Stellar Waterfowl Choke Tubes for the Winchester SX2

↬ The Winchester SX2 is one of the most popular shotguns used for duck and goose hunting. And while the SX2 has shown to be dependable and capable of withstanding even the harshest conditions, it needs the right choke tube to function effectively.

Two of the best choke tubes for the Winchester SX2 are the Patternmaster Code Black and Carlson’s Cremator. They can provide results of over 80% pellets inside a 30-inch circle consistently with the right ammo at 40 yards. The Long Beard XR is an excellent turkey choke that produces dense patterns over 50 yards when paired with Winchester XR ammunition.

In this guide, we’ll discuss in more detail why you should consider these chokes, the features behind them, and what to expect at certain hunting distances. And remember, always pattern your shotgun to see how it performs with the ammo you plan on hunting with so adjustments can be made prior to using it in the field.

Best Chokes for the Winchester SX2

These are the three chokes that you should consider for the SX2 shotgun that can produce more consistent and dense patterns downrange. The Winchester SX2 is compatible with the Invector Plus choke system.

1) Patternmaster Code Black Choke Tube

The Patternmaster Code Black is a top-of-the-line choke tube that provides unmatched performance in long-range hunting situations. This choke tube uses a specialized constriction design that helps to control the spread of shot at longer distances. This makes it an ideal choice for waterfowl hunters who need to take shots at moving targets from a distance.

Patternmaster choke tubes work by using internal ring studs to halt the wad from the shot column just before it leaves the barrel, resulting in less disruption to pellet distribution that happens when separation occurs outside the barrel. The Code Black choke works well with the SX2 and is best for medium to long range shots of up to 60 yards. Expect it to pattern close to a full choke. This is the TOP pick.

Patternmaster Code Black Choke Tube - Ported - Winchester SX2

VERSATILE TUBE - The Code...
ULTIMATE SHOTS - The 12 Gauge...
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UP TO 60 YARDS - Effective...
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2) Carlson’s Cremator Choke Tube

The Carlson’s Cremator choke tube is an excellent choice for hunters who need a versatile choke that can perform well with a variety of shotshell loads. This choke tube uses a unique design that consists of multiple tapers, which work together to provide a consistent shot pattern. This makes the Cremator ideal for hunting situations where you need to be able to adjust your shooting style quickly and accurately.

The Cremator line of chokes is a ported design that patterns well with the SX2. This is an extended choke tube set with a Mid Range .725” Diameter (Improved Modified) and Long Range .715” Diameter (Light Modified) choke. This choke set allows you to change chokes quickly for in close decoying or longer shots if the birds aren’t working well. This is the BUDGET option.

Carlson's Cremator Choke Tube - Ported - Winchester SX2

HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our...
HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's...
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3) Carlson’s Long Beard XR Choke

The Carlson’s Long Beard XR Choke features a tight constriction that delivers dense and consistent patterns, even with heavier than lead loads. Additionally, this choke performs well with a variety of shotshell loads, from lighter loads for close-range shots to heavier magnum loads for longer distances. With its versatility and reliable performance, the Carlson’s Long Beard XR Choke is an excellent choice for any serious turkey hunter.

Winchester SX2 shotguns excel for hunting turkeys and the Long Beard choke by Carlson’s is a good fit. It has an extremely tight diameter of .665” which is about as tight as you get for a turkey choke. Paired with Winchester XR ammo, this combo can put dense patterns in a 10-inch circle at over 50 yards. This choke and ammo combo was tested extensively to produce results, so expect good performance if you don’t have the time to pattern it yourself.

