Best Choke For Duck Hunting

Remington Long Beard Ported Choke

Carlson’s Remington Choke Tube

Carlson’s Choke Tube Winchester-Browning

Duck hunting is a time-honored tradition, and one that many people enjoy. However, it can be difficult to choose the best choke for duck hunting as there are so many different options available. In this article we will cover the basics of what you need to know about choosing the right choke for your shotgun, as well as some product reviews and helpful tips on how to pick out which one is best suited for your needs.

Choke for duck hunting refers to the constriction of a shotgun’s barrel. The tighter it is, the more pellets will be formed into a tight group once they are shot out from your gun. This can help you make better shots on moving targets and improve accuracy in general when shooting at longer distances because there is less variance between where each pellet lands.

The problem with using choke for duck hunting or any sort of clay target shooting situation is that if you use too much choke then not enough pellets will get through, so there won’t be enough force behind them to break up the clay plate or hit whatever other type of target you’re aiming at.

Anyone who is looking to increase the accuracy of their weapon will want to know more about choke for duck hunting. This includes anyone with a shotgun, be they professional hunters or people who just enjoy going out on weekends and taking down some ducks as sport.

Choke works by constricting your barrel so that when all of the pellets leave it at once there isn’t too much variance between how fast they get shot forward from one another, creating better groups overall. It’s most useful in situations where you have time before shooting something–such as waiting for birds to fly over an open area near river banks or fields–or if you’re shooting moving targets such as flying game birds themselves.

Best Chokes for Duck Hunting Reviews

Remington Long Beard Ported Choke

Remington Long Beard Ported Choke

One choke tube that’s been getting some good reviews as of late is the Remington Long Beard Ported Choke Tube. This particular one is designed to increase your accuracy when shooting at long range targets, making it a great option for those who want to be able to take down ducks or geese with a single shot.

It accomplishes this by using an extended design together with ported barrel technology that helps reduce felt recoil and muzzle jump . The end result is that you’ll be able to stay on target longer while taking aim, increasing your chances of hitting whatever it is you’re trying to shoot.

The only downside to this choke tube is its price tag , which puts it at around $75 USD. However, if you’re looking for the best choke tube money can buy, the Remington Long Beard Ported Choke Tube is definitely worth considering.

PROs
  • Reduces recoil and muzzle jump
  • Increases accuracy at long range
CONs
  • Pricey
Carlson’s Remington Choke Tube

Carlson’s Remington Choke Tube

Carlson’s Remington Choke Tube is a non-ported choke tube that ensures the shooter tight patterns. It was designed specifically for waterfowlers and hunters who prefer to use it with steel shot, which yields tighter patterns than lead or other alternatives in different types of duck hunting shotguns. The Carlson’s Remington Choke Tube is also compatible with other Remington models and can be easily installed.

The tube is made of a nickel-plated steel and it has a knurled end for easy installation and removal. The choke also features an elongated design that helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump, which is great for fast follow up shots. Overall, the Carlson’s Remington Choke Tube is an excellent choice for those looking for a good quality non-ported choke tube to use with their Remington duck hunting shotgun.

PROs
  • Nice nickel finish that doesn’t easily wear off.
  • Well made and easy to install. No problems with the fit or anything else during our tests.
CONs
  • None
Carlson’s Choke Tube Remington 12 Gauge

Carlson’s Choke Tube Remington 12 Gauge

The Carlson’s Choke Tube Remington 12 Gauge is a ported choke tube that was designed to work best with steel shot pellets. It has an elongated design and it comes in different sizes, which are great for increasing the pattern density while using lead or other types of duck hunting shotgun shells. The tubes also feature knurled ends for easy installation and removal, as well as extended chamfering at the end to prevent deformation when shooting through hard objects such as ice blocks.

The tubes have been precision machined from high quality 17-04 stainless steel tubing and they can be easily installed into any standard Remington twelve gauge muzzle loaders . Overall, we would definitely recommend this product if you want to improve your patterning performance when hunting ducks.

PROs
  • Improved patterning performance
  • Low recoil prices for harder hits on target
CONs
  • Does not work well with lead ammunition
Carlson’s Choke Tube Winchester-Browning

Carlson’s Choke Tube Winchester-Browning

The Carlson’s Choke Tube Winchester-Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge is a great choke for duck hunting. It fits flush with the barrel and has constrictions that are ideal for waterfowl. The tube is also made of high quality steel to ensure durability. This choke is a ported choke and it features a larger-sized main shot pattern with fewer pellets. The tube is also designed to be shorter than other standard chokes, which makes it compatible with most 12 gauge shotguns on the market today.

The tubes have been precision machined from 1704 stainless steel tubing and they can be easily installed into any Browning or Winchester shotgun. The tubes are threaded and a wrench is included with the package to ensure they fit properly into your gun’s choke tube threads.

The Carlson’s Choke Tube Winchester-Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge has medium sized constrictions that are ideal for waterfowl hunting when you need tight patterns at shorter ranges, but still have more of an open pattern than most full turkey chokes available today.

