5 Best Chokes for Turkey Hunting [+Buyers Guide]
I went turkey hunting with a friend this season, and honestly, it was the most fun I’ve had on a hunt in a long time.
Turkeys are sharp.
Their eyesight is incredible, and they don’t make it easy to get close. That means you need to be patient, wait for your shot, and be confident your gear can do the job from a distance.
I was running a dedicated turkey choke, and my setup worked out well. I tagged a few gobblers over the week. My friend wasn’t so lucky. Twice, he hit a bird, only to watch it limp off because his pattern didn’t put enough pellets where they needed to go.
That’s when I realized how much of a difference the right choke can make.
So I tested a bunch of turkey chokes, tracked their performance, and narrowed down the best of the bunch.
Below, you’ll find my top picks, plus a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best turkey choke for your shotgun and hunting style.
Types of chokes for turkey hunting
There are many types of chokes depending on how narrow they are (their constriction). The narrowest chChokes come in different levels of constriction.
The narrower the choke, the farther your shot can travel with a tighter spread. That tight pattern is key for turkey hunting because the more pellets that hit the bird, the higher your chances of a clean takedown.
Wider, more open chokes work well at close range, but their patterns spread too thin at a distance.
Since turkeys rarely stroll in that close, your best bet is a choke that holds a tight pattern from mid- to long-range.
Here’s a quick rundown of your options:
- Improved Cylinder Choke. Light constriction. Good for targets inside 25 yards, but not ideal for most turkey hunts.
- Modified Choke. A bit tighter. Can produce solid patterns out to 35 yards, but still not the best for longer shots.
- Full Choke. Narrow and reliable. This one shines between 40 and 70 yards.
- Extra Full Choke. Even tighter. Designed for maximum range, with solid performance beyond 70 yards.
Keep in mind, performance can vary based on your specific shotgun, ammo, and choke combo. No two setups are the same, so it’s worth testing your gear at different distances to find the pattern that works best for you.
Here’s how I tested the chokes in this guide.
How I picked the best chokes for turkey hunting
To build this list, I started with a mix of my own experience and recommendations from seasoned hunters I trust. Then I put each choke through a hands-on test to see how it performed in the field.
For testing, I used several shotguns (including a Remington 870 and a Benelli SuperNova) and paired them with a variety of shotshells.
I made sure to include TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads for two reasons: first, I’ve personally had great results with TSS in the past, and second, nearly every turkey hunter I spoke to swears by its performance.
I set targets at 30, 40, and 50 yards and tested each choke at every distance. Swapping chokes and running each load through multiple guns took time, but it paid off.
In the end, I narrowed it down to five top-performing chokes, each with its own strengths depending on your use case.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best Chokes for Turkey Hunting
Best chokes for turkey hunting
Best overall Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Tube |  |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best versatile Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube |  |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best for dense patterns Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder Turkey Choke Tube |  |
| See Price |
Best for long-range Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube |  |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best budget Primos Tightwad |  |
| Buy on Amazon |
Best chokes for turkey hunting Specifications
Below is a table of the specs for the best chokes for turkey hunting.
| Chokes | Material | Gauge | Recommended Shots | Extended/Flush |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Tube | Stainless steel | 12, 20, .410 | Most shots used for turkey. Optimized for TSS Turkey Loads (#7 to #9) | Extended |
| Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube | Stainless steel | 10, 12, 20, 28, .410 | All lead and hybrid heavy loads with shot sizes from #2 to #10 | Extended |
| Kick's Gobblin' Thunder Turkey Choke Tube | Stainless steel | 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Lead shots only | Extended |
| Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube | Stainless steel | 12, 20 | Non-toxic shots as well as lead | Extended |
| Primos Tightwad | Chrome alloy steel | 12, 20 | Lead, copper-plated lead, and Hevi-Shot | Extended |
Best chokes for turkey hunting
Here is our list for the best choke tubes for turkey hunting:
- Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Tube
- Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube
- Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder Turkey Choke Tube
- Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube
- Primos Tightwad Choke Tube
Best Products – Reviews
I’ve categorized the chokes considering their best use case, and if you look at them with your needs in mind, you might just be able to pin down the right choke for you.
