The Remington 870, a legendary pump-action shotgun, is celebrated for its reliability and versatility. Choosing the right choke tube significantly impacts its performance, and the full choke is a popular option for specific shooting scenarios. This comprehensive guide delves into the nuances of the Remington 870 full choke, exploring its characteristics, ideal uses, and considerations for optimal shooting.
Understanding Choke Tubes and the Full Choke Constriction
Before diving into the specifics of the Remington 870 full choke, it's crucial to understand the function of choke tubes. These cylindrical devices, inserted into the end of the shotgun barrel, constrict the shot pattern as it exits the muzzle. This constriction influences the shot's spread, affecting range and density. Different choke tubes offer varying degrees of constriction:
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Full Choke: This offers the tightest constriction, resulting in the most concentrated shot pattern. This means the pellets stay closer together over a longer distance, ideal for longer-range shots.
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Modified Choke: A good balance between range and pattern spread.
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Improved Cylinder: Offers a wide, open pattern suitable for close-range shots.
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Skeet and Improved Modified: These fall between the full and modified chokes in constriction.
The Remington 870's modular design allows for easy interchangeability of choke tubes, enabling shooters to adapt to diverse hunting situations and target types.
Remington 870 Full Choke: Performance Characteristics
The Remington 870 full choke delivers a tightly concentrated shot pattern, maximizing pellet density at longer ranges. This is particularly advantageous when hunting waterfowl or other birds at distance. The reduced spread means a higher probability of hitting the target with each shot, even at considerable range.
However, the tight constriction comes at a cost. At close range, the full choke's concentrated pattern can lead to more pellet damage to the game, potentially making it unsuitable for close-quarters shooting. The reduced pattern spread also demands greater precision in aiming.
Ideal Applications for a Remington 870 Full Choke
The Remington 870 full choke finds its ideal application in scenarios demanding long-range accuracy:
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Waterfowl Hunting: Shooting ducks and geese at extended distances requires a tight pattern to ensure a clean kill. The full choke excels in this environment.
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Long-Range Target Shooting: For competitive shooting or long-range target practice, the concentrated pattern of the full choke enhances accuracy and scoring potential.
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Turkey Hunting (with appropriate shot size): While some hunters prefer tighter chokes for turkey hunting, the full choke can be effective at longer distances, particularly when using larger shot sizes designed for penetration.
Considerations When Using a Remington 870 Full Choke
While effective at distance, the full choke has limitations:
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Close-Range Shooting: Its tight pattern is less effective for close-range shooting, where a wider pattern is needed for reliable hits. Using a full choke at close range could lead to excessive pellet damage or misses.
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Pattern Testing: It's crucial to pattern your Remington 870 with the full choke and your chosen ammunition to determine its effective range and pattern density. This helps tailor your shooting technique to the choke's characteristics.
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Ammunition Selection: The type of ammunition significantly impacts the pattern produced by any choke tube. Experiment with different loads to find the optimal combination for your specific needs and shooting conditions.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
The Remington 870 full choke is a powerful tool for hunters and shooters needing long-range accuracy. Its tightly focused pattern maximizes pellet density at distance, making it ideal for waterfowl hunting and specific long-range applications. However, understanding its limitations and performing proper pattern testing is critical for maximizing its effectiveness and ensuring ethical and successful shooting. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and adhere to all relevant hunting regulations.
