Is a Turkey Choke a Full Choke? Understanding Shotgun Choke Tubes for Turkey Hunting
The question of whether a turkey choke is a full choke often leads to confusion among hunters. The short answer is: not necessarily. While many turkey hunters use full chokes, the best choke for turkey hunting depends on several factors, and a full choke isn't always the optimal choice. Let's delve deeper into the nuances of shotgun chokes and their application in turkey hunting.
Understanding Shotgun Chokes
Shotgun chokes are devices inserted into the end of a shotgun barrel to constrict the shot pattern. This constriction influences the shot's spread and density, impacting range and effectiveness. Common choke types include:
- Cylinder: Offers the widest shot pattern, ideal for close-range shooting where a wide spread is beneficial.
- Improved Cylinder: A slightly tighter pattern than cylinder, suitable for close to medium range.
- Modified: Provides a good balance between pattern density and spread, effective at medium ranges.
- Improved Modified: A tighter pattern than modified, suitable for longer ranges.
- Full: The tightest choke, offering the densest pattern and longest effective range. However, this comes at the cost of a narrower spread.
- Extra Full: An even tighter constriction than a full choke, generally used for long-range shots with specific ammunition.
Turkey Hunting and Choke Selection
Turkey hunting presents unique challenges. While you might need a tight pattern for long-range shots, turkeys are often hunted in close quarters, requiring a wider pattern to ensure a clean kill. This is where the "full choke vs. turkey choke" debate comes in.
A turkey choke is specifically designed to optimize shot pattern for turkey hunting. They are often tighter than a standard modified choke, but not always as tight as a full choke. The goal is to achieve a dense enough pattern for effective killing power at typical hunting ranges (often 30-40 yards), while still maintaining sufficient pattern size to hit a moving target. The best turkey choke will be a compromise between these competing factors.
Factors Influencing Choke Choice
Several factors influence the ideal choke choice for turkey hunting:
- Shot Size: Smaller shot sizes (like #6 or #7) require a tighter choke for adequate pattern density at longer ranges. Larger shot sizes (#4 or #5) can work effectively with a less constricted choke.
- Ammunition: The type of ammunition used (e.g., lead, steel, tungsten) significantly impacts pattern performance with different chokes. Consult your ammunition's recommended choke constriction.
- Hunting Conditions: Open fields may require a tighter choke for longer shots, while denser woods necessitate a wider pattern for close-range opportunities.
- Shotgun Model: Different shotguns respond differently to various chokes. Experimentation is key to determining the best choke for your specific firearm.
Conclusion: Beyond the Simple Answer
While some turkey chokes might be classified as "full," it's inaccurate to broadly say all turkey chokes are full chokes. The term "turkey choke" signifies a design optimized for turkey hunting, balancing pattern density and spread for effective shooting at typical hunting distances. The best choke for you will depend on your specific hunting situation and equipment. Experimentation and careful consideration of the factors above will help you find the optimal choke for consistent success in the field.
