changeable chokes for 870
- Thread starter vpsalin
- Start date
Modified is a middle of the road choke and can be used for most things be it firing rifled slugs, buckshot or bird shot. Choke is the amount of constriction at the bore of a shotgun.
Yes, almost all current remington 870's come with interchangeable chokes.
Yes, almost all current remington 870's come with interchangeable chokes.
- Location
- Newmarket,Ontario
Lots of chokes for different purposes. I have the mod,improved Cyl,turkey,and a rifled slug choke which pretty much covers everything I need.
Not all 870's will have threading for chokes. Some are meant for slugs and buckshot, and so those aren't normally seen with the threads to accept a choke. It's best to ask for the specific exact model and barrel, or ask the counter clerk. Or, get the seller to take a pic of the muzzle!
"Rem Choke" refers to the removable chokes that fit in Remington shotguns. "Modified" indicates how much restriction that particular choke gives your pattern. You may only own the one choke, but you could buy many more, as long as they fit "RemChoke". Examples might be Improved Cylinder, Full Choke (my favorite for Trap shooting, gives a very tight pattern: either you hit it or you didn't), Improved Modified.
Many older shotguns, for instance earlier Remington 1100's, and some Winchester Model 12's, came with the one barrel, and did not have removable choke tubes, they were fixed choke right from the factory.
Why is this done? Well, slugs are ideally shot without any choke restriction on the barrel, and can be dangerous w full chokes. With Skeet, the clays are much closer and faster, so you want a lot of spread, so maybe you choose Improved Modified (I'm not a skeet shooter so don't criticize that example please!). If you shoot some Trap, and want to do more of it, get better at it, Full Choke is what you want: it will punish you with a zero for what otherwise might be a 'lazy hit', but reward you with a clear consistent hit when your aim and lead is "on". Meaning, it makes you a better shooter with a shotgun. Other shotgun games, like Sporting Clays...well, they are faster, smaller, closer and different enough that you want to ask some experts in that game, but I'm guessing it won't be a 'full'!
"Rem Choke" refers to the removable chokes that fit in Remington shotguns. "Modified" indicates how much restriction that particular choke gives your pattern. You may only own the one choke, but you could buy many more, as long as they fit "RemChoke". Examples might be Improved Cylinder, Full Choke (my favorite for Trap shooting, gives a very tight pattern: either you hit it or you didn't), Improved Modified.
Many older shotguns, for instance earlier Remington 1100's, and some Winchester Model 12's, came with the one barrel, and did not have removable choke tubes, they were fixed choke right from the factory.
Why is this done? Well, slugs are ideally shot without any choke restriction on the barrel, and can be dangerous w full chokes. With Skeet, the clays are much closer and faster, so you want a lot of spread, so maybe you choose Improved Modified (I'm not a skeet shooter so don't criticize that example please!). If you shoot some Trap, and want to do more of it, get better at it, Full Choke is what you want: it will punish you with a zero for what otherwise might be a 'lazy hit', but reward you with a clear consistent hit when your aim and lead is "on". Meaning, it makes you a better shooter with a shotgun. Other shotgun games, like Sporting Clays...well, they are faster, smaller, closer and different enough that you want to ask some experts in that game, but I'm guessing it won't be a 'full'!
Copied from Briely web site...
Understanding Shotgun Chokes
A brief explanation by Briley
If you are new to shooting and do not understand shotgun chokes, do not be surprised. Seventy five percent of shotgun shooters that have shot for many years do not understand shotgun chokes either. Let us start at the beginning. Shotgun chokes were designed to control pattern diameters at different yards. What is a pattern? It is just the grouping of the pellets at a given yardage. This grouping is called a pattern and is measured by a circle diameter. This particular circle must have certain efficiency. In other words, it has to have a certain number of pellets in a given area (called distribution) for it to be labeled an efficient pattern. It is that easy! However the confusion starts when we label them and you try to figure out what to use and when.
