Choosing the right choke tube for your 20-gauge Remington 870 turkey shotgun is crucial for a successful hunt. The wrong choke can mean the difference between a clean kill and a missed opportunity. This guide will help you navigate the world of 20 gauge 870 turkey chokes, focusing on the factors to consider when making your selection.
Understanding Choke Tubes and Their Impact on Shot Pattern
Before diving into specific choke choices, it's important to understand the fundamental role of a choke tube. A choke tube constricts the barrel's opening, influencing the shot pattern's density and spread. A tighter choke creates a denser, more concentrated pattern ideal for longer-range shots, while a more open choke produces a wider, more dispersed pattern suitable for closer-range engagements.
Key Considerations for 20 Gauge Turkey Chokes:
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Shot Size: The shot size you use significantly impacts your choke choice. Smaller shot sizes (like #6 or #7) require tighter chokes to maintain effective range, whereas larger shot sizes (like #4 or #5) might perform better with slightly more open chokes.
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Range: How far are your typical shots? For longer-range shots, a tighter choke (like Extra Full or Full) is generally recommended. For closer shots, a more open choke (like Modified or Improved Cylinder) may be more appropriate. Remember that even with a tight choke, effective range is limited by your shotgun, ammunition, and shooting skills.
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Turkey Type: The type of turkey you're hunting can influence your choke selection. Hunting larger birds might benefit from a tighter choke, while hunting smaller birds might allow for a slightly more open option.
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Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best choke is the one that performs best for you. Shooting patterns at various distances with different chokes is essential to determine your personal preference and the optimal choke for your shooting style.
Popular 20 Gauge 870 Turkey Choke Options:
While various manufacturers produce choke tubes compatible with the Remington 870, several common constriction levels are generally available:
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Extra Full: This is the tightest choke, providing the most concentrated pattern and is best suited for very long-range shots. However, it reduces the effective range with larger shot sizes and may cause excessive shot deformation with smaller shot.
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Full: A very tight choke, providing a highly concentrated pattern with excellent long-range performance. A good all-around option for many turkey hunting situations.
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Modified: A good balance between pattern density and spread. Offers good performance at moderate ranges. A popular choice for many hunters.
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Improved Cylinder: This is a more open choke providing a wider pattern. Suitable for closer-range shots where a wider spread is advantageous.
Choosing and Using Your 20 Gauge 870 Turkey Choke:
Pattern Testing is Key: Before heading into the field, you must pattern your shotgun with different chokes and ammo types at various distances. This allows you to determine which choke provides the best pattern density within your effective shooting range.
Safety First: Always practice safe gun handling techniques. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded, and never point it at anything you don't intend to shoot.
Conclusion:
Selecting the right 20 gauge 870 turkey choke involves careful consideration of several factors. Understanding your shooting style, preferred range, shot size, and the type of turkey you're hunting are all critical to making an informed decision. Remember that pattern testing is paramount to optimizing your performance and maximizing your chances of success. Through diligent preparation and practice, you can find the perfect choke for your Remington 870 and increase your turkey hunting success.
