older "Screw On" external chokes and steel shot

[TheCoachZed]

Hey guys,

My cousin wants to start duck hunting this fall. He wants to buy a new pump shotgun, and I've been looking for him, BUT he just discovered he may have to replace his septic system. That can obviously put a dent in any duck gun fund.

He does have his grandfather's old 20 gauge Mossberg bolt action. It works great. Trouble is, it's probably 30 years old and doesn't even have a fixed choke - it has one of those older "screw-on" type external chokes, that threads over the end of the barrel, not into it. (not a polychoke).

What are the chances that thing can safely shoot steel? Can you even buy replacement chokes for those things easily?

 

[ianthomson]

No problem. I used a poly choke on a 870 for yrs. Just don't dial it down too tight. Never mind, just re-read the post. I have no ideas. If it's an old beater, shoot it.

 

[iceman2]

I would think if you stayed with an open choke you should be good to go. ie imp cyl. Check your pattern and you maybe be pleasantly suprised. I have shot a lot of steel through a adjustable polychoke with no issues as long as left open choked. Steel does not need to be choked much if any and the thicker wads help absorb the pressure of passing through the choke. Since your chokes screw over the barrel maybe try shooting without any choke.

 

[TheCoachZed]

It's not my gun . . . and it's not a polychoke. It's an actual removable choke tube that screws on externally, not internally.

I did a bit of digging and apparently mossberg doesnt recommend using these with steel shot . . .