Pheasant hunting is a straightforward task. But finding the best choke for pheasant hunting isn’t. This is because of the various factors like season and area of hunt.
To have successful pheasant hunting is the right setup. By knowing about your barrel and what is coming out of it is the primary setup for any hunting adventure.
If you can select the right barrel and the best choke for pheasant, then a major part of your successful hunting is done. All you need is your hunting kit and the ground.
The best choke for pheasant hunting can also protect your gun barrel from damages caused by shooting. So choose it wise and right.
After reviewing several chokes for pheasants, we have written here the 5 best chokes for pheasant hunting in detail. If you go through their reviews on Amazon, you will see that serious hunters have liked them too.
What we like about this item: This is a cremator choke in black color. Comes with three studded rings that help in longer ranges. Suitable for all shot types and speeds.
Editor ratings: 5 stars
Features:
- 4 x 1 x 8 inches; 2.56 Ounces
- Constructed with 17 -4 stainless steel.
- .700 construction for long range shots.
- Matte black finish.
Carlson’s non-ported long-range choke tubes are made of stainless steel. It features a Triple Shot Technology(TST) that helps in reducing the pellet deformation with a reduced shot string.
This item comes with interchangeable choke tubes. Three studded rings help restrict the shot column for increased pattern density at longer ranges.
The extended tube gives an additional 25% increase in the parallel sections. This means you get tighter patterns and pallet distribution.
We gave it 5 stars because this cremator choke is useful in both long and short ranges. Your pattern is bound to improve with this choke. It can be marked as the best choke for pheasant hunting with steel shot without a doubt.
Pros
- Good customer service.
- 85 -90% pattern at 40 yards.
- 65 -75% pattern at 50 yards.
- Also fits in Stoeger p3000.
Cons
- No wrench was provided with the product.
What we like about this item: The best 20 ga choke for pheasant hunting on our list. Most of the other chokes are of 12 ga but this is the only one that performed very well in 20 gauge Tristar O/U
Editor ratings: 4.5 stars
Features:
- 7.72 x 4.02 x 1.61 inches with 1.28 Ounces
- Choke wrench is included
- 17-4 stainless steel
- Improvised cylinder with .610 constriction
- Lifetime warranty
These choke tubes perform very well in a 20 gauge Beretta/Benelli Mobil. Its pattern is much better than flush mount choke tubes.
Carlson’s 20 GA choke combination for pheasant hunting is the best for high-flying birds. It gives you different ammunition patterns from the same choke tube.
Comes with an improvised cylinder constriction providing more consistent patterns than conventional choke tubes. Perfect selection of choke for high pheasants.
And the best part is its lifetime warranty. This makes it a good choke for pheasant hunting.
Pros
- Improved cylinder constriction.
- Possibility of consistent patterns.
- Copperplate, Nickel, Lead, Bismuth, Tungshot, heavy-shot, or steel shot can be used with this.
Cons
- Performance is not good with cheap metal shots.
3. CARLSONS Beretta Mobil 12ga Sporting Clay
What we like about this item: The pattern of this choke matches the factory choke. It is easily changeable which saves time in a real shooting session.
Editor ratings: 5 stars
Features:
- 4 x 1.5 x 1.13 inches with 1.6 ounces.
- Made with stainless steel.
- Goes well with Stoeger M3000 series shotguns too.
- Gauge: 12ga
Carlson’s modified sporting clay chokes are the best shotgun chokes for pheasant hunting because of their tight pattern. You can improve your trap shootings with this choke.
Each of these choke tubes is knurled on the end which makes it easily removable. This makes it easy to change the chokes.
It fits perfectly with Stoeger M3000 and M3500 series shotguns. And also shoots perfectly at 35-40 yds.
By using high-quality material in its construction, Carlson’s has definitely bought us the best choke tube for pheasant hunting with this.
Pros
- Easily changeable
- Different shots ranging from lead to steel can be used with these.
- Gives a good pattern.
- The silver look is easily identifiable
Cons
- The laser mark on the end can vanish after some uses
4. Patternmaster 12ga Code Black Duck
What we like about this item: A versatile choke that shortens the shot string. Titanium infused 17-4 stainless steel. Gets you a dense pattern on your shots.
Editor ratings: 4.5 stars
Features:
- 8 x 4 x 2 inches with 3.07 Ounces
- Guage: 12 ga
- Titanium infused 17-4 stainless steel quality.
These Patternmaster’s 12 ga chokes are patented chokes with good versatility. We can easily say that these are the best chokes for game farm pheasants.
You can get a tighter pattern when you shoot with 2 3/4 inches shells. Based on your load and pallet size, you can shoot over long distances with these chokes for pheasant hunting.