Best overall Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Tube
- Effectiveness A+
- Durability A+
- Ease of use A+
- Value A+
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Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Tube Specs
- Material Stainless steel
- Gauge 12, 20, .410
- Recommended shots Most shots used for turkey. Optimized for TSS Turkey Loads (#7 to #9)
- Extended/flush Extended
Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Tube Review
Carlson’s has made it to my lists of the best chokes for duck hunting and buckshot because of their excellent performance. Their TSS Turkey Choke Tube is no different–out of all the chokes I tested, this choke did great in all of my grading criteria.
They made the choke of corrosion-resistant stainless steel. I can vouch for Carlson’s statement about their chokes having excellent longevity and resistance to the elements, as I have some that I bought years ago.
I tested this choke with my Beretta/Benelli Mobil and TSS loads because it was the recommended shot. The manual said it gives tight patterns at 50 yards, so I started with the furthest target and what do you know, I got over 200 pellets in the kill zone. I set up another target at the 65-yard mark just for the fun of it, and the choke surprised me in the best way possible. I got a little over 100 pellets in the kill zone, which is still dense enough to knock down a gobbler. So, to say this choke exceeded my expectations is actually an understatement.
The Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke is easy to use as well; it’s an extended choke with a knurled end for better grip, so you can simply screw it into the muzzle of your shotgun without having to use a tool. This is great because I would want to swap chokes out in the woods if I want to shoot close or mid-range.
My friend picked this as his favorite as well, and I can see why. He’s a scattergun enthusiast, which means he goes for small sub-gauge guns at .410 and the Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke fits his gun like a glove.
They optimize the choke for TSS but you can shoot almost any shot type, including lead, copper, nickel, bismuth, and Hevi-Shot. I tested the choke with copper shots, bismuth, and Hevi-Shot and can confirm they deliver consistently tight patterns at 50 yards. You can’t shoot steel shot with this choke though, so if your go-to load is steel, you might need to get used to another type of load to use this choke.
Overall, the choke is an excellent performer, and I’d even say it over-delivers for the price tag of around $60. This sounds like I’m singing praises, but when you get dense patterns at 65 yards consistently from a choke that’s super easy to use and lasts long, you’ve got to give the credit where it’s due.
Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Tube Pros and Cons
- Excellent patterns
- High-density shots
- Provides a maximum range
- Suitable for smaller sub-gauge scatterguns like the .410
- Can’t be used with steel shots
Best versatile Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube
- Effectiveness A+
- Durability A
- Ease of use A+
- Value A
Our Grade
A+
Reader’s Grade
A+
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Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube Specs
- Material Stainless steel
- Gauge 10, 12, 20, 28, .410
- Recommended shots All lead and hybrid heavy loads with shot sizes from #2 to #10
- Extended/flush Extended
Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube Review
The Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube is an improved cylinder (IC) choke with outstanding performance. It landed on the list as my best versatile pick because it comes in many gauges and shoots all types of lead and hybrid shots.
This almost became the best overall pick, but I was super impressed by the range in Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke, which was pretty much ideal for turkey hunting. This doesn’t mean the Black Diamond Choke doesn’t have range though. It lands tight patterns from 25 yards upwards to 40 yards and that’s pretty impressive for a choke with IC constriction. My buddy who went back to the woods armed with a new turkey choke said the Black Diamond Choke helped him land a clean shot in the woods from 60 yards away. This is a huge increase from the range I got. My guess is his combo of Mossberg 985 plus TSS ammo with the 20 gauge choke worked out great. That goes to show why it’s a good practice to pattern your shotguns with the choke to figure out the most effective combo.
The Black Diamond Choke comes in 5 gauges–10,12, 20, 28, .410–and you can go for any gauge you prefer depending on the pattern density you want. I went for the 12 gauge choke so I could pair it up with my Beretta/Benelli Mobil for tight and pretty consistent patterns at 40 yards. If you’re planning to shoot a little closer, I suggest going for a 20 gauge shotgun along with the choke for the most effective pattern. Because up close, less dense patterns help you deliver a clean kill shot without damaging the quarry too much.
As for the shots, this choke works with all lead and hybrid loads and makes my life easy because I don’t have to spend time trying to find the right shot. Shot sizes are pretty diverse as well because it shoots from #2 through #10, which is even more shot size range than on my best overall pick.
