With the droughts and the dip in waterfowl numbers, last year’s duck hunting season was a bit underwhelming, but a friend of mine had a particularly bad time. He went out there with a choke that was too powerful for close-range shooting, and ended up doing way too much damage to his quarry. Turns out he wasn’t the only one.
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After testing out a lot of chokes, I’ve come up with a list of my favorites specifically for duck hunting. Now, keep in mind, the right choke for you depends on your shotgun, preferred range, ammo type, and other factors. While you’re going through the reviews, remember to go out there and try them out, get some practice in, before making the final call.
Before anything, let’s go over how chokes work.
The choke is a metal tube inserted into the barrel of your gun to narrow down the muzzle, so the pellets in your shot fly as effectively as possible. How a choke works is similar to a water hose. Just like how a hose can concentrate water into a single line, a choke compresses and groups your shotgun pellets.
The type of choke you choose provides a different shot pattern (grouping) and shot string (pellet spread). If you want a clean and accurate kill on the first try, go for a choke that gives you a tight shot pattern and a short shot string for the range you’re shooting from. The goal is to land a dense pattern within a 30 inch-diameter ‘kill zone,’ that covers your quarry.
Each choke is specifically designed to give you an edge during your hunt by improving certain specs, such as your shooting range or accuracy, based on the choke you are using.
Let’s take a closer look at the various types of chokes you may come across and how they affect your shots.
There are several types of chokes on the market that all perform differently. Chokes have different levels of constriction (or tightness) and certain choke constrictions might be a better fit for you depending on the type of waterfowl you’re hunting, the style of the hunt, and the distance from the target.
Full choke is the narrowest and delivers the tightest patterns, ideal for long-range shooting from more than 40 yards.
Improved modified choke is slightly less narrow than the full choke and works for long-range shooting around 40 yards.
Modified choke is a fraction more open than the improved modified choke, and it’s good for mid-range-shooting from around 35 yards.
Improved cylinder choke is even more open than the modified choke, and it’s better for shooting from a 25 yard distance, because the pattern gets looser at longer distances.
Cylinder, or the open choke, is the default size of the muzzle end with no constriction, and shoots short-ranges less than 20 yards.
Now, one thing to remember is that there are even more types of chokes between these common types, depending on their specific features. Here are some features that can differentiate them and add even more variability to your selection.
Extended/Flush – You can add the extended chokes on to the muzzle without tools and they extend outward once they are screwed in. You’ll need a wrench to insert a flush choke, but it goes fully into the muzzle.
Ported/Non-ported – Ported chokes come with precision drilled holes to reduce the recoil and muzzle jump when you fire it compared to a more traditional ‘non-ported’ choke.
Now, for duck hunting, I recommend going with modified chokes or full chokes; most duck hunts happen at around 40 yards from the fowl and the other chokes just don’t have the range.
Best Chokes for Duck Hunting
Best overall Patternmaster Code Black Duck choke |
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Best for Consistent Pattern Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot |
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Best versatile TruGlo Titan Adjustable Choke |
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Best value Carlson’s Cremator Non-ported Waterfowl Choke |
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Best for long range shooting Trulock Super Waterfowl Choke |
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Best budget Hevi-Shot Extended Range Waterfowl Choke |
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Below is a table of the specifications for each choke. Click the name of the item to jump to that review.
Choke | Gauge | Material | Length (in) | Extended/Flush |
---|---|---|---|---|
Patternmaster Code Black Duck Choke | 12 | Heat-treated Sainless Steel | 8 | Extended |
Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot | 12 | Stainless Steel | 9 | Extended |
TRUGLO Titan Adjustable Choke | 12 | Steel | 8 | Extended |
Carlson’s Cremator Non-ported Waterfowl Winchester – Browning Choke | 12 | Heat-treated stainless steel | 8 | Flush |
Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes | 12 | Alloy Steel | 5.5 | Extended |
Hevi-Shot Extended range Waterfowl Benelli Crio plus Choke tube | 12 | Stainless Steel | 8 | Extended |
Here is our list for the best chokes for hunting ducks
- Patternmaster Code Black Duck Choke
- Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot Choke
- TruGlo Titan Adjustable Choke
- Carlson’s Cremator Non-Ported Waterfowl Choke
- Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes
- Hevi-Shot Extended Range Waterfowl Choke
Since the right choke for one person may not work for everyone, I’ve ranked the best ones I’ve used in several categories, instead of ranking them in order.
