Educate me

R

Repairman

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I've been Searching the web, checking out reviews, used gun ads.. etc...

I keep seeing 'fixed choke'. What exactly is a fixed choke?

Do all modern shotguns have removable/changeable chokes?

Now, I don't want to start a major debate here.. but are there any 'absolute dogs' of shotguns out there to stay away from?

semi-autos?, pumps?

I've been thinking about Browning Auto 5, Rem 1100, maybe Mossberg 930 in Semis.. and 870 Wingmaster in pump... maybe a Mossberg 500 too...

I'll primarily be shooting trap until I can actually go out hunting... don't have my ticket(s) yet anyways.

Educate please?


Thanks,

Andy the Repairman
 
A fixed choke is simply one that is machined into the end of the barrel and cannot be changed or adjusted. Not all modern shotguns have interchangeable choke tubes, it is often not included on the lower cost ones as a cost saving measure.

As for dogs, that is on a case by case basis. Search this forum for the ones you are interested in, there will be lots of reading. In general, pumps are the most versatile (and lower cost), semi's kick less but may be fussy about their ammo and break action guns are the guns of choice for upland game and the clay shooting games, but are also the most expensive.

Mark
 
You can shoot clays with any tube that'll throw shot in the air. But, an overwhelming majority of clay shooters have found that U/O's are their choice for clay sports. U/O's are also good upland guns. They're not the best in a duck/goose blind, but they can work there, too.

U/O's make good multi-purpose shotguns, but no single design is best for all purposes. For example, a heavy U/O with longer barrels and single trigger is a good config for clays because:

  • the weight helps tame the recoil (a significant consideration when you shoot hundreds if not thousands of targets a week)
  • the longer barrels add weight, give a longer sight plane, and smooth out your swing (assuming the gun remains properly balanced with the longer barrels) - advantages for trap and sporting clays, not skeet.
  • the single trigger means fewer parts and not having to change triggers between shots

In the field, a lighter, shorter barreled, double trigger config is better because:

  • you don't have to carry the extra weight all day (recoil not so big an issue since you'll be firing far fewer shots in a day)
  • shorter barrels reduce weight, make the gun easier to swing in tight cover, and make the gun lighter and livelier in general
  • double triggers offer "instant" choke selection simply by pulling the correct trigger

There's nothing wrong about looking for a multi-purpose shotgun, most of us did the same thing with our first purchase. Just be aware that "good for many purposes" usually means "best for none". I would still go with that idea, since you need to enjoy all these different kinds of shooting before you can tell us what you like for each one, rather than ask us what we like. You can always sell off your all-purpose gun if it doesn't become your favorite for a particular purpose as your tastes evolve.
 
the 870 would be my choice very durable gun will last a lifetime and very reasonably priced i use mine for trap , duck hunting and grouse works great all round never had any problems with it
 
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