There’s hitting a turkey, and then there’s stacking pellets so tight in the 10-inch ring that the shot column looks like a single projectile. That difference starts with the threads at the end of your barrel. A factory full choke might send a decent pattern out to 30 yards, but a dedicated turkey choke—one built around a deep constriction and a longer parallel section—turns your 20-gauge into a 40-, 50-, even 60-yard gobbler stopper. The challenge is trusting which tube delivers that density without costing you patterns on both ends of the range card.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide comes from combing through customer pattern tests, cross-referencing constriction diameters with recommended loads, and matching each choke’s thread pattern to the gun it actually fits.
Whether you’re running a lightweight single-shot or a semi-auto, the right 20 gauge turkey choke transforms your scattergun into a long-range precision tool that puts pellets exactly where you aim them.
How To Choose The Best 20 Gauge Turkey Choke
Picking a turkey choke for a 20-gauge is different than buying one for a 12. You have less shot volume to work with, so every pellet that strays from the core pattern costs you killing energy at the edge. The choke’s internal geometry—constriction, parallel length, and material—determines whether those pellets hold the line.
Thread Pattern Compatibility
The most expensive choke is useless if it doesn’t screw into your barrel. Different shotgun families use different thread standards. Benelli and Beretta use the Mobil choke system, while Remington, Browning, and Mossberg each have their own. Always check your gun’s manual or remove your existing choke to confirm the thread count and pattern before buying. One wrong thread pitch means the tube won’t seat flush.
Constriction and Parallel Section
Turkey chokes use the tightest constriction in the full and extra-full range, typically around 0.555 to 0.570 inch for a 20-gauge. The constriction alone doesn’t tell the whole story—the parallel section after the taper is what stabilizes the shot column. A longer parallel section keeps wads centered and pellets from blowing outward prematurely. That’s why extended chokes often beat flush-mount tubes despite looking similar on paper.
Material and Load Compatibility
Tungsten super shot (TSS) loads are denser and harder than lead or Hevi-Shot, so they cause more wear on the choke. A tube made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel resists erosion far better than standard blued steel or chrome-plated tubes. If you plan to shoot heavy TSS payloads, skip the economy chokes and pick one that can handle the pressure and abrasion without opening up over time.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patternmaster Code Black Turkey | Premium | Maximum range on TSS loads | 0.565 constriction, 17-4 steel | Amazon |
| Carlson’s Long Beard Remington .568 | Premium | Pattern density with lead Longbeard XR | 0.568 constriction, blued steel | Amazon |
| Carlson’s Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus | Premium | High-density TSS patterns in Crio barrels | 0.568 constriction, stainless steel | Amazon |
| Carlson’s TSS Turkey Remington .555 | Mid-Range | TSS-specific performance in Remington guns | 0.555 constriction, stainless steel | Amazon |
| Carlson’s Extended Turkey Win/Browning/Moss | Mid-Range | Universal fit for popular 20-gauge guns | Extended 1″, 17-4 stainless steel | Amazon |
| Carlson’s Extended Turkey Beretta/Benelli Mobil | Mid-Range | Mobil-thread shotguns needing extra range | 0.565 constriction, stainless steel | Amazon |
| Primos Tight WAD Turkey Choke | Budget | Budget-friendly upgrade from factory choke | Tight constriction, entry-level material | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Patternmaster Code Black Turkey .565 20 Gauge
The Patternmaster Code Black Turkey is the only choke on this list that wraps separating-ring technology and canoe porting into the same tube. The porting shortens the shot string by up to 75 percent, meaning more pellets arrive at the target in a tighter window rather than strung out over several feet. That engineering matters when a gobbler’s head is behind light brush at 50 yards and you need every pellet in the pattern core.
Built from titanium-infused 17-4 PH stainless steel, the Code Black extends 1.5 inches beyond the muzzle—giving you the longest parallel section here for wad stabilization. The non-reflective bronze finish helps with concealment, and the SecureFit threading keeps the tube locked even after repeated shots. Patternmaster recommends ammo velocities below 1550 fps for best results, which lines up perfectly with most copper-plated lead and TSS turkey loads.
At roughly 0.565 constriction, this is an extra-full tube that delivers effective patterns out to 70 yards. Buyers running Benelli M2s and Beretta A400s report extremely tight 10-inch ring counts at 40 yards with tungsten loads. The deeper wallet investment is justified if you are pushing the range limits of a 20-gauge and refuse to leave pellets on the table.