Here is a quick reference chart:
Shotgun Choke Yardage Shotgun Choke Restriction
Diameter difference between bore and shotgun choke
Cylinder < 20 0
Skeet 22.5 .005 of an inch
Improved Cylinder 25 .010
Light Modified 30 .015
Modified 32.5 .020
Improved Modified 35 .025
Light Full 37.5 .030
Full 40 or More .035
Extra Full 40 or More .040
What is all that suppose to mean? It is confusing to most people. Before we answer this let us examine how a shotgun barrel is constructed. A shotgun is basically a big pipe, the hole in it we call the bore ( purple ); see figure below. At one end, where the shell goes in, we call this the chamber (yellow), the hole of the chamber is bigger than the bore and the transition area between the chamber and the bore is called the forcing cone (brown). The choke of the barrel, colored red, is located at the other end of the barrel. The transition area between the choke and the bore is called the tapered or the conical part (teal) of the choke; this area provides us with the transition geometry between the shotgun choke and the bore of the shotgun. Now you can visualize what it all looks like, so “within limits” the tighter or smaller you make the choke hole, the tighter the pattern at yardage.
Good Shotgun Chokes, Bad Shotgun Chokes. Why are some shotgun chokes so much better than other ones. There is undoubtedly a great deal of science in making the perfect shotgun choke and none of the knowledge keepers are too eager to share it. While the diameter difference between the bore and choke may be one of the shotgun chokes ingredients the science is in the macro details and factors such as material, length of barrel, shotgun choke geometry, and finishes as well ammunition are where the secrets are hidden. Simply put, “God did not create all chokes equal!”
Ok, so how does a shotgun choke actually work? Let us begin first with an easy metaphor, a child in out in the back yard playing with a garden hose. He discovers that if he puts his thumb on the end of the hose it goes further. That, kind of, is similar to what happens with a shotgun. Now for the scientific explanation by a nuclear engineer named Robert Hedrick. In a nutshell, his computer model and 35 years of research explains it in this way. There are two forces that tell the story; the mechanical properties while the shot column is in the barrel and the dynamic forces of nature that affect the shot column after it exits the barrel. When the shot column meets up with the choke it forces the column to squeeze tighter together; these forces are called radial forces. Once it is out of the barrel, wind resistance and gravity act on it. When the wind comes into contact with the outside pellets of the shot column it induces spinning and they start to flare off like a ping pong ball with english on it. The tighter the choke the heavier the radial forces, the tighter the pellets are squeezed together so the pattern holds tighter over a longer distance. Conversely, the less restriction you have in the shotgun choke the more loosely the pellets are held together and the faster the pattern opens up.
There you have it! You now know more about shotgun chokes than 98 percent of the shooters in the world.
Cliff Moller
Briley Mfg
Tight Groups,
Rob
Understanding Shotgun Chokes
A brief explanation by Briley
If you are new to shooting and do not understand shotgun chokes, do not be surprised. Seventy five percent of shotgun shooters that have shot for many years do not understand shotgun chokes either. Let us start at the beginning. Shotgun chokes were designed to control pattern diameters at different yards. What is a pattern? It is just the grouping of the pellets at a given yardage. This grouping is called a pattern and is measured by a circle diameter. This particular circle must have certain efficiency. In other words, it has to have a certain number of pellets in a given area (called distribution) for it to be labeled an efficient pattern. It is that easy! However the confusion starts when we label them and you try to figure out what to use and when.
