Ever tried shooting a playing card out of the air with a shotgun? It’s a tricky skill, but the right choke tube can make a world of difference. A good choke focuses the shot pattern, giving you a tighter spread and more power at the center. Without it, your pattern is too wide, and you’ll just end up with a lot of near misses. I’ve spent a fair bit of time experimenting with different chokes, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned about finding the best choke tube for card shooting.
Here’s a quick look at the top contenders:
- Carlson’s Cremator Ported Choke Tube: Best overall for consistent patterns.
- Briley Spectrum Extended Choke Tube: Premium quality and excellent constriction.
- Patternmaster Code Black Turkey Choke Tube: Delivers extremely tight patterns at longer ranges.
- Trulock Precision Hunter Choke Tube: Great value with reliable performance.
- Carlson’s Sporting Clays Choke Tube: Versatile for various shooting disciplines.
Top 5 Best Choke Tubes for Card Shooting
1. Carlson’s Cremator Ported Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Cremator is designed to deliver consistent, tight patterns, which is exactly what you need for card shooting. The ported design helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump, making follow-up shots easier. It’s a popular choice among competitive shooters.
Pros:
- ✅ Consistent pattern
- ✅ Recoil reduction
- ✅ Durable construction
Cons:
- ❌ Can be loud due to the ports
- ❌ May require cleaning more frequently
- ❌ Price is slightly higher than some competitors
Verdict: If you want a reliable choke that offers consistent performance and recoil reduction, the Carlson’s Cremator is an excellent choice. It’s great for both beginners and experienced shooters.
2. Briley Spectrum Extended Choke Tube
Briley is known for its high-quality choke tubes, and the Spectrum Extended Choke Tube is no exception. It provides excellent constriction and consistent patterns, making it ideal for precision shooting like card shooting. The extended design also makes it easy to change chokes without tools.
Pros:
- ✅ Premium quality materials
- ✅ Consistent patterns
- ✅ Easy to install and remove
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ May not be necessary for casual shooters
- ❌ Limited finish options
Verdict: For shooters who demand the best in terms of quality and performance, the Briley Spectrum Extended Choke Tube is a worthwhile investment. It’s perfect for those who want a choke they can rely on for consistent results.
3. Patternmaster Code Black Turkey Choke Tube
Although designed for turkey hunting, the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey Choke Tube delivers extremely tight patterns at longer ranges. This makes it a great option for card shooting, especially if you’re trying to hit cards at a distance. The unique stud ring design helps separate the wad from the shot column for improved patterns.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely tight patterns
- ✅ Effective at longer ranges
- ✅ Durable construction
Cons:
- ❌ Can be too tight for close-range shooting
- ❌ May require specific load recommendations
- ❌ Price is on the higher side
Verdict: If you’re looking for the tightest possible patterns and often shoot at longer distances, the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey Choke Tube is a solid choice. Just be aware that it might not be ideal for very close-range targets.
4. Trulock Precision Hunter Choke Tube
The Trulock Precision Hunter Choke Tube offers a great balance of performance and value. It provides reliable patterns and is constructed from high-quality materials for durability. It’s a good option for shooters who want a dependable choke without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- ✅ Great value for the price
- ✅ Reliable performance
- ✅ Durable construction
Cons:
- ❌ Patterns may not be as tight as premium options
- ❌ Fewer specialized features
- ❌ Limited finish options
Verdict: For shooters on a budget who still want a reliable and effective choke, the Trulock Precision Hunter Choke Tube is an excellent choice. It offers solid performance without the premium price tag.
5. Carlson’s Sporting Clays Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Sporting Clays Choke Tube is a versatile option that can be used for a variety of shooting disciplines, including card shooting. It provides consistent patterns and is made from high-quality materials for durability. It’s a good choice if you want a choke that can do more than just one thing.
Pros:
- ✅ Versatile for various shooting disciplines
- ✅ Consistent patterns
- ✅ Durable construction
Cons:
- ❌ May not be the absolute best for card shooting specifically
- ❌ Lacks specialized features for tight patterns
- ❌ Can be a compromise if you only focus on card shooting
Verdict: If you’re a multi-discipline shooter and want a choke that can handle various targets, the Carlson’s Sporting Clays Choke Tube is a great all-around option. However, if card shooting is your primary focus, you might want to consider a more specialized choke.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right choke tube can be tricky, but here are some things to consider:
- Constriction: The constriction of the choke determines how tight the shot pattern will be. For card shooting, you generally want a tighter constriction like a full or improved modified choke.
- Material: Choke tubes are typically made from steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion, but both materials are durable enough for most shooters.
- Porting: Ported chokes have holes or slots that help reduce recoil and muzzle jump. This can be beneficial for follow-up shots, but they can also be louder.
- Extended vs. Flush: Extended chokes stick out past the end of the barrel, making them easier to change without tools. Flush chokes sit flush with the barrel.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands like Carlson’s, Briley, Patternmaster, and Trulock. These brands are known for their quality and performance.
FAQs
Q: What choke is best for card shooting?
A: Generally, a full or improved modified choke is best for card shooting because it provides a tight pattern at the distances you’ll typically be shooting.
Q: Can I use a turkey choke for card shooting?
A: Yes, you can. Turkey chokes provide very tight patterns, which can be effective for card shooting, especially at longer ranges. Just be aware that the pattern may be too tight for very close-range targets.
Q: How do I know if a choke tube is compatible with my shotgun?
A: Check your shotgun’s manual to determine what type of choke tube it accepts. Common types include Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke, Invector/Winchester, and Invector Plus/Browning. Make sure the choke tube you buy is specifically designed for your shotgun model.
Q: How often should I clean my choke tube?
A: It’s a good idea to clean your choke tube after each shooting session to prevent buildup of residue and corrosion. Use a choke tube wrench to remove the choke, and clean it with a solvent and brush.
Conclusion
Choosing the right choke tube can significantly improve your card shooting accuracy. Whether you prioritize consistent patterns, premium quality, or budget-friendly options, there’s a choke tube out there that’s perfect for you. Consider your shooting style, target distance, and budget to make the best decision. Good luck, and happy shooting!
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