As a seasoned hunter and shooting sports enthusiast who’s spent over a decade testing gear in the field, I’ve seen a lot of shotgun choke tubes come and go. Lately, the Undertaker choke tube from Alpha Outdoor Specialties has been generating significant buzz, particularly among turkey hunters and those pursuing waterfowl. I decided to put it to the test, and this undertaker choke tube review will cover everything from its construction and features to real-world performance and whether it lives up to the hype. We’ll look at how it stacks up against other premium choke tubes and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your shotgun and hunting style.
The Undertaker choke tube isn’t just another piece of shotgun hardware; it’s a precision-engineered component designed to maximize pattern density and range. Alpha Outdoor Specialties, known for their commitment to quality and innovation, developed this tube specifically for tight, consistent patterns with a variety of shotgun loads. It’s available in 12 and 20 gauge, and in various constrictions to suit different applications. Unlike some universal fit tubes, the Undertaker is designed with specific internal geometries tailored for optimal performance with modern non-toxic and lead shot. You can find more information about Alpha Outdoor Specialties and their product line on their website here.
Several features set the Undertaker apart. First, it’s constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. This is crucial for longevity, especially in harsh weather conditions. The internal machining is where Alpha Outdoor Specialties really shines. The Undertaker utilizes a parallel internal design, which, according to Alpha, minimizes shot deformation and maximizes energy transfer to the target. This contrasts with traditional conical choke tubes. The extended portion of the tube also helps to reduce pattern distortion by providing a smoother transition from the barrel to the choke. Finally, the black oxide finish provides a sleek look and further enhances corrosion resistance.
I conducted extensive testing with the Undertaker choke tube using a variety of shotguns, loads, and distances. My testing focused primarily on turkey and waterfowl hunting scenarios, as these are the applications where a tight, consistent pattern is most critical. I used a Remington 870 12 gauge and a Benelli SBE II 20 gauge for my tests. I followed the guidelines outlined by the National Shooting Sports Foundation for proper shotgun patterning techniques.
For turkey hunting, I tested the Undertaker with several popular loads, including Federal Heavyweight Tungsten Non-Toxic, Winchester Long Beard XR, and Remington Nitro Turkey loads. At 40 and 50 yards, the results were consistently impressive. The Undertaker produced extremely tight patterns, with a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle. I consistently achieved 80-90% pattern density at 40 yards and 70-80% at 50 yards. This is significantly better than the patterns I achieved with my factory choke tube and other aftermarket options I’ve tested. The parallel internal design seemed to really shine with the heavier tungsten loads, minimizing pellet deformation and maximizing effective range. Remember to always check your local regulations regarding legal shot size and choke restrictions for turkey hunting – information available from your state’s wildlife agency.
Moving to waterfowl, I tested the Undertaker with steel shot loads from Federal, Winchester, and Boss. Steel shot is notoriously difficult to pattern tightly, but the Undertaker performed admirably. At 35 and 45 yards, I consistently achieved 60-70% pattern density with #2 and #3 steel shot. While not as tight as the turkey patterns, this is still a significant improvement over other choke tubes I’ve used with steel. The extended portion of the tube seemed to help stabilize the steel shot, reducing the amount of fliers and improving overall pattern consistency. The USDA Forest Service offers resources on waterfowl habitat and conservation, which is important to consider when planning your hunts.
The choke tube market is crowded, with numerous options available at various price points. Here’s how the Undertaker stacks up against some of its main competitors:
| Choke Tube | Material | Internal Design | Price (approx.) | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undertaker (Alpha Outdoor Specialties) | 17-4 Stainless Steel | Parallel | $120 - $150 | Excellent – Tight patterns, consistent performance |
| Kick’s High-Velocity Turkey Choke | 17-4 Stainless Steel | Conical | $80 - $120 | Very Good – Tight patterns with specific loads |
| Carlson’s Choke Tubes – Ported Turkey | 17-4 Stainless Steel | Conical | $70 - $100 | Good – Versatile, but can be load-sensitive |
| Trulock Precision Hunter | 17-4 Stainless Steel | Parallel | $100 - $140 | Excellent – Similar performance to Undertaker |
As you can see, the Undertaker is priced competitively with other premium choke tubes. Its parallel internal design is a key differentiator, and in my testing, it consistently outperformed conical designs, particularly with heavier loads. The Trulock Precision Hunter is a close competitor, offering similar performance, but the Undertaker’s extended portion and overall build quality give it a slight edge in my opinion.
Installing the Undertaker choke tube is straightforward. Simply unscrew your existing choke tube and screw in the Undertaker. Be sure to apply a small amount of choke tube lubricant to the threads to prevent galling and ensure easy removal in the future. I recommend using a choke tube wrench to avoid damaging the tube or your shotgun. After each use, clean the Undertaker with a solvent and a soft brush to remove any lead or shot residue. Regular cleaning will help maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Refer to your shotgun’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on choke tube installation and maintenance.
The Undertaker is available in various constrictions, including Extra Full, Improved Modified, and Modified. Choosing the right constriction depends on the type of hunting you’ll be doing and the loads you’ll be using. For turkey hunting, an Extra Full constriction is generally recommended for maximum pattern density. For waterfowl, an Improved Modified or Modified constriction is a good all-around choice. Experimenting with different constrictions is the best way to find what works best for your shotgun and loads. The National Park Service provides valuable hunting safety information, including guidance on responsible firearm handling.
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the Undertaker choke tube from Alpha Outdoor Specialties is a top-performing option for serious hunters. Its superior construction, innovative parallel internal design, and consistent pattern density make it a worthwhile investment. While it’s not the cheapest choke tube on the market, the performance gains justify the price, especially for those pursuing turkeys or waterfowl. If you’re looking to maximize your shotgun’s potential and consistently put more pellets on target, the Undertaker is definitely worth considering. I also recommend checking out my article on Choosing the Right Shotgun Shells for Turkey Hunting for a complete guide to ammunition selection.
Remember to always practice safe gun handling and follow all applicable hunting regulations. And as always, practice Leave No Trace principles – leavenotrace.org – to help preserve our natural resources for future generations.