Optimize Your Waterfowl Shots: The Hevishot 85517 Choke Tube for Mossberg 12 Gauge

For dedicated waterfowl hunters, every shot counts. The unpredictable nature of ducks and geese in flight, combined with varying weather conditions and shot distances, demands equipment that delivers consistent, reliable performance. If you're looking to elevate your shotgun's effectiveness and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns with your Mossberg 12 Gauge, especially when using high-performance ammunition like Hevi-Shot, the Hevishot 85517 Mid-Range Waterfowl Choke Tube is an essential upgrade. This isn't just another choke tube; it's a meticulously engineered component designed to maximize your ethical harvesting capabilities and ensure that more pellets reach your target with optimal energy.

What is the Hevishot 85517 Choke Tube, and Who Needs It?

The Hevishot 85517 is a specialized waterfowl choke tube, precisely crafted for Mossberg 12 Gauge shotguns (specifically designed for models like the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag, 935 Magnum, and 940 Pro Waterfowl with the Accu-Mag choke system). Its "mid-range" designation indicates it's optimized for shots between approximately 25 to 45 yards, a common distance for decoying birds or those just beginning to flare. This choke is for the serious duck and goose hunter who:

• Seeks Unparalleled Pattern Consistency: Tired of inconsistent patterns that leave gaps or string out your shot? This choke is engineered to deliver a dense, uniform pattern, significantly increasing the effective pellet count on target.
• Demands Durability in Harsh Conditions: Waterfowl hunting often involves wet, muddy, and corrosive environments. The premium 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures this choke stands up to the elements season after season.
• Wants to Maximize Ammunition Performance: Whether you prefer steel, bismuth, or the dense punch of Hevi-Shot pellets, this choke is designed to optimize their performance, delivering more pellets on target with greater energy retention.
• Values Ethical Hunting: Achieving clean, humane kills is paramount. A superior pattern means fewer wounded birds and more effective harvests, embodying responsible hunting practices.
• Owns a Mossberg 12 Gauge Shotgun: Specifically tailored for the Mossberg 835, 935, and 940 Pro Waterfowl series, ensuring perfect fit and function.

This choke tube solves the pervasive problem of inadequate pattern density at crucial mid-range distances, transforming a good shotgun into a great one for waterfowl applications. It ensures that the effort you put into calling, decoying, and concealment is matched by your shotgun's ability to deliver the goods when the birds commit.

Why is 17-4 Stainless Steel the Preferred Material for Choke Tubes?

When considering shotgun accessories like choke tubes, material science plays a critical role in performance and longevity. The Hevishot 85517 Waterfowl Choke Tube is constructed from high-grade 17-4 stainless steel, a choice that offers significant advantages for demanding applications like waterfowl hunting.

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Unlike standard carbon steel, 17-4 stainless steel boasts superior resistance to rust and corrosion, even when exposed to saltwater, mud, and moisture – common elements in duck blinds and marsh environments. This means your choke tube will maintain its integrity and appearance for years, requiring less intensive maintenance.
• Outstanding Strength and Durability: 17-4 stainless steel is a precipitation-hardened alloy known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. This strength allows the choke tube to withstand the immense pressures and stresses generated by modern high-velocity shotgun loads, particularly non-toxic shot types like steel, bismuth, or tungsten, without deformation or wear.
• Consistent Performance Over Time: The robust nature of 17-4 stainless steel ensures that the internal geometry of the choke tube remains precise over countless shots. This consistency is vital for maintaining repeatable patterns, shot after shot, hunt after hunt.
• Wear Resistance: The hardness of 17-4 stainless steel makes it highly resistant to the abrasive forces of shot passing through the bore, extending the lifespan of the choke tube and preserving its intended performance characteristics.

In essence, selecting a choke tube made from 17-4 stainless steel is an investment in reliability and long-term performance, giving you confidence in your equipment no matter how challenging the conditions.

How Does a Mid-Range Choke Optimize Waterfowl Performance?

Understanding the "mid-range" aspect of the Hevishot 85517 choke tube is key to appreciating its value in waterfowl hunting scenarios. A mid-range choke is engineered to provide an optimal balance between pattern density and spread at specific distances, typically spanning from approximately 25 to 45 yards.

