Choosing the right choke tube for your Remington 870 shotgun is crucial for maximizing your turkey hunting success. The wrong choke can lead to missed shots and frustrated hunts, while the right one ensures a clean, ethical harvest. This guide dives deep into the world of Remington 870 turkey chokes, helping you select the perfect one for your needs and hunting style.
Understanding Choke Tubes and Their Impact on Shot Patterns
Before we delve into specific Remington 870 turkey choke options, let's establish a basic understanding of choke tubes and their function. A choke tube constricts the barrel's diameter at the muzzle, influencing the shot pattern. A tighter choke creates a tighter pattern, while a more open choke produces a wider spread.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Choke:
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Shot Size: The shot size you use significantly impacts choke selection. Smaller shot sizes (like #4 or #5) benefit from tighter chokes for better range and pattern density, whereas larger shot sizes (like #2) might perform better with slightly more open chokes to compensate for reduced pattern density.
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Hunting Style: Your hunting style influences choke choice. Are you hunting in tight woods where a wider pattern is advantageous? Or are you hunting in open fields where a longer range is needed? Your hunting conditions will guide your choke selection.
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Distance to Target: The expected distance to your target significantly impacts your choke choice. Longer ranges demand tighter chokes to maintain sufficient pattern density for a clean kill, while closer ranges allow for more open chokes.
Popular Remington 870 Turkey Choke Options and Their Applications
Remington offers a range of choke tubes specifically designed for turkey hunting. Here are some of the most popular choices:
1. Extra Full Turkey Choke:
This is the tightest choke available for turkey hunting. It delivers an incredibly dense pattern at longer ranges, but requires precise shot placement. It’s ideal for hunters who consistently shoot at longer distances in open fields. However, it sacrifices pattern density at closer ranges.
2. Full Turkey Choke:
A popular all-around choice, the full turkey choke provides a balance between pattern density and range. It offers a good compromise for various hunting situations, providing acceptable performance at both closer and medium ranges. It's a versatile option for most turkey hunters.
3. Modified Turkey Choke:
Slightly more open than a full choke, the modified turkey choke delivers a wider pattern, increasing the margin for error at closer ranges. It's a good choice for hunters who prefer a more forgiving choke or are hunting in denser cover.
4. Improved Cylinder Turkey Choke:
The improved cylinder is the most open choke option and offers the widest pattern. This is best suited for very close-range shots in extremely dense cover, where a wider pattern is essential to increase the chances of a successful hit.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Remington 870: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Determine Your Typical Shot Distance: Consider the average distance at which you typically engage turkeys.
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Assess Your Hunting Environment: Are you hunting in open fields, dense woods, or a mix of both?
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Choose Your Shot Size: Select the shot size appropriate for your hunting situation and state regulations.
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Match Choke to Distance and Environment: Use the information above to match a choke tube to your typical hunting situation, shot size, and range.
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Pattern Your Shotgun: It's crucial to pattern your shotgun with your chosen ammunition and choke tube at various ranges to confirm pattern density and uniformity. This ensures optimal performance.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Success with the Right Choke
Selecting the appropriate Remington 870 turkey choke is paramount for a successful turkey hunt. By understanding the various choke options and carefully considering your hunting style, shot distance, and environment, you can significantly improve your chances of a clean and ethical harvest. Remember to always prioritize safety and responsible hunting practices.
