What Choke Do You Use for Turkey Hunting?
When it comes to turkey hunting, choosing the right choke can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing one. A choke is a critical component of a shotgun that can affect the performance of your shotshell. In this article, we will explore the different types of chokes and what choke you should use for turkey hunting.
What is a Choke?
A choke is a constriction or narrowing of the barrel at the muzzle end of a shotgun. It is designed to change the pattern of the shotshell, either to improve accuracy, range, or both. There are several types of chokes, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.
Types of Chokes
There are three main types of chokes:
- Full Choke: A full choke has a constriction of approximately 0.030 to 0.035 inches (0.76 to 0.89 mm) and is used for shotshells with sizes 8 to 12. This type of choke is ideal for long-range shots, as it provides a tight pattern and more accurate shot placement.
- Modified Choke: A modified choke has a constriction of approximately 0.020 to 0.025 inches (0.51 to 0.64 mm) and is used for shotshells with sizes 4 to 8. This type of choke is versatile and can be used for both close-range and long-range shots.
- Improved Cylinder (IC) Choke: An improved cylinder choke has no constriction and is used for shotshells with sizes 0 to 4. This type of choke is ideal for close-range shots, as it provides a wide pattern and a high shot density.
What Choke Should You Use for Turkey Hunting?
When it comes to turkey hunting, the best choke to use depends on several factors, including:
- Range: The distance to the turkey is critical in determining the right choke to use. If the turkey is within 20 yards, a modified choke or improved cylinder choke may be sufficient. For longer ranges, a full choke is recommended.
- Shotshell size: The size of the shotshell you are using is also important. If you are using a larger shotshell (e.g., #6 or #7), a full choke may be necessary to achieve a tight pattern. For smaller shotshells (e.g., #8 or #9), a modified choke may be sufficient.
- Turkey size: The size of the turkey can also affect the choke you use. For smaller turkeys, a modified choke or improved cylinder choke may be sufficient. For larger turkeys, a full choke may be necessary.
Recommendations for Turkey Hunting
Based on these factors, here are some recommendations for turkey hunting:
- For ranges of 20 yards or less: Use a modified choke or improved cylinder choke.
- For ranges of 20-30 yards: Use a full choke.
- For ranges of 30 yards or more: Use a modified choke or improved cylinder choke.
- For smaller shotshells (#8 or #9): Use a modified choke.
- For larger shotshells (#6 or #7): Use a full choke.
- For smaller turkeys: Use a modified choke or improved cylinder choke.
- For larger turkeys: Use a full choke.
Choke Conversions
Some shotguns may have choke tubes that can be interchanged to change the choke size. This can be convenient for turkey hunters who may need to adjust their choke depending on the situation. Here are some common choke conversions:
| Full Choke | Modified Choke | Improved Cylinder (IC) Choke |
|---|---|---|
| Full | Modified | Improved Cylinder (IC) |
| Full | IC | Improved Cylinder (IC) |
| Modified | Full | IC |
| IC | Full | Modified |
Conclusion
Choosing the right choke for turkey hunting can be critical to success. By understanding the different types of chokes and their characteristics, you can make an informed decision about which choke to use for your turkey hunt. Remember to consider the range, shotshell size, and turkey size when selecting a choke, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different chokes to find what works best for you.
