Choosing the right turkey choke for your Mossberg 500 can significantly impact your hunting success. A poorly chosen choke can lead to inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities, while the right one will deliver the tight, dense patterns needed for ethical and effective turkey hunting. This guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Turkey Chokes and Their Impact
Turkey hunting demands a specific type of choke tube: one that produces a dense, concentrated shot pattern at extended ranges. Unlike other shotgunning disciplines, where wider patterns might be preferable, turkey hunting necessitates accuracy and power at distances often exceeding 40 yards. This is where the choke tube plays a crucial role.
A choke tube constricts the barrel's diameter at the muzzle, influencing the shot pattern. Different constrictions lead to different patterns:
- Full Choke: Provides the tightest pattern, ideal for longer ranges but potentially resulting in fewer pellets overall.
- Extra Full Choke: Even tighter than a full choke, offering maximum range but at the expense of shot density. Use cautiously, as it's very tight.
- Turkey Chokes (Specialized): These are designed specifically for turkey hunting, often incorporating features like extended length or specialized internal designs to optimize pellet distribution and consistency. They usually fall between a Full and Extra Full choke in terms of constriction.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mossberg 500 Turkey Choke
Several factors influence the best choke choice for your Mossberg 500:
1. Shot Size:
The shot size you're using will interact with the choke. Larger shot sizes (like #4 or #5) typically benefit from tighter chokes, while smaller shot sizes (#6 or #7) might perform best with slightly less constriction to maintain pattern density.
2. Hunting Distance:
The average distance at which you expect to shoot will heavily influence your choke selection. Longer shots demand tighter chokes, while closer shots can tolerate slightly less constriction.
3. Ammunition:
Different ammunition brands and types will react differently to various choke constrictions. Testing different combinations with your specific ammo is crucial to finding the optimal performance. Don't assume that a choke that works well with one brand will work equally well with another.
4. Barrel Length:
While less impactful than other factors, barrel length can subtly influence pattern density. Longer barrels generally produce tighter patterns with the same choke constriction.
Popular Turkey Choke Brands for Mossberg 500
Several reputable manufacturers produce high-quality turkey chokes compatible with Mossberg 500 shotguns. These include (but aren't limited to):
- Carlson's Chokes: Known for their consistent performance and wide range of options.
- Comp-N-Choke: A popular choice offering various constriction levels and specialized designs.
- TruGlo: Offers chokes with various features and price points.
- Mossberg Factory Chokes: Mossberg itself offers a range of chokes specifically designed for their shotguns.
Remember to always verify compatibility before purchasing a choke tube. Confirm that the choke is specifically designed for the Mossberg 500 model you own. Incorrectly sized chokes can damage your firearm.
Pattern Testing: The Crucial Step
The most critical step in selecting the right choke is pattern testing. This involves shooting your shotgun at various distances with different chokes and ammunition to determine which combination produces the best, most consistent pattern for your specific setup. This will ensure you're making the most informed decision possible for maximizing your success in the field.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate turkey choke for your Mossberg 500 involves careful consideration of several factors. By understanding these elements and conducting thorough pattern testing, you'll significantly enhance your accuracy and success in turkey hunting. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow all firearm safety regulations.
