^this. I had much better patterns with different TSS loads using my Benelli factory standard full choke than an Indian Creek turkey choke.
Each hunter should really shoot the weapon/ choke/ ammo of choice at 10 yard increments to understand what the result will be.
For years I shot a variety of 12 gauge shotguns with standard full choke and Remington Nitro copper plated #4's. Good patterns up to 40 yards. Anything beyond were cripple shots.
Hunted last year with the Stevens 301 in 20 gauge, Indian Creek choke, red dot and TSS.
Had the trigger smoothed out. The combination is pretty amazing. Tested at 10, 30, 40,50 and 65 yds. I would consider 65 to still be an ethical kill shot but I better be solid when squeezing trigger. Though not inclined to shoot that far unless it's the last day of my hunt. 10 yards better be spot on, because it is a fist sized pattern. After 30 years of shooting with a beaded barrel the red dot was a bit weird for me. Not certain if in general I like better. Helps for focus at long range but at normal ranges I still prefer having an open field of vision, especially if birds are milling about, or a gobbler comes racing in from some off angle.
The whole red dot gun idea was partially to try something different, the cost was nominal and I don't need another $1000 shotgun. The clincher was extending the range. I tend to hunt late season when the birds can be more difficult to call in close. Depending on the local population, if there is an abundance of Tom's usually you can find one which isn't hung up with hens, yet if there are few Tom's which all have hens they can be difficult to get in close. In that instance, a longer shot becomes the difference between coming home empty handed, or not. If I drive 5 hours to hunt, by the end of the trip I'm thinking fill a tag.
Probably hunt with both guns this year for variety.
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