• Help Support TNDeer:

Turkey Chokes

Grizzly Johnson

Grizzly Johnson

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2008
Messages
16,375
Reaction score
665
Location
Tennessee
I have read that no two guns will shoot the exact pattern even using the same choke and loads. My question to you guys shooting an 870 is: What choke tube have you used that gives you the best pattern between 40-50 yards? I know you should try to get them in close but I am just curious.....ALL of my shots this past spring were well within 30 yards but if the time comes for a long shot I don't want to question if I can make a clean kill. I'm looking at others experience before I were buy another choke tube.
 
I would check into a Rhino tube. A buddy of mine uses one in his encore and it is just plain awesome. Everyone on the net says the same. A little pricey at about 100 bux but if you want the pattern its worth it. I am using an Indian Creek in my 835 and it does pretty good. I have been thinking about swapping to the 870 though and if I do I will be getting the rhino as well.
 
I shoot an 870 SM and a Rhino .660" with #6 Winchester hi velocity Supreme 2 oz.

I found that Fiocci nickle plated #6 is awesome and inexpensive.

I have a .653" Rhino for it too that shoots the snot out of the Nitro shells, but I bought the triplex loads, and too many #7 1/2`s for my liking.

I like Comp-N-Choke better than Gobblin Thunder tubes, and would like to try an Indian Creek, but just don`t feel like I need one.
 
Hastings .640 / Winchester Supreme #4

Remember, the MMEDP (Maximum Manditory Ethical Distance Police) will flog you for shooting at one over X yards! :grin:
 
Grizzly_Johnson said:
Well I like them in close, but just in case...
Click to expand...

I hear you! I like them in close too, just not too close. But, there is no reason not to make a long distance dial up if you have the right combination to put him down! :grin:
 
Rhino chokes are awesome, but if you really want to extend your range and/or pattern density, check out Nitro Ammunition's website. This combo is an expensive investment, but has devestating results! I use their hevi shot 4x5x7 in 3" out of my 11-87 paired with a rhino choke and wouldn't even think of trying another shell or choke.
 
Im in the 360 range with a .660 Rhino and Nitro 4x5x7 hevi shot in my 870 super mag. Like a few others here, Ive spent a small fortune in loads and choke combos and this is by far the deadliest Ive ever shot!
 
I sold my friend a factory Remington Super full choke after patterning his gun (Rem 870) at the range with it. It had an excellant pattarn at 50 yards with Winchester #6 Sup. Elite loads.
 
captain hook said:
I never pattern my gun at 40 yards, I shoot at 25 yards which is where a turkey has to be before I lay him down. Tight patterns at 40 can be wayyyyy too tight for 25 and closer. What is more concerning is the 10 yard shot with a 50 yard pattern.
Click to expand...
I don't think they can be too tight at any range, assuming of course, that there is at least some spread from the muzzle diameter. If you put it on his neck or head, you should kill him dead as a hammer, and no matter if you mangle the head or neck. Much better than too open a pattern which puts shot into the body, which for those of us who like turkey breasts without lead is a no-no.
 
If I knew that every one that I encountered would be killed at 10 or 15 yards, then modified would be the way to go, because at those ranges the pattern hasn't opened enough to become a " bird" pattern. I'm with you on the distances. My longest has been at 35 yards, and most have been between 25 and 30. And, even with a .665 choke and at 25 yards or so, every now and then a flier will hit the upper breast. I have ordered a .680 choke because I wanted a flush mounted one to shorten the barrel and that's the tightest that I could find in a flush mount.
 
I shot this one at about 10 yards and could fit a tennis ball through his neck, so you can go overboard on tight chokes, however there's always those few that hang up at 40-50 yards.
3-1.jpg
 
My Carlson flush mounted choke came today and is now a part of my 870, the barrel now being an inch shorter.
I suppose that I have ample time to pattern it in the next 3 months! lol
 
I personaly shoot a Reminton 870 Express Magnum, Force-it-cone has been lengthened and I shoot a 660 Rhino choke...

I love this gun I have shot turkeys out to 60 yards easy...

As for loads I am not picky...I have never been the one to shoot just one shell type...I just put them in and let it fly...
 
captain hook said:
. . . . I shoot at 25 yards which is where a turkey has to be before I lay him down. Tight patterns at 40 can be wayyyyy too tight for 25 and closer. What is more concerning is the 10 yard shot with a 50 yard pattern.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with you on that Captain, and have killed most of mine at 15 to 22 yards over the years, limiting my shots to no more than 35 yards. Most factory "Modified" and/or regular "Full" chokes are just right for these ranges.

IMO, most turkey hunters would actually bag more turkeys if they were NOT using the tightest of tight "turkey" chokes --- mainly because these tight chokes are a handicap at close range, and may encourage many hunters to take longer shots at ranges more difficult to assess, rather than call up or wait on a surer thing, up close and personal.

That said, a true expert and accomplished turkey hunter will sometimes benefit from a choke tighter than factory full, but the hunter needs to do his homework in knowning exactly where his pattern is centered and with which particular loads it works best. But I suspect most hunters are simply being duped out of their money when they think a tighter choke is the magic pill.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top