Ever dreamed of the perfect turkey hunt, where your shot rings true and the bird drops cleanly? That dream often hinges on a small but mighty piece of gear: your 20-gauge turkey choke. But with so many choices out there, picking the right one can feel like navigating a maze. Do you go for a tighter pattern to reach out further, or a more open one for closer shots? It’s a question that can leave even experienced hunters scratching their heads, and the wrong choke can mean missed opportunities and frustrating days in the field.
This is where we come in. We’re going to break down the world of 20-gauge turkey chokes, making it easy to understand. You’ll learn what makes one choke better than another for your specific needs. By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence to choose the choke that will help you bring home that gobbler. Get ready to discover the secrets to a more successful turkey season!
Our Top 5 20 Ga Turkey Choke Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 20 Ga Turkey Choke Detailed Reviews
1. TRUGLO Head Banger TG188X Winchester/Mossberg 20 GA Long Range CNC-Machined Heat-Treated Steel Turkey Choke Tube
Rating: 9.2/10
The TRUGLO Head Banger TG188X Turkey Choke Tube is a game-changer for turkey hunters. It’s designed to help you shoot straighter and farther. This choke tube is made from strong, heat-treated steel. It’s built to handle powerful turkey loads. You can trust it to perform when you need it most.
What We Like:
- The Multi-Phase Groove Technology creates super tight and consistent shot patterns. This helps you hit your target even at longer distances.
- It works with popular heavy turkey loads like Winchester, Long Beard XR, and Federal Premium 3rd Degree.
- Each choke tube is precisely made using CNC machining. This ensures top-notch accuracy.
- The heat-treated steel makes it very strong and long-lasting.
- A polished end face helps the choke tube seat and seal better. This means more power and no lost pressure.
- The National Wild Turkey Federation even endorses these choke tubes. They know what hunters need for success.
What Could Be Improved:
- This choke tube is specifically designed for 20 gauge shotguns. It won’t fit other gauges.
- The advanced technology means it might be a bit pricier than simpler choke tubes.
If you want to bring down that big tom, the TRUGLO Head Banger TG188X is an excellent choice. It gives you the accuracy and range you need for successful hunts.
2. Carlsons Choke Tubes 20 Gauge 17-4 Heat-Treated Black Stainless Steel Extended Turkey Choke Tube for Winchester – Browning Inv – Moss 500 Guns
Rating: 8.9/10
Calling all turkey hunters! If you’re looking to upgrade your 20-gauge shotgun for those gobbler encounters, Carlson’s Choke Tubes has a fantastic option. This Extended Turkey Choke Tube, made from tough 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel right here in the USA, is designed to help you put more shot on target when it matters most. It extends about an inch from your barrel, giving you that extra edge for tighter, denser patterns.
What We Like:
- It’s built with 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, making it super tough and resistant to rust.
- The choke tube features a longer parallel section and a knurled end, which helps create tighter patterns for better accuracy.
- It’s designed to work with all lead and Hevi-Shot loads, and even TSS Turkey loads.
- You can use it with steel shot, but stick to sizes #4 or smaller.
- The constriction is clearly marked on the end, so you know exactly what you’re using.
- Made in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- It can only shoot steel shot up to size #4, so larger steel shot isn’t recommended.
This Carlson’s choke tube offers the performance you need to reach out and touch those wary toms. It’s a solid investment for any serious turkey hunter.
3. Carlsons Choke Tubes 20 Gauge for Winchester – Browning Inv – Moss 500 [ Turkey
![Carlsons Choke Tubes 20 Gauge for Winchester - Browning Inv - Moss 500 [ Turkey | 0.568 Diameter ] Blued Steel | Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31oSccnHlsL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.5/10
Unleash the full potential of your 20-gauge shotgun with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube. Designed for Winchester, Browning Invector, and Mossberg 500 shotguns, this choke tube is built for serious turkey hunters. Its specific 0.568-inch diameter and blued steel construction are engineered to deliver incredibly tight patterns at long distances, giving you the edge you need to bag that big tom.
