Choosing the right choke tube for your Remington 870 shotgun is crucial for optimal performance. Whether you're hunting waterfowl, upland birds, or clays, selecting the appropriate constriction significantly impacts shot pattern and range. This guide provides a comprehensive Remington 870 choke tube chart and explains how to choose the best option for your needs.
Understanding Choke Tubes and Constrictions
Before diving into the chart, let's clarify the basics. Choke tubes are interchangeable cylinders inserted into the end of your shotgun barrel. They constrict the bore, influencing how the shot spreads. The tighter the constriction, the tighter the shot pattern at longer ranges. Conversely, less constriction results in a wider pattern at closer ranges.
Here's a breakdown of common Remington 870 choke tube constrictions and their typical uses:
Types of Remington 870 Choke Tubes and Their Applications:
| Choke Type | Constriction (in) | Shot Pattern | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder | 0 | Very Open | Close-range shooting, informal target practice |
| Improved Cylinder | ~0.005 | Open | Short-range shooting, informal target practice, some upland game |
| Modified | ~0.015 | Moderate | Versatile, good for various upland game and some waterfowl at closer ranges |
| Improved Modified | ~0.025 | Moderately Tight | Good for a balance of range and pattern density for upland game and waterfowl |
| Full | ~0.035 | Tight | Long-range shooting, waterfowl hunting |
| Extra Full | ~0.045 | Very Tight | Extremely long-range shooting, waterfowl hunting (specialized use) |
Note: The exact constriction measurements can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of the choke tube. Always check the markings on your specific choke tube for precise measurements.
Remington 870 Choke Tube Chart: Visual Guide
While a precise numerical chart is difficult to represent universally due to variations in manufacturing, the table above provides a solid functional representation. Remember to always refer to the markings on your specific choke tubes for exact constriction data.
Choosing the Right Choke Tube for Your Remington 870
The best choke tube for you depends heavily on your intended use:
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Waterfowl Hunting: Generally requires tighter chokes like Modified, Improved Modified, Full, or even Extra Full for longer ranges.
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Upland Bird Hunting: Often benefits from more open chokes like Improved Cylinder, Modified, or Improved Modified, depending on the bird species and distance.
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Turkey Hunting: Specialized turkey chokes are available, designed to optimize patterns for turkey hunting at moderate ranges.
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Target Shooting: Open chokes like Cylinder or Improved Cylinder are usually preferred.
Beyond the Chart: Factors to Consider
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Ammunition: The type of shot (size and weight) will influence pattern density. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal choke/ammunition combination.
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Barrel Length: Longer barrels generally produce tighter patterns with the same choke.
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Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best choke is the one that delivers the most consistent and effective patterns for your shooting style and intended use. Practice with different chokes to find what works best for you.
This comprehensive guide and Remington 870 choke tube chart provide a solid foundation for selecting the right choke tubes. Remember that practice and experimentation are crucial for achieving optimal performance with your shotgun. Always practice safe gun handling techniques and follow all applicable laws and regulations.
