Whether you go duck hunting as a hobbyist or this is your profession, a good choke is an absolute must. But hold on!
Where to find the best choke for duck hunting?
Right here, my friend. I will tell you all about chokes for duck hunting in this very piece of writing.
Heavy-duty material, heavy-shots, long-range coverage, you name it, you can find everything right here.
I have gathered all the pieces of information that you need and glued it in one place so you don’t have to waste even a second. With that being said, let’s head right on to the reviews, shall we?
8 Best Choke for Duck Hunting Reviews
Here are the top finds of the market that has proved their way to the list. Take a look and pick the one best suited for your need.
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Carlson’s Long Beard XR 12 GA Choke Tubes
The first choke on the list is from the brand Carlson’s. It is a Remington-style choke that specializes in obviously a Remington shotgun. Specifically, which has .660 constrictions.
Now, the tube itself is made out of stainless steel. Do you know what that means? This means that a stainless steel piece can be shot out of this baby if that’s more of your style. This one will give you the tightest shots, so it’s amazing for a specific target.
With this baby, the parallel sections are 25% longer than any other average chokes that are available in the market. What good would this do to you? Well, it will allow you to shoot a denser shot, which is great if you are aiming at a long-range bird, like the ducks.
This baby is lethal in one shot if you are able to aim right. This model here was specially made for shooting the Winchester’s long beards turkey loads. But fear not, it will be just as effective for duck hunting.
Pros
- Stainless steel made body
- Shot-lock technology that gives it consistent patterns
- 25% longer parallel sections
- Won’t break your bank
Cons
- Not as tight as expected
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Truglo TG182X Head Banger Choke Tube
Here comes a choke tube from Truglo. Let me tell you one thing first, the pellets that will come out of this beast are pretty much guaranteed to be within the kill zone of the duck. So, I’m already pretty impressed.
It is a long-range choke that is made for the kill. You can pretty much call this a full choke as the multi-phase grooves in this one will direct the pellet into a much tighter arrangement. This means it is very consistent in every shot.
Now that you know it’s a full choke, you can pretty much guess that this beast is made for the long-range kill. This is amazing because not always can you get very close to the ducks, and sometimes they run so fast you will have a hard time trying to get close to them. So, a full choke indeed is a good choice.
The steel that this is made out of is treated with extreme heat. This makes sure of the durability and longevity of the product. As well, it is now capable of shooting out stronger ammunitions in a more efficient manner.
It is easily one of the bests if not the best choke for ducks.
Pros
- Multi-phase groove technology incorporated
- Extended choke for better precision
- Heat-treated steel made body
- CNC-machined for a better aim
Cons
- Isn’t as long-range as it’s thought to be
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Carlson’s Choke Tube Remington 12 Gauge
Another one from the Carlson’s made it to the list. And why wouldn’t it? Carlson’s is amazing at this. This particular model is a full choke. Can I call this the best choke for goose hunting? Well, we will find out in a bit.
Heavy loads like lead and steel are a match for this particular full choke. That automatically gives this one a higher position than a typical choke. Also, this choke is a .700 in diameter. So, you see, you have an edge on a long-range shot.
One thing you should keep in mind that the steel shots you intend to use should not be bigger than a BB. That way, you can ensure more practical use of the choke and be safe indeed.
Also, these steel shots should not be exceeding the limit of 1550 FPS with this one. It is what is recommended, so you should better follow this.
You can put your trust in this choke because it is made from 17-4 heat-treated rustproof steel. Whether you are hunting on a rainy day or a sunny one, either way, your beloved choke will stay rustproof. Weighing about 1.6 ounces, this choke will not even add up any significant weight at the tip of the shotgun.
Pros
- Made from 17-4 heat-treated rustproof steel
- .700 in diameter
- Made of rustproof heat-treated steel
- Heavy shots can be used with this
- Pretty light in weight
Cons
- Doesn’t fit a lot of the models
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Carlson’s Choke Tube Beretta Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge
At number 4, we’ve another great addition from Carlson’s line. This one is pretty unique, I must say. It is also a long-range choke that has a dia. of .695, which is again pretty pointy and pretty amazing at the same time.
With this baby by your side, you can shoot at a distance of 40 and more yards and still make it. Just like the previous one in the list, this one has some limitations as well. You are not encouraged to use steel shots that go faster than 1550 FPS or are greater in size than a BB.
