Choosing the right Remington 870 turkey choke is crucial for a successful hunt. The wrong choke can mean the difference between a clean kill and a missed shot, impacting your harvest and potentially jeopardizing your hunting experience. This guide will help you navigate the world of Remington 870 turkey chokes, explaining the different types, how to choose the best one for your needs, and what to consider when making your purchase.
Understanding Turkey Choke Tubes
A choke tube is a constriction at the end of a shotgun barrel that alters the shot pattern. For turkey hunting, you need a tight pattern to deliver a dense concentration of shot pellets at a relatively close range. Remington 870 shotguns utilize interchangeable choke tubes, providing flexibility to optimize your performance depending on the shooting conditions and distance.
Types of Remington 870 Turkey Chokes
Several choke tube constrictions are available for turkey hunting, each influencing the shot pattern differently:
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Extra Full: This choke provides the tightest pattern, ideal for extremely close-range shots (typically under 30 yards). It's known for its exceptional accuracy but at the cost of potentially wider shot dispersion at longer ranges.
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Full: A popular choice for many turkey hunters, a Full choke offers a good balance between pattern density and range. It's effective out to approximately 40 yards, though effectiveness will depend on the specific ammunition used.
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Improved Cylinder: While not typically the first choice for turkey hunting, an Improved Cylinder choke can be useful in situations where the range is exceptionally long (40+ yards) or when shooting in heavy cover. It creates a wider pattern, increasing the chance of hitting the target but reducing pellet density.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Remington 870
Selecting the optimal choke depends on several factors:
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Shooting Distance: The most significant factor. Closer shots benefit from tighter chokes like Extra Full or Full, while longer shots might require a less restrictive choke like Improved Cylinder.
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Ammunition: The shot size and type used significantly influence the pattern. Some ammunition types perform better with specific choke constrictions. Always test your ammunition and choke combination before your hunt.
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Hunting Conditions: Heavy cover or windy conditions might necessitate a less constricted choke to compensate for pellet deflection.
Pattern Testing: Essential for Success
Before heading out for your turkey hunt, pattern testing is absolutely essential. This process involves shooting your Remington 870 with different choke tubes and ammunition types at various distances to determine which combination produces the tightest, most consistent pattern for your specific setup. This ensures you're using the most effective setup for your hunt. This is a crucial step often overlooked but can significantly enhance your hunting success.
Maintaining Your Remington 870 Turkey Choke
Proper cleaning and maintenance will prolong the life of your choke tubes. After each hunt, clean the choke tube thoroughly to remove any residue. Store your chokes in a safe, clean place to prevent damage.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Remington 870 turkey choke is vital for successful turkey hunting. By understanding the different types of chokes, considering the factors influencing your choice, and conducting thorough pattern testing, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt. Remember, safety and responsible hunting practices should always be your top priority.