For me, what seals the deal for the Black Diamond Choke as the best versatile is the fact that it comes in different threading to fit many popular shotgun models like Remington 870, Remington Pro Bore, Beretta Optima, Benelli Crio, Browning Invector, Beretta/Benelli Mobile, Mossberg, Winchester, and more.
So for a choke that comes with a lot of range in load types, shot sizes, gauges, and threading, I’m not surprised it retails at around $90. It may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a budget purchase. However, if you do get the right Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube for your shotgun, it can make your turkey hunting setup much more effective.
Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube Pros and Cons
- Comes in many gauges
- Shoots all lead and hybrid turkey loads
- Compatible with many popular guns
- Expensive
Best for dense patterns Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder Turkey Choke Tube
- Effectiveness A
- Durability A
- Ease of use A
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 1 Reviews
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Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder Turkey Choke Tube Specs
- Material Stainless steel
- Gauge 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, .410
- Recommended shots Lead shots only
- Extended/flush Extended
Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder Turkey Choke Tube Review
If you’re looking to land consistently dense patterns, Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder Turkey Choke Tube is your best bet. It’s a stainless steel ported choke that’s constricted like an IC choke, so it patterns great at 40 yards right out of the box.
The Gobblin’ Thunder Choke is available for many gauges including 12, 10, 20, 16, 28, and .410 which makes it easy to go for the turkey hunting setup you prefer with the shotgun you own.
I tested the choke with my Remington 870 and Benelli Supernova to see if it performs well in both guns. Let me tell you, those patterns were some of the densest I’ve hit with an IC choke in a long time. I used Hevi-Shot as the load in both and the Remington 870 plus the Gobblin’ Thunder Choke combo gave me nearly 400 pellets on target. The Benelli Supernova and the choke pair produced 250+ pellets on target. I think it would be a safe bet to say that the choke can deliver kill shots at even further distances.
The best part about the patterns was that they remained consistent over an entire morning of me switching the shotgun and shooting different distances. I blew out the nearest paper target at 20 yards after a few shots because of how dense the pattern was. So I’d say you probably shouldn’t shoot at close range with the Gobblin’ Thunder Choke because you could end up with more pellets in the bird than meat.
The choke is easy to use as well, because of its design; around 1.3 inches of the choke extends out of the muzzle and makes it easy to insert or remove it and swap it out quickly in the bush. They also ported the choke with angled holes in the body and this design helps reduce the recoil and muzzle jump, making your follow-up shots super fast.
The only issue I have with it is that the shot type is limited. This choke handles only lead shots, and if your state doesn’t allow the use of lead shots, it’s going to put a big damper on your turkey hunting plans with the Gobblin’ Thunder Choke.
If you can use lead shot though, this choke can give you consistently dense patterns at 40 yards and out–all you have to do is figure out the best gauge and gun for your needs.
Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder Turkey Choke Tube Pros and Cons
- Wide range of shotgun gauges
- Reduced recoil
- Tight and consistent patterns
- Limited shot options
Best for long range Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube
- Effectiveness A+
- Durability A+
- Ease of use B+
- Value A-
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 1 Reviews
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Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube Specs
- Material Stainless steel
- Gauge 12, 20
- Recommended shots Non-toxic shots and lead
- Extended/flush Extended
Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube Review
If you want a choke tube to up your long-range turkey hunting game, the Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube is where it’s at. With this choke, you can get consistently tight patterns and can effectively reach ranges from 40 to 65 yards.
I tested the choke with my Benelli 20 ga. Nova Pump over a day, and I got super tight patterns at 40, 50, and 65-yard marks, hitting over 150 pellets at the last target, which is certainly enough pellets to knock down a gobbler. I think this speaks a lot about how the choke doesn’t lose pattern density over distance.
One of the main reasons for its performance is the design. The Patternmaster’s patented Coil Zone Gas Over Constriction technology helps stabilize the wad (the compartment separating the pellets from the gunpowder) during firing. This gives you consistently tight patterns and slowing down the pellet spread at all distances.
