Choosing the right turkey choke for your Mossberg 935 can significantly impact your hunting success. This isn't just about picking any old choke; it's about optimizing your pattern density and shot spread for consistent, ethical harvests. This guide dives deep into selecting the best choke for your specific needs and hunting style.
Understanding Choke Tubes and Their Impact
Before we delve into specific choke recommendations, let's establish a fundamental understanding. A choke tube constricts the barrel's diameter at the muzzle, influencing the shot pattern. Tighter chokes create denser patterns with less spread, while more open chokes create wider patterns. For turkey hunting, you need a balance: enough density for a lethal kill zone, but not so tight as to create excessive shot stringing at longer ranges.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Choke
Several factors influence the ideal choke choice for your Mossberg 935:
1. Shot Size:
- Larger shot (e.g., #4, #5): These benefit from tighter chokes like extra-full or full. They retain more energy at longer ranges but require precise shot placement.
- Smaller shot (e.g., #6, #7): These generally work well with full or modified chokes. Their smaller size allows for a slightly wider pattern while still maintaining effective lethality.
2. Hunting Distance:
- Closer ranges (under 30 yards): A modified choke can be sufficient, offering a good balance of pattern density and spread.
- Longer ranges (30-40 yards): An extra-full or full choke becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining a dense pattern and ensuring a clean kill. However, remember that shot stringing can become a problem at extreme ranges, regardless of choke.
3. Turkey Breed and Size:
While not a direct factor in choke selection, the size of the turkey influences the required pattern density. Larger birds might require a slightly tighter choke for consistent penetration.
4. Ammunition:
Always test your chosen choke with your specific ammunition. Different loads exhibit varying patterns, even with the same choke.
Top Choke Tube Recommendations for Mossberg 935 Turkey Hunting
While the "best" choke is subjective and depends on the factors above, several consistently perform well with the Mossberg 935:
High-Performing Options:
- Carlson's Choke Tubes: Carlson's offers a range of turkey chokes, including their popular "Long Beard XR" and "Turkey Pro." These are known for their consistent patterns and reliability.
- Comp-N-Choke Turkey Chokes: These are another popular choice, often praised for their durability and tight patterns. They offer various constriction options for different shot sizes and hunting situations.
- Factory Mossberg Chokes: Don't underestimate the factory options! Mossberg's own turkey chokes, often a full or extra-full, can be surprisingly effective and are readily available.
Important Note: Always pattern your shotgun at various ranges with your chosen choke and ammunition before heading out for a hunt. This ensures you understand your effective range and can make necessary adjustments to your shooting technique.
Beyond the Choke: Factors for Success
Remember, the choke is just one piece of the puzzle. Other vital elements for successful turkey hunting include:
- Proper Gun Fit: Ensuring your shotgun fits you correctly is paramount for accuracy and consistent shot placement.
- Shooting Technique: Practice your shooting technique regularly to master proper aim and trigger control.
- Scouting and Calling: Effective scouting and calling strategies greatly improve your chances of encountering turkeys.
By carefully considering these factors and selecting the appropriate choke for your Mossberg 935, you significantly enhance your chances of a successful and ethical turkey hunt. Remember to always practice safe firearm handling techniques.
