Opening up fixed chokes

[Lexthedestroyer]

Hey guys, I've got this idea to pickup a cheap, fixed full sxs European 12 gauge from TradeEx and either open up, or have someone open up the chokes. I've read some guys have used a brake cylinder hone, but I am hesitant. I mean, I know it'll be cheap, but I would like it to work... anybody have any ideas? Or someone that could do it in the Lower Mainland? For a price that wouldn't dwarf the cost of the gun?

 

[oldstarfire]

Use an expanding reamer, from the breech (long drive extension) and a bore size pilot on the reamer to prevent canting - at least that is how I do them.... in Winnipeg.
A brake hone will have little control.
I have bought good reamers cheaply from China, one that I got from India was junk.

 

[guntech]

I am on Vancouver Island. Mailing the barrels only wouldn't be that bad...

For several years now I have been charging $80 per barrel to alter the forcing cone longer and the fixed choke opened up... on non chrome lined barrels only.

SHOTGUN BARREL ALTERATIONS FOR STEEL SHOT

Forcing Cone Alteration:

Factory shotgun barrels usually have a fairly short and abrupt forcing cone. The forcing cone is the tapered area just ahead of the chamber where the shell is contained. Altering the forcing cone, so it is one and one half or two inches in length, reduces recoil and improves the pattern density. Trap shooters and skeet shooters have been doing this for many years. It is a good benefit to the steel shot user as well.

Choke Alteration:
Choke designation from the tightest to the most open are:
Extra Full, Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Skeet II, Improved Cylinder, Skeet I, and Cylinder Bore.

Steel shot does not require the constriction that lead shot needs, to produce good patterns. In fact too much constriction, causes poor, erratic patterns, and in some cases, permanently damages the barrel. I have seen barrels bulged at the choke, I have seen barrels where the choke split right open, from using steel shot.

For steel shot, with thin barrels, chokes should be altered to at least Skeet II. Often, over & under, and side-by-side shotguns, are best altered to Skeet I and Skeet II chokes. Heavier barrels can be left at Modified choke but may see an improvement in the pattern if opened slightly.

 

[FLHTCUI]

I am on Vancouver Island. Mailing the barrels only wouldn't be that bad...

For several years now I have been charging $80 per barrel to alter the forcing cone longer and the fixed choke opened up... on non chrome lined barrels only.

SHOTGUN BARREL ALTERATIONS FOR STEEL SHOT

Forcing Cone Alteration:

Factory shotgun barrels usually have a fairly short and abrupt forcing cone. The forcing cone is the tapered area just ahead of the chamber where the shell is contained. Altering the forcing cone, so it is one and one half or two inches in length, reduces recoil and improves the pattern density. Trap shooters and skeet shooters have been doing this for many years. It is a good benefit to the steel shot user as well.

Choke Alteration:
Choke designation from the tightest to the most open are:
Extra Full, Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Skeet II, Improved Cylinder, Skeet I, and Cylinder Bore.

Steel shot does not require the constriction that lead shot needs, to produce good patterns. In fact too much constriction, causes poor, erratic patterns, and in some cases, permanently damages the barrel. I have seen barrels bulged at the choke, I have seen barrels where the choke split right open, from using steel shot.

For steel shot, with thin barrels, chokes should be altered to at least Skeet II. Often, over & under, and side-by-side shotguns, are best altered to Skeet I and Skeet II chokes. Heavier barrels can be left at Modified choke but may see an improvement in the pattern if opened slightly.

Thats better than when I had a local gun store in Vancouver open the choke on my Citori and that didnt include the forcing cones...
Good advice here.
Rob