Imagine that perfect turkey hunt. The sun is just starting to peek over the horizon. You hear that unmistakable gobble. Your heart pounds! You raise your shotgun, aim carefully, and pull the trigger. But what happens next depends heavily on one small but mighty part of your gun: the choke. Choosing the right choke for turkey hunting is crucial. A bad choice means scattered pellets and a missed opportunity. Many hunters feel lost staring at all the different sizes and types. Should you go tight? Should you use a special extended choke? It can feel confusing and overwhelming when you just want to focus on the bird.
This guide cuts through the noise. We explain exactly what a shotgun choke does for turkey loads. You will learn which chokes create the best, tightest patterns for dropping that big tom reliably at various distances. Stop guessing and start patterning with confidence! Read on to unlock the secrets of turkey choke selection and make your next hunt a successful one.
Top Chokes For Turkey Hunting Recommendations
- MULTI-PHASE GROOVE TECHNOLOGY - Multi-phase groove technology engages the shot cup and guides the pellets into a tight and consistent pattern, shot after shot; extend your effective range with patterns that reach out farther
- COMPATIBLE WITH - These durable heat-treated steal choke tubes rated for HEVISHOT, Winchester, Long Beard XR, Federal Premium 3rd Degree and other high-performance turkey loads
- PRECISE CHOKE TUBES - The Truglo Head Banger choke tubes are CNC– machined for optimum precision; heat-treated steel for increased strength and durability with powerful turkey loads
- BETTER SEATING - Polished end face for better seating and sealing, providing maximum power without pressure loss; choke tubes help control the dispersion of shot inside the shotshell
- PROVED QUALITY - Truglo Choke Tubes are endorsed by the National Wild Turkey Federation; Truglo knows you need a tight pattern to bring down that wary old Tom that just walked out and their line of Choke tubes are made to make sure. we recommend a gunsmith to install this.
- EASY-TO-SEE TRUGLO GUN SIGHT AND CHOKE TUBE COMBO - Take aim with the proper sight and tighten up your shot with the Gobble Stopper Xtreme Turkey Choke Tube Combo; the TRUGLO Gobble-Stopper Xtreme Sight and Choke Tube Combos include a Gobble-Dot universal turkey sight and a TRUGLO Gobble-Stopper Xtreme Choke Tube
- VERSATILE GUN COMBO - Your accuracy will improve, as will your chances of success when you're hunting turkeys with the TRUGLO Gobble Stopper Xtreme Turkey Choke Tube Combo: turkey chokes for all turkey loads, Gobble-Dot universal turkey sight has extremely low-profile fit, turkey sight fits all ventilated rib guns
- TURKEY GUN SIGHT - The TRUGLO Gobble dot is a universal fit extremely low profile turkey gun sight for barrels with vent ribs; the TruGlo Gobble Dot Universal gun sight provides an ideal aim, you just need to line up three points of contrast; the fiber optics sights mount to the rib of any shotgun and are held in place by high strength double sided tape
- PRECISE CHOKE TUBES -These choke tubes are machined from high-grade stainless steel to exacting tolerances for tighter patterns at extended range; the ported design promotes tighter patterns and reduces both muzzle flip and felt recoil; the knurled outer surface promotes easy removal for quick and easy cleaning
- TRUGLO QUALITY - Take aim with the proper sight and tighten up your shot with the Gobble Stopper Xtreme Turkey Choke Tube Combo; featuring a ported design, the Gobble Stopper Xtreme is a solid choice for any turkey hunter; the Gobble Dot Universal Dual Color is the original turkey sight in dual color; it is a great addition to your gun to increase precision and accuracy; it gives you quick target acquisition
![CARLSON'S Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [ Turkey | 0.660 Diameter ] Blued Steel | Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41h7U9PfNgL._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 Long Beard Turkey for Remington is made of high quality Stainless Steel. This tom-dropping dynamic duo serves-up 10% greater penetration over standard lead shot at distances of more than 50 yards, terminal on-target performance and allows nearly perfectly round shot to be thrown from the barrel for extremely tight, long-range patterns.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes Long Beard Turkey for Remington 12 Gauge constricted at Turkey and measured at 0.660 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.
