7 Best Choke for Squirrel Hunting [Review & Buying Guide 2023]

You have your eyes set on the target squirrel, and after waiting patiently for almost two hours, you make the shot. But damn, you missed it! You make some trap shots, but it seems like the pellets fly like they weren’t supposed to.

So, you wrap up the day’s shooting and wonder what went wrong. Relax! It’s neither you nor your favorite shotgun; instead, it seems like you don’t have the best choke for squirrel hunting.

What good is a choke if it doesn’t cover long-distance shots, doesn’t fit your shotguns that well, and you don’t get to have the accuracy you want. Besides, for high-density pellets, the low-end chokes don’t work.

Luckily, the chokes we’re reviewing have everything you deserve.

The List of the Best Choke for Squirrel Hunting

You can never shoot your shotgun without the choke, and while hunting squirrels, the choke option and quality go a long way.

With this in mind, below, we present some of the quality chokes for hunting squirrels.

1. Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli 07119 Waterfowl Choke Set

This is the current price of this Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli 07119 Waterfowl Choke Set available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

You don’t want the hassle of cross-referencing the choke marks on the field to select the right one. Carlson’s Choke Tubes will relieve you of this with clear markings on their tube that go for long, mid-range, and close-range shots.

This product includes three chokes for shooting at different ranges. The close-range ones are designed to shoot from a maximum distance of 35 yards, and the other two help you to shoot from 25-40 yards and beyond 40 yards.

Choosing the right choke comes as necessary, as hunting squirrels close to you with a long-distance tube will severely injure the animal and thus ruin the meat.

And you might find it surprising, but squirrels are very tough. So, a consistent and tighter pattern of shots is needed to stop it and kill it. The product comes with longer parallel section choke tubes and ensures more consistent patterns.

Moreover, the knurled end makes it easy to change the chokes when necessary. No additional tool is required; you can do it by your hand.

The 3 pack product comes in a pocket-size case to store securely whenever you are not using them.

Pros

  • Three range chokes for different distance shooting
  • Easy and quick removal with knurled end
  • Ensures tighter patterns
  • Clear markings on the choke for easy referencing
  • Includes a pocket-size case

Cons

  • Doesn’t fit all Benelli shotguns

2. Carlson Winchester Flush Improved Cylinder

This is the current price of this Carlson Winchester Flush Improved Cylinder available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Squirrels are somewhat unforeseeable creatures. Sometimes you see them in bulk, hear the cluttering noise, and other times one squirrel shows up after waiting for hours.

Whichever is the case, if you can’t hit one, that’s surely a wasted day. The Carlson Winchester Improved Cylinder is a perfect match for both trap and slug shots.

Yes, when you see the mammal in bulk, a trap shot is the one to try, and for focusing on a lone wolf, a slug shot is the way to go. Also, cleaning it after a day-long shooting is effortless.

This choke is available in different models to match most shotguns. And it serves as an ideal replacement for worn or damaged shotgun choke tubes.

The anti-corrosion property makes sure it lasts very long. And it’s the product’s price, easy installation, use, and perfect fit that makes it popular among shotgun hunters.

Pros

  • Fits most shotgun models
  • Perfect for trap and slug shooting
  • Effortless use and clean
  • Easy to install
  • Made of anti-corrosion material

Cons

  • Fits Winchester and Mossberg shotguns only

3. Primos Choke Tubes TSS

This is the current price of this Primos Choke Tubes TSS available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Nowadays, the TSS or Tungsten Super Shot is becoming increasingly popular among hunters. The reason being tungsten-iron blend alloy has a high density, and it’s almost five times harder than steel!

And higher density pallets translate harder hits and tight patterns. However, robust pallets like TSS needs robust choke as well. And the Primos Choke Tubes are exclusively designed for TSS and other high-density pallets like copper and lead.

Also, the Prismos TSS choke comes at 12 to 20 gauges with a specification chart to match your model and specification. And be sure you will have super tight patterns while shooting with these, thanks to the tapered ports.

This super-cool-looking choke is easy to install as well, without needing any tools. The periphery black coating over it prevents corrosion and rust, making the tool functioning for a long time.

Pros

  • Available in 12 to 20 gauge
  • Exclusively designed for TSS and high-density pallets
  • Ensures super-tight and consistent patterns
  • Comes with a specification chart
  • Rust and corrosion-resistant

Cons

  • Contains chemicals that might cause health hazards

4. Carlsons Remington Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke

This is the current price of this Carlsons Remington Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

A quality choke tube not only improves your shot pattern and firing range but also reduces the barrel damage caused by consistent and prolong shooting.