This one is particularly long and will extend the tip of your shotgun about 3 to 4 inches in length, which is great, to be honest with you. Also, this 3- to the 4-inch extension will add only 1.6 ounces to the tip of your shotgun. That’s honestly nothing!
17-4 stainless steel has been used in the making of such a badass choke. And to add more to its beauty, it has a stunning blue finish. This blue finish might not add any value to its efficiency, but it adds a much greater value when it comes to the topic of the looks of your gun.
Whether you have a Tristar 12GA or an M3000, this choke will glide on like it is meant to be.
So, you see, I can easily call this the best choke tube for ducks, or can’t I? I will let you be the judge of that.
Pros
- 3- to 4-inch extension
- Very lightweight, only 1.6 ounces
- Long-range up to 40 yards
- Tristar 12GA or an M3000 is compatible
Cons
- Eagle 3 Benelli won’t fit
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CARLSONS Beretta Mobil 12ga Sporting Clay
Here’s another one from Carlson’s that will blow your mind. It is as high quality as the other ones on my list, no doubt about that.
This one is made from 17-4 rust-free steel, which is protected on its own. For the choke, I mean. It has been specially manufactured so that the patterns engraved on this choke can give you a better and more perfect shot when you go hunting.
The best thing about these chokes is that they are the kind of duck hunting chokes that’s knurled at the very bottom. You can easily remove the choke after usage because of this feature.
It easily fits any Benelli or Berretta. 12 gauge shots are the classics that come with shotguns. With this mod version of an extended choke, shooting ducks on a medium-range is the best use for it. You can try using this for a long-range, but I don’t think that’s a smart idea.
This baby can be easily used with an M3000 or any TriStar’s. But make sure that they are not under neither over 12GA because that can pose a problem. Fitting so far is amazing with each of the Benelli or Beretta Mobil.
You can also consider this one as the best choke for duck hunting Benelli.
Pros
- Modified choke for more range options
- User friendly for beginners
- Popular brands of shotguns are compatible with this
- 12GA gauge, which is also very accessible
Cons
- Some instructions are missing
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Patternmaster 12GA Beretta Optima HP A400
Patternmaster has truly grasped the mastery of full choke for ducks by now. Some even go as far as calling this choke the most versatile choke that you can ever find. How true is that claim? Let’s find out!
The patterned design is truly a work of art. Not only that, but this pattered design also gives it an edge over shot strings. It shortens them on a large scale. That means upon hitting the quarry, you get to give the entire load an extreme push.
This one’s pattern is so tight that it can almost be called a full choke but not quite. It can only be used as a full choke when you hit a 2 ¾”-3” shell or any improved modified shells. It will adapt to it. Remember I told you it’s a versatile choke? This is the reason why.
You can hit far away or close, depending on how expert you are at shooting, obviously, and also the pellet sizes. In most cases, whoever has willed the mastery of shotguns will have the upper hand at the game if they have Carlson’s by their side.
Now comes the build quality. This choke has been crafted with care as a duck, goose or dove hunting choke tube. That’s why users get to experience aircraft quality alloy that has been made to fight rust and oxides. Also, an added feature like heat treatment has been done to this piece of metal so that you can have the very best in your hands.
It’s so simple yet so amazing. Indeed, a worthy candidate for the title of best choke tube for duck hunting.
Pros
- It’s a code black duck choke
- Densely packed patterns
- Bronze titanium coating
- Hits with the full load capacity at once
Cons
- Not significantly improved since the last model
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Carlsons Non-Ported Long Range Choke Tube
The penultimate choke duck from Carlson’s in the list. And I promise you this one won’t disappoint you either. Come on! It’s from Carlson’s; it can never perform poorly.
This one is A full choke with a dia. of .700. So, you can see that it has been made for a proper hunt. Any steel-filled shots that are bigger than a BB might not be your optimum choice with this particular choke in question.
Heat-treated stainless steel is a staple for all the Carlson’s chokes. This one is no different. 17-4 stainless steel is what has been used in the making of this bad boy.
Copper, lead, or heavy-shots, try this one with any of those, and this beast will hold up like the champ it is. Steels larger than #4 are also better to be avoided when it comes to this choke. I personally am a fan of the matte black finish.
