Duck hunting is a popular sport that requires precision, patience, and the right equipment.
One of the most critical components of this equipment is the choke. The choke is a device attached to the end of a shotgun barrel that shapes the spread of the shot to improve accuracy and range.
In this article, we will explore the best chokes for duck hunting in 2023, providing insights into different types of chokes, how to choose the best one for your needs, and reviews of the top products on the market.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What are the four primary types of chokes?
Chokes come in four primary types: cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, and full.
Cylinder Choke:
This type has no constriction and is best for short-range shooting within 20 yards. It’s ideal for shooting in tight spaces like dense forests.
Improved Cylinder Choke:
With a slight constriction, this choke is suitable for a range of 20-30 yards. It’s a versatile choice for different hunting scenarios.
Modified Choke:
This choke has moderate constriction and is suitable for medium-range shooting (30-40 yards). It’s a popular choice for duck hunting.
Full Choke:
The full choke has the tightest constriction and is best for long-range shooting beyond 40 yards. It’s ideal for experienced hunters aiming for high-flying waterfowl.
How to choose the best Choke for Duck Hunting
Choosing the best choke for duck hunting depends on several factors, including the type of shotgun you’re using, the range at which you’ll be shooting, the type of ammunition you’re using, and your personal shooting style.
For close-range shooting in dense areas, a cylinder or improved cylinder choke would be best. For medium-range shooting, a modified choke is typically the best choice. For long-range shooting, a full choke would be ideal.
It’s also important to consider the type of ammunition you’ll be using. Some chokes are designed to work best with specific types of shot (like steel or lead), so be sure to choose a choke that’s compatible with your preferred ammunition.
Why does it Matter?
The right choke can significantly improve your shooting accuracy and range, making your hunting trips more successful. A choke that’s too tight can cause the shot to spread too narrowly, making it difficult to hit targets at close range.
On the other hand, a choke that’s too loose can cause the shot to spread too widely, reducing your effective range and making it harder to hit targets at a distance.
By choosing the right choke for your needs, you can optimize your shooting performance and increase your chances of bagging a duck.
Things to Consider When Buying a Choke Tube
When buying a choke tube, there are several factors to consider:
Shooting Distance:
The distance at which you’ll be shooting is one of the most important factors to consider. If you’ll be shooting at close range, a cylinder or improved cylinder choke would be best.
For medium-range shooting, a modified choke would be ideal. For long-range shooting, a full choke would be the best choice.
Constriction:
The constriction of the choke affects the spread of the shot. A tighter constriction results in a narrower spread, which is ideal for long-range shooting. A looser constriction results in a wider spread, which is better for close-range shooting.
Extended Tube versus Flush Tube:
Extended choke tubes protrude from the end of the barrel, while flush tubes do not. Extended tubes are easier to change and often offer better performance, but they can also be more prone to damage.
Other Variables:
Other factors to consider include the type of shotgun you’re using, the type of ammunition you’ll be using, and your personal shooting style. Different shotguns and types of ammunition may require different chokes, and your shooting style may also influence which choke is best for you.
Best Chokes for Duck Hunting: Reviews & Recommendations
Here are some of the best chokes for duck hunting in 2023:
Best Overall: Mojo Outdoors Fatal Choke
This choke is designed to deliver superior performance with all types of shot. It’s made from high-quality stainless steel for durability and features a patented double-knurl system for easy installation and removal.
The Mojo Outdoors Fatal Choke offers a consistent shot pattern and excellent range, making it a versatile choice for any duck hunting scenario.
Best Budget/Value: Hevi-Shot Hevi-Chokes
These chokes offer excellent value for money. They’re designed to deliver tight, consistent patterns with Hevi-Shot ammunition, but they also work well with other types of shots.
The Hevi-Shot Hevi-Chokes are made from high-quality steel for durability and feature a simple design for easy installation and removal.
Best 20 Gauge: PatternMaster Code Black Duck 20 Gauge
This choke is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns. It features a patented stud ring design that shortens the shot string for improved performance.
The PatternMaster Code Black Duck 20 Gauge choke is made from heat-treated stainless steel for durability and offers a tight, consistent pattern for effective long-range shooting.
Best Long Range: Carlson’s Cremator Two-Choke Set
This set includes two chokes (mid-range and long-range) that are designed for long-range shooting. They’re made from 17-4 stainless steel and feature a triple shot technology that reduces pellet deformation, shortened shot string, and fewer flyers.
The Carlson’s Cremator chokes offer excellent performance with all types of shots and are a great choice for experienced hunters.