• Optimized Pattern Density: Unlike tighter "full" chokes that can produce excessively dense patterns at close range or overly wide "improved cylinder" chokes that might lack sufficient density at a distance, a mid-range choke finds the sweet spot. It ensures that enough pellets are concentrated within a lethal zone to consistently anchor birds without being so tight that it's difficult to hit fast-moving targets.
• Effective Pellet Distribution: The design promotes an even distribution of pellets across the pattern, minimizing "holes" or gaps where a bird could pass through unscathed. This evenness is crucial for maximizing the energy transfer from your shot charge to the target, leading to more humane and efficient kills.
• Versatility for Common Scenarios: Many waterfowl hunting situations involve birds working into decoys or flying overhead at distances that fall within this mid-range sweet spot. Whether ducks are cupping their wings for a landing or geese are passing at a moderate height, this choke is designed to perform exceptionally.
• Enhanced Shot String Management: Advanced choke designs, like the Hevishot 85517, incorporate features that help shorten the shot string – the length of the pellet column as it travels downrange. A shorter shot string means more pellets arrive at the target simultaneously, contributing to denser patterns and increased knock-down power.

By carefully constricting the shot charge and optimizing its release, a mid-range choke like the Hevishot 85517 allows you to make confident, ethical shots at the most common distances encountered in waterfowl hunting.

Enhancing Your Shotgun's Performance: Key Features of the Hevishot 85517

The Hevishot 85517 Waterfowl Choke Tube is more than just a piece of metal; it's a meticulously engineered component designed to deliver superior performance for your Mossberg 12 Gauge. Let's explore its core features and the tangible benefits they provide:

Precision Engineering for Mossberg Compatibility

This choke tube is specifically designed for Mossberg 12 Gauge shotguns that utilize the Accu-Mag choke system, commonly found on models such as the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag, 935 Magnum, and 940 Pro Waterfowl. This precise fit ensures:

• Secure Installation: A perfect fit means the choke threads securely into your barrel, preventing loosening during firing and maintaining consistent alignment.
• Optimal Bore Alignment: The choke's internal geometry aligns perfectly with your shotgun's bore, guiding the shot charge smoothly and uniformly, which is crucial for achieving consistent patterns.
• Reliable Performance: Compatibility isn't just about fitting; it's about performing as intended. This choke is tuned to work synergistically with Mossberg's barrel specifications.

The Power of Mid-Range Constriction

As previously discussed, the "mid-range" constriction is the heart of this choke tube's performance for waterfowl. It is expertly designed to provide the ideal balance for shots often taken from 25 to 45 yards. This results in:

• Denser Patterns: More pellets within the critical kill zone at common hunting distances.
• Reduced Pellet Stringing: Pellets arrive at the target more cohesively, delivering a more impactful punch.
• Versatility: While optimized for mid-range, it offers excellent performance across a range of close to moderate distances.

Advanced Wad-Stripping Technology

Many premium choke tubes, including the Hevishot 85517, incorporate design features that help effectively strip the wad away from the shot column shortly after it exits the muzzle. This is critical because:

• Minimizes Wad Interference: If the wad travels too far with the shot, it can disrupt the pattern, causing fliers or uneven distribution.
• Improved Pattern Uniformity: By cleanly separating the wad, the shot charge can expand into a more consistent and predictable pattern.
• Maximizes Pellet Energy: Reduced interference means more of the pellet's kinetic energy is retained, as it isn't being disrupted by the wad.

Durable Black Finish

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the black finish on the Hevishot 85517 serves a practical purpose:

• Reduced Glare: A matte black finish minimizes glare, which is important in bright conditions to avoid spooking wary waterfowl.
• Enhanced Camouflage: Blends seamlessly with most shotgun barrel finishes, maintaining the stealth of your hunting setup.
• Added Protection: While 17-4 stainless steel is inherently corrosion resistant, the finish provides an additional layer of protection against minor abrasions and environmental exposure.

These features collectively contribute to a choke tube that not only performs exceptionally but also withstands the rigors of waterfowl hunting season after season.

Maximizing Your Ammunition: Steel, Bismuth, and Hevi-Shot Compatibility

One of the significant advantages of the Hevishot 85517 Waterfowl Choke Tube is its broad compatibility with various types of non-toxic ammunition, a necessity for waterfowl hunting today. Whether you're using traditional steel shot, denser bismuth, or the ultra-high-density Hevi-Shot pellets, this choke is engineered to deliver optimal patterns.

• Steel Shot Performance: Steel shot, being lighter and harder than lead, requires careful management to achieve dense patterns. The Hevishot 85517's design efficiently constricts and shapes steel shot charges, mitigating issues like flyers and ensuring a more concentrated pattern at mid-range distances. This is particularly beneficial for hunters who rely on steel for its cost-effectiveness and availability.
• Bismuth Shot Advantage: Bismuth shot offers a density closer to lead, providing more energy and better performance than steel, especially at slightly longer ranges. This choke tube is perfectly suited to harness bismuth's capabilities, allowing you to take advantage of its improved downrange energy retention and superior pattern uniformity.
• Optimized for Hevi-Shot: Given the "Hevishot 85517" designation, this choke is inherently designed to complement Hevi-Shot ammunition. Hevi-Shot, with its significantly higher density than steel, carries more energy and patterns exceptionally well. The internal geometry of this choke is tuned to get the absolute best performance out of these premium loads, ensuring maximum pellet count and energy delivery on target for decisive kills.
• Protection for Your Barrel: The robust 17-4 stainless steel construction not only handles the pressure of these various non-toxic loads but also protects your shotgun's barrel from wear and tear associated with harder shot types.

