We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›.
I first started testing out custom turkey chokes with different models and gauge shotguns a few years ago. Like old sage Toms tend to do, a thick-bearded Eastern hung up on the field edge. We had the best decoys imaginable but the bird wasn’t going to break off his girls. He was 60 yards, and never in my turkey career had I attempted such a shot. Granted, I’d also never swapped out a manufacturer’s Extra-Full choke for a custom model. At my friend’s insistence, I pulled the trigger, inhaled, and positioned the HIVIZ fiber-optic bead on the longbeard’s dome. The 20-plus pound bird didn’t even flop.
From Idaho to Texas to Florida, I’ve hunted turkeys in almost every state in between. I’ve also played around and adjusted my turkey choke techniques. These are chokes that have proved their worth. I have a tote full of turkey chokes in my garage, so I suppose I could call myself a collector, but most of them are in this post. Only a small number are in the starting lineup.
Playing around with chokes has been a lot of shoulder abuse, but it’s also been fun. I’ve come across some really good brands and models (as well as some that I wouldn’t trust with my life). In conclusion, since they provide a significant advantage, it is strongly advised that you include the best turkey chokes in your assortment of turkey gear.
What is the best turkey choke? It’s a question that haunts turkey hunters across the land, echoing through the pre-dawn stillness and bouncing off the walls of countless hunting forums. The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as a single choke tube. It’s a complex dance between your shotgun, the ammunition you choose, and the specific hunting situation you’re facing.
But fear not fellow turkey slayer! We’ve delved deep into the world of turkey chokes, scouring the internet and consulting the experts to bring you the ultimate guide. We’ll break down the key factors to consider, analyze the top-performing chokes on the market and help you find the perfect match for your next turkey hunt.
Unveiling the Mystery: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Turkey Choke
Before we dive into the choke-tastic world, let’s take a step back and understand the key factors that influence your choice:
- Shotgun Model: Different shotguns have varying barrel diameters and choke tube thread patterns. Ensure your chosen choke is compatible with your specific model.
- Ammunition Type: Lead, copper, or TSS? Each load type performs differently with various chokes. Match your choke to the ammo you plan to use.
- Hunting Range: Are you a close-quarters warrior or a long-distance sharpshooter? The ideal choke for 40 yards might not be the best for 60.
- Pattern Density: A tight pattern delivers more pellets on target, increasing your chances of a clean kill. But too tight, and you risk missing altogether.
- Personal Preference: Some hunters favor ported chokes for reduced recoil, while others prioritize maximum pattern density. Choose what feels right for you.
The Contenders: Top-Performing Turkey Chokes in the Arena
Now, let’s meet the champions of the choke world, based on extensive testing and expert recommendations:
- Indian Creek Black Diamond Strike Turkey Choke: This versatile beast boasts exceptional pattern density at both close and long ranges. Its extended design makes for easy swapping, and its tough construction ensures years of reliable performance.
- Primos Jellyhead Maximum Turkey Choke: This budget-friendly gem delivers impressive pattern density and reduced recoil. Its tapered design and fluted ports make it a comfortable shooting experience.
- Carlson’s Long Beard XR Turkey Choke: This choke is specifically engineered for Winchester’s Long Beard Turkey Loads, producing ultra-tight patterns and maximizing your lead on target.
- Rob Roberts Final Strut Turkey Choke: This 20-gauge wonder delivers exceptional performance with a variety of loads, making it a versatile choice for smaller-bore enthusiasts.
- Carlson’s Heavyweight TSS Turkey Choke Tube: This powerhouse is designed for the demanding world of TSS loads, delivering superior pattern density and long-range accuracy.
Beyond the Choke: Additional Tips for Turkey Hunting Success
Remember, the perfect choke is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional tips to boost your turkey hunting success:
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Get comfortable with your shotgun and choke combination, ensuring consistent accuracy before hitting the field.
- Pattern Your Gun: Every gun-choke-ammo combination is unique. Pattern your setup at various distances to understand its performance.
- Scout Your Hunting Area: Knowing the terrain and turkey behavior in your hunting area is crucial for strategic positioning and shot selection.
- Be Patient: Turkeys are notoriously wary creatures. Patience and stealth are your allies in the field.
- Respect the Bird: Always prioritize ethical hunting practices and ensure a clean, humane kill.
Finding the perfect turkey choke is a journey, not a destination. By understanding your needs, researching your options, and practicing diligently, you’ll find the choke that unlocks your turkey-hunting potential. Remember, the best choke is the one that helps you consistently put birds on the ground, ethically and humanely. Now, go forth and conquer the turkey woods!
Best Long Range: Carlson’s Heavyweight TSS Turkey Choke Tube Best Long Range
Specs
- Gauge: 12- and 20-gauge, .410 bore
- The shotgun models are Remington, Retay, Winchester-Browning INV Mossberg 500, Beretta Benelli Mobil, Browning Invector DS, Browning Invector Plus, and Benelli Crio Plus.
- Load Compatability: Lead, copper, or Heavyshot; No steel shot larger than #4.