Here is a quick reference chart:
Shotgun Choke Yardage Shotgun Choke Restriction
Diameter difference between bore and shotgun choke
Cylinder < 20 0
Skeet 22.5 .005 of an inch
Improved Cylinder 25 .010
Light Modified 30 .015
Modified 32.5 .020
Improved Modified 35 .025
Light Full 37.5 .030
Full 40 or More .035
Extra Full 40 or More .040
What is all that suppose to mean? It is confusing to most people. Before we answer this let us examine how a shotgun barrel is constructed. A shotgun is basically a big pipe, the hole in it we call the bore ( purple ); see figure below. At one end, where the shell goes in, we call this the chamber (yellow), the hole of the chamber is bigger than the bore and the transition area between the chamber and the bore is called the forcing cone (brown). The choke of the barrel, colored red, is located at the other end of the barrel. The transition area between the choke and the bore is called the tapered or the conical part (teal) of the choke; this area provides us with the transition geometry between the shotgun choke and the bore of the shotgun. Now you can visualize what it all looks like, so “within limits” the tighter or smaller you make the choke hole, the tighter the pattern at yardage.
Good Shotgun Chokes, Bad Shotgun Chokes. Why are some shotgun chokes so much better than other ones. There is undoubtedly a great deal of science in making the perfect shotgun choke and none of the knowledge keepers are too eager to share it. While the diameter difference between the bore and choke may be one of the shotgun chokes ingredients the science is in the macro details and factors such as material, length of barrel, shotgun choke geometry, and finishes as well ammunition are where the secrets are hidden. Simply put, “God did not create all chokes equal!”
Ok, so how does a shotgun choke actually work? Let us begin first with an easy metaphor, a child in out in the back yard playing with a garden hose. He discovers that if he puts his thumb on the end of the hose it goes further. That, kind of, is similar to what happens with a shotgun. Now for the scientific explanation by a nuclear engineer named Robert Hedrick. In a nutshell, his computer model and 35 years of research explains it in this way. There are two forces that tell the story; the mechanical properties while the shot column is in the barrel and the dynamic forces of nature that affect the shot column after it exits the barrel. When the shot column meets up with the choke it forces the column to squeeze tighter together; these forces are called radial forces. Once it is out of the barrel, wind resistance and gravity act on it. When the wind comes into contact with the outside pellets of the shot column it induces spinning and they start to flare off like a ping pong ball with english on it. The tighter the choke the heavier the radial forces, the tighter the pellets are squeezed together so the pattern holds tighter over a longer distance. Conversely, the less restriction you have in the shotgun choke the more loosely the pellets are held together and the faster the pattern opens up.
There you have it! You now know more about shotgun chokes than 98 percent of the shooters in the world.
Cliff Moller
Briley Mfg
Tight Groups,
Rob
Thanks for the info, but I already knew what shotgun chokes mean and do. I just didn't know what rem choke meant. My understanding now is that if a 870 specifies rem choke, its a system that can be changed out for a different choke accessorie tube. 870 models which dont specify being rem choke are fixed choked and can't be changed?
Ok , Not to confuse you. You are right the original older remingtons were fixed choke and what actual choke was stamped on the side of the barrel. Then in 1987 Rem-Choke was introduced which is Remington patented brand of changeable choke tubes for their shotguns which also identifies a certian thread, pitch etc.
They screw in and out of the barrel with the assistance of a choke-tube wrench, or by hand if you have the extended ones with knurled exteriors.
This allows you to change the denisty of your shotgun's pattern based on what you are shooting. For instance Improved Cylinder for upland hunting, Skeet for skeet, and Modified or Full for trap.
Now what a lot of remington owners donot realise is that during the 1985 and 1986 model years remington worked with Briley and actually factory installed some now rare square thread briley thin wall choke tubes in some of their shot guns. I have one of these odd guns. They have a totally different thread than a rem choke an donot interchange.
So unless your gun was made in 1985 or 86 and has a factory screw in choke it will be the common rem choke system.
Hope that helps
Not true on both counts. Rifled slugs are designed to be shot through any bore within the gauge and through most choke restrictions including full choke. Most slug were designed in an era before tubes and many smooth bores were choked full. No choke is not the ideal choke for slugs. To determine the ideal choke one should try several choke options and determine the best.
ALL remington shotguns now a days comes with REM CHOKE system.
As long as it's not a Tactical, or Home defence type shotgun. Usually ones with 21" and SHORTER of a barrel.
