Understanding the Crucial Role of Choke Tubes
The Purpose of Choke Tubes
At its core, a shotgun is designed to spread its shot pellets over a wider area. The choke tube plays a vital role in controlling this spread, directly impacting your accuracy, range, and effectiveness. Think of it as a precision tool that helps you tailor your shotgun’s performance to the specific task at hand. A choke tube is essentially a constricted portion at the muzzle of the shotgun barrel. This constriction influences how the shot column travels after leaving the barrel. It determines how tightly or loosely the pellets group together, creating the shot pattern.
Without a choke tube, the pellets would spread rapidly, limiting your effective range and potentially leading to missed shots. By varying the degree of constriction, you can dramatically alter the pattern density, allowing you to adapt to different hunting scenarios or shooting disciplines. For example, a tight choke will produce a dense, concentrated pattern ideal for long-range shots, while a more open choke will provide a wider pattern suitable for close-range targets. This versatility is why choke tubes are indispensable for any serious shotgun user.
Deciphering Choke Constriction: Understanding the Options
Understanding the different types of choke constrictions is essential for making informed choices. Each type of choke tube offers a unique pattern spread, best suited for specific applications. Here’s a breakdown of the common types you’ll encounter:
Cylinder Choke
This is the most open choke, offering virtually no constriction. It delivers the widest pattern, perfect for close-range shots and applications where a wide spread is desired. Often used for Skeet shooting.
Improved Cylinder Choke
This choke provides a slightly tighter pattern than the Cylinder choke. It’s a versatile option, suitable for general hunting and skeet shooting at closer ranges.
Modified Choke
This choke offers a moderate level of constriction. It produces a pattern tighter than Improved Cylinder, making it suitable for longer shots and various hunting scenarios, such as upland birds.
Full Choke
A full choke provides the tightest constriction, delivering the densest pattern. It is optimized for long-range shots, waterfowl hunting, and trap shooting.
Extra Full Choke
These chokes offer even tighter patterns than Full chokes. They’re primarily used for long-range shots, such as turkey hunting.
Visualizing these patterns is critical to understanding their effects. Imagine a target with a circle representing the pattern. A Cylinder choke might cover a large area with a relatively sparse distribution of pellets. As you move to Improved Cylinder, the pellets become slightly more concentrated. With Modified, the density increases further. A Full choke offers the tightest, most concentrated pattern, ideal for maximizing the number of pellets that hit the target at longer ranges.
Compatibility Considerations for the Remington 870 20 Ga
Before you can even think about selecting a choke, you need to know what will actually *fit* your Remington 870 20 gauge. Thankfully, the process is straightforward. The Remington 870 20-gauge uses a specific threading system. Recognizing this is vital to avoiding frustration or damage.
The Remington 870 20 Ga Choke Tubes are typically the “Rem Choke” style. This means that you will need to purchase choke tubes specifically designed for this system. Trying to force a choke tube that isn’t designed to fit this thread will lead to significant problems.
Beyond just the fit, remember to always confirm that your shotgun is unloaded and that you have properly identified the specific model of your Remington 870. Even within the 870 family, there could be slight variations. Always double-check the markings on your barrel or consult your owner’s manual if you are unsure. This will guarantee that you are purchasing the correct choke tubes for your firearm.
Choosing the Right Choke Tube: A Guide to Success
Selecting the best Remington 870 20 Ga Choke Tubes involves careful consideration of several key factors. The goal is to match your choke tube to the specific activity, game, or target you are pursuing.
Considerations for Your Selection
Intended Use: Are you hunting, trap shooting, skeet shooting, or something else? Each activity requires a different pattern.
Type of Game or Target: Different game species and targets require different patterns. For example, a smaller bird like a quail needs a more open choke than a turkey.
Distance to Target: The distance at which you expect to take your shots is a critical factor. Longer shots require tighter chokes, while shorter shots benefit from more open chokes.
Shot Size: The size of the shot pellets affects the pattern. Larger pellets tend to deliver better energy downrange.
Shell Type: The brand and type of shells you are using will influence the pattern. Some shells pattern better with specific chokes.
Recommendations for Different Activities
Hunting Small Game: For rabbits, squirrels, or other small game typically found at close to medium ranges, the Improved Cylinder or Modified choke is generally a good choice. They will provide a good spread while still offering enough density to ensure a clean kill.
Upland Bird Hunting: For birds like pheasant, quail, or grouse, a Modified or Improved Modified choke often strikes the perfect balance. These chokes provide a denser pattern than Improved Cylinder for a greater likelihood of hitting these fast-moving targets.
Waterfowl Hunting: Waterfowl hunting often involves longer shots and larger targets. A Modified or Full choke is usually ideal. Choosing between the two will depend on the distance you are typically shooting.