TRUGLO – Titan Adjustable Choke
This choke offers the unique feature of adjustability, allowing you to change the constriction without changing the choke. It’s made from high-quality steel for durability and features a special coating to reduce glare.
The TRUGLO Titan Adjustable Choke offers excellent performance with all types of shots and is a versatile choice for any duck hunting scenario.
Briley Chokes – 360 Click Quick Change Choke System
This choke system is designed for quick and easy changes. With only one single turn needed to install or remove a choke, it’s a great choice for hunters who need to adjust their setup quickly.
The Briley 360 Click chokes are made from aircraft-quality stainless steel for durability and offer excellent performance with all types of shots.
Kick’s Industries – High Flyer Choke Tube
This choke is designed for use with Hevi-Shot, steel, or lead. It features a unique conical/parallel internal design and outward-angled diagonal ports that improve pattern density by up to 20%.
The Kick’s High Flyer Choke Tube is made from high-quality stainless steel for durability and offers excellent performance for a variety of hunting scenarios.
Trulock – Super Waterfowl Chokes
These chokes are designed to deliver devastating patterns with all types of shots. They’re made from high-quality steel for durability and feature a special coating to reduce glare.
The Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes offer excellent performance for a variety of hunting scenarios.
Carlson’s – Bismuth Bone Buster
This choke is designed to produce excellent, dense patterns with all Bismuth ammunition. It’s made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel and features a longer parallel section inside the choke over conventional factory choke tubes.
The Bismuth Bone Buster choke delivers devastating patterns with Bismuth and can be used with all lead and Hevi-Shot loads.
Benelli – Crio Chokes
These chokes are designed for Benelli shotguns with the Crio-Crio Plus system. They’re made from high-quality steel for durability and offer excellent performance with all types of shots.
The Benelli Crio Chokes are a great choice for hunters who use Benelli shotguns.
Is a full choke good for duck hunting?
A full choke can be a good choice for duck hunting, especially for long-range shooting. It has the tightest constriction and delivers a narrow, dense shot pattern, making it ideal for high-flying waterfowl.
However, a full choke may not be the best choice for close-range shooting or for hunters who are new to the sport, as it requires a high level of accuracy.
Can you shoot steel shot through a full choke?
Yes, you can shoot steel shots through a full choke. However, it’s important to note that steel shot does not compress like a lead shot, so it can produce tighter patterns. This means that a full choke with a steel shot can deliver a very tight pattern, which may not be ideal for all hunting scenarios.
Full or Modified Choke for Duck Hunting?
The choice between a full choke and a modified choke for duck hunting largely depends on the range at which you’ll be shooting. A full choke is best for long-range shooting, while a modified choke is better for medium-range shooting.
What is the best choke for duck hunting?
The best choke for duck hunting depends on your specific needs and circumstances. However, a modified choke is often a good choice because it offers a balance between range and shot spread, making it versatile for different hunting scenarios.
Tips for Using a Full Choke for Duck Hunting
When using a full choke for duck hunting, it’s important to aim carefully, as the tight shot pattern requires a high level of accuracy. It’s also a good idea to practice with your full choke before going hunting to get a feel for its performance. .
Bottom Line: A Full Choke Isn’t Good for Ducks
While a full choke can be effective for long-range shooting, it may not be the best choice for duck hunting, especially for beginners or for close-range shooting.
A modified choke is often a better choice for duck hunting, as it offers a balance between range and shot spread.
FAQs
What is a shotgun choke?
A shotgun choke is a device attached to the end of a shotgun barrel that shapes the spread of the shot to improve accuracy and range.
Do I need a choke for duck hunting?
Yes, a choke can significantly improve your shooting accuracy and range, making it a critical piece of equipment for duck hunting.
What size steel shot is best for duck hunting?
The best size of steel shot for duck hunting depends on the type of ducks you’re hunting and the range at which you’ll be shooting. However, sizes 2, 3, and 4 are commonly used for duck hunting.
There are notches on my choke tubes. What do they mean?
The notches on a choke tube indicate the constriction of the choke. More notches typically mean a looser constriction, while fewer notches indicate a tighter constriction.
Is an Expensive Choke Worth the Money?
An expensive choke can offer better performance and durability than a cheaper one. However, the best choke for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
Best Chokes for Duck Hunting: Final Thoughts
Choosing the right choke for duck hunting can significantly improve your shooting performance.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, it’s important to choose a choke that matches your shooting style, the type of shotgun and ammunition you’re using, and the range at which you’ll be shooting.
By considering these factors and reviewing the top products on the market, you can find the best choke for your needs.