Patternmaster has also added their patented stud ring inside the tube that can briefly stop the wad while allowing the shot to continue. This millisecond pause shortens the shot string (distance between the first pellet out of the muzzle and the last) by about 80%, giving you amazing accuracy. They’ve crafted it from top-notch aircraft-quality 17-4ph stainless steel, so it can last you a while. Plus, it’s coated with a military-spec Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC), giving it extra protection and durability.
Installing the Anaconda Striker Choke extension is a breeze, thanks to the grooved black oxidized end that allows for easy setup without requiring any tool. This comes in handy in the field because you don’t want to spend too much time swapping chokes if your target is strutting away. The choke isn’t ported though, so you should expect some muzzle jump when you shoot. If you’re someone who works well with minimal muzzle jump and needs quick follow-up shots, the Anaconda Striker Choke might not be for you.
You can’t shoot steel shots or slugs with this choke, but I don’t think the latter is a big issue because you aren’t going turkey hunting with slugs. It’s also a good idea to stick with ammo that has velocities lower than 1550 FPS for the best results, as higher velocities can overpower the choke.
All in all, I can say that the Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube is the best for long-range turkey hunting because its long-range accuracy with high pattern consistency is the most reliable I’ve seen so far in a turkey choke.
Patternmaster Anaconda Striker Choke Tube Pros and Cons
- Durability
- Consistent patterns
- Accuracy
- Not to be used with steel shots
- No mechanism to reduce muzzle jump
Best budget Primos Tightwad Choke Tube
- Effectiveness A
- Durability A
- Ease of use B+
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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Primos Tightwad Choke Tube Specs
- Material Chrome alloy steel
- Gauge 12, 20
- Recommended shots Lead, copper-plated lead, and Hevi-Shot
- Extended/flush Extended
Primos Tightwad Choke Tube Review
My best budget pick goes to Primos Tightwad because it performs just as well as (and sometimes better than) some average priced chokes at the incredibly low price of around $30.
I honestly wasn’t expecting a lot out of the choke because of the low price tag. However, I realized I judged the Primos Tightwad way too harsh because it downed two gobblers in two days when I took it out this season.
I’ve been using this mostly with my Remington 870 and was blown away by the patterns; this gives me evenly distributed, tight, and neat patterns than most average-priced chokes I’ve tried. Almost all my patterns had nearly 150 pellets inside a 30-inch circle at 40 yards and that’s excellent performance for the price. I’ve also tried this with my Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend at 40 yards and 65 yards and can tell you for sure the Primos Tightwad is highly reliable when you increase your shooting range. This makes it a great option in the woods because the further away you are from the bird, there’s less chance it’ll spot you and get startled.
The Primos Tightwad is an extended choke and has a knurled end to install and remove without a hassle or any tools. Another plus is that this choke is ported, so it reduces the recoil and lets you follow-up with another shot pretty quickly. If you didn’t land a kill shot the first time, you can deliver the second shot fast enough without letting the gobbler take off from your view.
They made this choke from chrome alloy steel, and while the durability is top-notch when it comes to alloy steel, there’s a high chance of rusting if the chrome plating is damaged somehow. You’ll need to take extra care when handling this choke to make sure it doesn’t get dropped, scratched, or exposed to the elements too much.
One thing you might need to keep an eye on is the threading; I noticed the choke tube loosens up sometimes so I have to check its tightness from time to time just to make sure it’s properly in place. While it was a hassle to constantly check on it, the choke costs so much lower than the average price for a choke ($65-$70) that it just might have taken the convenience off the table. Plus, I’ve had a friend say the threading on his choke didn’t fit with the barrel of his shotgun, so you might have to double check that too.
Still, performance-wise, I can confidently recommend the Primos Tightwad for a functional choke that doesn’t break the bank. It’s very much worth the price and you can pair this choke with your everyday shotgun for a great turkey hunt.
Primos Tightwad Choke Tube Pros and Cons
- Long-range shooting
- Ported to reduce recoil
- Budget-friendly
- Knurled end for easy in and out
- Threading may loosen up
- Likely to rust
Turkey Choke Buyer’s Guide
Turkey chokes work best with the most compatible gun and shots, and finding a good choke that Finding the right turkey choke for your setup can be tricky. The best choke depends on your shotgun, the ammo you’re using, and your preferred hunting style.
