Turkey Choke Evaluation Project

[3" 870 Shell Shucker]

Thanks.  I'm sure that many companies are willing to participate in something like this, while still others are simply not.  I certainly wouldn't expect you to purchase extra chokes for this.  I was just curious about a couple of the big names.  I bet Indian Creek will make a good showing, but who knows what brand or model of choke will be the most consistent performer.  This sounds like a lot of fun. 

[R AJ]

While this project is going to be tested as objectively as possible , one must bear in mind that even between two shotguns of the same make, model, and barrel length, results using the same shell can vary pretty dramatically.
Since various chokes , different length barrels, semi-auto / pump, etc. all present variables that can at best give suggested results for a particular gun/choke combo, this will be at least a very interesting report. Choke construction and constriction is a variable in and of itself and all are to present what they consider the best choke for a particular gun for this WLB shell in #6 shot.
It must be noted however that results as presented may be different, perhaps significantly different, for your particular gun using the same choke used by Clark during his testing.

It is my hypothesis that all combinations used will be capable of giving suitable results for the purpose of turkey hunting at ranges of 40 yards and under. It would be of great help to see patterns from the various guns as a reference but that may be too much for Clark to report.
Kudos to Winchester for this  lead shell technology.

[allaboutshooting]

I am currently about 1/3 the way through this project. I ended up with 36 choke configurations.

I need at least 2 warm days with low wind to get the shooting portion of the evaluation completed.

Then, I'll evaluate all the targets, take pictures and record the results.

All of that will take some time but hopefully, I'll have the project completed before the end of the year.

Thanks,
Clark

[mgm1955]

I just want to say thanks for all your hard work and diligence.

[Bigspurs68]

Clark, just out of curiosity, have you ever tried or wondered the effects of a barrel de-resonator on a shotguns pattern? Harmonics surely play a roll in it all and iv always wondered if and how much it would help a pattern by adjusting or controlling them.

[mikejd]

 Very exited to see how this unfolds. You definitely have your work cut out for you.

[allaboutshooting]

Clark, just out of curiosity, have you ever tried or wondered the effects of a barrel de-resonator on a shotguns pattern? Harmonics surely play a roll in it all and iv always wondered if and how much it would help a pattern by adjusting or controlling them.

Here's a link to an article on that subject that I published in January of 2013 http://allaboutshooting.com/article_info.php?articles_id=580

I found it to be a fascinating subject.

Thanks,
Clark

[Bigspurs68]

Thank you Clark. Pretty neat.

[allaboutshooting]

Thank you Clark. Pretty neat.

You're welcome. That was another major project that took a lot of time but hopefully it's helpful.

Thanks,
Clark

[daymude7288]

Clark,

Hows it coming along so far.  I can't wait to see the results.  Thank you for all that you do!  I am pretty new to the forum and already see that you do so much to help the people of Oldgobbler.

Thank you,
Aaron

[allaboutshooting]

Clark,

Hows it coming along so far.  I can't wait to see the results.  Thank you for all that you do!  I am pretty new to the forum and already see that you do so much to help the people of Oldgobbler.

Thank you,
Aaron

Hey Aaron,

I appreciate your kind words. It's coming right along. I was out a good bit of the day yesterday shooting. Doris helped greatly by setting and retrieving targets. I will do a lot of the evaluations tomorrow.

As with most projects, it takes longer than I'd like and there's always a new wrinkle it seems but I should be able to finish it very soon. My goal has been before year-end, so I need to really get moving.

Thanks again,
Clark

[bcknuts]

Clark
I was just reading you moved to SC.Just retired here myself to Kinards Sc not to far from you.This is going to be a very helpful project when done.You do a great service to the shooting sports.Your willingness to help people become better shooters with your personal touch.Makes you a good man in my book.Tell Doris congrats on her win.Truly a campion .

Kevin

[Byhalia]

This will make for some good reading !!!!    Thanks Clark

[Gobble!]

Very interested to see these results. Would like to see the same test with H13 #7s 

[allaboutshooting]

I really appreciate all the kind words from so many of you and I'll relate the congratulations to Doris. We have enjoyed our move to SC and enjoy each day here.

This project has taken on a life of its own with over 30 choke configurations being evaluated. That's a lot of 3" turkey loads downrange! The weather has not cooperated fully but we're very close to having the WLB portion of the shooting completed.

That means lots of targets, at least 104, to score and evaluate for quality, quantify and photograph and then write the narrative. There seems to always be some new wrinkle in the project but hopefully, it will be completed soon.

Thanks again,
Clark