What We Like:
- Proven Performance: Backed by over 30 years of extensive patterning and testing, Carlson’s uses proprietary software to analyze countless load and choke combinations, ensuring you get the most accurate aim.
- Superior Construction: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this choke tube offers 10% greater penetration than standard lead shot beyond 50 yards, providing terminal on-target performance for cleaner harvests.
- Optimized for Turkey: The 0.568-inch constriction is specifically designed for turkey hunting, promoting nearly perfectly round shot for extremely tight, long-range patterns.
- Built to Last: With a lifetime warranty, you can hunt with confidence knowing your choke tube is protected.
- American Made: Proudly manufactured in the United States, ensuring quality craftsmanship and support for domestic production.
What Could Be Improved:
- Compatibility Clarification: While listed for Winchester, Browning Invector, and Mossberg 500, users might benefit from a more detailed list of specific shotgun models within those brands that are confirmed compatible.
- Material Finish Options: Currently offered in blued steel, additional finish options like stainless steel might appeal to a wider range of hunters.
If you’re serious about turkey hunting and demand precision at extended ranges, this Carlson’s choke tube is a game-changer. It’s a reliable investment for any hunter looking to improve their success rate in the field.
4. Avian-X Turkey 20 Gauge Extended Choke Tube Browning Invector
Rating: 8.8/10
If you’re a turkey hunter looking to improve your accuracy at longer distances, this Avian-X Turkey 20 Gauge Extended Choke Tube is a game-changer. It’s designed to fit Browning Invector, Mossberg Accu-Choke, and Win-Choke shotguns. This choke tube helps you put more pellets on target, giving you a better chance of a successful hunt.
What We Like:
- It makes your shots more dense and even.
- You get maximum power for your shots at far distances.
- Special grooves inside help pellets fly straighter.
- Straight rifling stops the wad from spinning, sending more shot to your target.
- The special ports help gas escape, keeping it away from the shot.
- The top has special cuts that lock the choke tightly and let gas out quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s designed for specific shotgun models, so check compatibility before buying.
- The advanced features might be more than what a beginner hunter needs.
This choke tube significantly boosts your shotgun’s performance for turkey hunting. It’s a smart investment for any serious turkey hunter wanting to extend their effective range.
5. Patternmaster Code Black Turkey .565 20 Gauge Hunting Shotgun Accessory Durable 17-4 Stainless Steel Ported Choke Tube
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for serious turkey hunting with the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey .565 20 Gauge choke tube. This accessory is built tough and designed to help you hit those long-range gobblers. It’s made for Benelli and Beretta shotguns with Mobile chokes and can extend your effective range up to an amazing 70 yards. Patternmaster uses special technologies to make your shot pattern tighter and more powerful.
What We Like:
- It extends your effective turkey hunting range up to 70 yards.
- The Separating Ring and canoe-porting technology shortens the shot-string, meaning more pellets hit the target.
- It’s made from strong, durable 17-4 Stainless Steel with a titanium coating for a non-reflective bronze finish.
- SecureFit threading ensures a tight fit with no pressure loss for the best patterns.
- It’s designed to handle the energy needed for successful turkey hunts.
What Could Be Improved:
- This choke tube is not safe to use with steel shot or slugs.
- For the best results, you need to use ammunition with velocities below 1550fps.
If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want to reach out further, this Patternmaster choke tube is a fantastic upgrade for your shotgun.
Your Guide to the Best 20 Gauge Turkey Choke
Getting ready for turkey season is exciting! You need the right gear to make sure you have a successful hunt. A turkey choke is a super important part of your shotgun setup. It helps your shot pattern tight, so more pellets hit your target. This guide will help you pick the best 20-gauge turkey choke for your needs.
Why a Turkey Choke?