And herein comes the Carlsons Choke Tube, with ¾ inches extension beyond the barrel. It gives a longer parallel section so that you can use larger steel shots and achieve tight, consistent patterns.

The tube is a modified or mid-range choke that enables you to shoot in the range of 25 to 40 yards. And you won’t have to worry about missing a squirrel; the device offers profound coverage from mid to short ranges.

Also, it is designed to work with all sizes of steel, copper, lead, or other heavy shots. Rest assured, prolong heavy shots won’t damage the shotgun barrel. Once again, thanks to the extended tube.

As being a modified choke tube, the constriction allows versatile use of the device. You can use it for hunting turkeys, ducks, squirrels, and more. The knurled edge makes it easy to install and remove as well.

Last but not least, the robust stainless steel-built device is durable too. And the blue finish gives corrosion and rust resistance.

Pros

  • Mid-range choke offers a versatile use
  • Easy to remove with knurled edge
  • Usable for all size steel and heavy shots
  • ¾ inches extension reduces barrel damage
  • Well-built with a blue finish for rust resistance

Cons

  • Not recommended for slug shots

5. Carlson’s Winchester Browning Inv Moss 500 Rifled Choke

This is the current price of this Carlson’s Winchester Browning Inv Moss 500 Rifled Choke available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Few chokes work well with slug shots. While slugs can be shot using smoothbore shotgun barrels, using a rifled choke can significantly improve the accuracy and precision.

Accuracy is all that matters when you have a one-shot opportunity to hit your target. So, at this stage, we have a rifled choke from the brand Carlson’s Choke Tube that makes sure you never miss a messy squirrel.

The tube is made of stainless steel with high stress and has a black finishing to make sure it’s going to be your long-term shooting companion. This elegant tool sits right on the barrel and extends from 0.625 inches to 1.3 inches depending on the firearm type. The extension delivers a better pattern as well.

And finally, it’s an easy-to-install rifle with a right-hand twist.

Pros

  • Improves accuracy of snug shots
  • Easy to install
  • Extended tube for better pattern
  • Stainless steel made and durable
  • Black finishing gives an elegant look

Cons

  • Carlson’s doesn’t provide a shooting range for the rifled choke tube

6. Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli Mobil Sporting Clays Choke

This is the current price of this Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli Mobil Sporting Clays Choke available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Here comes yet another product from the brand Carlson’s Choke Tube. And why not? They make the best attachments for your shotgun!

This time, it is the Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 GA Sporting Clays Choke Tube that comes in all choke styles, including the full, modified, improved modified, improved cylinder, skeet, full, and extra full.

The improved cylinder one has a constriction of 0.715, making it suitable for trap shoots at mid and short ranges. Its contraction improves the tightness of the shot’s pattern by approximately 10%, which makes a significant difference between a miss shot and a hit.

Furthermore, the heat-treated stainless-steel material and the non-glaze finish improve the longevity and ensure functionality over the product’s life span.

It also comes in two different color variations to choose from and has distinct markings on it.

In case you have several types of chokes in your collection, the markings make sure you pick the right one at the right moment.  It fits well with the shotgun it is designed for and comes with a key to change or remove the chokes.

Pros

  • Improved cylinder, suitable for short to medium-range shooting
  • Well built, quality product
  • Stainless steel made and durable
  • Includes a choke wrench
  • Has distinct markings for easy referencing

Cons

  • Might not fit some Benelli shotguns

7. Carlson’s Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Sporting Clays Choke

This is the current price of this Carlson’s Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Sporting Clays Choke available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

And finally, we have a Carlson product explicitly designed for Benelli Crio and Crio Plus shotguns.

The choke fits perfectly to Cryo plus and Cryo barrels, and the threads are secure enough to not loosen even after heavy-duty shooting. And the threaded chokes are easy to install and remove as well. You also get a choke wrench to help you change or remove.

This choke has an improved cylinder style; however, the model comes in all the other types as well. It performs exceptionally well with a constriction of 0.715mm when you target the ever-moving squirrels from short ranges.

You can make accurate shots from mid-range as well. The tube extends beyond the barrel, which translates to tighter shot patterns to keep hitting the target and making sure it’s down.

Moreover, the heat-treated stainless steel makes the product last surprisingly long.

Pros

  • Designed for Cryo plus and Cryo barrels
  • Fits well and doesn’t loosen after heavy usage
  • Durable with stainless steel material
  • Improved cylinder style offers tighter patterns
  • Comes with a choke wrench for easy removal

Cons

  • Not a universal choke tube

Also Read 8 Best Choke for Rabbit Hunting

Things to Consider Before Buying Best Choke for Squirrel Hunting

While buying a choke for hunting, you need to know about the type, compatibility, and other product features. Surely you don’t wanna end up having a tool that fails you every time.