This guide breaks down the key factors to help you make the right call.
Constriction and Range
Choke constriction directly impacts how far and how tightly your pellets spread. Since most turkeys are taken between 40 and 70 yards, a full or extra full choke will usually give you the dense pattern you need. For closer shots under 35 yards, an improved choke with less constriction can still be effective.
Shotgun Compatibility
Not every choke fits every shotgun. Always match the choke’s threading to your specific shotgun model to avoid compatibility issues. Check the manufacturer’s specs before you buy.
Shotshell Selection
TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads are a top pick among turkey hunters for their tight, effective patterns. Other types of shot can work too, depending on your gun, but always make sure lead is legal in your area before using it.
Gauge Size
The choke must match your shotgun’s gauge. If you’re shooting a 12-gauge, use a 12-gauge choke. The most common gauges for turkey hunting are 12 and 20, since they deliver the right balance of power and range.
Ease of Use
Some chokes are easier to swap out in the field than others. Extended chokes with knurled ends or threads make it simple to switch between patterns without tools. Ported chokes can help reduce recoil, and low-glare finishes can prevent sunlight from giving away your position.
Price
If you’re new to turkey hunting, budget-friendly chokes are a great starting point. They let you experiment and learn what works best for your gear. If you decide to upgrade, look for options with proven durability and consistent performance.
Manufacturer Guidelines
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe and effective use. Check which shot types are approved, what gauge sizes the choke supports, and how to properly clean and store it. A little maintenance goes a long way in preventing rust, cracks, or barrel damage.
Buying the right turkey choke isn’t just about cost or brand—it’s about finding the best match for your shotgun and hunting goals. Take the time to get it right, and you’ll see the payoff in tighter patterns and cleaner shots.
FAQs
A full choke is one of the best options for turkey hunting. It provides the constriction needed to keep your pellets tightly grouped between 40 and 70 yards. Pair it with shot sizes #4, #5, or #6 for an effective and ethical takedown. These shot sizes offer the right balance of density and penetration.
Yes, turkey chokes are worth the investment if you hunt regularly. They are designed to deliver tighter, more effective patterns than standard full chokes. While they may require some trial and error to find the right setup, they can significantly improve your performance in the field. For occasional hunters, a basic full choke can work, but it won’t match the precision of a dedicated turkey choke.
Both have their benefits. #4 shot has fewer but larger and heavier pellets, which deliver strong knockdown power even with fewer hits. #5 shot is smaller but offers more pellets per shell, resulting in better pattern density. Many hunters prefer #5 for its balance of power and spread, especially at mid-range distances.
Not exactly. A full choke is commonly used for turkey hunting, but a turkey choke is typically more specialized. Turkey chokes often have tighter constriction than a standard full choke, giving you denser patterns at longer ranges. Some hunters also use extra full or even super full chokes depending on their preferred range and shot type.
Most turkey shots are taken around 40 yards. Shooting beyond that is possible with the right choke and ammo, but your margin for error increases. Closer than 20 yards isn’t ideal either, since the shot pattern may be too tight and risk overkill. Aim for the 30 to 40-yard range for best results.
No. While TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) is incredibly effective, not all chokes are rated for use with tungsten. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using TSS to avoid damaging your choke or shotgun.
For most 12-gauge setups, a full or extra full choke gives great results. If you’re using TSS loads, look for chokes specifically designed to handle tungsten and maximize pattern density. Options like the Carlson’s Long Beard XR or Indian Creek Black Diamond are solid performers in this category.
Not usually. Waterfowl chokes tend to prioritize wider spreads and steel shot compatibility, while turkey chokes are built for tight patterns at longer ranges. If you want one choke for both, look for a versatile extended choke designed for multiple uses, but know it may be a compromise on both ends.
Wrapping Up Turkey Chokes
There’s no one-size-fits-all turkey choke, but the right combination of shotgun, shotshell, and choke can make a big difference in your hunting success.
Take the time to test a few setups before the season starts. Shoot at different distances, track your patterns, and figure out what works best for you. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of dropping that gobbler clean.
Happy hunting.
About Dave Chesson
Dave Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATF and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use. You can find him on LinkedIn here.
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