.g., Full) for doves?
A: If the choke is too tight, your shot pattern becomes too small. You have to be perfectly on target. If you are slightly ahead or behind the bird, you will likely miss because the pattern opens too slowly.
Q: Are ported chokes worth the extra money?
A: For hunters who shoot many shells quickly, ported chokes help control recoil and muzzle rise. This helps you stay on target for follow-up shots.
Q: How do I know if my choke tube is high quality?
A: Look for stainless steel construction and smooth machining. Well-known, reputable brand names usually mean higher quality control and better performance.
Q: Can I use extended choke tubes?
A: Yes, extended chokes stick out past the end of the barrel. They often make changing chokes easier in the field without removing the barrel.
Q: Should I clean my choke tube?
A: Absolutely. After every hunting trip, remove the choke and clean the threads and the inside of the barrel. Firing residue builds up and can make the choke stick.
Q: What is the standard choke that comes with most shotguns?
A: Most modern shotguns come with an Improved Cylinder or a Modified choke. These are often good starting points for dove hunting.
Q: Does the gauge of my shotgun (e.g., 12 gauge vs. 20 gauge) change the choke I need?
A: The gauge affects the total number of pellets, but the desired pattern density at a certain range stays the same. A Modified choke pattern looks similar whether it is in a 12 or 20 gauge, but the 12 gauge will have more total pellets.