Any field model or clay models WILL incorporate the rem choke system.
Even if you come across a great deal on an older 870 (they usually have much better wood on them than the new cheap laminated stock). Just buy a NEW / RECENT manufactured barrel for it will solve the problem.
Barrels are usually UNDER $200
As long as it's not a Tactical, or Home defence type shotgun. Usually ones with 21" and SHORTER of a barrel.
Any field model or clay models WILL incorporate the rem choke system.
Even if you come across a great deal on an older 870 (they usually have much better wood on them than the new cheap laminated stock). Just buy a NEW / RECENT manufactured barrel for it will solve the problem.
Barrels are usually UNDER $200
Very interesting thanks,
So let's say I want one shotgun that does it all, bird, slug, HD... Im thinking its most economical to buy and transform a combo rifled 870 ~500$ into a tactical shotgun (shock absorbing stock, extended mag...) ~650$?
Wouldn't that be the cheapest way of getting a three in one shotgun? Tactical 870s alone are 500-650 and dont have a shock absorbing stock, no birdshot or slug barrel!?!?
Agree all 870 models rem choke but we have to be careful when you add clay models . Many of those have back bored barrels and pro bore tubes.I am not sure if they will interchange with rem choke. I don't think they will but not sure.
that will work.
The so CALLED TACTICAL is usually just a more durable coating on receiver / barrel.
Also various accessories are installed on it from factory.
If you want to shoot bird or just to have the courtesy to change barrels, don't get any models with the mag extension tube. It's not convenient when you want to change barrels.
Just get the standard Express Combo model. or Just a standard field model and but the extra short barrel.
To myself, the mag extension is useless. If 5 shots not gotta cut it, it's not an easy problem to solve.
The so CALLED TACTICAL is usually just a more durable coating on receiver / barrel.
Also various accessories are installed on it from factory.
If you want to shoot bird or just to have the courtesy to change barrels, don't get any models with the mag extension tube. It's not convenient when you want to change barrels.
Just get the standard Express Combo model. or Just a standard field model and but the extra short barrel.
To myself, the mag extension is useless. If 5 shots not gotta cut it, it's not an easy problem to solve.
Those chokes are interchangable.
Cool. I have not owned one with the pro bores yet so was not sure. Thanks for clarifying that for me
"Rem Choke" is Remington's marketing name for their choke tubes.
"...Tactical..." That's a marketing term only. Any barrel made for any 870 will fit on any 870 receiver. (Repeat that 3 times fast. snicker.) The barrel doesn't have to be made by Remington either. Aftermarket barrels tend to be less expensive than one with 'Remington' stamped on it too.
"...want one shotgun that..." You can buy a rifled or smooth bore, 20", rifle sighted, barrel for slugs and another barrel with Rem-Chokes. I believe the combos come that way. Didn't look. Not sure if they come with more than one choke tube either. Not a big deal though. The tubes run around $10 each.
"...Tactical..." That's a marketing term only. Any barrel made for any 870 will fit on any 870 receiver. (Repeat that 3 times fast. snicker.) The barrel doesn't have to be made by Remington either. Aftermarket barrels tend to be less expensive than one with 'Remington' stamped on it too.
"...want one shotgun that..." You can buy a rifled or smooth bore, 20", rifle sighted, barrel for slugs and another barrel with Rem-Chokes. I believe the combos come that way. Didn't look. Not sure if they come with more than one choke tube either. Not a big deal though. The tubes run around $10 each.
If by interchange you mean will they screw in or fit? Yes they will, BUT the resulting pattern will not be as expected because of the difference between bore size before the choke.
Hi Covey: Have none to try but yes they will fit in the barrel but will not thread correctly to stay there from what I gather. From remington tech
The "Rem Choke" and the "Pro Bore" are two different systems. The Pro-Bore is threaded on the muzzle end, while the Rem Choke is threaded on the chamber end.
