Understanding the Heart of Your Hunt: The Mossberg 935
The thrill of the turkey hunt, the early morning silence broken only by the gobble of a tom, the anticipation of a close encounter – it’s an experience that captivates hunters year after year. And for many, the Mossberg 935 is their trusted companion in the pursuit of these magnificent birds. But a great shotgun alone isn’t enough. To consistently bring home the prize, you need to master the art of shot placement, and a crucial component of that mastery is the right choke tube. This guide delves into the world of the Mossberg 935 Turkey Choke, providing you with the knowledge to choose the perfect choke and maximize your chances of a successful and ethical hunt.
The Mossberg 935, a powerhouse in the world of turkey hunting, is built for performance. Known for its reliability and affordability, this gas-operated, 12-gauge shotgun is a popular choice for serious hunters. Its impressive 3.5-inch chamber allows you to fire a wide range of ammunition, including some of the most potent turkey loads available. This, coupled with the right configuration, provides you with a significant advantage in the field.
However, the 935’s capabilities can only be fully realized when paired with the proper choke tube. The choke is more than just a threaded attachment; it’s the heart of your gun’s performance, dictating the spread and density of your shot pattern. Without the right choke, your expensive ammunition and powerful shotgun are significantly underperforming.
The Choke’s Role: Shaping the Shot Pattern
At its core, a choke tube is a constriction at the end of the barrel designed to influence the shot pattern. As the shot charge, consisting of numerous pellets, leaves the barrel, the choke guides and concentrates them, determining the spread and density of the pattern at a given distance. The less constriction, the wider the spread. The more constriction, the tighter and more concentrated the shot pattern.
The importance of a choke in turkey hunting can’t be overstated. Unlike bird hunting, where a wider pattern might be desirable, turkey hunting demands a tight, dense pattern to deliver enough pellets to the vital areas of the turkey’s head and neck at extended ranges. This is vital for a clean and ethical kill.
Different levels of constriction create different pattern sizes. Full chokes offer a tight pattern, Extra Full provides even tighter patterns, and chokes specifically designed for turkeys often offer a super-tight pattern. The type you choose influences effective range and overall success.
Selecting the Right Choke for Your Mossberg 935
When choosing a turkey choke for your Mossberg 935, you’ll encounter a variety of options. Both factory-installed chokes and aftermarket chokes are available, offering different constructions, materials, and levels of constriction.
The construction and materials impact performance. Steel chokes are the standard and generally more cost-effective. More premium chokes often use materials like stainless steel or hardened alloys, which can improve durability and resistance to wear.
The constriction level is the most crucial consideration. The “Turkey” designation generally signifies the highest degree of constriction, designed for maximizing pattern density at longer ranges. “Extra Full” chokes also excel in this area. Always consider your typical hunting distances and desired pattern density before making a choice.
Your ammunition choice significantly interacts with your choke selection. Larger shot sizes, such as #4, #5, and #6, are the norm for turkey hunting. However, the best performing shot size for one hunter might differ from another. Experimentation is key.
Another aspect is the barrel thread type of the Mossberg 935, which you must consider as this influences the compatibility of the chokes you can select. Ensuring your chosen choke tube correctly threads into your Mossberg 935 is vital.
Top Contenders: Excellent Turkey Chokes for the Mossberg 935
The market offers numerous excellent turkey chokes. Here are a few, along with their features and potential uses, helping you find the best Mossberg 935 Turkey Choke for your needs:
Carlson’s Turkey Choke Tubes
Carlson’s is a highly respected name in the choke tube world, and their turkey chokes are popular for good reason. They offer a range of constrictions and are typically made from durable stainless steel. Many hunters report excellent pattern density and consistent performance with various ammunition types. This is a great all-around option that provides great performance for the price.
Indian Creek Designs Black Diamond Strike
Known for its high-quality construction and innovative designs, Indian Creek chokes are often a top choice for those seeking maximum pattern density. The Black Diamond Strike often features a unique design to help tighten patterns and reduce flyer pellets. These chokes are often considered a premium choice, and you may find the price point higher than other alternatives.
Trulock Turkey Chokes
Trulock offers a wide array of chokes and has an excellent reputation. Their turkey chokes are designed for performance and durability, known for their consistent patterns. You’ll be able to choose a constriction that’s perfect for you. They also tend to be less expensive than the alternatives.
When choosing a choke, it’s always wise to consider the specific ammunition you intend to use. For example, some chokes are specifically designed to maximize the performance of certain premium loads. Consider the shot size, pellet material (lead, tungsten, etc.), and the shell’s overall construction.
The Art of Patterning: Unveiling Your Gun’s Potential
Choosing a choke is the first step; the next is patterning. This critical process involves shooting your shotgun at a target, typically a turkey target, at a measured distance to assess the pattern. Patterning reveals how your chosen choke and ammunition perform together.
To pattern your Mossberg 935, set up a target at a measured distance. Many turkey hunters pattern at 40 yards, as this is a common maximum effective range. However, you can also pattern at shorter distances and extrapolate results to longer ranges. Always start at the distance you typically hunt.
Shoot several shots at the target. Analyze the pattern, paying close attention to the density of pellets within a circle representing the kill zone (usually the turkey’s head and neck). Count the number of pellets within this kill zone. The higher the pellet count, the denser the pattern, and the more likely you are to achieve a clean kill. Compare the results of different choke and ammunition combinations. Note that a good pattern has enough pellets within the target to ensure a clean kill.
Taking to the Field: Hunting Ethics and Technique
With your Mossberg 935 Turkey Choke dialed in, the next step is to put your preparation into action.
Always prioritize ethical shot placement. Aim for the turkey’s head and neck, where a concentrated pattern is most effective. Avoid body shots, as they often result in wounding a bird and are less likely to be lethal.
Understand your effective range. The effective range is the distance at which your shotgun consistently produces a dense enough pattern to reliably kill a turkey. Patterning is your guide.
Field testing is vital. Before your hunt, spend time practicing in a hunting scenario. Get used to the feel of your gun. Practicing your shooting is vital, and can make all the difference.
Finally, maintaining your Mossberg 935 and your choke tubes is also important. Regularly clean your barrel and the threads of your choke tube. This helps remove debris and maintain the performance of your shotgun.
Concluding the Hunt: The Final Shot
Choosing the right Mossberg 935 Turkey Choke is a crucial step in maximizing your success in the turkey woods. It’s an investment in your hunt, and it also increases the chance of a clean, ethical kill. By understanding the factors discussed in this guide, from constriction levels to ammunition choices, you can select the perfect choke for your needs.
Remember, the journey doesn’t end with buying a choke. Patterning your shotgun is vital to determine its effective range and shot placement. Coupled with responsible hunting practices, a good Mossberg 935 Turkey Choke can turn your turkey hunting aspirations into realities.
By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to face the challenge of the turkey woods and bring home a trophy. Go forth, embrace the hunt, and may your next season be your most successful yet! Good luck and happy hunting!
