Waterfowl Newbie
 

Hey guys, i'm new to duck hunting and i've got a few questions i'm hoping the pros can help me out with...

I just purchased an 870 Express and was wondering what choke/loads I should use for duck hunting in the Florida Everglades....the guy at Bass Pro recommended a modified choke and #4 steel shots, but at times I question their hands on experience.....any help would be great, thanks in advance!

modified choke will work best... I like #4's for early season teal and wood ducks up close. Once they get a bit wary I go to larger shot like #2-3's. The most important thing is to pattern your gun at the estimated distance you will be shooting. Find a load that works for you.

Divers are a little tougher so I'd use #2-3's on em...

Thanks Alpine, I really appreciate the help....by the way, I wont have that 870 until Monday but I was wondering what choke if any come with that model....or what choke would you recommend? and have you hunted the everglades?

It will probably come with a modified tube in it... That will be modified Lead, Full Steel more than likely... Just fine to start out with IMHO... I shoot 4's early, then move to 3's and 2's for ducks later in the year... Geese, BB or BBB (Sometimes referred to as Triple BBs)

never hunted down south but modified should take care of all your waterfowl needs.

Thanks guys, I was speaking to the guy at Bass Pro yesterday and he recommended a skeet choke due to the fact that chokes are rated with lead rather that steel....is that what you were refering to by modified Lead, Full Steel Nitro??

Skeet choke is fine for timber/ducks over deeks. I use my skeet choke a good bit.

Never hunted the everglades but a good all round shot/choke combo is mod. choke and 2's or 3's

I shoot a modified choke in my express.I just dont have good luck with ic choke.I shot 3in 4s and 3.5 3s

Personally I would never recommend anything less than mod choke but that decision is up to you.