4 x 1 x 8 inches is the dimension we are talking about here. Now, it comes with about 2.56 ounces of weight, which is a bit heavy, I guess. However, I’m pretty sure it’s not something you should worry about so much.
Pros
- Installation is quick and easy
- No extra equipment needed for the removal
- Matte black finish for a sleek look
- Heat-treated stainless steel made body
Cons
- A bit expensive
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Jebs Duck Choke 12 Ga Crio .685
And lastly, on the list, we have the Jebs Duck Choke. When you Google search for a duck choke, I bet this one pops up as the very first product. And that has some pretty good reasons.
The patterns on this choke are very consistent, which makes this one effective in long-range shots. It can take on bismuth, steel, or lead with ease. The short streams are even more shortened thanks to their evenly distributed patterns on the lip of the choke.
Unlike other chokes, this one can easily handle steel, which is commendable. Just screw it on the opening of your shotgun’s head. No, you don’t need any additional tools; just your hands are enough. And go to town with the choke.
You might be thinking that I am not good with long-range shots; I am not comfortable. Well, don’t worry because mid-range shots can be handled just as well with this choke. It’s a true multitasker.
It’s a Benelli model, so it won’t fit a Winchester, which is a shame. Yet, it’s safe to say that undoubtedly it is one the best chokes that is available in the market.
Pros
- Very consistent patterns throughout
- Shortened short string for better kill
- Can handle heavy loads
- Versatile and accessible for long and mid-range action
Cons
- Doesn’t fit some of the popular brands
How to Choose the Best Choke for Duck Hunting? Buying Guide
Tired of searching for the best chokes for duck hunting? Don’t worry, I got you! Even if all of the 8 chokes that I elaborated above aren’t enough to satisfy your needs, you can still search the market for more. But before doing so, there are some basic aspects of a good choke that you should be aware of.
Here for your ease, I will discuss those attributes as well. So, sit down and pay attention to this part.
Type of Choke
You really want to pay attention to this. Because the type of choke really matters, and it has to be catered to your need. So, if you are looking for shooting in a long-range, then a full choke is what you should opt for. If you are hunting from a boat with the hunting boat blind, then the choke have to fit with the type of the blinds.
Or if you are trying to shoot in smaller distances, then a mid-range choke will do just fine, which are the modified chokes.
Steel or No steel?
Well, you have to be careful in this aspect as well because what you go for has to be adapted with the choke. If you are planning to shoot steel, then the choke itself has to be made with something that is adaptable to that. Stainless-steel, in this case in an optimum choice.
Easy Removal
You don’t want a choke which is not easy to remove. If you need additional wrenches to remove the choke to adapt with the distance, then that is going to bug you. Trust me, you will get annoyed.
Because by the time you are done changing the chokes, the birds or your prey will be long gone as well. So, all your work will be for nothing. Get a choke that is easy to remove. Usually, extended chokes are easier to remove.
Also, extended chokes will protect your initial shotgun barrel. Now, that is a proper win-win.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best size of choke for hunting ducks?
It really does depend on where you are going for the shooting. I mean, if you are trying to cover an approximately long-range, then a full choke is what you need. But if you are planning more like 40 to 50 yard-ish range, then you can get by with a modified choke that offers a medium spread.
- Can I use the duck choke for other hunting situations?
As I said before, whatever the equipment might be, it depends mostly on your shooting range and your expertise level. If you are a professional, you might not even need one. So, my point is yes, you can use it, but it truly depends on the task at hand, so no promises from my end.
- Are these choke shots lethal to humans?
Of course! Even rubber bullets can be lethal. Proper safety should be maintained while waterfowl hunting. Otherwise, people can get hurt, and so can the person behind the shotgun.
- Can I shoot steel out of a full choke?
Nope. That is not an ideal pick. If you are planning on using a steel shot, then, first of all, it has to be stainless steel. And you have to use a cylindrical or modified choke.
- What choke is best for duck hunting?
Ideally, a semi-modified or a modified choke would do the job just fine. But if the ducks that you are targeting are a little far away, then you can use a full choke as well. “What choke” sort of question can never be answered actually without proper specifications. But yeah, that’s a rough assumption only.
Final Words
The best choke for duck hunting might not be easy to find, and even if you do find it, then you might not end up liking it. Because there are way too many attributes that make a choke best or useful.
So, go ahead and experiment with different ranges and different patterns. I think that is the best way to know what type of choke you are the most comfortable with.
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