Patternmaster Code Black Duck Choke
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- Effectiveness A+
- Durability A
- Ease of Use A+
- Value A
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Patternmaster Code Black Duck Choke Specs
- Gauge 12
- Material Heat-treated stainless steel
- Recommended Shells Steel, lead or other non-toxic ammunition, 2 ¾” or 3″ or 3 ½” shells
- Extended/Flush Extended
- Length (in) 8
Patternmaster Code Black Duck Choke Review
So when I first bought the Patternmaster Code Black Duck, I was skeptical; it’s an expensive one at $100 and had a pretty loyal fan base of hunters who swore by it. But now that I’ve used it, I really understand the hype; it is a solid choke that works for almost any duck hunt, and while it’s not the best in any singular category, it’s the best overall.
Code Black Duck is an extended choke, meaning I can screw it in without having to use a wrench. This is pretty handy, because I personally like being able to swap out my chokes without hassle quickly in the field. The extended choke also acts as a makeshift guard. If you accidentally bump your muzzle somewhere, you won’t damage your shotgun.
The pattern is where the Code Black Duck outshines most chokes. Even at 40 yards, it has a dense pattern of pellets and can easily make a clean kill shot. What lets you do this is Patternmaster‘s patented and trademark stud ring inside the choke; it helps the shot charge to leave the barrel with minimal hassle and cover more ground before pellets start to spread. Clean kills are the marks of great choke performance in my book, and the Code Black Duck definitely delivers in that department.
The Code Black Duck is also ported with precision holes drilled into the body to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. Most hunters don’t think the reduction in recoil is worth the price, but I think hunters should be aware of all firearm features. If a ported choke improves my shots even slightly as opposed to a non-ported choke, then I’ll definitely go with a ported choke.
One thing to note though, I’ve heard a few people that use this choke complain that it had a split running up to the stud ring after a few rounds of shooting. I think this is a rare case; less than a handful of people mentioned this to me and I didn’t run into this issue myself after using it.
The Code Black Duck is also pretty pricey. At $100, it’s a bit on the higher end while most chokes cost around $60, but for the sheer level of all-rounder performance you get from it, I’d say it is definitely worth the buy.
Patternmaster Code Black Duck Choke Pros and Cons
- High Range
- Uniform Patterns
- High Durability
- Expensive
Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot Choke
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- Effectiveness A
- Durability A
- Ease of Use B
- Value A
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Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot Choke Specs
- Gauge 12
- Material Stainless Steel
- Recommended Shells Any
- Extended/Flush Extended
- Length (in) 9
Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot Choke Review
If consistency is what you care about the most, then my recommendation is to go with the Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot. Not only does it shoot with all types of shotshells and ammunition, it produces consistently dense patterns every single time.
When I was patterning my shotgun with the Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot, I noticed that my patterns are dense and usually uniform across 20, 30, and 40 yard-ranges. This is awesome outdoors because dense and uniform patterns translate to quick and clean kills.
The choke is ideal for various duck hunting styles, such as wing shooting, pass shooting, and decoy shooting. But one style to avoid with the Fatal Shot is jump shooting; it’s not because it won’t be effective, but it is a mid/long-range choke and shooting short range with it can really damage the bird.
The Outdoors Fatal Shot is good for mid- and long-range shooting because it works like an improved modified choke. I should mention that I had to pattern my shotgun first with a few shells and ammo at different ranges to figure out which shot to load on which occasion. Once I did though, I found it pretty easy to swap shotshells without having to switch the choke. This is important, because the Outdoors Fatal Shot comes in three ranges: short, mid, and long. I recommend mid- and long-range for duck, but your choice might vary based on the details of your hunt.
The choke tube is extended and even has a knurled grip so you can easily screw in or remove it without using a tool, but it comes non-ported, which adds a bit to the recoil. The manufacturers say that being non-ported helps keep the shot consistent and while I agree, you’ll need to compensate for the kick from recoil, which can take some getting used to.
One issue that I had with it though, was its color. The Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot is shiny and has a gold and brass kind of color, which stuck out like a sore thumb with the rest of my equipment. I didn’t appreciate it glinting in the sun because one, it affected my sighting in and two, the flash of light blew my cover once.
It’s not a deal-breaker though; I could use the choke when I don’t particularly need to be under cover like when pass shooting or wing shooting, because cost-wise it makes sense. The Outdoors Fatal Shot is priced around 70 bucks with a lifetime guarantee added in, so combine that with the versatility and you’ve got a pretty sweet deal.
Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot Choke Pros and Cons
- Easy Maneuverability
- Uniform Shot Patterns
- Quick and Clean Shots
- Color Stands Out
- Recoil takes a while to get used to
TruGlo Titan Adjustable Choke
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- Effectiveness A
- Durability A
- Ease of Use A-
- Value A+
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A
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TruGlo Titan Adjustable Choke Specs
- Gauge 12
- Material Steel
- Recommended Shells All waterfowl loads, including steel and Hevi-Shot
- Extended/Flush Extended
- Length (in) 8 inches
TruGlo Titan Adjustable Choke Review
TRUGLO Titan Adjustable Choke is my pick for best versatile choke because of the impressive adaptability it gains from the 8 different choke settings. It shoots ducks in any range you prefer, and is a great choice for shooting other waterfowl, birds in flight, and even clay pigeons.
The choke settings on the Titan Adjustable Choke are:
- Cylinder
- Skeet
- Improved Cylinder
- Light Modified
- Modified
- Improved Modified
- Full
- Extra Full
- XX Full
This choke is an extended design, so you can adjust the constriction settings from the tightest fit to no choke without needing to use a tool.
For me, using the Titan Adjustable Choke felt like getting more than 8 choke settings in one, because the choke produced even more patterns and shot strings as I tested with different shotgun/ammo/choke combos. This is why I picked the Titan Adjustable Choke over Mojo Outdoors Fatal Shot as the best versatile choke, even when the Fatal Shot is also quite flexible in its ability to shoot with any shotshell and ammunition combo.
The Titan Adjustable can also be loaded with any kind of shot. I usually use steel shots out of habit for duck hunting, but you should explore more when shooting other kinds of quarry. There are a few restrictions with some shots and the choke settings they are used on, like only using the cylinder setting for firing slugs, but those restrictions don’t limit you much.
An issue that I had with the Titan Adjustable Choke personally was the length it added to my shotgun’s barrel. Around 4 inches of the choke stuck out from the barrel after screwing it in, and my sightings felt a little off while I was getting used to it.
The other concern about the Titan Adjustable Choke is its price. It ranges around $100 to $130 depending on who you’re buying it from, so this is definitely not a choke for the budget hunter. Personally, I think that the sheer level of versatility the choke provides makes it a worthwhile purchase if you’re a duck hunting enthusiast.
TruGlo Titan Adjustable Choke Pros and Cons
- Easily adjustable choke constrictions
- Adaptable
- Works with many shotshells
- A bit too long
- Expensive
Carlson’s Cremator Non-Ported Waterfowl Choke
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- Effectiveness A
- Durability A
- Ease of Use B
- Value A
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Carlson’s Cremator Non-ported Waterfowl Choke Specs
- Gauge 12
- Material Heat-treated stainless steel
- Recommended Shells Steel
- Extended/Flush Flush
- Length (in) 8
Carlson’s Cremator Non-ported Waterfowl Choke Review
The Carlson’s Cremator Non-ported Waterfowl Choke is my pick for the value category because it costs the same as most chokes on the market at $60, but it performs just as well as higher priced chokes. Carlson’s is a reputed name for choke tubes and other gun accessories for good reason; their chokes are consistently high quality and very reliable.
I tested out both their mid-range and long-range chokes last season, and I was pretty happy with the tight shot string and dense pattern: The mid-range choke made the kill zone at 30 yards and the long-range one hit the target at 45 yards. It wasn’t as dense as the patterning of the Code Black Duck in the same range, but still good enough for a solid kill shot.
The Cremator Waterfowl is a flush choke you can install without tools, but you’ll need a wrench to remove or switch it out, making it a bit difficult to handle, especially during a hunt. Carlson’s sells a set of two chokes with a custom-built wrench for $100 which works out to a great deal, but if you are going for it, you might as well opt for an extended choke like the Patternmaster Code Black Duck which is in the same price range.
The Cremator Waterfowl carries a lifetime warranty though, and this is useful given that wrenching the choke out of the muzzle every time you need to change it could cause some damage. The Cremator Waterfowl’s cons are pretty minor when you consider how well it performs for its price range. This choke is a great option for duck hunters who want to step up their game but don’t want to go all-in on a premium choke just yet, or just for hunters on a budget overall.