A turkey choke is special. It squeezes the shot pattern tighter than a regular choke. This means your shots will be more accurate at longer distances. Turkey hunting often requires precise shots, and a turkey choke gives you that advantage.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 20-gauge turkey choke, keep these things in mind:
- Constriction: This is how much the choke squeezes the shot. For turkeys, you want a tight constriction, usually .005 to .020 inches. This helps your shot pattern stay together.
- Porting: Some chokes have small holes, called ports. These ports help reduce recoil, making your shots feel softer. They can also help your shotgun cycle faster for follow-up shots.
- Length: Chokes come in different lengths. Longer chokes often give you a tighter pattern. Think about how far you usually shoot at turkeys.
- Material: The material of the choke is important for how long it lasts and how well it works.
Important Materials
The best turkey chokes are usually made from strong materials.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice. Stainless steel is tough and won’t rust. It can handle the pressure of firing shots and lasts a long time.
- Alloy Steel: Some chokes use special alloy steels. These can be very strong and durable, offering great performance.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a choke great or not so great?
- Precision Machining: A well-made choke has smooth insides and precise measurements. This helps your shot leave the barrel cleanly and consistently.
- Fit: The choke needs to fit your shotgun barrel perfectly. A loose or poorly fitting choke can hurt your accuracy. Always check if the choke is made for your specific shotgun model.
- Design: The internal design of the choke matters. Some designs help the shot pellets move through the choke without deforming, which keeps the pattern tight.
- Cheap Materials: Chokes made from weak or easily damaged materials won’t perform well. They might break or wear out quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do hunters actually use these chokes?
Turkey hunters love chokes that give them confidence in their shots. They want a choke that consistently puts a tight pattern of pellets on the turkey’s head and neck. This means a clean, ethical kill. Many hunters test different loads with their choke to find the best combination. They might practice shooting at paper targets at various distances. A good choke makes a big difference in the field. It helps you reach out further and be more accurate when that gobbler steps into view.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of choke for turkey hunting?
A: For turkey hunting, you generally want a specialized turkey choke. These chokes have tighter constrictions than standard chokes to keep your shot pattern dense at longer ranges.
Q: What does “constriction” mean on a turkey choke?
A: Constriction refers to how much the choke narrows the end of your shotgun barrel. A tighter constriction squeezes the shot pellets closer together, creating a more focused pattern.
Q: Is a .020 constriction choke good for 20 gauge turkey hunting?
A: Yes, a .020 constriction is often a good starting point for 20 gauge turkey hunting. Many hunters find success with constrictions ranging from .005 to .020 inches, but it can depend on your specific shotgun and ammunition.
Q: Do ported chokes really help with recoil?
A: Yes, the small holes (ports) on ported chokes can help reduce felt recoil. They work by venting some of the gas that escapes the muzzle when you fire, which can make shooting more comfortable.
Q: Can I use any choke tube in my 20 gauge shotgun?
A: No, you must use choke tubes specifically designed for your shotgun’s make and model. Choke tubes are not universal and using the wrong one can damage your barrel.
Q: What is the best material for a turkey choke?
A: Stainless steel is a top choice for turkey chokes because it is strong, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. Some high-performance chokes also use specialized alloy steels.
Q: How does the length of a choke affect my shot pattern?
A: Longer chokes typically provide a tighter shot pattern because they have a longer section to gradually squeeze the shot. This can be beneficial for longer-range turkey shots.
Q: How can I improve the quality of my turkey choke’s performance?
A: You can improve performance by ensuring the choke is made from quality materials, is precisely machined, and fits your shotgun barrel perfectly. Testing different ammunition loads with your choke is also crucial.
Q: What are some common use cases for a 20 gauge turkey choke?
A: The primary use case is for turkey hunting, allowing for accurate shots at medium to long distances. It helps ensure a dense pattern on the turkey’s vital areas for a clean harvest.
Q: Should I buy an extended or flush-fit turkey choke?
A: Extended chokes often offer better shot patterns and are easier to change in the field. Flush-fit chokes sit inside the barrel and are less noticeable but may not offer the same performance advantages.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.