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Carlson's Long Beard XR Choke Tube - Ported - Winchester SX2

Package length: 3.2 cm
Package width: 9.3 cm
Package height: 19.2 cm
Product Type: SPORTING GOODS

Why the Patternmaster is the best choke for the SX2

Over a three-shot average, the Patternmaster delivered the best patterning results
Patternmaster chokes keep the wad from interfering with the shot
Extended choke design makes for easy removal and choke swap out while hunting
Durable stainless steel won’t corrode when wet
Patternmaster can make long shots up to 60 yards when needed
Code Black chokes work well with a wide variety of ammo
Chokes by Patternmaster fit the SX2 perfectly

Do extended choke tubes provide better patterns?

In the field, extended choke tubes can outperform stock choke tubes. It’s critical to consider things like ammo and choke constriction while using extended chokes.

Extended choke tubes provide several advantages, including the ability to remove the choke without a choke wrench since it extends past the barrel, the ability to see the choke size stamped on the side of the choke without removing it, and the fact that most aftermarket choke tubes are extended.

If you use factory choke tubes, you’re limited to the diameter of chokes that come with the shotgun. Three choke tubes are usually utilized, ranging in diameter from open to tight. When it comes to personalizing your choke and ammo, extended choke tubes provide you additional options.

Types of Chokes for the Winchester SX2

Ported vs. Non-ported chokes – Ported chokes have groves and holes that allow for pressure expansion and wad halting technology to help create better patterns. These choke tubes can also help reduce recoil. Non-ported chokes are smoothed walled and can even be flush with the end of the barrel, but lack the features of many premium chokes.

Extended vs. flush chokes – All ported chokes are extended chokes. Extended chokes usually extend 1 to 1.5 inches past the end of the barrel. This added barrel length can help improve patterns by increasing the parallel section of the choke tube, producing more gradual shot column compression, and allowing space for wad technology to work.

The best chokes for hunting are always extended ported chokes like the Carlson’s Cremator. They consistently produce the best wing shooting results with the right ammo combinations.

Extended chokes are ideal for waterfowl and turkey hunting because they provide a platform for tighter constrictions and wad technology improvements beyond that of flush factory chokes.

To harvest waterfowl or old toms at long ranges consistently, an extended ported choke is the best starting point to developing a tight pattern that will produce great results at 50 yards or more.

Tips on Improving Your Winchester SX2 Patterns

Test as many choke and ammo combinations as possible.
Chokes and ammo specifically designed for each other tend to work the best. The technology and development put into the front end just can’t be ignored.
Pattern your shotgun at the max distance you plan on shooting in the field.
Limit your patterning to a 30-inch diameter circle for waterfowl or 10-inch for turkeys
Compensate for shot drift in high winds or pellet fall at long distances.
Switch to dense shot like TSS or Hevi-shot for increased pellet energy and density.
Use an aftermarket sight for a better shot profile.
Average your results from 3 shots before giving up on a particular load.

How It Compares

When it comes to choosing the right choke tube for the Winchester SX2 shotgun, Patternmaster Code Black stands out from its competitors. The Patternmaster Code Black is engineered with a unique design that provides consistent and even shot patterns, resulting in better accuracy and a higher precision. Unlike most of its competitors, the Patternmaster is built with a wad halting design, which ensures that the wad and shot column separate cleanly, reducing the chances of having holes or gaps in your pattern. Additionally, the Code Black’s longer parallel section helps to reduce recoil, which in turn leads to more controlled shots and better follow ups. Overall, the Patternmaster Code Black is a top performer, delivering outstanding results that set it apart from the competition.

Bottom Line

The Winchester SX2 is a popular shotgun for waterfowl due to its dependable performance for over a decade. Easily recognizable with its slim profile, the SX2 has proven its dependability and smooth cycling for many hunters.

The best choke for the Winchester SX2 is the Patternmaster Code Black. It can deliver tight patterns consistently out to 60 yards on waterfowl with the right ammo. Carlson’s Cremator is another good option, especially their choke tube sets which come with mid and long-range tubes.

Finally, the Long Beard XR choke performs extremely well with Winchester XR ammo out of the SX2 for turkey hunting. Whichever choke you pick, make sure it fits Winchester shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system.

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