How to convert old duck gun for upland birds?

[NateEboy-1]

Last year I was given two old shotguns from each of my grandpas.One is an 870 30" full and the other an auto5 28" full. Both are 2 3/4" and have never had steel shot through them. I am thinking of keeping the auto5 for a pheasant gun and having the choke changed to modified or trading it in on a new gun I can use for ducks and geese also. The 870 would make a great grouse gun if I had the barrel shortened and had the choke changed. My question: What barrel length would be best for grouse and what choke for the 870. Also, can you have screw in chokes installed in older guns? Please help. Thanks,Nate.

[Fisher Dave]

The 870 .. assuming its a Remington (wingmaster) the barrels that are on the modern 870's will fit it. A 26" or 28" barrel is pretty universal, if you like a short barrel you can drop down to a 24" or possibly shorter. I have an 870 wingmaster from the mid 60's to early 70's. The action is capable of handling the 3" shells, however as you stated the barrels are only chambered for 2 3/4. DO NOT shoot 3" with that barrel .. your asking for trouble. They will handle 2 3/4" steel shells just fine and the barrels will hold up. I have used mine since non-toxic shot became a law and show absolutely no signs of damage (lines, etc). They are a great shooting gun just the way they are, but my factory barrel is a modified, full is aweful tight for upland or ducks. Purchasing a different barrel can suit all of your hunting needs. The RemChoke® or similar interchangable chokes are available and easy to find.

[CodyDawg]

On some barrels, choke tubes can be installed into fixed choke barrels, contact a gunsmith. I would use a 26" barrel personally. Contrary to what you hear, you do not gain any range with a longer barrel (well, actually you gain 2" on a 28" and 4" on a 30" barrel, but that is nothing in my book).