Slugs and chokes

[SCUMFROG]

Can I shot a slug though a choked tube. And if so what choke?

[TV BOY]

I have found the more open the better. Cylinder is usually the best or IC if that's all you have. Tighter chokes can distort a foster style slug.

[SCUMFROG]

That's what I thought. I picked up a used 870 this weekend. If I remember right the guy said it had a modified choke in it.

[lawdog]

What I was always told was Cylinder or Improved Cylinder are best. Modified would probably work but Full is no no for slugs. The big thing is to shoot it and pattern it to KNOW where it will hit with the chokes you have.

I would strongly suggest a slug barrel though. Even if its just a smooth bore slug barrel, the rifled sights are much better for shooting a single projectile than a bead sight on a bird shot barrel. Also the shorter barrel is better for a slug.

We owe it to the deer to be as accurate and humane with our shots as possible! Lofting the old pumpkin slugs out there for deer on a wing and a prayer is just not acceptable. You can get a new slug barrel for like $125, used ones are even cheaper when you can find them.

[SCUMFROG]

I'm going to start looking for a barrel for it. I would fell better about it. I agree with you, we owe to the deer.

[mechanictim]

Scumfrog

If your barrel has a removable choke tube you can replace it with a rifled tube available from Remington for about $40. If you have an older barrel that doesn't have interchangeable tubes, the choke will be stamped on the barrel on the left side just ahead of the reciever. Most gunsmiths can ream out the old choke and thread the barrel for interchangeable tubes for less than the cost of a new or used barrel.

If your barrel has a vent rib you can get clamp on sights that are adjustable from Truglo for about $23. There are also scope mounts that saddle the reciever and replace the trigger assembley pins. If you put a scope on a shotgun it is a good idea to put a raised cheek pad on the stock for better eye alignment and to keep your cheek from getting pounded when shooting.

[SCUMFROG]

It does have a removable tube. The gun is for my son and I'd like him to learn to shoot with out a scope. Where would I get one of these cheek pads. I'd like to have one for myself.

[mechanictim]

Scumfrog

I am sure I have seen them in Cabelas and Basspro catalogs. any well stocked firearms retailer should have them. The one I use on my 870 is from a company called Beartooth Products, it is a camo neoprene sleeve that uses several different thickness foam shims to give any amount of rise needed. If you go to their web site you can check them out and order direct from them. about $24 + Shipping.

[SCUMFROG]

Thanks I'll check them out. I did look at the remington site, they do not have rifled choke tubes for a 20g. I'll keep looking around. If I have to I'll buy a new barrel.

[lawdog]

I didn't realize it was a 20 guage. I bought a slug barrel for a 20 ga 870 this year from Cabela's. Going on the youth model gun for next fall's hunt but I figure when he's a little older he'll steal one of my 12's and then I'll just move it to my full size 20 so I can still have a shotgun to carry. I got the barrel for $129 from Cabela's. You won't find a used 20 ga slug barrel around, they are about impossible to get. You don't need that monte carlo style cheek piece unless you have a scope either, then you would, or you could just replace the stock with a synthetic monte carlo style stock and be done with it.

I think the 20 ga 870 is about the best possible starter/youth shotgun you can get. Jr. will love it!

[SCUMFROG]

I just looked at cabelas and saw them. I think that might be the best way to go, then I don't have to worry about having the right tube in there at the right time.

[mechanictim]

Scumfrog

Cabelas has the rifled choke for your 20 Ga., part number is FF-21-0870-338. I also see that there are some barrels available on hsolist.

[SCUMFROG]

Thanks mechanictim. One of theses weekends I'll make a trip down there...