Safe for steel shot?
- Thread starter Squadron303
- Start date
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Optima chokes are rated for steel but I've never heard of them being used in any Turkish built guns.
Use a more open choke tube...
SHOTGUN BARREL ALTERATIONS FOR STEEL SHOT
Forcing Cone Alteration:
Factory shotgun barrels usually have a fairly short and abrupt forcing cone. The forcing cone is the tapered area just ahead of the chamber where the shell is contained. Altering the forcing cone, so it is one and one half or two inches in length, reduces recoil and improves the pattern density. Trap shooters and skeet shooters have been doing this for many years. It is a good benefit to the steel shot user as well.
Choke Alteration:
Choke designation from the tightest to the most open are:
Extra Full, Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Skeet II, Improved Cylinder, Skeet I, and Cylinder Bore.
Steel shot does not require the constriction that lead shot needs, to produce good patterns. In fact too much constriction, causes poor, erratic patterns, and in some cases, permanently damages the barrel. I have seen barrels bulged at the choke, I have seen barrels where the choke split right open, from using steel shot.
For steel shot, with thin barrels, chokes should be altered to at least Skeet II. Often, over & under, and side-by-side shotguns, are best altered to Skeet I and Skeet II chokes. Heavier barrels can be left at Modified choke but may see an improvement in the pattern if opened slightly.
These are sold under a number of different brands, same manufacturer. Although there are slight differences depending on the brand, generally they take Browning Invector style chokes.
As for steel, good to go, but you have to use a steel rated choke, as mentioned by guntech above.
As for steel, good to go, but you have to use a steel rated choke, as mentioned by guntech above.