Carlson’s Cremator Non-ported Waterfowl Choke Pros and Cons
- Dense patterns
- No size or speed restrictions
- Lifetime warranty
- Difficulty handling
Trulock Super Waterfowl Choke
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- Effectiveness A
- Durability A-
- Ease of Use A
- Value A-
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A
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Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes Specs
- Gauge 12
- Material Alloy Steel
- Recommended Shells Steel and other environmentally friendly shotshells
- Extended/Flush Extended
- Length (in) 5.5
Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes Review
Most standard full chokes help shots travel distances, but the Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes do the job exceptionally well, earning them my pick for the best long range chokes.
Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes come in 3 degrees of full constrictions, and I tried out the choke with the tightest constriction and shot at 50 and 70 yards. At 50 yards, the shot landed in the kill zone but with a smaller diameter than that of the Patternmaster Code Black Duck. The kill zone was a bit spread out more than my ideal pattern at 70 yards, but I’d say the same shot could take down a duck when wing shooting or pass shooting without any problems.
It’s important to remember that these chokes are built with a lot of punch in mind since the full choke from the Super Waterfowl Chokes generally shoots hard steel and tungsten pellets, which are exceptionally rigid and durable. They definitely made this for shooting at long ranges, and I wouldn’t recommend using it on targets at or below 30 yards or else you’ll end up with a very messy takedown.
With this in mind, it’s a given that the Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes would not work well for jump shooting or hunting ducks over decoys, as these are both done in close range, usually. The other issue is that these chokes are only available for Remington 12 Gauge, so unless you own one or plan to purchase one, this choke may not work for you.
Trulock Super Waterfowl Chokes Pros and Cons
- High pattern density
- High durability
- Easy removal and installation
- Not recommended for close-range
- Works with only one shotgun
Hevi-Shot Extended Range Waterfowl Choke
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- Effectiveness B+
- Durability A-
- Ease of Use A-
- Value A
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Hevi-Shot Extended Range Waterfowl Choke Specs
- Gauge 12
- Material Stainless Steel
- Recommended Shells Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Ammunition
- Extended/Flush Extended
- Length 8
Hevi-Shot Extended Range Waterfowl Choke Review
The Hevi-Shot Extended Range Waterfowl Choke is the least expensive choke on my list costing around $50, but that’s not the only reason it made the best budget spot. It has both range and ease of use covered as it shoots over 40 yards, which is the ideal distance for duck hunting. It is also easy to install and take off because of the knurled fore-end.
Hevi-Shot comes in two chokes, one for long-range and one for close-range. You have your pick of the choke that works for the range and shotshell you’re shooting, but the issue is in the pattern density. This hasn’t happened to me, but a few of my friends have mentioned that the choke favors Hevi-Shot ammo and the pattern can be a little inaccurate for people who use other kinds of shells. While that’s a real concern, I don’t think it affects the kill shot too much because I shot copper plated lead shells for a month last season and ended up with zero cripples on my quarry.
One thing I had trouble with though, was that the first Extended Range Waterfowl choke I bought for my Benelli Montefeltro didn’t fit in properly. The threading was wrong even though it was marked as the Hevi-Shot choke compatible with Benelli shotguns. I was a bit put off by it, but gave another try with a new choke which worked out well, so I’m going to assume that was a one time error unless I hear more about it.
Apart from that, I honestly don’t have complaints about the Hevi-Shot; it’s easy to handle and shoots quite dense and consistent patterns. If it were up to me, I’d rather choose versatility over the price point, but if you are looking for a budget option, this choke is a solid intro choice.
Hevi-Shot Extended Range Waterfowl Choke Pros and Cons
- Extended range
- Quick installation
- Durability
- Isn’t compatible with larger steel pellets
- Not versatile
Choosing a choke is just as personal as your choice of firearm. They need to fit your shotgun, your choice of shells and your style of duck hunting. Here’s a quick guide to walk you through the factors you can consider when looking for a choke.
Each of the chokes I’ve recommended above are best suited for a specific purpose, and that’s because they have certain qualities that make them more accurate, more powerful, or better for a certain range. So, let’s look at these qualities and how they affect the performance of your choke, and ultimately, the success of your hunt.
