Choke tubes

[andrewg]

Got a quick question about choke tubes for the clay sport. As I have never done this type of shooting before and my pump shotgun came with 3 choke tubes. It came with full, ic and mod.
Without going to buy a skeet choke out of those 3 what would you guys use?

 

[cosmic]

If you are shooting skeet specifically (two houses, birds crossing in front of you) then the IC choke would work fine.

 

[stubblejumper]

I would use IC if you are throwing your own targets, or for actual skeet, and Mod for trap or sporting clays.

 

[andrewg]

Thanks guys. Just got back from the range. I don't know why I waited so long to try this sport out. I had a blast even though I didn't hit much. I used the ic for trap. Did three rounds and improved every round with pointers from everyone that I was shooting with. Did not know I would have so much fun or I would have brought more ammo. I'm hooked.

 

[BJP]

next time you shoot trap screw in the Modified choke. You'd be better served with a full choke though (for trap)

 

[BAC4]

Welcome to the madness. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

 

[stubblejumper]

next time you shoot trap screw in the Modified choke. You'd be better served with a full choke though (for trap)

I don't shoot much trap, but I have shot clean rounds with a Mod choke.

 

[NZClaybuster]

My only clean rounds were with light mod.
I have shot 21 from the 27 yard line with skeet choke.
Not the right tool for the job, but it beat my 17 with a full

 

[Beretta687EELL]

May I suggest that you pattern the choke tubes on paper? You may find the results very interesting.

 

[andrewg]

Ty for the tips.
One other fellow that was giving me pointers where I went, also mentioned I should pattern my shotgun. Next time I go there I will certainly do that.

 

[Maritime Storm]

As Beretta said, see what the paper tells you, what stamped on a tube means BFA. I shoot Full on the trap field in my Benelli or Full over I/M in my Akkar 1Oz loads, usually #7 1/2. The skeet field is always Cylinder or I/C as your longest shot is still under 30yrds, again 1oz loads of #9 or on occasion #8.

 

[R&R Rancher]

next time you shoot trap screw in the Modified choke. You'd be better served with a full choke though (for trap)

I'm old school and use a full choke from the 16 yard line. I believe in "choke for smoke". Seeing that bird get center punched is great visual feedback.

Mod should be the most open choke you use for trap. It may gain you the odd bird while you are learning, but the full will teach you to be a better shooter.

 

[davesaudio]

My trap mentor had me shoot his upper barrel in full as opposed to his usual lower barrel in extra full.
He says you might as well challenge yourself to hit those clays dead-on.

 

[andrewg]

Next time I go I'll take them all. I'm using 2 3/4" 1 1/8, 7.5 Winchester.
If any of you have used the Remington target loads how did they compare to the Winchester?
I seen a a lot of the guys using challenger and Kent loads there.

 

[skeeterC]

As for the tubes, put 'em on paper. You'll probably find that you like F or M for trap, and the IC for skeet. This is a great way to find out if the gun really fits you, too (hit where you point). If you get into skeet, consider getting a skeet choke. I shoot O/U with skeet and IC and like that combo.
As for the ammo, I have gone through about 5000 Challengers with only ONE ftf. I use #8's, and use them for both games (keep it simple). I never buy anything that starts with a W, but that's just me.
Don't get caught up in the choke tube game... it's BS. Find a spread you like, and stick with it. IF we were talking about Sporting clays, I would give slightly different advice, but for trap and skeet, just get out there and SHOOT!!! Have fun... C.