The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, prized for its reliability and versatility. When it comes to turkey hunting, selecting the right choke tube is crucial for maximizing your chances of a successful harvest. This guide delves into the world of Remington 870 turkey chokes, helping you understand the different options and choose the best one for your hunting style and conditions.
Understanding Choke Tubes and Their Impact on Shot Patterns
Before diving into specific Remington 870 turkey choke options, let's establish a fundamental understanding of how chokes work. A choke tube constricts the barrel's diameter at the muzzle, influencing the shot pattern. A tighter choke produces a denser, more concentrated pattern at longer ranges, while a more open choke creates a wider, less concentrated pattern, ideal for closer shots.
Key Choke Tube Considerations for Turkey Hunting:
- Shot Size: The shot size you use significantly impacts choke choice. Smaller shot sizes (like #4 or #5) benefit from tighter chokes to maintain pattern density at longer ranges. Larger shot sizes may require a slightly more open choke to prevent overly tight patterns that can lead to fewer pellets hitting the target.
- Shooting Distance: Turkey hunting distances vary widely. For longer shots, a tighter choke is necessary. However, a choke that's too tight at closer ranges can lead to excessive pellet deformation and reduced effectiveness.
- Turkey Breed and Behavior: Different turkey breeds and their behaviors influence shot placement needs. Understanding the habits of your target birds is key in determining the best choke for the situation.
Popular Remington 870 Turkey Choke Options:
Remington offers a variety of choke tubes specifically designed for turkey hunting. While the exact models may vary slightly over time, the core principles remain consistent. Here's a look at some common types:
1. Extra Full Choke:
- Pattern Characteristics: Produces the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range shots. This choke is best used with smaller shot sizes.
- Ideal Hunting Situations: Best suited for experienced hunters comfortable with long-range shots and confident in their accuracy. Excellent for open fields where long shots are common.
2. Full Choke:
- Pattern Characteristics: A very tight pattern, suitable for medium to long-range shots. Offers a good balance between pattern density and shot spread.
- Ideal Hunting Situations: Versatile choke option that works well in a variety of hunting scenarios. A good choice for hunters who want a reliable choke for both medium and longer distances.
3. Improved Cylinder or Modified Chokes (Less Common for Turkey):
- Pattern Characteristics: These are typically too open for optimal turkey hunting, unless you are consistently shooting at very close range. The wider spread can be useful for flushing birds.
- Ideal Hunting Situations: Generally not recommended for turkey hunting unless you're in very close quarters and need a very wide shot pattern.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Remington 870:
The best Remington 870 turkey choke for you depends on several factors, including your shooting style, preferred shooting distance, and shot size. It's strongly recommended that you pattern your shotgun with different chokes and shot sizes at various ranges to determine the optimal combination for your specific setup and hunting conditions. This process involves shooting at a target and analyzing the resulting pattern to see how the pellets spread.
Beyond the Choke: Other Factors for Successful Turkey Hunting
While the choke is crucial, remember that successful turkey hunting involves more than just the right choke. Other key factors include:
- Proper Gun Fit: A gun that fits you well will improve accuracy and consistency.
- Ammunition Selection: Using high-quality ammunition designed for turkey hunting is essential.
- Practice: Regular practice is crucial to develop your shooting skills and improve your accuracy.
- Hunting Strategy: Understanding turkey behavior and employing effective hunting tactics will increase your chances of success.
By understanding the nuances of Remington 870 turkey chokes and considering the other critical factors, you'll be well-prepared for a successful turkey hunting season. Remember to always prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices.
