Introduction
The Mossberg 500. A name synonymous with reliability, affordability, and versatility in the world of shotguns. It’s a favorite among hunters, law enforcement, and recreational shooters alike, known for its robust design and ease of use. If you own a Mossberg 500 and are gearing up for turkey season, one crucial component that demands your attention is the turkey choke. This specialized device is the key to unlocking your shotgun’s full potential for taking down those elusive gobblers.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to selecting the ideal turkey choke for your Mossberg 500. We’ll delve into the intricacies of choke design, constriction, and the factors that influence performance. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision, ensuring you’re prepared to bring home that magnificent tom. We’ll explore a variety of aftermarket options and provide you with a wealth of information to ensure your success.
Let’s start with the basics. A turkey choke, in its essence, is a specific type of choke designed to deliver a tight, dense shot pattern at extended ranges. Unlike a standard choke, a turkey choke is built to concentrate the pellets, creating a smaller, more concentrated “killing zone” at a considerable distance. This is critical for the success of turkey hunting. The goal is to place enough pellets within the vital areas of the turkey’s head and neck for a clean, ethical kill.
Understanding Turkey Chokes
What is a Turkey Choke?
A turkey choke is more than just a cylindrical tube that screws into the end of your Mossberg 500’s barrel. It’s a precision-engineered device that dramatically affects how your shotgun patterns its shot. The primary function of a turkey choke is to restrict the spread of the shot pellets as they exit the barrel. This constriction is significantly tighter than what you’d find in a modified or improved cylinder choke, which are commonly used for other types of hunting or recreational shooting. The tighter the constriction, the more concentrated the shot pattern.
Turkey chokes are designed to be used with high-performance shotshells, often featuring specialized wads and harder shot materials. These features contribute to the choke’s ability to maintain pattern integrity at longer ranges. The result is a greater number of pellets striking the target within a smaller area, maximizing your chances of a successful harvest.
Choke Constriction Explained
The degree of constriction is measured in terms of the choke’s internal diameter relative to the bore diameter of the shotgun barrel. This difference is expressed as a percentage or a designation, such as “full,” “extra full,” or “super full.” The greater the difference, the tighter the choke constriction and the more confined the shot pattern.
A full choke typically provides a tight pattern, ideal for longer-range shots, while extra full and super full chokes offer even tighter patterns, specifically designed for maximum pellet density at extended distances. Consider your hunting environment and typical shot distances when choosing your choke.
Factors Influencing Choke Performance
Several factors influence how effectively a turkey choke performs. Understanding these variables is crucial for optimizing your setup and achieving the tightest, most consistent patterns.
- Barrel Length: While not as critical as the choke itself, barrel length plays a role. Longer barrels may offer slight advantages in terms of velocity and pattern consistency, although the choke is the primary pattern determinant.
- Ammunition: Different shotshells are designed for different purposes, and the quality of your ammunition will play a vital role in shot pattern quality and effective range. Experiment with various brands, shot sizes, and payloads to find the best performance for your Mossberg 500.
- Specific Shot Size and Payload: Larger shot sizes (such as those used for turkeys) generally require a tighter choke for optimum performance. The payload (the weight of the shot) also influences the pattern density.
- Distance to Target: This is the most critical factor. The effective range of your turkey choke is determined by how far you can consistently achieve a dense enough pattern to ensure a clean kill. Pattern testing, discussed below, is essential for determining the appropriate range for your setup.
Types of Turkey Chokes for Mossberg 500
Screw-In Chokes
The Mossberg 500 is famous for its versatility, and one of the features that contributes to this is the use of screw-in chokes. The majority of Mossberg 500 shotguns utilize a screw-in choke system. This means you can easily swap out the choke tubes to adapt to different hunting situations or shooting styles.
Screw-in chokes are relatively inexpensive and simple to install and change. This makes them a convenient and practical choice for turkey hunters. Remember to keep your choke threads clean and lubricated to ensure smooth changes and prevent any issues with seizing. Regularly check your choke to ensure it is tightly installed.
The Mossberg 500 typically utilizes a specific thread pattern. Be certain to acquire a choke that is compatible with the Mossberg 500. Always verify the thread type before purchasing any aftermarket choke.
Aftermarket Choke Options
While the factory choke may suffice, the aftermarket choke market offers a vast array of options designed to optimize your Mossberg 500’s turkey-hunting performance. These aftermarket chokes often incorporate innovative features and materials that can provide advantages.
Popular brands such as Carlson’s, Trulock, and Patternmaster are highly regarded in the turkey-hunting community. These companies offer a wide range of turkey chokes, designed with advanced designs for optimum performance. Many are constructed using premium stainless steel or other high-quality materials.
Extended chokes are often popular. These extend past the end of the barrel, providing a longer surface area for pattern control. Ported chokes include small vents or ports to help reduce recoil and muzzle rise.