Why it’s great
- Ported design shortens shot string dramatically
- 17-4 stainless steel handles heavy TSS loads
- 1.5-inch extension for superior wad control
Good to know
- Not compatible with steel shot or slugs
- Only fits Benelli/Beretta Mobil thread pattern
2. Carlson’s Long Beard Turkey Remington .568 20 Gauge
Carlson’s built the Long Beard Turkey choke specifically to work with Winchester’s Longbeard XR loads, which use a shot-stacking buffer system to keep pellets round during firing. This tube’s 0.568-inch constriction pairs with that buffer technology to deliver what the company claims is 10 percent greater penetration beyond 50 yards compared to standard lead shot. For a 20-gauge, that gain is significant because you start with fewer pellets.
The tube is made from blued stainless steel—slightly less erosion-resistant than the 17-4 used on premium models, but still far better than basic chromoly. It fits Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 guns, and several users confirmed it also matches the Escort PS youth 20-gauge that uses V3 chokes. Included with the tube is a removal tool, though one buyer noted the tool’s quality is below the choke’s own standard.
At 40 steps, customers report excellent pattern density with Hevi Metal shells and Longbeard XR #6 shot. If you shoot a Remington 20-gauge and want a dedicated lead-shot turkey tube that produces consistent 40-yard patterns without spending premium-tier money, this is the sweet spot.
Why it’s great
- Optimized for Longbeard XR buffer technology
- Proven pattern performance on Remington 870/1100
- Included removal tool for quick swaps
Good to know
- Blued steel wears faster than 17-4 with TSS
- Included tool feels cheap; use your own wrench
3. Carlson’s Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus .568 20 Gauge
Benelli’s Crio Plus thread pattern is a distinct standard, and if you own an M2, Montefeltro, or Super Black Eagle in 20 gauge, this Carlson’s tube is one of the few dedicated turkey options that threads in correctly. The .568 constriction is tight enough for extra-full performance, and the stainless steel construction resists the high-pressure demands of TSS and Hevi-Shot loads that Crio barrel owners often run.
One customer using a Benelli M2 with a 24-inch barrel and Rogue Ammunition 3-inch #9 TSS loads reported over 390 pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. That kind of count is rare for a 20-gauge and speaks directly to the choke’s parallel section length and overall wad control. The tube extends roughly 1 inch from the muzzle, and the knurled end makes hand-tightening and removal easy while wearing gloves.
Carlson’s backs this choke with a lifetime warranty, which removes the risk of buying a specialized thread pattern that might not see heavy use. If you shoot a Benelli Crio Plus 20-gauge and want patterns that match 12-gauge density at reasonable hunting distances, this is the targeted solution you need.
Why it’s great
- Specifically designed for Crio Plus thread
- Lifetime warranty on construction
- Confirmed 390+ pellet counts in 10-inch circle
Good to know
- Works only with Benelli Crio Plus barrels
- Does not fit standard Mobil-thread guns
4. Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Remington .555 20 Gauge
At 0.555-inch constriction, this is the tightest turkey choke in our lineup. The reduced diameter forces the shot column into an extremely dense core, which works beautifully with tungsten loads that resist deformation better than lead. If you are shooting TSS #9 or #10 shot in a Remington 870 or 20-gauge single-shot like the Stevens 301, this tube can push effective pattern range well past 50 yards.
The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction is the correct material choice for TSS. Tungsten pellets at high velocity will erode a standard blued choke in a few seasons, but the hard stainless in this tube resists micro-abrasion and maintains its constriction diameter over thousands of rounds. One buyer saw dramatic pattern improvement switching from a factory turkey choke to this Carlson’s, eliminating blown-out holes that had plagued his Stevens 301.
Customers running Mossberg 500s and Maverick 88s confirmed a perfect fit for Remington-choked guns, and the patterns hold up across 4, 5, and 6 shot loads. This choke is the right choice if you’ve already invested in TSS and want a tube that will last as long as the shotgun itself without losing its edge.
Why it’s great
- Tightest constriction (0.555) for extreme density
- 17-4 stainless steel resists TSS erosion
- Dramatic pattern improvement over factory chokes
Good to know
- Best results require tungsten/TSS loads
- Very tight constriction may not suit all lead loads
5. Carlson’s Extended Turkey Win/Browning/Moss .565 20 Gauge
This tube covers the three most common 20-gauge thread families in one SKU: Winchester, Browning Invector, and Mossberg 500. The steel is 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, precision-machined with a 1.050-inch parallel section that is 25 percent longer than Carlson’s standard tubes. That additional parallel length keeps the wad centered longer, which is why this choke produces visibly tighter 40-yard patterns compared to a factory full choke.
