Imagine this: You have a prime spot. A gobbler is strutting closer. You raise your shotgun, take aim, and… the shot pattern spreads out like a dandelion seed head! That frustrating moment often boils down to one crucial piece of gear: your choke tube. For turkey hunters, the choke tube is the secret weapon that turns a good shot into a clean harvest. It squeezes the shot pattern just right, keeping those pellets tight where they need to be when that bird finally steps into range.
Choosing the right choke tube can feel like guesswork. Should you pick a ported or unported design? What about constrictions like “Extra Full” or “Super Full”? Too tight, and you might damage your barrel; too loose, and you’ll be left with an empty shell and a sore neck watching the tom walk away. It’s a high-stakes decision that directly impacts your success when the spring woods come alive.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what choke tubes actually do, explain the lingo, and show you exactly how to match the perfect constriction to your shotgun and ammunition. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which choke tube will give you that devastating, pattern-punching performance. Let’s get your setup dialed in for a successful season!
Table of Contents
Top Turkey Hunting Choke Tube 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.
![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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [ Turkey | 0.680 Diameter ] Stainless Steel | Flush Mount Replacement Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41WBm48ANmL._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 Flush Mount Replacement for Remington is made of high quality Stainless Steel. These chokes are stainless and steel shot compatible through full choke construction.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes Flush Mount Replacement for Remington 12 Gauge constricted at Turkey and measured at 0.680 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 Beretta Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Choke Tube [ Downrange | .650 Diameter ] Long Beard Turkey Choke Tubes | Made in USA, Black, 70130](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41UGEKlvIGL._SL160_.jpg)
- Fits beretta/Benelli mobile shotguns (.650 constriction)
- Manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel
- Features shot-look technology that allows for the tightest patterns and longer downrange reach over any turkey load on the market
- Has a 25% longer Parallel section, thus throwing tighter and denser patterns downrange
- Triple shot technology reduces pellet deformation, shortened shot string and has less Flyers
Finding the Best Turkey Hunting Choke Tube: Your Complete Buying Guide
Picking the right choke tube is crucial for a successful turkey hunt. This small piece of metal controls how your shotgun pellets spread downrange. A great choke puts all your shot in a tight pattern right where you aim. This guide helps you choose the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a turkey choke, several features make a big difference in performance.
Pattern Density and Shot Spread
- Tight Patterns: You want a choke that groups your shot tightly at longer ranges, like 40 yards. A tight pattern means more pellets hit the turkey’s small vital area.
- Consistent Performance: Look for chokes known for shooting the same pattern every time you fire.
Knurling and Installation
- Easy Installation: Some chokes feature knurling (ridges) on the outside. This helps you grip and twist the choke in or out of your shotgun barrel easily, even with cold hands.
- Flush vs. Extended: Flush-fit chokes sit inside the barrel. Extended chokes stick out past the muzzle. Extended chokes often allow for more precise constriction but require more care during cleaning.
Porting (Holes)
- Ports or Vents: Some high-end chokes have small holes or slots near the end. These ports help reduce recoil and can sometimes help the shot cup travel more smoothly, improving pattern quality.
Important Materials and Construction
The material of your choke tube affects its durability and performance.
Stainless Steel
- Durability: Most top-tier turkey chokes use high-grade stainless steel. This material resists rust and handles the high pressure of modern turkey loads very well.
- Strength: Steel allows manufacturers to create very tight constrictions without weakening the choke wall.
Tungsten/Heavier Alloys (Less Common)
- While less common for consumer chokes, some specialized tubes use very dense materials. These can sometimes improve pattern density slightly, but stainless steel is the standard you should focus on.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often determined by how precisely the choke is manufactured.
Improving Quality
- Precision Machining: High-quality chokes use Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines for exact measurements. This precision ensures the internal taper (the constriction) is perfect.
- Honed Interior: A smooth, polished interior bore allows the shot cup to pass through with minimal friction. This keeps the shot pattern intact.
Reducing Quality (What to Avoid)
- Poor Fit: A cheap choke might not screw in perfectly straight. If the choke is crooked, the pattern will spray unevenly.
- Rough Edges: If the internal surfaces are rough, they can snag the plastic shot cup. This friction damages the pattern, making it wider and less effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your shooting distance and the type of ammunition you use dictate the best choke.
Choosing Constriction Based on Range
- Close Range (0–30 Yards): You might use a slightly more open choke, like a Modified or an extra-full with standard lead shot. You need a wider pattern for fast, close shots.
- Standard Range (30–45 Yards): This is the sweet spot for most hunters. An extra-full or specialized turkey choke works best with high-density shot (like TSS or high-velocity lead).
- Long Range (45+ Yards): Only use the tightest, highest-quality chokes with premium, heavy shot (like 9- or 10-density Tungsten Super Shot, or TSS). These specialized loads allow for ethical long-range harvesting.
Always pattern your shotgun! Every shotgun barrel is slightly different. You must test different chokes with your specific ammo to see which combination gives you the tightest, most consistent pattern on paper.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turkey Choke Tubes
Q: What is the tightest choke constriction for turkey hunting?
A: The tightest chokes are usually labeled “Extra-Full” or sometimes “Super Full.” They reduce the barrel diameter the most, often by 0.035 inches or more, depending on the gauge.
Q: Should I use an extended or flush-fit choke for turkeys?
A: Extended chokes are generally preferred for turkey hunting. They allow for tighter constrictions and are easier to change in the field, though flush chokes work fine for close-range hunting.
Q: Can I use my standard hunting choke for turkey season?
A: You can, but a standard Modified or Improved Cylinder choke will spread the shot too quickly. Turkey hunting demands a much tighter pattern for ethical kills.
Q: What is the main difference between lead and TSS shot chokes?
A: TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) is much harder and denser than lead. TSS usually patterns better through slightly less restrictive chokes than lead loads need to achieve the same pattern density.
Q: Do choke tubes wear out over time?
A: High-quality steel chokes rarely wear out from normal shooting. However, damage can occur if they are installed improperly or if debris gets trapped between the choke and the barrel threads.
Q: How tight should I screw in the choke tube?
A: You should hand-tighten the choke until it is snug. Many manufacturers recommend using a choke wrench for the final slight turn to ensure it is secure and seated correctly.
Q: Is it safe to shoot steel shot through a ported choke?
A: Generally, yes, if the choke is specifically rated for steel shot. However, most dedicated turkey chokes are designed for modern, non-toxic, heavy shot like TSS or premium lead loads.
Q: How do I clean my choke tube after use?
A: Remove the choke. Soak it in a quality solvent to loosen fouling, then scrub the threads and interior with a nylon or brass brush. Make sure the barrel threads are clean before reinstallation.
Q: What is “pattern testing”?
A: Pattern testing means firing several shots at a large piece of paper (a pattern target) placed at your typical shooting distance (like 40 yards). This shows you exactly how your choke and ammo pattern.
Q: Will a very tight choke ruin my shotgun barrel?
A: No, not if you use the correct choke for your shotgun gauge (e.g., 12-gauge choke in a 12-gauge barrel). Modern shotguns are built to handle the pressure created by tight turkey chokes.