Finding the best turkey choke for your Mossberg 835 is crucial for a successful hunt. The right choke significantly impacts your shot pattern, giving you the tightest possible spread at the crucial moment. This guide dives deep into selecting the ideal choke for your Mossberg 835, considering various factors and offering detailed recommendations. We'll explore different choke types, patterns, and how to choose the best fit for your hunting style and preferences. Choosing the right choke can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity.
Understanding Turkey Chokes and Their Impact
The purpose of a turkey choke is to constrict the barrel's end, focusing your shotgun's shot pattern into a tighter spread. This is especially important for turkey hunting, where a precise shot at a relatively close range is essential. A poorly chosen choke can lead to widely dispersed shot, reducing your chances of a clean kill and potentially wounding the bird.
Different chokes offer varying degrees of constriction, measured in terms of their diameter:
- Extra Full: Offers the tightest constriction, providing the most concentrated shot pattern. Ideal for close-range shots where accuracy is paramount.
- Full: Provides a highly concentrated pattern, suitable for shots at moderate ranges.
- Improved Modified: Offers a balance between pattern density and range. Good for various distances.
- Modified: Provides a more open pattern, useful for longer-range shots or when shooting at moving targets.
- Improved Cylinder: Offers the widest pattern, best for very long-range shots where a wider spread is beneficial. Generally not recommended for turkey hunting.
Note: The specific performance of each choke can vary slightly between manufacturers. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications and pattern testing results for the most accurate information.
Top Choke Tube Choices for Mossberg 835 Turkey Hunting
Several reputable manufacturers produce high-quality turkey chokes specifically designed for the Mossberg 835. Here are some of the top contenders:
1. Carlson's Choke Tubes
Carlson's is a popular choice among turkey hunters, known for their durable construction and consistent performance. They offer a range of chokes for the Mossberg 835, including extra-full and full options, specifically designed for turkey hunting. Their Dead Coyote choke is frequently recommended for its tight patterns and effectiveness at close to medium ranges.
2. Trulock Choke Tubes
Trulock is another well-respected brand known for producing high-quality, precision-engineered choke tubes. They offer several options for the Mossberg 835, and their chokes are often praised for their reliability and ability to deliver consistent, dense patterns. Their Turkey Pro choke is a common choice among experienced hunters.
3. Patternmaster Choke Tubes
Patternmaster chokes are renowned for their extremely tight patterns and exceptional range. While potentially more expensive, they often deliver exceptional results, particularly for shots at the longer end of the effective range. Their focus on consistent patterns makes them a valuable investment.
Choosing the Right Choke: Factors to Consider
Selecting the best turkey choke involves careful consideration of several key factors:
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Hunting Distance: Are you typically shooting at close, medium, or longer ranges? This directly impacts the choke constriction you'll need. Closer ranges generally benefit from tighter chokes like extra-full, while longer ranges may require a modified or improved modified choke.
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Shotgun Shell: The type of ammunition you use affects your shot pattern. Using different shells may require adjusting your choke selection. Experiment to find the optimal combination of choke and ammunition for the best pattern.
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Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best choke is the one that works best for you. Experimentation is crucial. Pattern your shotgun at various distances with different chokes to determine which one consistently produces the tightest, most effective pattern for your hunting style.
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Turkey Hunting Location: Open fields may allow for longer-range shots requiring a less restrictive choke than a dense forest setting where close-range shots are more common.
Pattern Testing: The Key to Success
The only way to truly know which choke is best for your Mossberg 835 is through thorough pattern testing. This involves shooting your shotgun at various distances with different chokes and analyzing the resulting patterns on a target. Here's how:
- Use a large target: A 30-inch square target is often recommended.
- Shoot from a known distance: Start with your typical hunting distance and adjust as needed.
- Count the pellets within a circle: Measure the number of pellets within a 10-inch circle to assess pattern density.
- Repeat the process: Test multiple shots with each choke to ensure consistent results.
Important Safety Note: Always practice proper firearm safety procedures when handling and shooting a shotgun. Never point a firearm at anything you don't intend to shoot, and always wear appropriate eye and ear protection.
By carefully considering your hunting style, typical shooting distances, and conducting thorough pattern testing, you can confidently select the best turkey choke for your Mossberg 835 and significantly improve your chances of a successful hunt. Remember, the most expensive choke isn't always the best – the best choke is the one that consistently delivers the tightest, most effective pattern for your hunting conditions.