needing some info about my shotgun

[maxing45]

Mylastpost was about the shot gun i recieved, winchester mod.12 It is a full choke. Would like some info as where to get it serviced and/or cleaned and apprx.$ And if someone has time to type fill me in on the difference between full choke and the others. thanks

[Eric Wettschreck]

My advice would be to take it to a gunsmith. If the gunsmith is worth his salt he would be more than glad to look your gun over and give you an estimate.

Chokes- full is "Tight" meaning the angle of the "Funnel" at the end of the barrel is smaller. This makes your pattern smaller, but at longer ranges your pattern is still in tact.

Modified is "More Open" than full. Meaning the angle of the "Funnel" is larger than the full choke. You will have a wider pattern at closer range than compared to a full choke.

Improved Cylinder is, in a nutshell, no choke. There is no funnel at the end of the barrel. This gives you the most open pattern at the closest range.

When duck hunting over decoys, or phesant hunting, most people prefer the modified choke. For shooting slugs most people prefer the improved cylinder. For hunting that would take longer range shots and more BB's in the pattern when it hits the target, like goose hunting, many guys prefer the full choke. I know a lot of guys that use full choke while turkey hunting also.

The problem with steel shot and a full choke is the steel doesn't "Squish" in the choke like lead or softer metal shot styles. Over time, this will cause the choke (end of barrel) to actually bulge and even split. This is why it's not recommended to use steel shot in your gun. Newer versions of shotguns have interchangable chokes with different metalurgy to allow for the use of steel shot. You Mod 12, however, is not made for steel and you will damage it shooting steel through it.

For the choke sizes, that is the average. Different people like to use different chokes for different applications. Example- I know guys that like the full choke while phesant hunting. However, most people will use a modified.

The Mod 12 is a shotgun that has withstood the test of time. It's a keeper. You recieved a very nice shotgun. If you have questions about it's shape and types of shot to use, you really should go to a reputable gunsmith. It really won't take him very long to give it a once over and fill you in.

Good luck to ya.

[tealitup]

A good cleaning from a GOOD gunsmith will cost about $30-$40. Ask him if you can watch him do it so you can learn. I did this with my Beretta 391 and learned alot.