The Remington 870: A Legacy of Reliability
The crisp morning air bites at your exposed skin, a whisper of wind rustling through the pre-dawn woods. You settle into your blind, adrenaline coursing through your veins. The anticipation builds – the hope of hearing that gobble, the sight of a magnificent tom strutting into your shooting lane. Success in turkey hunting demands skill, patience, and the right equipment. And for many hunters, the Remington 870 20 gauge is the trusted shotgun of choice, a reliable companion for bagging that elusive bird. However, the key to unlocking the full potential of your 20 gauge, especially when targeting wily turkeys, is choosing the right turkey choke. This article is dedicated to guiding you through the crucial aspects of selecting the perfect turkey choke for your Remington 870 20 gauge, ultimately boosting your odds of a successful and rewarding turkey hunt.
Before diving into chokes, let’s appreciate the weapon at the heart of this discussion: the Remington 870. This pump-action shotgun is a true American icon. Its rugged design, consistent performance, and ease of maintenance have earned it a place in the hands of hunters, law enforcement, and civilians alike. The Remington 870 20 gauge is especially popular, offering a combination of manageable recoil and effective range, making it ideal for various hunting scenarios, including turkey hunting. Its reliability in the field is legendary, a quality that hunters value immensely when the pressure is on.
The Benefits of the 20 Gauge for Turkey Hunting
The 20-gauge platform provides a compelling advantage in the turkey woods. First, the recoil is significantly lighter than its larger 12-gauge counterpart, which can improve follow-up shots and overall shooting comfort. This is particularly beneficial for younger or smaller-statured hunters. Second, the 20 gauge is often lighter and more maneuverable. This can be a big plus when navigating dense underbrush, hiking long distances, or stalking through challenging terrain. Third, a well-chosen 20-gauge load can deliver a devastating blow at ranges effective for turkey hunting. It offers the right balance for a variety of hunters. The key to its effectiveness, though, lies in the choke and ammunition selection.
Why a Turkey Choke is Non-Negotiable
Let’s talk about the central role of a turkey choke. A choke is a constriction at the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel that controls the spread of the shot pellets. Think of it as a nozzle that shapes the spray of the shot. The tighter the choke, the more focused the pattern. This focused pattern is crucial for turkey hunting. Turkeys have a relatively small vital area – the head and neck – and require a dense pattern of pellets to ensure a clean, ethical kill. A standard choke, such as modified or improved cylinder, will spread the shot too widely at the ranges typically engaged during turkey hunts. A turkey choke is designed to produce a tighter pattern, maximizing the number of pellets that strike the target at the desired distance, usually out to forty yards and sometimes beyond. Without a dedicated turkey choke, you’re essentially handicapping your shotgun’s performance and significantly reducing your chances of success. A quality turkey choke is a must-have accessory for anyone serious about turkey hunting with their Remington 870 20 gauge.
Important Safety Notes Before You Begin
Before we delve into the world of chokes, a quick reminder: safety first. Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Be absolutely certain of your target and what lies beyond. Wear appropriate eye and ear protection when shooting. Familiarize yourself with your local hunting regulations, including seasons, bag limits, and legal shooting hours. These regulations are vital for ensuring your safety, the safety of others, and the conservation of wildlife.
Understanding Choke Types and Construction
Choosing the correct turkey choke involves understanding different choke types. Choke designations refer to the degree of constriction at the muzzle.
Full Choke
Full chokes offer a tighter constriction than modified chokes, producing a pattern that is generally more dense. They’re a good starting point but may not offer the extreme pattern density of a dedicated turkey choke. Their effectiveness often extends beyond thirty yards.
Extra Full Choke
These chokes feature even tighter constriction than full chokes. They offer a tighter pattern downrange, suitable for slightly longer shots. They’re good for those looking to extend their range.
Turkey Chokes
Turkey chokes are specially designed for maximum pattern density. They often feature specialized porting, rifling, or other design elements to further concentrate the shot. They are the top pick when you want a very tight pattern at extended ranges. The primary goal is to keep as many pellets within a small circle to inflict as much damage as possible on the vital areas of the turkey.
Construction Materials
Chokes are made from several different materials, with stainless steel being a common choice for quality turkey chokes. Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Other materials may include carbon steel. Consider material choice as another attribute.
Matching the Choke to Your Remington 870 20 Gauge
Ensuring the correct choke fit for your Remington 870 20 gauge is critical.
Thread Pattern Compatibility
The Remington 870 uses a specific thread pattern for its chokes, usually “Rem-Choke” or a variant. Before purchasing a choke, confirm the thread pattern of your barrel. This information is usually stamped on the barrel or available in the owner’s manual. You cannot simply screw in any choke.