PROs
  • The choke is made of high quality steel for durability
  • It fits flush with the barrel and has constrictions that are ideal for waterfowl
  • The tube is also designed to be shorter than other standard chokes, which makes it compatible with most 12 gauge shotguns on the market today
CONs
  • May not be as effective at long ranges
Carlson’s 12211 Win 12ga Skeet Choke

Carlson’s 12211 Win 12ga Skeet Choke

The Carlson’s 12211 Win 12ga Skeet Choke Tube is a high quality choke tube that will ensure you have excellent patterns with your duck hunting shotgun. It has been treated to resist rust and corrosion so it can be used in any weather or condition. The tube also features an XX-Full pattern, which means there are fewer pellets available for the shell to use when firing but this makes getting tight long range shots even easier because of the reduced amount of wiggle room between shot strings at longer ranges. This is one of the best chokes for waterfowl on our list but make sure that your gun barrel is compatible before purchasing anything like this product.

This choke fits Browning Invector Plus shotguns as well as 12 and 20 gauge shotguns, such as the Browning A-Bolt Shotguns. The Carlson’s 12211 Win 12ga Skeet Choke Tube is a high quality choke tube that will ensure you have excellent patterns with your duck hunting shotgun. It has been treated to resist rust and corrosion so it can be used in any weather or condition.

PROs
  • Resists rust and corrosion
  • Compatible with Browning Invector Plus shotguns
  • Fits 12 and 20 gauge shotguns
CONs
  • None
Patternmaster Waterfowl Choke Tube

Patternmaster Waterfowl Choke Tube

The Patternmaster Waterfowl Choke Tube is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable and reliable choke tube. This product is made of chrome-moly steel and has been treated with a black oxide finish to resist rust and corrosion. The Patternmaster Waterfowl Choke Tube also features the company’s patented wad bushings, which help to keep your patterns tighter even at long ranges. It comes in three different constrictions – full, modified, and improved cylinder – so you can find the right choke tube for your specific needs.

This choke fits 12 gauge shotguns only and should not be used with lead shot. The Patternmaster Waterfowl Choke Tube is a great option for those who are looking for a choke tube that can handle both waterfowl and upland hunting. It is also one of the most affordable chokes on this list, so it’s great if you are just getting started or want to buy several different constrictions without spending too much money upfront.

PROs
  • Affordable
  • Stainless steel and black oxide finish resist rust and corrosion
  • Wad bushings help keep patterns tighter
  • Fits 12 gauge shotguns only
CONs
  • Not for use with lead shot
Briley Extended Choke Tube

Briley Extended Choke Tube

The Briley Extended Choke Tube is a great option if you are looking for a choke tube that offers superior performance and reliability. This product features solid brass construction, which can hold up to wear and tear much better than steel alternatives. The Briley Extended Choke Tube also has an extended knurled section on the end of it so that you can easily grab onto it with your fingers even when wearing gloves or mittens in colder weather. It comes in five different constrictions – skeet, improved cylinder, light modified, modified, heavy full – so there’s no shortage of options here.

This choke tube fits 12 gauge shotguns only and should not be used with lead shot. If you are looking for a reliable shotgun choke tube that will offer you superior performance, the Briley Extended Choke Tube is a great option to consider.

PROs
  • Solid brass construction
  • Extended knurled section for easy gripping
  • Five different constrictions available
CONs
  • Only fits 12 gauge shotguns
Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Choke Tubes

Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Choke Tubes

The Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Choke Tubes are another great option to consider if you are looking for a choke tube that will offer superior performance when hunting waterfowl. These choke tubes are made of stainless steel and have been heat treated so that they can withstand the rigors of duck hunting. They come in five different constrictions – skeet, improved cylinder, light modified, modified, full – so that you can find the perfect choke tube for your needs.

The Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Choke Tubes also feature a knurled end so that you can easily remove them from your barrel, and they are also marked with the constriction for easy identification. They are available in both 12-gauge and 20-gauge sizes, and they come with a lifetime warranty.

PROs
  • Made of stainless steel
  • Heat treated to withstand the rigors of duck hunting
  • Knurled end for easy removal
  • Marked with constriction for easy identification
  • Lifetime warranty
CONs
  • None

Things To Consider When Buying A Choke For Duck Hunting

Design & Material

Not all chokes are made the same, and this is especially true if you’re looking to buy a choke for duck hunting. There’s quite an assortment of different ones available on the market currently, each with varying degrees of effectiveness depending upon what your goals are when using it–as well as how much money you want to spend in order to achieve them.

Choke design can vary between smoothbore or rifled barrels . The latter type gives more power than the former but has some drop off over longer distances due to wind resistance against its pellets making their way through air from your gun barrel towards wherever they need to go in order for them hit something beyond close range targets. Smoothbores do not experience that problem though thanks to being able to fire more pellets at a time.

Constriction

The amount of choke present in a shotgun’s barrel is what determines how tight the shot grouping will be at any given distance. It can vary from barely noticeable all the way up to nearly completely closing off the end of the barrel altogether.

Most chokes for duck hunting will have constriction levels between .005″ and .035″, with anything more than that generally being considered too much for the task at hand. Going with something that has less constriction than you might need can be counter-productive, as it’ll result in your shots not being as tightly grouped as they could be.

