Choosing the right choke tube for your 20-gauge Remington 870 turkey hunting shotgun is crucial for maximizing your chances of a successful hunt. A properly selected choke will significantly impact your shot pattern, ensuring tighter groupings at longer ranges and increasing your potential for a clean kill. This guide will help you navigate the world of 20-gauge 870 turkey chokes, covering key considerations and helping you choose the best option for your needs.
Understanding Choke Tubes and Their Impact
Before diving into specific choke options for your 20-gauge Remington 870, it's vital to understand what choke tubes do and how they affect your shot pattern. Choke tubes are cylindrical devices inserted into the barrel's muzzle, constricting the diameter of the bore. This constriction influences how the shot pellets spread after leaving the barrel.
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Full Choke: Offers the tightest constriction, resulting in a very concentrated shot pattern ideal for longer-range shots. However, this tight pattern can be less forgiving if your aim is slightly off.
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Extra Full Choke: Even tighter than a full choke, offering maximum shot density at extended ranges. This is generally only recommended for extremely long shots, where the extra constriction is needed. It demands exceptional accuracy.
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Modified Choke: Provides a balance between pattern density and spread, offering a good compromise for medium-range shots. It's a popular choice for many turkey hunters.
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Improved Cylinder Choke: Offers the widest shot pattern, suitable for close-range shooting. While not ideal for long-range turkey hunting, it can be beneficial in dense cover.
Choosing the Right 20 Gauge 870 Turkey Choke
The "best" choke tube is subjective and depends on several factors:
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Shooting Distance: Are you primarily hunting turkeys at close range or longer distances? Longer ranges demand tighter chokes like Full or Extra Full, while closer ranges benefit from a Modified or even Improved Cylinder.
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Turkey Hunting Terrain: Open fields allow for longer shots, justifying a tighter choke. Dense woods or brush necessitate a wider pattern for a higher probability of a clean kill at closer ranges.
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Ammunition Used: The type of turkey ammunition you're using will also influence your choke choice. Some loads are designed to perform optimally with specific choke constrictions. Always refer to your ammunition's specifications.
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Personal Preference and Shooting Style: Ultimately, the best choke is the one that produces the most consistent and effective pattern for you at your typical hunting distances. Experimentation on a patterning board (a large sheet of paper placed at various distances) is crucial for finding your personal sweet spot.
Popular 20 Gauge 870 Turkey Choke Options
While numerous manufacturers offer 20-gauge turkey chokes compatible with the Remington 870, some popular options include those from Carlson's, Kicks, and TruGlo. These brands offer various constriction levels to suit different hunting styles and preferences. Research individual choke tube models within these brands to find one that meets your specific needs.
Patterning Your Shotgun: A Crucial Step
Before heading out for your turkey hunt, it is absolutely essential to pattern your shotgun. This involves firing several shots at various distances onto a target (patterning board) to determine how your chosen choke and ammunition combination performs. This process will allow you to fine-tune your setup and ensure you are confident in your equipment's ability to deliver consistent and accurate patterns. Don't skip this crucial step!
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Match
Selecting the right 20-gauge 870 turkey choke is a personalized process. Consider your hunting style, preferred shooting distances, and the terrain you hunt in. Remember to always pattern your shotgun with your chosen choke and ammunition to ensure optimal performance. With careful consideration and testing, you can confidently choose a choke tube that increases your chances of a successful turkey hunt.
