Finding the right turkey choke for your Mossberg 935 can significantly impact your hunting success. The wrong choke can lead to inconsistent patterns and missed shots, while the right one delivers tight, effective patterns for clean kills. This guide dives deep into choosing the best turkey choke for your Mossberg 935, considering factors like shot size, distance, and hunting style.
Understanding Turkey Chokes and the Mossberg 935
The Mossberg 935 is a popular semi-automatic shotgun known for its reliability and performance. However, even the best gun needs the right choke to maximize its potential for turkey hunting. A choke tube restricts the diameter of the barrel, influencing the shot pattern. Turkey chokes are specifically designed to create tight patterns at relatively short ranges, vital for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
Types of Turkey Chokes
Several types of turkey chokes exist, each impacting the shot pattern differently:
- Extra Full: This offers the tightest pattern, ideal for longer ranges (40+ yards) but potentially reducing shot density at closer ranges. It’s best suited for experienced turkey hunters who consistently make accurate shots.
- Full: A popular all-around choice, providing a good balance of pattern density and range (30-40 yards). Many hunters find this a sweet spot for most turkey hunting scenarios.
- Improved Cylinder: This offers a wider pattern, often favored for close-range shots or when hunting in dense cover where a tighter pattern could be problematic. However, it lacks the long-range performance of tighter chokes.
The best choice depends on your individual hunting style and preferred shooting distance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Choke
Several factors influence your choke choice beyond the simple "extra full," "full," or "improved cylinder" designations:
- Shot Size: The shot size (e.g., #4, #5, #6) interacts with the choke's constriction. A tighter choke with larger shot can lead to overly tight patterns, while a looser choke with smaller shot might produce too wide a pattern. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal combination.
- Hunting Conditions: Open fields call for different chokes than dense woods. Open areas might benefit from a tighter choke for longer shots, while denser areas need a wider pattern to ensure a sufficient shot spread.
- Shooting Distance: Your typical shooting distance greatly influences your choke choice. Longer shots necessitate tighter chokes, while shorter distances allow for looser ones.
Top Choke Recommendations for Mossberg 935
While numerous brands offer chokes for the Mossberg 935, several consistently receive high praise from turkey hunters:
1. Carlson's Choke Tubes: Carlson's is a well-respected brand known for its quality and performance. They offer various chokes specifically designed for turkey hunting, including extra full, full, and improved cylinder options. Many hunters report excellent pattern consistency and effective kill ranges with Carlson's chokes.
2. Comp-N-Choke: Comp-N-Choke is another popular brand, recognized for its innovative designs and consistent performance. Their turkey chokes often feature unique designs aimed at optimizing shot patterns for specific shot sizes and distances.
3. Primos Hunting Chokes: Primos is a well-known brand in the hunting industry, offering chokes specifically tailored to turkey hunting. Their chokes are often praised for their durability and consistent performance.
Remember: Always consult the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations for your specific Mossberg 935 model before purchasing and installing a choke tube. Incorrect installation can lead to damage or malfunction.
Pattern Testing: The Key to Success
Regardless of the choke you choose, pattern testing is crucial. This involves shooting your shotgun at various distances with different chokes and shot sizes to determine the optimal combination for your specific firearm. This process ensures you understand your gun's capabilities and maximize your chances of a successful hunt.
How to Pattern Test:
- Secure a safe location: Find a large, open area where you can safely shoot.
- Use a target: A large sheet of paper or cardboard will do.
- Consistent distance: Maintain a consistent distance between yourself and the target.
- Record your results: Note the choke used, shot size, distance, and pattern density.
By systematically testing various combinations, you can pinpoint the best choke for your Mossberg 935 and hunting style.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Match
Selecting the best turkey choke for your Mossberg 935 is a personal journey. It requires understanding the different choke types, considering hunting conditions, and most importantly, conducting thorough pattern testing. By investing time in this process, you'll significantly improve your accuracy and increase your chances of a successful turkey hunt. Remember to prioritize safety, always follow manufacturer instructions, and enjoy the pursuit!