The most rewarding turkey hunt is all about the prep ahead of the trip! Rather than risk missing that tom after spending hours waiting, grab the right shotgun choke for turkey hunting so you can feel confident even before you pull the trigger.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about the different types of turkey chokes, what to consider when purchasing one, and so much more!
A shotgun choke screws onto the shotgun barrel’s muzzle. It constricts the bullet pattern for better accuracy. If you’re shooting a turkey from 40 yards away, then a shotgun choke can help you make a clean shot and target the vitals.
As we dive deeper into the article, we’ll cover different turkey chokes — including the cylinder, improved cylinder, modified choke, and full choke as well as the type of spread patterns for each.
Turkey chokes are not necessary when a turkey is mere yards away; however, full chokes, extra full, or ‘turkey’ chokes can create dense shot patterns over long ranges — increasing your chances of bagging a tom.
A turkey choke typically provides more constriction than a full choke and can produce the tightest patterns of shot. This can aid in effectively targeting a gobbler's vital areas, which can be particularly challenging when turkeys are in motion or strutting.
The full choke stands out with its 0.03 inches of constriction among various choke options. Only the extra full chokes and turkey chokes offer more constriction, providing an additional 0.01 to 0.015 inches beyond a standard full choke.
Practice shooting with different chokes on a gun range to get a feel for each and how they operate. Set up targets at different distances when practicing.
Chokes for Turkey Hunting Guide | |||||
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Choke Type | Shot Spread | Range | Yards | Best Conditions To Use | Limitations |
Cylinder | Very Wide | Short | Up to 20 | Close-quarters, fast-response situations | Lack of range, wide spread |
Improved Cylinder | Wide | Short to medium | 20 to 30 | Close to mid-range shots, fast-moving targets | Not suitable for long shots |
Modified Choke | Moderate | Medium | 30 to 40 | Mid-range, versatile hunting situations | Not ideal for very long shots |
Full Choke | Tight | Long | 40 to 50+ | Long-distance shots, stationary targets | Limited effectiveness at close range |
There are several common types of chokes for turkey hunting from which to choose: cylinder, improved cylinder, modified choke, and full choke. When aiming at a 30-inch circle target from a distance of 40 yards, the percentage of the shot that should land within the circle varies based on the choke used:
The cylinder shotgun barrel creates the widest pattern among the different choke options.
The improved cylinder shotgun choke is designed to produce a wide pattern that offers effective coverage at closer distances.
The modified shotgun choke provides a moderate constriction of the shot pattern, offering a balance between spreading pellets and maintaining density.
The full shotgun choke is known for its tight constriction. It’s an excellent choice for hunting turkeys at longer distances.
Shotgun chokes for turkeys work by constricting the diameter of the shotgun barrel. This yields in a tighter ammo pattern and allows for increased energy retention over longer distances.
The best choke for turkey hunting can vary depending on individual factors: the specific shotgun, ammunition used, and personal shooting preferences are just a few.
The farther you are from your target with limited concealment, the narrower the choke should be to ensure greater precision.
Ready to bag that gobbler? Utilizing a choke for turkey hunting enhances your shooting precision — whether you're in close quarters or at a distance. At Academy, we offer a diverse range of shotgun chokes: various brands, pack sizes, and types. You’ll always have the perfect bullet constriction for your shotgun's muzzle.