Choosing the right turkey choke for your Benelli M2 is crucial for a successful hunt. A poorly chosen choke can mean the difference between a clean kill and a missed opportunity. This guide will walk you through the factors to consider when selecting the best choke for your needs, ensuring you're ready for the next turkey season.
Understanding Turkey Choke Tubes
Before diving into specific choke options, let's understand the basics. Turkey hunting requires a tight pattern at relatively close ranges (often under 40 yards). This necessitates a choke tube that constricts the shot pattern significantly more than those used for other game like ducks or geese. Your Benelli M2, known for its reliability and versatility, benefits greatly from the right choke tube selection to maximize your effectiveness.
Key Factors to Consider
Several factors influence your choice of turkey choke for your Benelli M2:
1. Shot Size:
The shot size you use significantly impacts choke selection. Smaller shot sizes (e.g., #4, #5) require tighter chokes to maintain sufficient pattern density at longer ranges, while larger shot sizes (e.g., #6, #7) might perform best with slightly less constriction. Consult your ammunition's packaging for recommended choke constrictions.
2. Choke Constriction:
Choke constriction is measured in terms of its diameter reduction compared to the barrel's bore. Turkey chokes are typically very tight, often ranging from extra-full to "turkey" specific designations. You'll see terms like:
- Extra Full: Offers the tightest constriction, resulting in a very dense pattern at short to medium ranges.
- Full: Provides a slightly less constricted pattern than extra-full, offering a balance between density and range.
- Turkey Chokes (Specific Designations): Many manufacturers produce chokes specifically designed for turkey hunting, often incorporating features to improve pattern density and uniformity. These are often marked with terms such as "Turkey," "Extra Full Turkey," or similar. Benelli itself produces several such options.
3. Barrel Length:
The length of your Benelli M2 barrel can subtly affect the pattern performance of your choke. Generally, longer barrels may yield slightly tighter patterns with the same choke constriction, while shorter barrels might benefit from a slightly less restrictive choke to maintain effective range.
4. Ammunition Type:
The type of ammunition you use—lead, copper, or tungsten—can also influence your choke choice. Tungsten shot, for instance, requires a slightly less restrictive choke than lead shot to achieve optimal results due to its higher density and penetrating power.
Popular Choke Tube Options for Benelli M2
Several reputable manufacturers produce high-quality choke tubes compatible with your Benelli M2. Research and read reviews before selecting a choke to find one that best suits your specific needs and ammunition. Remember to always verify compatibility with your Benelli M2 before purchasing. Some popular brands include Carlson's Choke Tubes, Kicks High-Performance Chokes, and of course, Benelli's own offerings.
Testing and Pattern Evaluation
Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal choke for your Benelli M2 and ammunition is through testing. Pattern your shotgun at various distances with different chokes to find the combination that yields the tightest, most consistent pattern within your desired effective range. This will allow for optimal accuracy and successful turkey hunts.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Selecting the right turkey choke is a crucial step towards a successful turkey hunting season. By understanding the factors discussed above, you can make an informed decision and significantly improve your chances of bagging your trophy bird. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and follow all relevant hunting regulations. Happy hunting!