- MULTI-PHASE GROOVE TECHNOLOGY - Multi-phase groove technology engages the shot cup and guides the pellets into a tight and consistent pattern, shot after shot; extend your effective range with patterns that reach out farther
- COMPATIBLE WITH - These durable heat-treated steal choke tubes rated for HEVISHOT, Winchester, Long Beard XR, Federal Premium 3rd Degree and other high-performance turkey loads
- PRECISE CHOKE TUBES - The Truglo Head Banger choke tubes are CNC– machined for optimum precision; heat-treated steel for increased strength and durability with powerful turkey loads
- BETTER SEATING - Polished end face for better seating and sealing, providing maximum power without pressure loss; choke tubes help control the dispersion of shot inside the shotshell
- PROVED QUALITY - Truglo Choke Tubes are endorsed by the National Wild Turkey Federation; Truglo knows you need a tight pattern to bring down that wary old Tom that just walked out and their line of Choke tubes are made to make sure
- Delivers dense and even patterns
- Provides maximum kinetic energy at extended ranges
- Designed with straight rifling, ensuring more pellets stay on target
- TURKEY CALLING SOLUTION - This kit includes essential calls such as the Suzie Snood Double Glass Wild Turkey Call, Hammerin Crow Call, Hooter Owl Call, and Premium Double D call, ensuring hunters have all the tools necessary for a successful hunt
- REALISTIC SOUNDS - The Suzie Snood Double Glass Wild Turkey Call is expertly designed to replicate authentic turkey sounds, enhancing your ability to lure wild turkeys effectively, whether you're seeking to entice a distant tom or coax in a wary hen
- VERSATILE CROW AND OWL CALLS - The Hammerin Crow Call and Hooter Owl Call expand your hunting strategy by offering versatile options for drawing in turkeys as well as other game species, allowing you to adapt your approach depending on the conditions
- PREMIUM DIAPHRAGM CALL - The Premium Double D diaphragm call is crafted for ease of use, enabling hunters to produce a wide variety of turkey sounds with minimal effort, making it a fantastic option to improve calling skills
- DURABILITY FOR FIELD USE - Each call in the Super Strut Combo Kit is made from high-quality materials that ensure they can withstand the rigors of outdoor conditions, providing reliable performance throughout the hunting season
![CARLSON'S Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Browning Invector DS [ Turkey | 0.665 Diameter ] Blued Steel | Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31WNoCwnbgL._SL160_.jpg)
- Product Type: Fishing Equipment
- Item Package Dimensions: 3.7 L X 8.5 W X 19.3 H (Cm)
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Item Package Weight: 0.105 kgs
- TURKEY HUNTING - The Code Black Turkey .665 uses several different technologies to achieve incredible down-range energy at a distance; Patternmaster is ready to cover your hunting ambitions
- COMBINED TECHNOLOGIES - This Code Black Turkey .665 12 Gauge uses our Separating Ring technology as well as our canoe-porting in order to shorten the shot-string by as much as 75% over other constriction tubes while also improving the effective range
- CONSTRUCTION - The Code Black Turkey is built from titanium-infused 17-4ph Stainless Steel and more than 100 years of combined experience; The Turkey tube will extend out the end of your barrel 1 1/2" & comes with a bronze Titanium coating for easier concealment
- DURABLE & SECURE - Incorporating SecureFit threading, that provides tight fitting with zero pressure loss, this choke tube delivers the best patterns; Outer Coating - heat treated for maximum durability & coated in a titanium, non-reflective bronze finish
- UP TO 70 YARDS - With this 12-gauge choke tube for turkey hunting you can expect an extra full pattern with an effective range of up to 70 yards; For best results, Ballistic Performance, LLC
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Turkey Hunt
Turkey hunting demands precision. A good choke helps you put all your shot in a tight pattern where it matters most. This guide will help you pick the best choke for your next gobbler hunt.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a turkey choke, you need to focus on a few important things.