By accommodating a range of ammunition types while optimizing their performance, the Hevishot 85517 offers hunters the flexibility to choose their preferred load without compromising pattern quality or ethical shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choke Tubes for Waterfowl Hunting

Understanding how to choose and use a choke tube effectively can significantly impact your hunting success. Here are some common questions hunters ask:

What is the best choke for duck hunting?

While "best" is subjective and depends on specific conditions, for general waterfowl hunting, especially over decoys or at moderate ranges (25-45 yards), a mid-range choke like the Hevishot 85517 is often considered ideal. It provides a dense enough pattern for clean kills without being too tight for birds working close. For longer passing shots, a tighter choke might be preferred, but for versatility and ethical shooting in most scenarios, mid-range excels.

How do I improve my shotgun's pattern for waterfowl?

Improving your shotgun's pattern involves several factors:

1. Use the Right Choke: The Hevishot 85517 is specifically designed for consistent waterfowl patterns.
2. Pattern Your Shotgun: Shoot your specific ammunition and choke combination at various distances on a patterning board to see how it performs.
3. Experiment with Ammunition: Different brands and shot sizes can pattern differently through the same choke.
4. Check Barrel Condition: Ensure your barrel is clean and free of obstructions or damage.

What are the different types of choke tubes and their uses?

• Cylinder (CYL): Widest pattern, best for very close range (0-20 yards) or slugs.
• Improved Cylinder (IC): Slightly tighter, good for close-range birds (20-30 yards) or upland game.
• Modified (MOD): A versatile middle-ground, suitable for varied hunting situations (30-40 yards), good for general waterfowl.
• Hevishot 85517 Mid-Range (Specific): Optimized for 25-45 yards, specifically designed for dense waterfowl patterns.
• Full (F): Tighter pattern, for longer ranges (40+ yards) or specific applications like turkey hunting.
• Extra Full (XF) / Turkey: Very tight patterns for maximum range and precision, typically for stationary targets.

How often should I clean my choke tube?

It's recommended to clean your choke tube after every hunting trip or extensive shooting session. Burnt powder, plastic wad residue, and environmental debris can accumulate, potentially affecting performance and making it difficult to remove the choke. Regular cleaning also helps prevent corrosion and thread seizing.

Can I shoot lead shot through this choke tube?

While the Hevishot 85517 is designed for the rigorous demands of non-toxic shot like steel, bismuth, and tungsten, it can generally be used with lead shot where legal. However, its primary optimization is for harder non-toxic loads, which behave differently than lead. Always confirm your shotgun and choke are rated for the ammunition you intend to use.

What is the benefit of an extended choke tube?

The Hevishot 85517 features an extended design, meaning it protrudes beyond the muzzle of the barrel. Benefits include:

• Easier Changing: The extended portion provides a grip for hand-tightening or loosening without a wrench (though a wrench is always recommended for initial tightening).
• Protection for Muzzle: It acts as a sacrificial barrier, protecting the actual muzzle of your shotgun from dings and scratches.
• Potentially Better Patterns: The longer parallel section of an extended choke can sometimes allow for slightly improved pattern development compared to flush-mounted chokes, by guiding the shot for a longer duration.

Investing in Success: Why Choose the Hevishot 85517?

The pursuit of waterfowl is an ancient tradition, but modern hunting demands modern solutions. The Hevishot 85517 Waterfowl Choke Tube for Mossberg 12 Gauge represents a significant advancement in shotgun accessory technology, purpose-built to give you an edge in the field. It’s an investment in:

• Confidence: Knowing your shotgun is optimally prepared for the shot.
• Effectiveness: Achieving tighter patterns means more decisive and ethical kills.
• Durability: A choke tube that will withstand the harshest hunting conditions for many seasons.
• Versatility: Performing exceptionally with various non-toxic ammunition types.

When every opportunity counts, ensure your equipment is up to the task. Elevate your Mossberg 12 Gauge's performance with the Hevishot 85517, available now at DEGuns. This choke tube isn't just a component; it's a commitment to precision, performance, and responsible hunting.

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Product Specifications

Feature	Description
Model	Hevishot 85517
Gauge	12 Gauge
Compatibility	Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag, 935 Magnum, 940 Pro Waterfowl (Accu-Mag Choke System)
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel
Constriction	Mid-Range Waterfowl
Finish	Black
UPC	796430855176