The Stevens 320 is a popular and versatile shotgun, prized for its reliability and affordability. However, to truly maximize its potential, understanding and selecting the right choke tubes is crucial. This guide will help you navigate the world of Stevens 320 choke tubes, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your shooting style and hunting needs.
Understanding Choke Tubes and Their Impact
Before diving into specific choke options for your Stevens 320, let's briefly review the function of choke tubes. Choke tubes constrict the barrel's diameter at the muzzle, influencing the shot pattern. This affects range, density, and overall effectiveness. Different chokes are designed for different purposes:
- Cylinder: Produces a wide, open pattern ideal for close-range shooting, like trap or informal clay shooting. Not ideal for long-range accuracy.
- Improved Cylinder (IC): Slightly tighter than Cylinder, offering a slightly denser pattern at a slightly greater range. Good for close to medium range shooting.
- Modified (M): A versatile all-around choke, providing a good balance between pattern density and range. Suitable for various hunting scenarios.
- Improved Modified (IM): Tighter than Modified, offering increased range and pattern density. Excellent for hunting birds at moderate to longer ranges.
- Full: The tightest choke, producing a very dense pattern with maximum range. Best for long-range shooting and hunting, but may be less versatile.
Identifying Your Stevens 320 Choke Tube Threading
Crucially, before purchasing any choke tubes, you need to identify the threading on your Stevens 320 barrel. Stevens 320 shotguns typically use either Invector-DS or Invector+ threading. Confirming this is paramount to ensuring a proper and safe fit. Checking your owner's manual or contacting Savage Arms (the manufacturer) is the best way to obtain this information definitively. Attempting to force a mismatched choke tube can lead to damage to your firearm.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Shooting Activities
The best choke for your Stevens 320 depends heavily on your intended use:
Hunting Chokes:
- Bird Hunting (e.g., Quail, Dove, Pheasant): Improved Cylinder (IC) or Modified (M) are commonly preferred for their balance of pattern density and range. A full choke might be suitable for longer shots at certain species.
- Turkey Hunting: Full or Extra Full chokes are generally used for turkey hunting due to the need for a tight pattern at longer ranges.
- Waterfowl Hunting: Modified (M) or Improved Modified (IM) are often the best choices for waterfowl, providing a balance of pattern density and range.
Target Shooting Chokes:
- Trap Shooting: Cylinder or Improved Cylinder (IC) are typically used.
- Skeet Shooting: A variety of chokes may be employed, depending on the station.
Where to Purchase Choke Tubes
Numerous retailers sell choke tubes compatible with the Stevens 320. You can find them online or at your local sporting goods store. Always ensure you are purchasing chokes with the correct threading to match your firearm. When purchasing online, double-check product descriptions and customer reviews to ensure compatibility.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate choke tubes for your Stevens 320 significantly enhances its performance and versatility. By understanding the different choke constrictions and matching them to your shooting style and intended use, you can ensure optimal accuracy and effectiveness, whether hunting game or participating in target shooting. Remember to always prioritize safety and double-check your barrel's threading before purchasing any choke tubes.
