First Thoughts on the Avian-X Turkey Choke
The Avian-X Turkey Choke for 20GA Winchester shotguns promises to deliver tight, consistent patterns, a crucial element for successful turkey hunting. Avian-X is a brand known for its quality turkey decoys, so I was particularly interested to see how their choke tubes stacked up against the competition. I acquired this choke tube specifically to improve the effective range and pattern density of my trusty 20-gauge during the upcoming spring gobbler season.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a choke that consistently delivered tight patterns past 30 yards with my 20-gauge. Many aftermarket chokes promise the world, but few truly live up to the hype. When I saw the Avian-X Turkey Choke, I was intrigued by the Avian-X name, hoping it would bring the same quality to chokes that they bring to decoys.
The Avian-X Turkey Choke arrived in a simple, no-nonsense package. Pulling it out of the box, the PVD finish looked clean and durable, giving it a premium feel. The weight felt right, not too heavy that it would throw off the balance of the shotgun, but substantial enough to suggest quality construction.
Compared to a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a factory-modified full choke, the Avian-X offered a more refined appearance. I picked the Avian-X over the others, hoping for a better balance between pattern density at longer ranges and consistent performance with different shot types. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the build quality seemed excellent, and I was eager to see how it would perform at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Avian-X Turkey Choke to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place at my local shooting range, a familiar environment for evaluating new gear. I mounted the Avian-X Turkey Choke on my Winchester 20-gauge pump shotgun and patterned it with a variety of turkey loads. The weather was relatively mild, with a slight breeze, providing favorable conditions for an initial assessment.
The Avian-X Turkey Choke was simple to install, threading smoothly into my shotgun’s barrel without any hitches. After patterning at 20, 30, and 40 yards, I noticed a significant improvement in pattern density compared to my previous choke. The shot distribution was tighter and more consistent, especially at the 30-40 yard mark, which is critical for ethical turkey hunting.
The first use revealed that the Avian-X Turkey Choke performed as advertised, but there was still some fine-tuning to do. I experienced slightly better results with heavier, copper-plated loads compared to standard lead shot, which is something to keep in mind.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a few unsuccessful turkey hunts, the Avian-X Turkey Choke has proven to be a reliable addition to my gear. It consistently delivers tight patterns, maintaining its performance even after repeated use. I haven’t experienced any loosening or degradation of the choke tube.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the PVD finish. Maintaining the choke is straightforward; a quick cleaning with a shotgun brush and solvent after each use keeps it in good condition.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Avian-X noticeably outperforms them in terms of pattern consistency and overall reliability. The Avian-X is a substantial improvement over factory chokes I’ve used in the past. It gives me more confidence when taking longer shots at wary toms.
Breaking Down the Features of Avian-X Turkey Choke
Specifications
The Avian-X Turkey Choke is specifically designed for 20-gauge Winchester shotguns. It features a durable PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish, which enhances corrosion resistance and overall longevity. The choke tube is optimized for delivering tight, consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges.
- Gauge: 20 Gauge – This specifies that the choke tube is designed exclusively for 20-gauge shotguns, ensuring a proper fit and optimal performance.
- Finish: PVD – The PVD finish provides a hard, durable coating that protects the choke tube from rust, scratches, and wear. This is crucial for maintaining its integrity in harsh outdoor conditions.
These specifications translate to improved performance in the field because they ensure compatibility and durability. The 20-gauge designation guarantees a perfect fit within compatible Winchester shotguns. The durable PVD finish will extend the life of the product.
Performance & Functionality
The Avian-X Turkey Choke excels at producing dense, even patterns, critical for effectively harvesting turkeys. The choke’s constriction is specifically engineered to keep the shot tightly grouped, maximizing the chances of hitting the vital areas.
The Avian-X Turkey Choke is a definite improvement over factory chokes in my experience. The only area for improvement could be a slightly wider range of optimal load performance.
The Avian-X choke meets and exceeds expectations for a dedicated turkey choke. It delivers consistent patterns, extends the effective range of my 20-gauge, and provides a noticeable advantage in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The Avian-X Turkey Choke boasts a robust build quality. The material feels durable and the PVD finish is evenly applied. Its weight is balanced, not adding unnecessary heft to the shotgun.
Installing the Avian-X is straightforward. No specialized tools are needed beyond a standard choke tube wrench.
Durability & Maintenance
The PVD finish and robust construction suggest that the Avian-X Turkey Choke will last for many seasons with proper care. Simple cleaning after each use is all that is required to maintain its optimal performance.
The Avian-X is designed for long-term use. Minimal maintenance requirements will ensure that hunters can focus on the hunt, rather than worrying about gear upkeep.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avian-X Turkey Choke itself does not come with additional accessories. There are no customization options available for the choke itself, as it is a fixed-constriction tube.
Compatibility with different loads is the primary area for experimentation. While not a customization option, trying different brands and types of 20-gauge turkey loads can optimize the choke’s performance for a particular shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Avian-X Turkey Choke
Pros
- Noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns: This translates to increased effective range and improved hit probability.
- Durable PVD finish: Ensures long-lasting protection against rust and wear.
- Easy installation: Simple to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench.
- Improved confidence in the field: Consistent performance provides added assurance when taking shots at wary gobblers.
- Reasonable price: At $40.49, it represents a good value for the performance gains it provides.
Cons
- Limited to 20-gauge Winchester shotguns: This limits its compatibility to specific firearm models.
- Performance varies with different loads: Requires some experimentation to find the optimal ammunition for best results.
Who Should Buy Avian-X Turkey Choke?
The Avian-X Turkey Choke is perfect for turkey hunters who own a 20-gauge Winchester shotgun and are looking to improve their pattern density and effective range. This choke is also ideal for hunters who value reliable and durable equipment that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
This product might not be the best choice for hunters who use other gauge shotguns or prefer a more versatile choke system with adjustable constriction. Novice turkey hunters might also benefit from a more forgiving choke with a slightly wider pattern, although the Avian-X can be mastered with practice.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for installing and removing the Avian-X Turkey Choke. Experimenting with different brands and types of turkey loads is also highly recommended to achieve optimal performance.
Conclusion on Avian-X Turkey Choke
The Avian-X Turkey Choke for 20-gauge Winchester shotguns delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns, making it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. Its durable construction, easy installation, and noticeable performance gains make it a standout product in its category.
At $40.49, the Avian-X Turkey Choke represents a good value for the improved performance it offers. The increased confidence and ethical harvesting opportunities it provides are well worth the price.
I would personally recommend the Avian-X Turkey Choke to any turkey hunter looking to upgrade the performance of their 20-gauge Winchester shotgun. If you’re ready to experience tighter patterns and longer range, then give the Avian-X Turkey Choke a try this spring. You won’t be disappointed.