- Diameter: .640 (12 gauge), .555 (20 gauge), .380 (.410 bore)
Pros
- Optimized for Heavyweight TSS turkey loads
- Designed for multiple shotgun makes & models
- Remarkable pattern densities
- Keeps shot ultra-tight
Cons
Carlson’s is a choke-crafting genius, and the Heavyweight TSS Turkey Choke is one of the brand’s finest creations. formulated to produce distinct downrange patterns using Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS, a load that has a lot more pellets and can shoot shot farther than other loads of the same kind. The dynamic combination of this Carlson’s choke and Heavyweight TSS produces insane pattern density and exceptional penetration even at ranges beyond sixty yards.
The Best Turkey Chokes
Specs
- Gauge: 10-, 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge; .410 bore
- Shotgun models include Remington, Browning, Winchester, Weatherby, Stevens, Savage, Beretta, Benelli, and Mossberg.
- Load Compatability: All lead and hybrid heavy loads with shot sizes from #2 through #10.
- Diameter: .385 (.410 bore) to .690 (10 gauge)
Best Overall
Pros
- Exceptional patterns at ranges close and far
- Extended design makes it a breeze to swap out
- Tight and right
- 10 models available to fit a variety of shotguns
Cons
- You’re gonna pay for it
Engineered with ultra-tight tolerances, this tube will jelly the head of toms close and far. The results of testing on the Strike indicate a pattern of density increases of more than 2040 percent, meaning that more pellets strike the target when you pull the trigger. An extended choke tube makes installation simple, and the choke’s durability guarantees season after season of trouble-free use. Best Budget.
Specs
- Gauge: 12- and 20-gauge
- Shotgun models include the Benelli Crio, Beretta Xtremea I, Remington, Remington Vera Max, and Invector.
- Load Compatability: Not to be used with steel shot
- Diameter: .385 (.410 bore) to .690 (10 gauge)
Pros
- More pellets on target
- Reduced recoil
- Great range
- 10 percent more penetration
Cons
- I got nothing here
Primos is experienced in killing turkeys, and they wouldn’t attribute their success to a product they don’t support. Primos’ Jellyhead Maximum Turkey Choke is an inexpensive choice that is so good that it easily could have taken home the Best Overall award. It is also incredibly affordable. Choose the Jellyhead thread pattern that best suits your gun from a variety of threading constructions. The tapered design and fluted ports reduce shoulder abuse while putting more lead (or other metal) on target.
Having used this choke a lot over the years, I find that the ported design that reduces recoil and the pattern density are really enjoyable. The JellyHead can only handle steel, like most turkey chokes, so don’t try using it as an extended waterfowl choke. Best 12-Gauge.
Specs
- Gauge: 12- and 20-gauge
- The shotgun models are Remington, Retay, Winchester-Browning INV Mossberg 500, Beretta Benelli Mobil, Browning Invector DS, Browning Invector Plus, and Benelli Crio Plus.
- Load Compatability: Lead, copper, or Heavyshot; No steel shot larger than #4.
- Diameter: .665, .650, .660, and .683 in 12 gauge
Pros
- Designed for multiple shotguns makes & models
- Remarkable pattern densities
- Keeps shot ultra-tight
Cons
- Designed for one kind of ammunition
Carlson’s is a choke-crafting genius, and the Long Beard XR is one of the manufacturer’s finest creations. This tube promises ultra-tight patterns and keeps a significant amount of lead on target. It is designed to produce unique downrange patterns with Winchester’s Long Beard Turkey Loads.
When combined with Winchester’s Long Beard, the mixture gives the turkey shooter 10% more penetration than the usual lead shot at ranges longer than 2050 yards. Additionally, the choke tube’s design enhances the round shot’s tight throw, improving terminal on-target performance. I have used the tube with other ammunition and have seen similar results. Best 20-Gauge.
Specs
- Gauge: 10-, 12-, and 20-gauge
- Models of shotguns: Winchester, Stoeger, Franchi, Benelli, Browning, CZ, Remington, and Franchi
- Load Compatability: Lead, bismuth, and tungsten
- Diameter: .570, .560 in 20 gauge
Pros
- Amazing customer service
- Heavy pattern density
- Consistent
Cons
Being a skilled craftsman, Rob Roberts has dedicated a significant amount of his time to perfecting shotgun chokes. Because they deliver on their promises, a lot of his creations have found their way into the shotguns I own. I’ve used a lot of chokes, but this one is my favorite because of the pattern density. I always use it when shooting 20 gauge.
Before the tube is ever removed from the lathe, the outside and inside are run through a single cycle. This build means consistent concentricity, and you never have to worry about your point of impact changing. The choke threads into the barrel like butter and produces excellent pattern densities at ranges close and far. When paired with an elite TSS or Bismuth load, you can stop a gobbler in his tracks even at a distance of fifty yards with a 20 gauge.
Testing the BEST TURKEY HUNTING Choke and Shell Combo! (Results are surprising!)
FAQ
What choke is best for turkey hunting?
Is .650 a good turkey choke?
What ammo is best for turkey choke?
What is the difference between 660 and 665 turkey chokes?