It fits well with a lot of shotguns including 12ga Benelli/Beretta Mobil tubes, Beretta A300, Silver Pigeon, Diamond Pigeon, and many others. This makes it also one of the best choke for wild pheasant.
Code black duck tubes have a good range up to 60 yards. This is because they extend the barrel by 1 inch.
Pros
- Best performance
- Durable
- Versatile
- Good pattern
Cons
- Difficult to change in some situations.
- Does not fit well in Benelli’s super black eagle 3 series of shotguns.
5. Browning, Midas Grade Extended Choke Tube, 12 Gauge
What we like about this item: Extension beyond the end of the barrel gets you long-range shots. Easy to install and remove in Browning shotguns.
Editor ratings: 4 stars
Features:
- Fits all Browning Invector Plus 12 guage shotguns.
- Made with Stainless steel.
- Black oxide finish
- 7 x 5 x 2 inches with 2.4 Ounces
This is the best choke for late season pheasants if you own a Browning Midas range of shotguns. It produces a tight pattern on your shots.
Made with high tensile and durable stainless steel. Its black oxide finish and gold color ring at the bottom make it easy to find in your backpack.
This choke is suitable for all kinds of purposes. It can be used for shooting driven pheasant or wild pheasants or just for practicing your shots.
Pros
- Fits perfect on Browning citoril and cynergy shotguns.
- Easy to remove and change.
- Produce tight patterns.
Cons
- Does not fit well with all Browning shotguns
- No warranty.
Best Choke For Pheasant Buying Guide
When looking to buy the best choke for a pheasant hunt, there is a lot of factors to consider such as choke sizes, patterns, etc.
To help you with these factors, we have written in detail the important factors to look for when you are buying the best choke for pheasant hunting.
Choke Size
Pheasants tend to move at a steady pace, unlike other birds that move faster. When your hunting target is not so fast and has a steady speed, it is always recommended to go with narrow constrictions.
As you can see in the above image, the choke constriction size can be determined by the size of the yard. This is a generic rule but when it comes to pheasant hunting, you can go with cylinder or improved cylinder chokes.
Ease Of Installation
There are two types of installation when it comes to shooting with a barrel. One where you don’t need the help of any installation tools. and the other one where you need some help with extra tools.
The choke which is easy to install is known as extended chokes. These are the most commonly used and best choke for pheasant hunting.
They’re noted for their exact pellet designs, as well as their ease of installation. This one also reduces muzzle movement and recoil force.
Flush chokes are chokes that require the use of tools for installation.
Gun Patterns
The next important thing after selecting the choke size is the pattern. It is a very important factor because this will decide the chances of shooting the pheasant bird.
A pattern is seen after shooting the target that leads to a certain distinct pattern. Usually, it is either a tight pattern fast-moving or spread-out pattern depending on the constriction of the choke.
As you can see in the above image, a tighter pattern is formed for a small diameter. This is good for pheasant hunting to kill in one shot if your aim is accurate.
The best way to see how your rifle works is on a good pattern plate, which should be shot at a distance of 40 yards, but make sure to adjust this to the distance you’ll be firing.
Shot Size
Most of the pheasant hunters recommend any size between 1 and 7.5 for pheasant hunting as the best shot size. In almost all cases this works to shot down any pheasant.
But if you want to shoot a special kind of bird or fast-moving bird, #1 shot pellets are selected. This is because they have high velocity and force. But the chances of hitting the bird are less.
And if you go with a #9 shot pellets, it is only .09 inches in diameter and shoots the bird with more punch.
Quality of Choke Tubes
The most common and widely used choke tubes are made with stainless steel. Based on the brand, price, and quality, different types of steel are used.
17 – 4 stainless steel is considered to be the most reliable kind. It is because of the good amount of chromium, nickel, and copper mixture which makes it is so reliable.
Shot Types
There are literally hundreds of shot types for pheasant hunting. The most widely sold are the lead shots. The majority of the Ammos sold are of these types.
These shots range from 7.5 up to 4 shots in a standard lead shot. Regular birds can easily be taken down with these shots.
Then there are specialty shells with specific pellets that can help take down a large game bird that can often flush from a considerable distance.
Most pheasant hunters prefer #4 to #6 lead shot fired through a cylinder choke that has been modified or improved. The most frequent load is the #5 shot, with a modified choke being the most popular choke option.
This combination will work all season long. The ability to shoot steel pheasant hunting ammo without affecting performance is another advantage of a tuned choke.
Brands For Best Choke for Pheasants
Many of the best chokes brands have been around for over a decade and have established their worth via excellence. Carlson’s or TRUGLO are both top-notch establishments with cutting-edge technologies.
This sophisticated technology enhances pellet pattern and consistency. One of these must be chosen as the best choke for pheasant.
FAQ For A Good Choke For Pheasant Hunting
How Do Chokes React With A Steel Shot?