Trap Shooting: Trap shooting generally uses targets at a consistent distance. A Modified or Full choke is often favored for trap shooting, depending on the distance and personal preference.
Skeet Shooting: Skeet shooting involves close-range targets. The Cylinder or Improved Cylinder choke is the standard choice for skeet.
Home Defense: The goal in home defense is to stop a threat quickly and effectively. It is crucial to use the correct choke to maintain a manageable pattern size. An Improved Cylinder is often considered a balanced option.
Shell Selection and Choke Tube Pairing
Finding the right combination of choke tube and shell is crucial to achieving optimal performance. It is wise to experiment with different brands and shot sizes to see what patterns best in your Remington 870 20-gauge. Always remember to consult the ammunition manufacturer’s recommendations, which often provide guidelines for the best performance with their products.
Caring for Your Choke Tubes: Maintenance Matters
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your Remington 870 20 Ga Choke Tubes. Regular cleaning and inspection will keep them in top condition and prevent problems down the line.
Cleaning Your Choke Tubes
Safety First: Always ensure your firearm is unloaded before beginning any cleaning procedure.
Disassembly: Remove the choke tube from the barrel using a choke tube wrench designed for the Rem Choke system.
Cleaning: Use a choke tube cleaner or solvent specifically designed for this purpose. Apply it to a cleaning brush or patch, and thoroughly scrub the inside and outside of the choke tube.
Inspection: Inspect the choke tube for any signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or bulges.
Lubrication: Lightly lubricate the threads of the choke tube with a gun oil or anti-seize lubricant before reassembling. This will prevent the tube from sticking in the barrel and make future removal easier.
Inspecting for Damage
Regularly inspect your choke tubes for any signs of wear and tear. Look for:
Dents or Dings: These can distort the pattern and affect accuracy.
Cracks: Cracks can indicate a weakening of the metal and pose a safety risk.
Bulges: A bulge can indicate the choke has been damaged or over-pressured.
If you notice any damage, replace the choke tube immediately.
Proper Storage
When you aren’t using your choke tubes, it’s important to store them properly. Keep them in a clean, dry place, away from extreme temperatures or humidity. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion. Consider keeping them in a protective case or pouch to further safeguard them.
Tips and Troubleshooting: Mastering Your Craft
Even with the best equipment, challenges can arise. Knowing how to troubleshoot and optimize your setup is essential to becoming a proficient shooter.
Patterning Your Shotgun
Patterning your shotgun is the most important step in determining which choke and load combination works best for your Remington 870 20-gauge. The process involves shooting at a target at a specified distance and examining the pattern.
Here’s how to pattern your shotgun:
Choose a Target: Use a large piece of paper, such as a paper target with a clear center, or a patterning target designed for this purpose.
Set Up the Target: Place the target at a distance appropriate for your intended use (e.g., 25 yards for general hunting or 40 yards for waterfowl).
Shoot from a Stable Position: Use a shooting rest or bench to ensure consistent aiming.
Fire the Shotgun: Fire a shot at the center of the target.
Examine the Pattern: Count the number of pellets within a 30-inch circle (or as specified by the manufacturer), and evaluate the distribution of the pellets.
Repeat this process with different chokes and loads to find the combination that delivers the best pattern for your needs.
Common Problems and Solutions
Poor Shot Patterns: If your patterns are inconsistent or too open, try a different choke tube or shell load. Experiment with different brands and shot sizes. Sometimes a simple change in ammunition can significantly improve the results.
Choke Tubes Getting Stuck: Apply anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the choke tube before installation. If a tube gets stuck, use a choke tube wrench and apply penetrating oil to the threads.
Rust or Corrosion: Clean and lubricate your choke tubes regularly to prevent rust and corrosion. Store them in a dry environment.
With a bit of practice and patience, you can maximize the potential of your Remington 870 20-gauge.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right Remington 870 20 Ga Choke Tubes is an important decision, one that profoundly impacts your shooting success. By understanding the different choke types, considering your intended use, and following the maintenance guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure your shotgun performs at its best. Experiment with different combinations, pattern your shotgun, and develop a deeper appreciation for the versatility of the Remington 870 20-gauge. The perfect shot pattern is waiting to be found!
This guide provides a solid foundation for your journey. Remember that every shooter and firearm is unique. Experimentation is key! Try different combinations of choke tubes and shell loads to find what works best for your Remington 870 20-gauge. Consider seeking expert advice from experienced shooters or gunsmiths to further refine your understanding. And, above all, enjoy the process! With the right knowledge and preparation, your Remington 870 20-gauge will continue to be a trusted companion for years to come.
