First Thoughts on the Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube
The Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube promises tighter patterns for longer-range, ethical turkey harvests, and that’s a claim I’m eager to put to the test. Mossberg is a trusted name, so I approached this choke tube with high expectations, hoping it would enhance my turkey hunting setup.
For years, I’ve struggled with achieving consistent, tight patterns beyond 30 yards with my old smoothbore. My goal was to find a choke tube that would extend my effective range and ensure cleaner kills, minimizing the risk of wounding birds.
Upon unboxing, the Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube felt solid and well-made, constructed from what appears to be durable steel with a clean black finish. Its flush design is practical, preventing snagging in dense brush. Compared to extended choke tubes I’ve used in the past, this one offers a less obtrusive profile.
I’ve previously used a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a generic “turkey” choke from an unknown manufacturer. The Mossberg offering seemed to strike a balance between the extreme constriction of the Long Beard and the inconsistent patterns of the generic option. My initial excitement stemmed from the Mossberg name and the promise of reliable performance at a reasonable price of $26.49.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube was on a brisk spring morning at my local shooting range. I patterned it with Winchester Long Beard XR #5 and Federal Premium Grand Slam #5 shot shells at 20, 30, and 40 yards.
The weather was typical for spring in my area: slightly damp and a bit windy. This presented a realistic hunting scenario. Installation was simple: the choke tube screwed in smoothly with the provided wrench. My initial impression was positive, with noticeably tighter patterns compared to the factory-installed modified choke.
I was initially surprised by how consistently the Mossberg choke performed with both types of ammunition. There were no malfunctions or unusual patterns, just consistently dense groupings on my target.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of pre-season patterning and a full turkey season in the field, the Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube has proven its worth. It has held up admirably to repeated firing and cleaning.
There are no signs of wear or corrosion, and the black finish remains intact. Maintenance is straightforward: I clean it after each range session or hunt using a standard choke tube cleaner and a bronze brush.
Compared to my previous experiences with less reliable choke tubes, the Mossberg offering provides consistent and predictable patterns. It gives me confidence in the field knowing my shotgun is performing optimally.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube
Specifications
The Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube is specifically designed for 20-gauge Mossberg 500 and 505 shotguns. It features an extra full turkey constriction intended for lead shot only. The choke is a flush-mounted Accu-Choke tube with a black finish.
The extra full turkey constriction is critical for achieving the tight patterns needed for ethical turkey hunting at extended ranges. The flush-mounted design prevents snagging, and the compatibility with Mossberg 500 and 505 shotguns ensures a proper fit.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube excels at producing dense, consistent patterns at distances up to 40 yards with lead turkey loads. It noticeably improves pattern density compared to more open chokes.
Its primary strength is its consistent performance with a variety of lead turkey loads, giving hunters confidence in their shot placement. However, its limitation is that it’s designed for lead shot only, restricting users from using steel or other non-toxic alternatives for areas where lead is prohibited. It absolutely meets expectations for delivering tight, lead-only patterns within its design parameters.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube features a simple and effective design. The black finish offers adequate corrosion resistance, and the flush-mounted design streamlines the shotgun’s profile.
The build quality is solid, with precise threading for easy installation. There is no learning curve; it functions just like any other screw-in choke tube.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube should last for many seasons. Regular cleaning after use prevents corrosion and ensures consistent performance.
Cleaning is straightforward. A quick scrub with a solvent and choke tube brush keeps it in excellent condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube itself does not come with accessories beyond the standard choke tube wrench required for installation. While not a customization option in itself, its effect on shot pattern can be further optimized by experimenting with different lead turkey loads to find the best match for a specific shotgun.
The tube is compatible with standard Mossberg Accu-Choke wrenches. There are no specific accessories designed solely for this choke tube, but it benefits from pairing it with high-quality turkey-specific ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube
Pros
- Consistently Tight Patterns: Delivers dense and reliable patterns with lead turkey loads.
- Affordable Price: At $26.49, it offers excellent value for performance.
- Easy Installation: Installs quickly and easily with a standard choke tube wrench.
- Flush Mount Design: Prevents snagging in dense vegetation.
- Trusted Brand: Mossberg’s reputation ensures quality and reliability.
Cons
- Lead Shot Only: Not compatible with steel or other non-toxic shot alternatives.
- Limited Range: Best performance is achieved within 40 yards.
Who Should Buy Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube?
The Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube is perfect for turkey hunters using a 20-gauge Mossberg 500 or 505 shotgun who are looking for a reliable and affordable way to improve their patterns with lead shot. It is also excellent for hunters who prefer a flush-mounted choke tube to minimize snagging in thick cover.
Hunters required to use non-toxic shot should skip this product. Likewise, those seeking extreme long-range performance (beyond 40 yards) might consider more specialized, extended choke tubes.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different brands and shot sizes of lead turkey loads will help optimize performance.
Conclusion on Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube
The Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube is a highly effective and budget-friendly upgrade for 20-gauge Mossberg 500 and 505 shotguns. It delivers on its promise of tighter patterns with lead turkey loads.
The price is definitely justified by the increased confidence and performance it provides in the field. I would absolutely recommend it to any turkey hunter seeking to improve their shotgun’s pattern density without breaking the bank.
For hunters sticking with lead, and looking for a reliable boost to their pattern density, the Mossberg Extra Full Turkey Accu-Choke Tube is an excellent choice. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience tighter patterns, more ethical harvests, and greater confidence this turkey season!