Pattern – Every shotgun shell has pellets, and these pellets get distributed when you fire your shot. The goal is to land as many pellets as possible within a 30-inch diameter on your target. This area is your kill zone, and a dense pattern within it means there’s a high chance of making a clean, ethical kill shot in one go. Take a look at these diagrams to understand what I mean:
Shot string – When your shot leaves the barrel, the pressure pushes out your shotgun shell in the form of a shot string. The longer the shot string is, the more chance there is for the pellets to spread, making it much harder for the shot to reach your target and land a kill. Shot string affects shot pattern, and a shorter shot string will give you a denser, more powerful pattern. Here’s what this might look like:
Your choke of choice delays the wad (the compartment separating the pellets from the gunpowder) by a couple of milliseconds, so the shot is contained for a bit longer after leaving the barrel before the pellets start to spread.
Ranges – Range is the distance at which your choke is the most effective and lands the best, or densest, pattern. A full choke for example, has an effective range of 40 yards and beyond.
Some full chokes can land kill shots even from 70 yards, so if you’re wing shooting or pass shooting, full chokes are your best bet for accurately shooting a moving target.
Given that we mostly shoot ducks at around 40 yards, this range and choke combination is ideal for duck hunting.
Personally, I prefer shooting from mid-range when hunting ducks, but if you plan to hunt with jump shooting, an improved cylinder or cylinder choke would work well for this type of close-range shooting.
Pattern, string, and range are all performance factors that can vary depending on the choke you end up using. Here are a few things to look out for when choosing your choke:
- Constriction – The level of constriction affects your effective range and the ideal fit depends on the style of your hunt. Jump shooters usually stick to the middle-ground with improved chokes, while mid- or long-range wing shooters like myself go for tighter, full chokes.
- Material – There are four main types of shot materials that are commonly loaded in shotshells: lead, steel, tungsten, and bismuth. Each shot type performs better when combined with a choke made to handle a specific material. Remember to compare the types of shotshells you want to use with the compatibility of the chokes you are considering to make sure the choke can handle your shots.
- Length – The length of a choke can change your shot string, but can also change your sightings if they are longer than you might be used to; most chokes are 8-9 inches, and some of this length protrudes from the muzzle. While you can get used to this over a time, a shorter choke might be a better option if you find the length of the choke throws off your sighting too much.
- Color – Chokes with muted colors are less noticeable and can reduce your visibility if you want to remain hidden during your hunt. Brightly colored chokes might not be a big deal if you plan to hunt during daytime. However, certain shades could cause a glint or glare that can make it harder to aim or make you much more visible.
- Price – If you’re a beginner or looking to get into duck hunting, it may be a good idea to try out a more budget-friendly choke to see if you prefer the way your shots change with it. Once you get more comfortable shooting with a choke or want to really fine-tune your shooting, you can look at more premium range options with more features and specializations.
While you can always hunt ducks with a stock shotgun with no choke, taking that extra step really helps take your shooting to the next level with finer control over your range, accuracy, and kill zones. Remember to try out a few based on the ranges you shoot at to find the choke that matches your duck hunting goals and feels the best to shoot. Happy hunting.
Before you go, check out our Best Shotguns By Action Type!
This depends on your shooting range, shot types, and hunting style. Not every choke is going to work well for every hunter, but the Patternmaster Code Black Duck is the best choice for duck hunting. It’s an outstanding performer overall, and it’s easy to handle. If you’re looking for an all-in-one versatile choke, I recommend the TRUGLO Titan Adjustable choke, as it has 8 choke settings to customize for your hunt.
Small shot sizes work well for ducks. You can use No. 3 or No. 4 shot sizes at short-range around 20 yards, and at a longer-range around 40 yards, you can use the slightly larger No. 2 or No. 1 shot sizes.
Everyone has their own preference, but I personally go with a 12 gauge shotgun instead of a 20 gauge when shooting duck. The 12 gauge is better for larger pellets and gives you a better pattern density.
Power and pattern density are important factors that hunters look for when picking out their shotgun shells. Whether I’m hunting ducks, geese, or waterfowl, my favorite is the Mossy Oak Shadow Grass by Apex Ammunition. I love how versatile these shells are for hunting in different habitats and its steel and tungsten blend brings serious knockdown power for a sure shot.
If you’re shooting over decoys, you’re probably better off using a light modified or modified shotgun choke. Improved modified chokes are your best bet for pass shooting because they offer better accuracy for moving targets. For smaller shots, full chokes can give you better shot dispersion, but the tighter the choke is, the more you risk over-constriction and damaging your gun.
We should maintain choke tubes with care so as not to let them rust. If you ever get the choke wet, it’s best to take out the tube, dry it, clean the threading, and dab on some grease before fixing it back to the muzzle.