Material Considerations
The material from which your turkey choke is made affects its durability and performance. Most turkey chokes are manufactured from steel or stainless steel.
- Steel: Steel chokes are durable. However, steel chokes can be prone to corrosion and rust if not properly maintained, particularly in humid environments or following exposure to moisture.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel chokes are often considered a premium option. They are highly resistant to corrosion and rust, extending the lifespan of your choke. Stainless steel also offers greater precision and consistency, leading to better shot patterns.
Choosing the Right Turkey Choke for Your Mossberg 500
Selecting the right turkey choke for your Mossberg 500 is more than just picking a name off the shelf. It involves carefully considering your hunting style, typical shot distances, and the ammunition you plan to use.
Considerations for the Type of Hunting
How and where you hunt has a significant impact on the choke you should choose. For instance, if you primarily hunt in wooded areas, where shots are typically taken at close to moderate ranges, a tighter choke may not always be necessary.
If you hunt over open fields or food plots where long-range shots are more common, you’ll benefit from a choke with a tighter constriction. This allows you to get good pattern density at extended yardage. The more open the environment and the longer the anticipated shots, the tighter the choke constriction you will want.
Pattern Testing
The cornerstone of choosing the right turkey choke is pattern testing. This process involves shooting at a large paper target at varying distances, evaluating the resulting patterns, and ensuring that you’re getting the density necessary for a clean kill.
Here’s how to conduct an effective pattern test:
- Choose a Target: Select a large piece of paper, such as a sheet of butcher paper or a specialized patterning target.
- Mark the Target: Draw a circle or use a pre-printed target that represents the vital area of a turkey (the head and neck).
- Shoot at Various Ranges: Start at the distance you anticipate for your first shot of the season, and then gradually increase the distance in five or ten-yard increments.
- Count Pellets: After each shot, carefully count the number of pellets that strike the circle or the area corresponding to the turkey’s head and neck.
- Evaluate and Adjust: The goal is to achieve a minimum of a consistent number of pellets within the vital area at the distances you intend to shoot. If the pattern is too sparse, consider using a tighter choke or trying different ammunition.
Shotgun Shell Recommendations
The type of ammunition you use will significantly affect your results. Here are some essential considerations when choosing shells for your turkey hunting adventure:
- Shot Size: #4, #5, and #6 shot are the most common choices for turkey hunting. The larger the shot number, the smaller the pellets and the more pellets per ounce. #4 shot often provides good penetration and pattern density at moderate ranges. #5 shot provides a balance between range and pellet count. #6 shot is best for close range.
- Shell Construction: Premium shells, such as those that utilize tungsten-based shot, are designed to provide higher pellet counts, better downrange energy, and tighter patterns. Consider these shells when seeking maximum performance.
- Ammo Brands: Federal Premium, Winchester, and Hevi-Shot are among the top ammo brands for turkey hunting, due to their quality shells and premium shot.
Installing and Maintaining Your Turkey Choke
Installation Guide
Installing a screw-in turkey choke on your Mossberg 500 is typically a straightforward process.
- Ensure the firearm is unloaded: Make absolutely certain your shotgun is unloaded before you begin.
- Remove the factory choke: Unscrew the existing choke tube from the barrel.
- Clean the threads: Use a brush and solvent to thoroughly clean the threads inside the barrel.
- Install the new choke: Screw in the new turkey choke by hand until it is snug. Use the appropriate wrench provided by the choke manufacturer to tighten the choke firmly, but do not overtighten.
- Check for proper fit: Verify that the choke is properly seated and aligned with the barrel.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures your turkey choke will last a lifetime, so make cleaning a routine task.
- Cleaning after Each Use: After each shooting session, remove the choke and clean it thoroughly. Use a brush and solvent to remove any powder residue, plastic wad material, or other debris.
- Lubrication: Lightly lubricate the threads with gun oil or a grease designed for firearm use. This helps prevent corrosion and makes the choke easier to remove.
Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety when handling any firearm.
- Safe Gun Handling: Never point your shotgun at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.
- Ammunition Compatibility: Verify that the ammunition you’re using is compatible with your choke. Most turkey chokes are designed for lead and other “soft” shot. Never use steel shot or slugs in a choke not designed for that.
Conclusion
Choosing the right turkey choke for your Mossberg 500 is a crucial step in maximizing your shotgun’s performance and enhancing your turkey hunting success. By understanding the different choke types, the factors that affect their performance, and the importance of pattern testing, you can select the choke that best suits your hunting style and the terrain you hunt.
Remember to experiment with different chokes and ammunition combinations to find the ideal setup for your shotgun. Make sure you follow all safety protocols to maintain your safety and the safety of those around you.
With the right turkey choke, a well-patterned shotgun, and a bit of luck, you’ll be well on your way to a successful turkey season. Be prepared to bring that prized tom home!
