Rifled Chokes - worth it?

[bluemike807]

Im on a bit of a budget, and want to get a shorter (than 28") barrel for my Remington 870. Struck on the idea that I could get away with a short barrel 14-18" and get the benefits (or close to it) of a rifled barrel by going with a rifled choke. Is this a good idea?

How do rifled chokes perform relative to the full rifled barrel? Can anyone recommend a particular brand?

I should mention I will not be firing sabots through this - just Foster-style slugs.

 

[Nathan231]

Im on a bit of a budget, and want to get a shorter (than 28") barrel for my Remington 870. Struck on the idea that I could get away with a short barrel 14-18" and get the benefits (or close to it) of a rifled barrel by going with a rifled choke. Is this a good idea?

How do rifled chokes perform relative to the full rifled barrel? Can anyone recommend a particular brand?

I should mention I will not be firing sabots through this - just Foster-style slugs.

My brother was in the same situation and tried Sabots with rifled choke out a smooth bore then rifled slugs out the same gun with IC choke. The groupings @ 100 yards were about the same. If I remember correctly the sabots out preformed the rifled slugs by just a hair @ 50,75, >100 yards but did quite a bit better @100+, 125, 150

 

[Winchester-1897]

I was not impressed with the rifled barrel on my 870 and didn't think it was worth using all that expensive ammo for next to no improvement.