Curiosity question - what choke came with the Witness Protection 870 ?
- Thread starter madashell
- Start date
The original 870 WitPros were built by Jim Wilson with a modified Winchoke. There were three different contributors. Jim Wilson, Gene Thompson, and Lynn Jordall...who pushed for a 14.5" barrel, as opposed to the 12" Jim used. Jim ended up leaving the project, but Gene continued with the 12" with modified choke.
The WitPro and Executive brands were all just marketing prowords used by Wilson. They really didn't start to receive that designation until he was building them in his own shop (outside of the 240 original made for the Marshal Service).
As for the Executive, there are two points of history. One says that the EP was an 8 inch version with a vertical pistol grip (pachmayr) and vertical forend. Other people say that it was just a nicer version of the WP, upgrading parts, and using a high gloss blue.
Either way, once in Jim's shop, most pieces became custom. I still like it in a 14" with the birds head, so we're good to go here.
As for the Executive, there are two points of history. One says that the EP was an 8 inch version with a vertical pistol grip (pachmayr) and vertical forend. Other people say that it was just a nicer version of the WP, upgrading parts, and using a high gloss blue.
Either way, once in Jim's shop, most pieces became custom. I still like it in a 14" with the birds head, so we're good to go here.
Great information guys, appreciate the insight. Interesting stuff.
EXTRA FULL choke on that thing McCoy ?
I've saved a picture of your WP and the WP add awhile ago. Been intrigued by the Witness Protection model. I like the special purpose design of it.
EXTRA FULL choke on that thing McCoy ?
I've saved a picture of your WP and the WP add awhile ago. Been intrigued by the Witness Protection model. I like the special purpose design of it.
I figure that they wanted to increase the range where the shot strikes as one mass, for the sake of maximum terminal effectiveness, which is very short when you're talking about a time before Vang Comp, Flitecontrol wads or any of that.
Very cool. Never even heard of these guns. Would love to have one, but probably put a stock on it for non restricted classification.
I actually often wonder why more of these shotguns aren't made with tighter choked barrels. I just got an 870 with a 14" bbl (cylinder bore,) and wish it was at least improved cyliner or even modified choke. With such a short bbl, your pattern is likely going to be huge even at close range. I prefer a tighter pattern no matter what. Of course I can get it threaded for chokes, but would much rather it came stock with a tighter choke.
I actually often wonder why more of these shotguns aren't made with tighter choked barrels. I just got an 870 with a 14" bbl (cylinder bore,) and wish it was at least improved cyliner or even modified choke. With such a short bbl, your pattern is likely going to be huge even at close range. I prefer a tighter pattern no matter what. Of course I can get it threaded for chokes, but would much rather it came stock with a tighter choke.
Last edited:
I like a bit of shot spread myself, but with old school buckshot out of a CB or IC choke, depending on your barrel and particular load, you might end up with comically huge patterns or inconsistently spaced ones, if not both, so a decent amount of choke might be beneficial.
My understanding is that the chokes were utilized to give the user additional flexibility, and to help negate the notion that short barrels open up a pattern.
The WP was never built to shoot outside of 9 yards, and was created to be a force multipler, both inside a building or a vehicle. Haul one of these out from under your jacket, and you're set for a myriad of adventures. Fire 4 down a hallway, skip a couple under a car, or just take a pot shot during a drive by.
As noted above, #4 buck was the suggested load. I've noted Winchester XM257 to have been used at a time.
The WP was never built to shoot outside of 9 yards, and was created to be a force multipler, both inside a building or a vehicle. Haul one of these out from under your jacket, and you're set for a myriad of adventures. Fire 4 down a hallway, skip a couple under a car, or just take a pot shot during a drive by.
As noted above, #4 buck was the suggested load. I've noted Winchester XM257 to have been used at a time.
your pattern at close range is more apt to be one tight column of shot . a search on the internet will confirm it. these are interesting guns and wouldn't you know our resident expert on these types has one with a removable choke no less. yeah i am jealous .nice gun Mcoy.
