Unveiling the Importance of Chokes
The Remington 870. The name alone conjures images of reliability, versatility, and a legacy deeply woven into the fabric of American firearms. It’s a workhorse of a shotgun, revered by hunters, law enforcement, and target shooters alike. And while the core design of the 870 remains consistently effective, one crucial element allows for significant customization and performance enhancement: the choke system. Today, we delve into the world of Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes, exploring how these seemingly small components can dramatically alter your shooting experience and optimize your results.
At its heart, the Remington 870 20 Gauge is a smoothbore firearm. This means the barrel has no rifling, relying on the shot to spread outwards upon exiting the muzzle. But how that shot *spreads* is the essence of a good shot, and that’s where the choke comes into play. Think of the choke as the gatekeeper, controlling the spread of your shot pattern. It’s the constricted portion at the end of the barrel that dictates how densely or widely your pellets will disperse.
Without a choke, your shot pattern would be extremely wide, making accurate hits at any significant distance challenging. With a choke, you can tailor the pattern to suit the specific task at hand. Whether you’re pursuing fast-moving game birds, taking aim at clay pigeons, or defending your home, the right choke will significantly enhance your chances of success. It’s a vital tool for anyone seeking to maximize the potential of their shotgun.
Decoding the Science of Choke
Essentially, a choke is a narrowing of the barrel’s diameter near the muzzle. This constriction forces the shot column to compress as it exits the barrel, influencing its spread. The degree of constriction determines the choke type, and subsequently, the pattern size. Understanding the different choke types is fundamental to becoming a proficient shooter.
Cylinder (CYL)
This is the most open choke, offering virtually no constriction. It produces the widest shot pattern. Best used for very close-range shooting, like within 20 yards, where a wide spread is desirable.
Improved Cylinder (IC)
Provides a slightly tighter pattern than cylinder. It’s a versatile choke suitable for general purpose shooting at moderate ranges, typically out to 30 yards.
Modified (MOD)
Offers a moderately constricted pattern. This choke is good for targets and game at distances out to around 40 yards. It allows for a balance between pattern size and pellet density.
Full (FULL)
The tightest common constriction, delivering a dense pattern. It’s designed for long-range shooting, extending effective range significantly. Ideal for shots beyond 40 yards.
Other Choke Types
You’ll also encounter options like Light Modified, Improved Modified, and Extra Full. These offer gradations of constriction and pattern performance, allowing for fine-tuning to specific shooting situations.
The choice of choke is intimately tied to the expected range of your shots and the type of ammunition you’re using. It’s a balancing act between pattern size and pellet density. A tight pattern will deliver more pellets on target at longer distances but may lead to misses at closer ranges. Conversely, a wide pattern is excellent for short-range encounters but will result in a less dense and potentially less effective pattern further out.
Matching the Right Choke to Your Remington 870 20 Gauge
Choosing the proper choke for your Remington 870 20 Gauge depends on the choke system your shotgun is equipped with, the shooting you intend to do, and the ammunition you plan to use. Fortunately, the Remington 870 20 Gauge is a very adaptable platform, and finding the right choke combination is often straightforward.
Factory versus Aftermarket Chokes: Exploring Your Options
When it comes to Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes, you have a choice: stick with factory-provided chokes or explore the aftermarket. Factory chokes are typically perfectly functional, providing a range of options to meet basic shooting needs. They are usually readily available and offer a good starting point.
Aftermarket chokes, on the other hand, offer a wider selection of materials, construction methods, and performance enhancements. Some aftermarket chokes are designed with specific shot types in mind (like steel or tungsten), or target specific purposes. They can be made from high-quality stainless steel, which can offer increased durability and resistance to wear and tear, especially when used with certain types of ammunition.
Deciphering Remington 870 Choke Systems
Understanding the choke system of your particular Remington 870 20 Gauge is essential. While this shotgun has gone through a few variations, a very common system is the Rem Choke system. Rem Choke is a thread-in choke system, where the chokes screw into the barrel’s threaded end. If you have this system, you will recognize the threading at the muzzle of your barrel. The common choke markings are easily identified on the choke itself. This system allows for quick and easy switching between different chokes to adapt to changing circumstances. If you are unsure of the choke system, check your barrel, the markings should be fairly obvious.
