Remington 870 shotguns are legendary for their reliability and versatility. Adding a rifled choke tube significantly expands their capabilities, particularly for slug shooting and hunting larger game. This guide delves into the world of rifled chokes for your Remington 870, covering their benefits, considerations, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Understanding Rifled Choke Tubes
A rifled choke tube differs from a standard choke in its internal construction. Instead of smooth constrictions, rifled chokes feature spiral grooves cut into their interior walls. These grooves impart spin to the projectile (slug or sabot), increasing accuracy and stability over longer ranges. This spin dramatically reduces the effects of wind drift and improves overall shot grouping. This is particularly beneficial when using slugs, which are significantly heavier and more susceptible to wind than shot.
Benefits of Using a Rifled Choke Tube
- Increased Accuracy: The key benefit is improved accuracy at longer ranges, a critical factor in hunting situations.
- Extended Range: Rifling allows for consistent, predictable projectile flight, extending effective range compared to smoothbore slugs.
- Reduced Wind Drift: The spinning projectile resists wind deflection, leading to more precise shots in windy conditions.
- Improved Pattern Density (for sabots): While not as applicable to slugs, sabots benefit from tighter patterns due to the spin stabilization.
- Versatility: Many hunters find rifled chokes valuable for both slugs and sabots, though some specific designs are optimized for one over the other.
Types of Rifled Chokes for Remington 870
Various manufacturers produce rifled chokes specifically designed for the Remington 870. The specific rifling pattern (number and depth of grooves) and the overall choke constriction (full, modified, etc.) can vary between brands and models. Here are some key distinctions:
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Full Rifled Chokes: These provide the tightest constriction, offering maximum accuracy at longer ranges but potentially impacting shot pattern density with sabots.
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Modified Rifled Chokes: Offer a balance between accuracy and pattern density, making them a popular choice for versatile hunting applications.
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Improved Cylinder Rifled Chokes: The least restrictive rifled choke, generally used for close-range shooting and situations where a wider pattern is desired.
Table 1: Common Rifled Choke Constrictions and Their Applications
| Choke Type | Constriction | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Full Rifled | Tightest | Long-range accuracy, single slugs |
| Modified Rifled | Moderate | Versatile hunting, slugs and sabots |
| Improved Cylinder Rifled | Least Restrictive | Close-range hunting, slugs or sabots (wider pattern) |
Choosing the Right Rifled Choke for Your Remington 870
Selecting the appropriate rifled choke depends on several factors:
- Hunting Style: Are you primarily hunting at long ranges or close quarters?
- Ammunition: What type of ammunition will you use (slugs, sabots)? The design of the slug itself can affect the best choke choice. Some rifled slugs might perform better with a more open choke.
- Game: The size and distance of your intended game will influence the optimal choke selection.
Case Study: A hunter targeting deer at ranges exceeding 100 yards would likely benefit from a full rifled choke and heavy slugs, while a hunter focusing on close-range hog hunting might prefer a modified or improved cylinder rifled choke.
Installation and Maintenance of Rifled Chokes
Installing a rifled choke on a Remington 870 is generally straightforward:
- Unscrew the existing choke: Use a choke wrench (avoiding excessive force).
- Screw in the new rifled choke: Tighten it securely but avoid over-tightening.
- Test fire: Ensure proper function and accuracy before hunting.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to extend the life of your rifled choke and maintain its accuracy. Always clean your choke after each shooting session to remove any residue.
Conclusion: Enhancing Your Remington 870's Potential
Rifled choke tubes provide a significant upgrade to the Remington 870's capabilities, particularly for slug shooting and hunting larger game. By understanding the different types, benefits, and considerations involved in selecting the right rifled choke, you can significantly enhance your accuracy and effectiveness in the field. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow all firearm safety regulations when using rifled chokes or any firearm. Choosing the right choke for your specific needs and ammunition type will lead to improved accuracy and overall shooting success.