The Mossberg 500 is a legendary shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. When turkey hunting, choosing the right choke tube is crucial for consistent, effective patterns. This guide dives deep into selecting and using the best 20-gauge turkey choke for your Mossberg 500, ensuring you're prepared for a successful hunt.
Understanding Turkey Chokes
Before we delve into specific Mossberg 500 20-gauge options, let's clarify the importance of choke tubes. A choke tube constricts the barrel's diameter at the muzzle, influencing shot pattern density. For turkey hunting, you need a tight pattern to deliver a concentrated payload at longer ranges. A poorly chosen choke can lead to scattered pellets, missed shots, and a frustrated hunter.
Key Choke Types for Turkey Hunting:
- Extra Full: This is the tightest choke, offering the most concentrated pattern but at the potential cost of reduced range. It's ideal for very close-range shots.
- Full: A popular choice for turkey hunting, balancing pattern density with effective range. It's a versatile option for various shooting distances.
- Improved Cylinder: This is a less constricted choke, producing a wider pattern. While offering greater range, it sacrifices pattern density, making it less suitable for long-range turkey hunting.
Choosing the Right Mossberg 500 20 Gauge Turkey Choke
The best choke for your Mossberg 500 depends on several factors, including your shooting style, hunting conditions, and the typical ranges you encounter.
Factors to Consider:
- Shooting Distance: If you primarily shoot at closer ranges (under 30 yards), an Extra Full choke might be sufficient. For longer shots, a Full choke is generally recommended.
- Shot Size: The shot size you use will also influence choke selection. Smaller shot sizes (like #6 or #7) might benefit from a slightly tighter choke than larger shot sizes.
- Ammunition: Always pattern your shotgun with your chosen ammunition and choke to determine the optimal combination for your specific setup. Pattern testing is crucial for success.
Recommended Choke Options for Mossberg 500 20 Gauge:
While Mossberg doesn't produce their own branded turkey chokes exclusively, their shotguns are compatible with various aftermarket brands offering excellent options. Look for chokes specifically designed for turkey hunting and constructed from durable materials like hardened steel.
Popular aftermarket brands frequently used with Mossberg 500 shotguns include: Carlson's Chokes, Remington, and others. Research reviews and specifications from reputable sources to find a choke that matches your needs and budget.
Pattern Testing: The Key to Success
Don't rely solely on manufacturer specifications. Always pattern your shotgun with your chosen choke and ammunition. This crucial step helps you determine the effective range and pattern density of your setup. It allows you to fine-tune your approach and ensure you're making ethical and effective shots.
How to Pattern Test:
- Use a target: A large sheet of paper or cardboard will suffice.
- Consistent distance: Shoot at a consistent distance (e.g., 30 yards) to get repeatable results.
- Multiple shots: Fire several shots (at least three) to get a reliable representation of the pattern.
- Analyze: Examine the pattern to assess its density and spread. A good turkey hunting pattern should have a tight grouping of pellets within a relatively small area.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Mossberg 500 20-gauge turkey choke is a crucial aspect of successful turkey hunting. By carefully considering the factors discussed above and conducting thorough pattern testing, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful hunt. Remember that your specific needs and hunting style should guide your choke selection. Invest time in finding the perfect combination for your firearm, ammunition, and hunting conditions for the best results.
