Rem chokes for 870 super mag, and 3.5" shell question.

[Rotaxpower]

Just picked this bad boy up a day ago I have not shot steel through it yet, but will the supplied modified choke be good? What are my other options? I plan on banging the 3.5" shells for geese and ducks. Also what range can I expect to shoot the 3.5" shells to? My old shotgun was a Winchester model 50 and only could shoot 2.75" shells in it, really limited my range while hunting.

 

[JamesM]

I can't say for sure if your particular gun and modified choke will be good but for me and my guns I can usually find a load that makes me happy with the factory modified choke. As far as range goes the longer shells add little to your range, if you can't put the pattern on the front end of the birds. I found 3.5" shells in my 870 way too abusive even at 18 and even now with gentle shooting semis rarely use them except when chasing late season eiders. The advantage to 3.5" shells is getting good patterns of large shot, unfortunately at the end of the day regular old steel shot performs best inside of 40 yards, regardless of size and I try to keep my shots in that range.