Barrel Length Influence
While not as critical as choke choice, barrel length can influence performance. Longer barrels might offer slightly more consistent patterns, but shorter barrels are easier to handle in tight spaces.
Ammunition Matters
The type of ammunition you select has a huge impact on how effective the combination of your Remington 870 20 gauge and turkey choke will be.
Shot Size Selection
A popular shot size for turkey hunting with the 20 gauge is #5 or #6 shot. These sizes offer a good balance of pellet count and penetration power. Always adhere to local and federal regulations on legal shot sizes.
Shell Type Considerations
High-performance turkey loads utilize heavier-than-lead shot, such as tungsten or bismuth. These loads offer superior density and impact energy compared to lead shot, resulting in tighter patterns and increased range. They are often more expensive, but the added performance can be worth the cost.
Budgetary Considerations
Turkey chokes vary in price. Expect to invest between thirty and one hundred dollars for a quality choke. While a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better performance, paying more often gets you better materials and manufacturing, which can translate into superior pattern density and durability.
Top Turkey Choke Recommendations for the Remington 870 20 Gauge
Here are some recommendations, based on reputation and user reviews. Remember, your gun and load combination will ultimately dictate the best choke for you. The best way to find out for sure is to go out and pattern your shotgun with your setup.
Brand A:
Model Example: The “Super Turkey” Choke
Features: This turkey choke is constructed of hardened steel and designed for extreme pattern density. Its design focuses on delivering a very tight pattern out to longer distances.
Benefits: Proven performance, excellent pellet distribution, and robust construction.
Shot Pattern Results: Often reported to produce very tight patterns at forty yards and beyond, making it ideal for longer shots.
Brand B:
Model Example: “Magnum X” Choke
Features: This choke features a ported design to help reduce recoil and muzzle jump. The constriction is finely tuned for maximum pattern density.
Benefits: Reduced recoil, and typically produces a tight and reliable shot pattern.
Shot Pattern Results: Can deliver excellent patterns, particularly when paired with high-performance turkey loads.
Brand C:
Model Example: The “Ultimate Turkey” Choke
Features: This turkey choke is specifically designed to work with premium tungsten and bismuth loads, ensuring maximum pattern density and effective range.
Benefits: Exceptional patterns with premium ammunition, reliable performance.
Shot Pattern Results: Often produces excellent patterns, making it a great option for maximizing the 20-gauge’s potential.
When choosing, assess the features and pattern results. Consider the types of shots you intend to take, and consider the ammunition you intend to use. Always check to see the choke is compatible with the material your ammunition is made from.
Patterning Your Remington 870 20 Gauge
Patterning your shotgun is the most critical step in achieving turkey hunting success. It helps you determine the point of impact, the density of your shot pattern, and ultimately the effective range of your chosen turkey choke and ammunition combination. Don’t skip this step!
The Importance of Patterning
Patterning tells you exactly how your gun, choke, and ammunition perform together. It allows you to fine-tune your setup and optimize your chances of hitting the target, whether the target is a paper pattern or a wild turkey.
Patterning Steps:
Choose a Safe Location: Select a safe range free from obstructions and cross-range fire. Ensure there is a secure backstop. A designated shooting range is preferable.
Target and Distance: Use large paper targets, ideally a sheet of paper or a large cardboard box. Start by patterning at twenty yards, then move to thirty and forty yards.
Shooting Procedure: Securely mount your target. Aim at the center and fire a shot. Repeat this several times to get an average.
Pattern Evaluation: After firing, examine the shot pattern on your target. Count the number of pellets within a thirty-inch circle centered on the point of aim. Evaluate pattern evenness. A good pattern is dense, with pellets distributed relatively evenly across the target. Assess the point of impact; is your shot hitting where you’re aiming?
Adjusting Your Setup
If you are not satisfied with your patterns, experiment with different turkey chokes and loads. If you are consistently shooting high, low, or off to the side, you might consider adjusting your gun fit, or the use of shims to improve your accuracy.
Conclusion: Maximize your Hunt
Selecting the right turkey choke for your Remington 870 20 gauge is essential for a successful turkey hunt. Remember to consider choke type, construction, compatibility, and ammunition selection. Pattern your shotgun to fine-tune your setup. The key to success lies in the details: taking the time to test, adapt, and refine your setup. By pairing your trusty Remington 870 20 gauge with the right turkey choke, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenge.
Get out there and enjoy the hunt!
