Remington 870 shotguns are renowned for their versatility and reliability, making them a popular choice for various hunting applications, including turkey hunting. Choosing the right choke tube significantly impacts your success. This guide delves into the world of Remington 870 turkey chokes, helping you select the optimal choke for your specific needs and hunting style.
Understanding Turkey Choke Tubes
A turkey choke tube is a crucial component of your shotgun, controlling the shot pattern's spread. Unlike other types of hunting, turkey hunting often requires a tighter pattern to ensure a clean kill at longer ranges. Turkey chokes are designed to deliver dense patterns with fewer pellets scattered widely. The effectiveness of your choke directly influences your accuracy and the likelihood of a successful harvest.
Types of Remington 870 Turkey Chokes
Remington offers a variety of turkey choke tubes, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common types include:
- Extra Full Choke: This provides the tightest pattern, ideal for longer-range shots (40+ yards). However, it's less forgiving of imperfections in aim.
- Full Choke: A very tight pattern that offers a good balance between range and pattern density, making it suitable for shots within 30-40 yards.
- Improved Cylinder Choke: Offers a wider pattern, suitable for close-range shots. Use with caution as pattern density is significantly reduced compared to full or extra-full.
Choosing the Right Choke: A Matter of Distance and Shot Size
The choice of choke tube depends heavily on shooting distance and the shot size used. Here's a table summarizing this relationship:
| Choke Type | Effective Range (yards) | Recommended Shot Size |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Full | 40+ | #4, #5, #6 |
| Full | 30-40 | #4, #5, #6 |
| Improved Cylinder | <30 | #4, #5, #6 |
Note: These ranges are approximate and can vary based on factors like ammunition, gun condition, and weather conditions. Always pattern your shotgun with your chosen ammunition and choke tube to determine the actual pattern density and spread at different ranges.
Pattern Testing: A Crucial Step
Before heading out for a turkey hunt, it's crucial to pattern your Remington 870 with each choke tube and ammunition combination. This allows you to understand the shot pattern's density and spread at various ranges.
How to Pattern Your Shotgun
- Choose a safe location: Use a large, open area at a safe distance from any obstacles or people.
- Set up a target: Use a large piece of cardboard or paper to simulate a turkey target. Mark off circles to represent a turkey's vital area.
- Consistent Shooting Position: Maintain the same shooting stance and technique for each shot.
- Fire several shots: Fire three to five shots at the target from the intended distance.
- Analyze the results: Count the number of pellets within the vital zone to determine the pattern density. Repeat this process at different distances to map the effective range of each choke tube. Accurate patterning is key to successfully hunting turkeys.
Maintaining Your Remington 870 Turkey Choke
Proper maintenance ensures your choke tube's performance and longevity. After each hunting trip, clean the choke tube thoroughly to remove any residue from shot and powder. Never use excessive force during cleaning. Store the choke tube in a case or protective container to avoid damage or loss. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion and maintains accuracy.
Case Study: A Hunter's Experience
John, an experienced turkey hunter, initially used a full choke with #5 shot. He found his shots consistently missed at ranges over 35 yards. After patterning his shotgun, he switched to an extra-full choke, which significantly improved his accuracy at longer distances. This highlights the importance of proper choke selection and pattern testing.
Conclusion: Selecting the Right Remington 870 Turkey Choke
The Remington 870 turkey choke selection is vital for a successful hunt. Consider the hunting style and distance when choosing. Remember that patterning your shotgun is an absolute necessity, allowing you to tailor your setup to your specific needs. With the correct choke, ammunition, and practice, you will significantly increase your chances of harvesting a turkey.