The question of whether a turkey choke is a full choke often leads to confusion among hunters. While the answer is generally "yes," it's crucial to understand the nuances and why a simple "yes" isn't entirely accurate. This article will delve into the specifics of shotgun chokes, focusing on turkey chokes and their relationship to full chokes.
Understanding Shotgun Chokes
Shotgun chokes are devices that constrict the barrel's opening, influencing the shot pattern. Different chokes produce different patterns, impacting range and shot density. Common choke designations include:
- Cylinder: No constriction, producing a very wide pattern.
- Improved Cylinder (IC): A slight constriction, offering a wider pattern than modified.
- Modified (Mod): Moderate constriction, providing a balance between range and pattern density.
- Improved Modified (IM): A tighter pattern than Modified, offering increased range.
- Full: The tightest constriction, creating a very tight pattern with maximum range.
- Extra Full: An even tighter constriction than full, offering the tightest pattern and longest range, often used for long-range waterfowl hunting.
Turkey Chokes: The Tightest of the Tight
Turkey hunting demands exceptional accuracy at relatively close ranges (often under 40 yards). This requires a dense, concentrated shot pattern to ensure a clean kill. Therefore, turkey chokes are designed with extremely tight constrictions, often exceeding the constriction of a standard "full" choke.
While many turkey chokes might be labeled as "full," their actual constriction is frequently tighter. Manufacturers often use terms like "extra full," "turkey extra full," or even proprietary names to denote these extra-tight chokes. The key difference isn't just in the name, but in the measurable constriction. A standard full choke might have a constriction of 0.030 inches, while a turkey choke could measure 0.040 inches or even more.
Why the Difference Matters
The tighter constriction of a turkey choke is crucial for several reasons:
- Increased Pattern Density: The tighter constriction results in a denser pattern at longer ranges, increasing the probability of hitting vital organs.
- Improved Accuracy: This density translates to greater accuracy, particularly important when aiming at a moving target.
- Reduced Pellet Spread: Minimizes pellet spread, ensuring more pellets hit the target within a smaller area.
Choosing the Right Choke for Turkey Hunting
Choosing the right choke for turkey hunting involves considering several factors, including:
- Shot Type: Different shot sizes and types behave differently with various chokes.
- Distance to Target: The distance you expect to shoot will influence your choke choice.
- Shotgun Model: Some shotguns may perform better with certain chokes.
It's always best to pattern your shotgun with different chokes and shot types to determine the optimal combination for your specific hunting situation and firearm. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect setup for consistent, ethical turkey hunting.
Conclusion
While many turkey chokes are labeled as "full," their constriction often surpasses that of a standard full choke. They are designed to produce exceptionally tight patterns crucial for successful turkey hunting. Don't let the label fool you – understanding the actual constriction and patterning your shotgun are critical steps for a successful hunt.
