Older Beretta SXS - how to identify the chokes?

[Gunsmoke]

I just inherited an older Beretta SXS 12 gauge shotgun (no vent rib). I am guessing possibly late 1960's or 1970's vintage. I cannot find any identifiers as to the chokes for the barrels. My father-in-law has passed away so I cannot ask him.

Any suggestions as to what to look for would help. Failing that I guess I could pattern the barrels and see what I get.

thanks in advance,

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

A few images would've been a great assist....would you be aware of the model #?....could be anything from a Beretta GR etc or model 409PB all the way to model 424 All of those came with fixed choke combos of Mod/Full or Imp/Mod. Is there no indication of such (likely symbols such as asterisks or stars) on the bbl flats?

Out of curiosity, what did you mean by "no vent rib" ...

 

[Gunsmoke]

"no vent rib" means no rib between the barrels - "vent" is probably not the best word to use in this case. I have seen a number of SxS shotguns with a solid rib between the barrels. I thought that might help with dating it. The receiver is silver coloured/plated/non-blued. It has sling swivels attached (looks to be original - not installed after). My best guess is 30 years or so in age.

There are several stampings on the barrel flats.

 

[Claybuster]

There are two possibilities. Look for asterisks on the barrel flats or underneath the barrels just ahead of the flats.

* Full

** Improved Modified

*** Modified

**** Improved Cylinder

***** Cylinder

The second possibility is numerical measurements. You should see the number 18.4 on both barrels. Those are the bore measurements in millimetres. Then you will see other, smaller numbers (e.g. 17.4) on each barrel which shows the choke constriction in millimetres.

 

[Gunsmoke]

AA and Claybuster; thanks for the feedback,


The numbers stamped into bottom of the barrels are:

18.3 17.3

18.3 17.5

Does anyone know what this means?

 

[beretta boy]

18.3 / 17.3 mm .... approximately 0.039" choke = " Full "

18.5 / 17.5 mm .... approximately 0.031" choke = " Improved Modified "

 

[12magnum]

Or take it to your local gunsmith and have the barrels measured.

 

[beretta boy]

Measurements & Gunsmiths aside ... patterning is more definitive.

 

[12magnum]

Measurements & Gunsmiths aside ... patterning is more definitive.

Yes it certainly will.He asked for specific chokes and measurements will give the exact rate of constriction and define the choke.From there patterning is definately the route to go. A shotgun not patterned is a guessing game.

 

[Gunsmoke]

Guys;

Thanks for your input, it is appreciated.

Beretta Boy has given me an idea as to what to expect. Now it is just a matter of patterning to confirm.

Gunsmoke