Hunting Forum

Hi everybody, I'm trying to decide between using the supplied modified choke that came with my Mossberg 500A 12 gauge shotgun or buying a turkey choke for it instead. My thinkings is that I might be taking shots at distances that are better taken with a modified instead of full choke, because I will normally be huntin' in the woods here in Pennsylvania, where it tends to be a little thick.

What I'm asking is, what is the average range of your kill shots on turkeys, especially here in the NE, and would I  be better suited to use a modified choke instead of a full choke based on range? What should I go with?

HUNT 'EM UP!

Well I have not been hunting Turkeys that long about 5 years and every shot I have taken has been between 40 and 25 yards. I use a xtra full turkey choke just in case you have to make a longer shot.

I try to keep my shots within 35-40 yards & have shot all of them under 25 yards.

No matter what the cover is like, I think a full or extra full turkey choke is the best choice (after all - it's a head & neck shot).

I wheeled and shot at one old sumbeech running when he saw the decoy.....52 steps...only knew he was there because running made leaves crackle as he was slipping in silent from behind me....only one pellet in him....back of head into little brain....lucky open lane and lucky shot for my second best Eastern....had been hunting that particular Boss for two weeks or I would not have even shot....bustard always outsmarted me.
Other than that shot because I was pizzed at this particular burd for being more wood wise than me, I think my longest shot was around 40 yds when a Tom turned to walk away....rest were in the face at 35 or under.

I shoot a Carlson's Super X Full Turkey choke in my Berretta Xtrema A391 3.5, shooting Hevi Shot 3.5 #4s. Have taken turkeys at 47,53,68 and 73 yrds all deader that a wedge. 68 yarder was in the air.Old Thunder Chicken slayer Mossberg 835 with Xtra Full has taken birds at 48 and 56 Federal 3,5 #4s.20 ga Mossberg 500 Full 43 and 57 yard Federal 3 inch 5s those are all my long shots while turkey hunting, not making it up I a hunting nerd and keep a log on my turkey hunts successfull or not just to look at and campare things to help my success out.

Pa hunter here with a Mossberg 500 tactical turkey 12 gauge. I prefer the xx full extended choke from Mossberg. At 30 - 40 yards it groups very well. 3 inch shells of 4 shot seems to work well.

I shoot a Mossberg 835 and put a full turkey choke on it. I like the 3 1/2 inch shells in 5 shot best with this gun. I find that it patterns great both up close and at a distance. My longest shot was at 56 yards, and my closet being about 15 yards, with most of my shots being between 30 and 40 yards. I agree with SDOWLING that you want a head or neck shot, so even up close a tight pattern is best, so my vote is to go with the full turkey choke.

i've got a mossberg/full choke and it's taken birds out to 40 yds.haven't shot any further then that.good luck and get a bird or two.

I shot my Mossy the other day and a full turkey choke is definitely the way to go. At 10 yards my turkey will be beheaded, and at 40 yards it won't stand a chance.
HUNT 'EM UP!

I have a Mossberg 835 (Waterfowl, 28" barrel, Max4 HD) and use the X-Full choke. I have a lethal pattern to 55 yds with #4 Remington Nitro Turkey 3.5" (seemed to pattern even better than Winchester Supreme #5 Turkey 3.5"), but my farthest shot so far is 25 yds, and I did that with a Mossberg 550 (20-ga., full choke, Remington Turkey 3" #6 shot).

Took mine 1st season with a factory modified choke, 3.5" #4 shot at 40+ yards... dead bird

tfreeman51, haven't learned how to call yet or what?
The fun of turkey hunting is making them gobble, strut, drum, whirl and come close.....