Flush Tube VS Extended Tube

The other main consideration you’ll need to make when choosing a choke for duck hunting is whether you want it to come in the form of a flush tube or an extended tube. The former slips directly into your shotgun’s barrel and doesn’t add any extra length, while the latter does precisely that–extending beyond what would be possible with just a flush tube.

There are benefits and drawbacks to both designs . Extended tubes can get caught on things if you’re not careful, but they do provide more room for error by giving you more time to take aim before firing. Flush tubes don’t have that problem but might require some adjustment on your part if you’re used to shooting with an extended choke already.

Budget

The last thing you’ll need to think about when buying a choke for duck hunting is your budget–as it provides the ultimate limit on what’s available to you.

For the most part, prices are fairly affordable . The least expensive models can be purchased at under $40 USD, which will likely be enough if all you’re doing is shooting from close range targets once in awhile. If that sounds like something familiar then they should work just fine as long as they fit whatever shotgun it is that you have and come with any necessary mounting hardware.

Types of Hunting Chokes

  • Improved Cylinder (IC)

As the name suggests, this choke is ideal for improving your accuracy when shooting at targets that are farther away. It’s a great choice for anyone starting out in duck hunting or clay pigeon shooting, as it gives you a bit more range than if you were to use your weapon without any choke at all.

The IC choke will still let most of the pellets through so you won’t lose much power with respect to how far your shots can travel, and it’s also one of the easiest chokes to use. That makes it a good option for those who might not have as much experience in using shotguns.

  • Light Modified (LM)

The LM choke is a bit tighter than the IC, so it constricts your barrel even more. It’s best used on shotguns with longer barrels if you’re going to be shooting at long ranges without any trouble and need as much accuracy as possible.

LM works very similarly to how the IC would–with one key difference: there is far less variance between the speed that each pellet travels down your gun when using this type of choke for duck hunting purposes. This means that all of them leave together in almost exactly the same way which improves overall groupings by quite a lot compared to whatever range you might have been getting otherwise.

  • Improved Modified (IM)

IM is the next step up from LM, and as you would expect it does a better job of tightening the choke even more. It’s perfect for those who want to be able to take down targets at longer ranges with ease, and can be used on either shorter or longer barrels without any penalty.

Just like with LM, all of the pellets will leave your gun at almost exactly the same speed when using this choke. This results in much tighter groupings over greater distances than what you would have been getting before–making it an essential piece of equipment for anyone serious about duck hunting or clay pigeon shooting.

  • Light Full (LF)

The LF choke is very similar to the IC, in that it doesn’t constrict your gun as much compared to other options. It’s best used for shorter distances with some variance between how fast each pellet moves out of its barrel when shooting. This makes it a great choice if you’re going after something like small game or varmint due to having good accuracy at short ranges but still being able to hit things far away without losing too much power over distance.

Tips for Using a Full Choke for Duck Hunting

  • When using a full choke for duck hunting, remember to aim low. Ducks are flying birds and will be above you more often than not. By aiming low, you give yourself the best chance of hitting your target.
  • If you are in an area with a lot of open water, consider switching to a modified choke tube. A full choke can quickly lead to missed shots when ducks are flying over large expanses of water.
  • Be sure to adjust your sights or scope if you are changing chokes on your gun. This will ensure that your shot is still accurate even with the different constriction size.
  • In general, a full choke should only be used when shooting at ducks that are close enough for a clean kill. If you are hunting in a more open area, you may want to switch to a less constrictive choke tube.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and the conditions in which you are hunting. Ducks can be very difficult to take down, so it is important that you are using the best choke for the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best choke for duck hunting?

This depends on a number of factors, including the type of duck you are hunting and the location. A full choke should work well for close-range shots on smaller ducks, while a modified choke may be better for larger ducks or those flying over open water.

How do I adjust my sights if I am changing chokes?

If your sights are adjustable, simply loosen the screws and move them to the appropriate position for your new choke tube. If they are not adjustable, you may need to take your gun to a professional in order to have them properly aligned.

What should I consider when choosing a choke tube for duck hunting?

Some factors to consider include the size and type of duck you are hunting, the location, and the condition of the birds. A full choke should work well for small ducks flying close to you, while a more open choke tube may be better in situations with larger or more distant targets. Always be sure to adjust your sights or scope if changing chokes tubes on your gun.

What is the best way to avoid missing shots when hunting ducks over open water?

When hunting ducks over open water, it is important to use a choke tube that will allow for accurate shots at longer distances. A modified choke tube is likely to be most effective in these types of situations. Remember to aim low and take into account the wind direction and speed when firing.

Conclusion

Choke For Duck Hunting is a type of shotgun choke that has been used for hunting ducks. The advantage to using this specific choke when hunting ducks, or other small game animals, is that it gives the hunter more control over the spread pattern because there are fewer pellets in each shot than with a full-choked barrel and less chance of hitting objects near the target animal. This means you’ll need to shoot closer to your target but will have better accuracy on those shots. If you’re looking for some help choosing an appropriate choke for duck hunting based on what’s important to you then take a look at our top picks below. Happy shooting!