Steel and tungsten shots, because of their metallurgical properties, produce tighter groups with a given choke than lead shots. If your choke tube is labeled Improved Cylinder, or IC (standard constriction is normally measured with lead shot, but verify with your choke manufacturer), it will function similarly to a modified choke with steel shot.
Similarly, when using steel, your typical modified lead choke will produce a tighter complete pattern. With a steel shot, avoid utilizing entire lead chokes since the constriction is excessively tight.
Improved cylinder or even skeet constriction chokes perform well for close ducks and geese. A modified choke tube is preferable if the birds are further away.
What Is The Best Shot Size For Pheasant Hunting?
A lot of pheasant hunters with 3 and 4 shots for pheasant hunting. This usually works in steady moving pheasants in all weathers.
In a case, if the weather changes or your field is a little different, it is usually suggested to go with a 5. Most of the pheasant hunters vote 5 shot as the best shot size for pheasant hunting.
It is almost up to the shooter and skills. Accurate targeting and shooting skills can work with a 3 shot while casual shooters can go with a 5 or 7.5 shot.
Will 7.5 Shot Work Good For Pheasant Hunting?
Yes, a 7.5 shot is considered one of the best followed by an 8 shot. If you have properly calculated the velocity and selected the right choke, the 7.5 shot can help you shoot a lot of pheasants at reasonable distances.
When you center the shot with a good tight choke (IM or F) targeting for the head of the bird you get a very good shot.
This is also the favorite kind of shot among all hunters for pheasant. Works in every case by using the right pointer.
A Turkey Choke Is The Best For Pheasant Hunting?
Yes, a turkey choke can work well in pheasant hunting. Especially when the bird is quick to move.
When the pheasant is fast-moving and flying a turkey choke can give you a good shot at it. Especially, when it is a wild pheasant, it can give you an accurate shot. This is because of its wide pattern at large distances.
How Many Shells To Carry When Pheasant Hunting?
You can carry up to a box of 25 shells with you if you are new to pheasant hunting. With a proper choke and good weather, you will be needing half of those.
Regular shooters carry up to 10 shells and just use up to 5 on a regular day. This is because of their accuracy and clean shots.
As per the Idaho Official Government website, there is no limit on the number of shells that can be carried with you while shooting for pheasants.
I wouldn’t recommend anything above 25 because you won’t be needing it any more than that. Anything above 25 is just extra luggage in your bag I say.
What Shotgun Shell Is Ideal For Pheasant Hunting?
A 12-gauge shell gauge is the most popular of the shell gauges, and you can use popular hunting loads with it to hunt pheasants. This is true for a variety of shot loads, including #5 and #6.
Also, check our new blog where we talk about the best elk bugle tube and its ranges. This will give you a good idea about elk calling and you can understand how shooting and sound ranges are similar.
What Is The Speed Of A Pheasant’s Flight?
Pheasants construct their homes on the ground and prefer to travel long distances by running. They can reach speeds of up to 8 to 10 miles per hour when running.
They rarely fly, but if pursued, they may reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. When they’re flying at this speed, it’ll be difficult to catch them.
Is it possible to hunt pheasants with a full choke?
A full choke is your best chance when shooting at distances of 40 yards or beyond. Aside from that, you can stick with one that has been improved or updated.
Full chokes, on the other hand, are the finest choice for you if you can correctly aim and shoot a target at such a long distance.
Can you use a lead shot for pheasant?
Yes, you can use a lead shot for pheasant hunting. But it is suggested to go with non-toxic materials like steel. Because it is eco-friendly and not harmful to health.
A recent voluntary ban has been placed on lead shots in-game shooting for various animals in UK and EU region. Here is the BBC news report: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56158777
Where Do You Aim At A Pheasant?
Usually, people start targeting the entire target rather than a specific striking spot. This results in a miss or hitting the feathers only.
The best way to aim is at the bird’s head. And if you can target the eye of the pheasant then this will hit for sure in most of the cases.
What Is The Best Time To Hunt Pheasant?
Late afternoons are considered the best time for pheasant hunting. Pheasants tend to move into open fields at the end of the day.
If you are an early wake-up person, then early mornings are also considered to be the best. Cool-weather with fewer disturbances creates a perfect timing for pheasant hunting in early mornings.
Final Words
For no other reason than personal perfection or being nitpicky about little matters, many of us tend to get technical with an outdoor shooting sport. When it comes to game shooting, there’s no need to be as picky as some of us are.
If you pattern your pistol with different chokes, barrels, and loads, and make sure the gun fits you properly, everything will fall into place in the field.
Make sure to consider wind when going for the hunt. Smaller shots can have a lot of drift on a windy day. My favorite time for hunting on a normal weather day is either early mornings or evenings.