The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. Choosing the right choke for your Remington 870 20 gauge is crucial for optimizing its performance, whether you're hunting waterfowl, upland birds, or clays. This guide dives deep into the world of Remington 870 20 gauge chokes, explaining their different types, applications, and how to select the best ones for your shooting needs.
Understanding Remington 870 20 Gauge Choke Tubes
Before delving into specific choke types, let's clarify what choke tubes are and why they're essential. Choke tubes are cylindrical devices inserted into the muzzle of your shotgun barrel. They constrict the shot pattern, influencing the spread of pellets as they exit the barrel. This affects the shot's density and effective range, making them vital for achieving optimal accuracy for various shooting scenarios. Remington 870 shotguns utilize interchangeable choke tubes, offering incredible flexibility.
Types of Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes and Their Applications
Several choke tube constrictions are available for the Remington 870 20 gauge. Each constriction affects the shot pattern differently, making them suitable for specific applications:
1. Cylinder Bore (CYL):
- Constriction: No constriction.
- Shot Pattern: Wide, open pattern. Best for very close-range shooting where a wide spread is beneficial, such as close-quarters hunting. Not ideal for longer ranges.
- Applications: Close-range hunting (e.g., some types of bird hunting at very close ranges).
2. Improved Cylinder (IC):
- Constriction: Slight constriction.
- Shot Pattern: Moderately open pattern. A good compromise between range and pattern spread.
- Applications: Versatile choke suitable for various hunting situations, including upland birds at moderate distances.
3. Modified (M):
- Constriction: Moderate constriction.
- Shot Pattern: More concentrated pattern than IC. Offers a good balance between range and pattern density.
- Applications: Popular choice for hunting various game at moderate to longer ranges, including upland birds and waterfowl.
4. Improved Modified (IM):
- Constriction: Between Modified and Full.
- Shot Pattern: A tighter pattern than Modified, increasing range and accuracy.
- Applications: Suitable for hunting waterfowl at longer ranges, or for shooting clays.
5. Full (F):
- Constriction: Tightest constriction.
- Shot Pattern: Very tight pattern with a long reach. Best for maximum range and accuracy.
- Applications: Best suited for long-range waterfowl hunting or shooting long-range clays.
6. Extra Full (XF) or Turkey Chokes:
- Constriction: Even tighter than Full. Often specifically designed for turkey hunting.
- Shot Pattern: Extremely tight pattern, maximizing range and pellet density for larger targets.
- Applications: Primarily used for turkey hunting at longer ranges. These often feature extended lengths for improved performance.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Remington 870 20 Gauge
Selecting the appropriate choke depends entirely on your intended use. Consider the following factors:
- Target Distance: Longer distances require tighter chokes (e.g., Modified, Improved Modified, Full).
- Game Type: Smaller, faster-moving birds require a more open pattern (e.g., Cylinder or Improved Cylinder), while larger targets at longer distances benefit from tighter chokes (e.g., Full or Extra Full).
- Ammunition: The type of ammunition you use (e.g., shot size, load) can also influence the ideal choke choice. Always consult your ammunition's recommendations.
Maintaining Your Remington 870 20 Gauge Chokes
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your choke tubes. After each use, clean your chokes thoroughly to remove any residue. Store them in a safe, clean place to prevent damage or corrosion.
Conclusion
The Remington 870 20 gauge is a highly versatile shotgun, and the right choke tube selection is critical to achieving its full potential. By understanding the different types of chokes and their applications, you can enhance your shooting accuracy and success, regardless of whether you're hunting or practicing at the range. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and follow all applicable laws and regulations.