Below are few things that will help in choosing the right tool for your purpose.

Type of Choke Tubes

Choke tubes come in different types, and it’s essential that you know about these to select the right ones for the right moment. The major types include cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, and full. It’s better to have several tubes for different occasions. Let’s have a look at them.

  • Full

They are otherwise known as long-distance chokes and have increased constriction. You can use one to shoot from as long as 40 yards or beyond that.

The greater constrictions allow the pellets to travel a great distance before spreading out. However, using one at close range won’t provide the desired accuracy and pattern.

  • Modified

These tools have slightly less constriction than full and are known as mid-range chokes. They work best at a range of 25-30 yards and are widely used by hunters of all levels.

The range and pattern make them suitable for versatile hunting jobs. However, it is not recommended to shot slugs using the modified tools as it might impact their longevity.

  • Cylinder

These tools have zero constriction, resulting in somewhat free patterns. The open patterns shorten the shot’s firing range, allowing you to shoot ducks and squirrels from a close range of 15 to 25 yards.

  • Improved Cylinder

With slightly more constriction than cylinder chokes, these short-range tools improve the pattern tightness by 10%. Although it doesn’t seem much, it has a substantial effect on hitting a target.

Also, as of lower constrained, they are suitable for slug shots as well. For the best result, you can use it within a range of 20-30 yards.

Compatibility with Your Gun

This one comes as the most critical parameter when buying a choke for your shotgun. Not all chokes will fit your shotgun.

Each of the tools has shotgun specifications with which it is compatible. The models are most often mentioned in the manufacturer’s manual or even in the description. So, go through the product thoroughly before purchase and make sure it will work with the shotgun you have.

Durability

A choke tube installed in your shotgun barrel surely improves the accuracy and precision of your shot. It’s the one product that is a game-changer in hunting with shotguns.

And you probably have several of the tubes for different purposes. However, it might frustrate you if the product is not durable enough. The tubes are mostly metal made with or without any finishing. This finishing provides corrosion resistance, making the product last longer.

So, make sure the tool you intend to buy is well built, made of quality material, and has a nice finishing to prevent rust build-up.

FAQs on Best Choke for Squirrel Hunting

1. What is the best time for squirrel hunting?

The perfect time to chase the cute mammals is in the autumn or mid-fall. Squirrel activity increases as winter progresses, as they have to store food for the upcoming cold days. Except for a few species, the animals are very fond of sunny weather and tend to be more active at day.

2. Which choke gives the greatest range?

A choke’s range depends on its constriction. The most constricted tubes give the greatest range. A full choke with a constriction of 0.75 mm works best in the range of 40-50 yards. Extra full and super full chokes have a tighter constriction and hence a wider range than full chokes.

3. What is the best spot to hit a squirrel?

Squirrels are resilient and shooting them in the body would definitely degrade the meat content. So, it’s best to aim for the squirrel’s head or heart.

Hitting the animal in the head immediately kills it, resulting in a painless death that saves the majority of the nutritious meat.

However, as the mammal keeps constantly changing position and moving head, attacking the heart helps to rapidly kill it as well. Be sure you’re shooting at a stationary animal rather than one that’s running.

4. Can I hunt squirrels with a 12 gauge?

Yes, and in fact, a 12-gauge shotgun is the most widely used one for hunting squirrels. You can use a 10-gauge, 20-gauge, 28 gauge, and 0.41 as well. However, a larger gauge requires physical strength to handle it as it generates more power and thus more kickbacks.

5. Will #8 shot kill a squirrel?

If accurately shot, then most definitely #8 will kill a squirrel. However, most hunters prefer lower shots like #7-½, #6, #5, and #4 for squirrels.

Final Words

Squirrels are intelligent animals, and you require a bit of patience and tactics to hunt them down.  

And a choke tube is one instrument that makes the operation easier. Chokes come in a range of shapes and sizes, each with its own set of specifications and features.

For your convenience, we compiled 7 of the best choke for squirrel hunting. Give any one of these a try; we hope it won’t disappoint you.

2 thoughts on “7 Best Choke for Squirrel Hunting [Review & Buying Guide 2023]”

  1. Pingback: 8 Best Choke for Rabbit Hunting | Buying Guide 2021

  2. Pingback: 5 Best Choke for Slugs in 2021

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