The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, and its 20-gauge variant is a popular choice for a variety of applications, from hunting to sporting clays. Understanding and selecting the right choke tubes is crucial for optimizing your 870's performance. This guide delves into the world of Remington 870 20 gauge chokes, exploring different types, patterns, and how to choose the best ones for your specific needs.
Understanding Choke Tubes and Their Impact
Choke tubes are cylindrical devices inserted into the end of your shotgun barrel. They constrict the bore, influencing the shot pattern's spread. A tighter choke creates a denser pattern at longer ranges, while a more open choke provides a wider spread at closer distances. Choosing the correct choke is vital for achieving optimal accuracy and effectiveness.
Types of Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes:
Remington offers a variety of choke tubes for their 870 20 gauge, each designed for specific purposes:
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Cylinder: This is the most open choke, offering the widest pattern. Ideal for very close-range shooting, like trap or informal backyard shooting. Expect a relatively loose pattern with significant pellet spread.
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Improved Cylinder (IC): Slightly more constricted than Cylinder, offering a slightly tighter pattern than Cylinder, still suitable for closer ranges but providing a bit more accuracy than a Cylinder choke.
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Modified (Mod): A versatile choke, striking a balance between pattern density and range. Suitable for a variety of hunting situations and targets at moderate distances.
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Improved Modified (IMod): Tighter than Modified, providing a denser pattern suitable for hunting birds at longer ranges. It's a popular choice for upland bird hunting.
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Full: The tightest choke, producing the smallest and densest pattern. Best for long-range shots, particularly for waterfowl hunting. However, the extremely tight pattern can make it more challenging for close-range targets.
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Extra Full (or Turkey Choke): This extremely tight choke is specifically designed for turkey hunting, maximizing the density and impact of the shot at extended ranges. Not recommended for general use.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Application
Selecting the appropriate choke depends heavily on your intended use:
Hunting:
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Waterfowl: Full or Extra Full chokes are typically used for waterfowl hunting due to the long distances involved.
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Upland Birds: Improved Modified or Modified chokes are common choices for upland bird hunting, offering a balance between range and pattern density.
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Turkey: Dedicated turkey chokes (Extra Full) are designed to optimize performance for turkey hunting.
Sporting Clays:
The choice of choke for sporting clays varies greatly depending on the specific target presentations and distances. Experimentation is key to finding the best choke for your shooting style. Modified, Improved Modified, and even Light Modified chokes might be used.
Home Defense:
For home defense, a Cylinder or Improved Cylinder choke is generally recommended. The wide pattern increases the chance of hitting a target at close range.
Maintaining Your Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes
Proper care and maintenance of your choke tubes are essential for extending their lifespan and ensuring consistent performance:
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Clean Regularly: Clean your chokes after each use to remove any residue.
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Proper Storage: Store your chokes in a safe, dry place to prevent rust and damage.
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Avoid Cross-Threading: Always ensure you're carefully threading the chokes into the barrel to prevent damage.
Conclusion:
Selecting the appropriate Remington 870 20 gauge choke is vital for optimizing your shooting experience. By understanding the different types of chokes and their applications, you can improve your accuracy and success rate in hunting, sporting clays, and other shooting activities. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and follow all relevant safety regulations.