The knurled end extends about 1 inch from the muzzle, making installation and removal simple without tools. Carlson’s lists compatibility with all lead and Hevi-Shot loads, and the tube can handle steel shot no larger than #4. TSS loads work, though the .565 constriction is slightly looser than the .555 TSS-specific model, so if you shoot ultra-heavy tungsten, the TSS version is a better match.
Buyers running Stevens 301s and Mossberg 500s confirmed the tube threads smoothly and patterns well with lead #5 and #6 shot, ranging from 30 to 50 yards. This is the no-guesswork mid-range upgrade for hunters who own a Winchester, Browning, or Mossberg 20-gauge and want proven performance without navigating multiple thread-specific SKUs.
Why it’s great
- Fits three major thread families (Win, Browning, Moss)
- 25% longer parallel section for tighter patterns
- 17-4 stainless steel for long-term durability
Good to know
- Does not fit Browning Invector Plus barrels
- Not as tight as dedicated TSS chokes
6. Carlson’s Extended Turkey Beretta/Benelli Mobil .565 20 Gauge
Beretta and Benelli shotguns with Mobil choke threads make up a huge portion of the 20-gauge semi-auto market. This Carlson’s tube delivers the same 17-4 stainless steel construction and 1-inch extended length as the multi-fit version, but with the correct Mobil thread pattern for these guns. The .565 constriction is extra-full, and the parallel section is engineered to produce dense patterns with copper-plated and buffered lead turkey loads.
The tube’s diameter measures 0.565, and the constriction is laser-marked on the end for quick identification. Customers running TriStar 20-gauge shotguns confirmed a perfect thread fit, and users of Benelli M2 and Beretta A400 platforms reported consistent 40-yard patterns with #5 shot. Carlson’s recommends against shooting #4 steel shot in this tube because the pellet diameter can cause pressure spikes in the 0.565 bore.
Backed by Carlson’s lifetime warranty, this is the straightforward pick for Mobil-thread owners who want a dedicated turkey tube without paying the Patternmaster premium. If your gun accepts Mobil chokes and you’re hunting with lead or Hevi-Shot loads, this tube packs the performance necessary to drop gobblers at typical engagement distances.
Why it’s great
- 17-4 stainless steel with Mobil thread pattern
- Lifetime warranty from Carlson’s
- Laser-marked constriction for easy ID
Good to know
- Not recommended for steel shot larger than #4
- Best results with copper-plated buffered loads
7. Primos Tight WAD Turkey Choke Tube
The Primos Tight WAD is the price-conscious entry into turkey-specific chokes. It uses a material blend rather than stainless steel, which keeps the cost low but means it will not resist TSS erosion as well as premium tubes. The tight constriction is designed for lead shot, and several buyers report reaching 60-yard pattern density with copper-plated loads in Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge versions—though the 20-gauge iteration follows the same geometry concept.
Fitment is the main wildcard with this tube. It threads properly into some Mossberg 500 variants, but a customer with a standard Mossberg 500 found it did not fit despite the product listing suggesting compatibility. If you buy this choke, verify your specific barrel’s thread pattern ahead of time. It is not a universal fit, and the cost savings only matter if it actually screws in.
For hunters using a Mossberg 835 or 935 in 20 gauge who need a quick, budget-friendly upgrade from a factory full choke, the Primos Tight WAD will tighten your patterns noticeably at 30 to 50 yards. It is not the tool for heavy TSS loads or ultra-long-range duty, but it can get you on the board without a major upfront investment.
Why it’s great
- Budget-friendly entry into turkey chokes
- Tightens patterns over factory full choke
- Works with standard lead turkey loads
Good to know
- Material blend less durable than stainless
- Fitment varies; verify thread pattern first
FAQ
Will a 20-gauge turkey choke pattern as tight as a 12-gauge?
Can I shoot steel shot through a turkey choke?
How do I know which thread pattern my 20-gauge shotgun needs?
What is the best shot size for a 20-gauge turkey choke?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the 20 gauge turkey choke winner is the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey because it combines the longest parallel section, premium 17-4 steel, and porting technology that delivers repeatable 70-yard patterns with TSS loads. If you want a high-value tube for a Remington gun with lead loads, grab the Carlson’s Long Beard Remington .568. And for Benelli Crio Plus owners who need specialized thread compatibility without sacrificing pattern density, the Carlson’s Long Beard Crio Plus .568 is the targeted solution that puts pellets where they count.