Exploring the Aftermarket Choke Universe
The aftermarket for shotgun chokes is thriving, with several reputable manufacturers offering high-quality options for your Remington 870 20 Gauge. Some well-regarded names include:
Briley
Known for their precision engineering and diverse choke offerings, Briley chokes are often chosen by competitive shooters.
Carlson’s
A popular choice, Carlson’s chokes provide excellent performance at a reasonable price point.
Trulock
Trulock chokes are known for their consistent performance and durability.
Each manufacturer offers a range of chokes, often including options specifically designed for various ammunition types and shooting applications. Carefully research your options, read reviews, and consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
Making the Right Choice: Choke Selection for Different Scenarios
Choosing the right choke is a matter of balancing factors like hunting or target shooting, distances, and shot types.
Hunting
- Upland Birds (e.g., Quail, Grouse): Improved Cylinder or Modified chokes are a good starting point. Consider going to a tighter choke like Modified for longer shots.
- Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese): Modified or Full chokes are often used, depending on the typical shot distance. Steel shot usually performs best with Modified or tighter chokes.
- Turkey Hunting: Extra Full chokes are the norm to maximize pellet density at the typically extended ranges for turkey hunting.
Target Shooting
- Skeet: Cylinder or Improved Cylinder.
- Trap: Modified or Full chokes, depending on the distance.
- Sporting Clays: Modified, or Improved Modified are a popular choice.
For defensive situations, a more open choke, like Improved Cylinder, will work great for up close situations and helps minimize over-penetration.
Remember that these are merely suggestions. You may need to experiment with various chokes and ammunition to discover the ideal setup for your Remington 870 20 Gauge.
The Art of Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance will extend the life and performance of your Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes.
Installing a Choke
Make sure your shotgun is unloaded. Carefully screw the choke into the barrel’s threaded end, tightening it with a choke wrench (usually provided with the choke). Avoid over-tightening, as this can damage the choke or the barrel.
Removing a Choke
Ensure the shotgun is unloaded. Use the choke wrench to loosen and unscrew the choke.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After each shooting session, clean your chokes with a solvent to remove powder residue and debris. Regularly check them for wear and tear, and replace them if necessary. Lightly oil the choke threads before installing them. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.
Ammunition and the Importance of Synergy
The perfect Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes are only half the equation. The ammunition you choose is equally important. The size and type of your shot (e.g., lead, steel, tungsten) will dramatically influence pattern performance. Larger shot sizes will typically produce more open patterns, while smaller shot sizes can sometimes deliver denser patterns.
Lead shot is the standard, however, for some areas, it is unlawful to use lead shot when hunting. Steel is a non-toxic alternative, and is often required. However, steel shot typically performs better with more open chokes. Carefully read the choke manufacturers instructions and recommendations for what types of ammunition they recommend using with a specific choke.
Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Common Choke Concerns
- Can I Use Steel Shot With Any Choke? Not necessarily. Using steel shot in a choke that is too tight can cause damage. Consult your choke manufacturer’s guidelines for steel shot compatibility.
- What is the best choke for hunting [specific game]? The “best” choke depends on the range and conditions. Research typical shot distances for your chosen game and experiment to find the best combination of choke and ammunition.
- How can I pattern my shotgun? Pattern your shotgun by shooting at a large paper target at the typical range you expect to shoot. Note the number of pellets within a certain diameter circle (e.g., 30 inches). This will give you an understanding of your choke and ammunition’s performance.
- What is the difference between flush and extended chokes? Flush chokes sit flush with the end of the barrel. Extended chokes protrude beyond the barrel, making them easier to change and providing a slightly longer barrel length which can sometimes improve performance.
- What do the markings on the chokes mean? The markings will usually indicate the degree of constriction. Symbols and notches are used to indicate which type it is. Familiarize yourself with the marking system used by your chosen choke brand.
Conclusion: Achieving Shotgun Excellence
Mastering the use of Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes is a crucial step in maximizing your shotgun’s potential. By understanding the principles of choke, the available options, and the importance of matching the right choke to your ammunition and shooting style, you can significantly enhance your accuracy, range, and overall shooting experience. Remember that the best setup is the one that performs best for *you*. Experiment with different chokes and ammunition to discover the perfect combination for your needs.