- **Constriction:** This is how much the choke squeezes the shot. For turkey hunting, you generally want **extra-full** or **super-full** constriction. This tight squeeze keeps your shot together for longer distances.
- **Porting/Venting:** Some chokes have slots or holes on the outside. These are called ports. Ports help reduce recoil (the kickback when you shoot). They can also help you get on target faster for follow-up shots.
- **Length:** Longer chokes often create tighter patterns because they squeeze the shot over a longer distance.
- **Knurling/Finish:** Look for a choke with a good finish, like blued or stainless steel. Knurling (a textured pattern on the outside) makes it easier to screw the choke in or out of your barrel.
Important Materials
The material used to make the choke greatly affects how long it lasts and how well it performs.
Most high-quality turkey chokes use **stainless steel**. Stainless steel is strong and resists rust. This is important because you might hunt in wet, early spring weather. Cheaper chokes might use regular steel. While these work, they do not last as long as stainless steel, especially when shooting modern, harder turkey loads.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the choke directly impacts your success.
What improves quality? Precision machining is key. A choke that is perfectly round inside patterns much better. Good choke manufacturers use computer-controlled machines (CNC) to make sure the inside tapers smoothly. Also, chokes designed specifically for tungsten or bismuth shot often have internal coatings or slightly different tapers to protect the choke walls and improve patterns.
What reduces quality? Poorly made chokes can damage your shotgun. If the choke threads do not match your barrel exactly, you can get stuck or cause damage when firing. Cheaply made chokes sometimes have rough internal surfaces. These rough spots snag the shot, causing the pattern to spread out too early.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your shooting style and the type of shotgun you own matter.
If you shoot a lot during practice, you will appreciate a ported choke because it reduces felt recoil. If you hunt in rough terrain, a durable, rust-resistant stainless steel choke is a better choice. Most turkey hunters use their shotgun at distances between 30 and 50 yards. For these ranges, an extra-full choke paired with quality turkey ammunition will deliver a dense pattern, ensuring a clean harvest.
Remember, always pattern your specific choke and ammo combination before the season starts. Different guns shoot differently, even with the same choke.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turkey Chokes
Q: What is the tightest choke for turkey hunting?
A: The tightest chokes are usually labeled “Super Full” or sometimes “Turk-Key.” These offer the most constriction.
Q: Should I use an extended or flush-fit choke?
A: Extended chokes stick out past the barrel end. They are easier to change and often pattern slightly better because the constriction happens further down the barrel.
Q: Can I use a turkey choke for deer hunting with slugs?
A: No. Using a very tight turkey choke (extra-full) with slugs can severely damage your shotgun barrel. Always check your shotgun manufacturer’s recommendations for slug use.
Q: How much does a quality turkey choke cost?
A: A good quality stainless steel turkey choke usually costs between $40 and $80.
Q: Will any choke fit my shotgun?
A: No. Chokes are specific to the shotgun manufacturer and model (like Mossberg 835, Remington 870, etc.). You must buy a choke made for your specific shotgun’s threading.
Q: What is the difference between constriction and pattern density?
A: Constriction is the physical squeeze at the end of the barrel. Pattern density is the result—how many pellets hit a target in a certain area.
Q: How far out should my choke pattern effectively?
A: A properly matched extra-full choke and quality ammo should put 80% or more of the shot into a 30-inch circle at 40 yards.
Q: Do I need to clean my choke after every use?
A: You should wipe it down after use. Deep cleaning is necessary if you shoot a lot of heavy loads, but it is not needed after every single outing.
Q: What is over-bored? How does it affect my choke choice?
A: Over-bored means the inside diameter of your shotgun barrel is slightly larger than standard. This can sometimes lead to slightly better patterns, but you might need a slightly less constrictive choke than normal.
Q: Is porting worth the extra money?
A: For most hunters, yes. Porting helps reduce recoil, which makes shooting practice more comfortable and helps you stay steady when aiming.