Hey fellas...long time reader...finally decided to sign up. I've just started duck hunting this year (and am totally addicted). I thought the info about shell and shot size on an earlier post was great, but I need some more advice from you experienced guys! Which choke are you using? I've been experimenting with IC and M (both factory chokes). We are hunting over decoys and are only taking shots from about 30 yds and under (90% of time we're waiting until the ducks are very close). Right now I only have the three factory chokes (IC, M, and F). Should I consider getting an aftermarket one? Thanks for all of the advice. It helps us newbies immensely.

I don't see why you are thinking of getting an after market choke. The ones that came with your shotgun were built for that shotgun. Read on your full choke to see if it says..."Not to be used with steel shot". I got a new Benelli Nova this year and I can't use my full choke with steel. Too bad, cuz I love that tight pattern.
I haven't even tried to shoot anything with it yet. I am however going out tomorrow afternoon to get some geese. I did my scouting today, and the shotgun is already beside the front door.
If you think you're addicted to duck hunting, wait 'til you learn to hunt geese. There's no turning back!
Good luck.

critch

Spirit Horse, I have been using M and IC in my O/U. Shooting Kent Fasteel #2 with great success.
Good hunting

Michael

Sorry SpiritHorse, I forgot to tell you I use modified choke in my Benelli and full choke in my Remington. After tomorrow I'll be able to tell you which I prefer.

critch

Spirit its funny how the more things change the more they stay the same. Before the mass migration to screw-ins the industry standard was Modified. Only diehard, multi-gun owning waterfowlers and turkey hunters owned full choked guns. Likewise only upland birdhunters used Improved Cylinders. The majority of scatterguns had Modified barrels. Now with steel and Heavi-Shot you can go back to that favorite old gun and single tube of Modified and be ready for 95% of the scenarios that will playout in waterfowling. I plain out hate steel but if you must its the Modified that does the most work. The Heavi-Shot is INCREDIBLE and tho I actually began hunting turkeys with it a few years ago because it patterns so incredibly from tight turkey tubes, the stuff kills ducks like lightning with IC and Mod tubes.

If you carry a blind bag or a vest then go ahead and carry both Mods and IC tubes (dont forget the wrench!) while hunting. If not or you simply want to go "light and on the go" then twist in the Mod and tell momma to get the oven ready!!!
RA

I use an IC in my remmington 870. Works like a champ and I really like the new Rem. Nitro Mag Heavy-Shot shells . I get some increased distance and they seem to hold more KE down range.

I have a lefty Remington 870 and use all sorts of chokes depending on the situation.

Turkey: X-full choke
Geese: Full
Ducks: Modified or IC, depending on conditions.

goofing around, shooting skeet: IC

Butch

I.C. in the early part of the season(first three weeks). Mod. in the later part of the season. I've been experimenting with a Pattermaster and have not likeed it so far. A guy I work/hunt with bought it off Ebay for $50.00. He wanted it for his Benelli SBE but did'nt like it. I'm using it a Franchi 612. My best buddy is next up. He'll try it in his Beretta ES-100/pintail. If he dose'nt like it, the other guy is going to be stuck with a $50.00 paper weight.

Mod. works fine for me, but I did buy a "Duck" choke from Briley that does a great job. It is a light mod. bore with ports. They also make a "Goose" choke that is a heavy (tight) mod. that works well too. I don't know anyone who uses a full choke anymore.

Shoot all brands of shotgun shells with the different chokes and see what pattern you like the best . It is wise to patteren buckshot aslo too many people just think it's all gonna fly the same .