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Hunting => Predator Hunting => Topic started by: weedwalker on May 08, 2011, 12:39:44 PM

Title: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on May 08, 2011, 12:39:44 PM
I haven't been totaly satisfied with my chokes for coyote hunting. It seems like I'm always compromising between one choke or the other. I've got a Dead Coyote choke, but wasn't impressed with the pattern out of my gun. I think the restriction may have been too tight causing a lot of flyers. I've been using a Rem turkey choke that shoots a decent pattern, but it's for lead shot only. Not recommended for plated shot or Hevi-Shot. So after shopping around, and a freind trying this choke in his gun with excellent results, I'm going to try this choke in the .690 XFULL. It will shoot any kind of shot, so if it patterns good I'd be happy with it.

Carlson's Choke Tubes.....
Our Sporting Clays Choke Tubes are made from 17-4 stainless and precision machined to produce a choke tube that patterns better than standard choke tubes. These choke tubes feature a 25% larger parallel section in the choke thus throwing more consistent patterns than conventional choke tubes. Each choke tube is knurled on the end to allow for quick and easy removal. Each choke tube has the constriction laser marked on the end for easy reference. These choke tubes are backed by our lifetime warranty.

Lead shot, Steel Shot, Copperplated Shot, Nickel Shot, Hevi-Shotshellsâ,,¢, and Buck Shot can be used in our Sporting Clay Choke Tubes. Steel shot larger than BBS should not be used in any Sporting Clays Choke Tube tighter than Full Constriction. Our Sporting Clays Choke Tubes will throw tighter/denser patterns than Flush Mount Choke Tubes due to a longer parallel section.

Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: hunter724 on May 08, 2011, 01:18:06 PM
the cabelas brand works well in both of my shotguns and there on sale right now for 19.99
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: Rich on May 08, 2011, 02:55:25 PM
WeedWalker,

Shotguns of various brands and models have different internal bore diameters.  The choke tube needed for one shotgun may be wrong for another. On the Comp-N-Choke site, you can find nominal bore diameter for most of the popular shotguns. I shoot a Beretta Extrema2, and have settled on the ported chokes from Kicks Industries.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on May 08, 2011, 03:23:43 PM
Thanks Rich. I know every gun is different. I've tried several chokes but just haven't found that right one yet. If this one's not right, I can keep sending them back to swap for another one. It's a Rem 870 that has had the barrel cut to 21" and re-threaded. I'll let y'all know how it does.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: Rich on May 08, 2011, 05:29:50 PM
WeedWalker,

It is good that you have the choice of  trading your choke tubes for another at no cost. That is very good customer service. For lead BB's I think you will find a .670 tube will get you in the ball park. For #4 BUCK (not bird), a .680 or .690 will likely do pretty good for you.  The high density fodder like Hevi-Shot, or Remington HD sometimes prefer a slightly larger choke diameter but not always.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on May 08, 2011, 06:27:39 PM
Yeah Rich, I was using a .665 with BBs. And it did pretty good with those. But buckshot is legal here finally so I'm opening up to the .690 for 4 BUCK.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: CCP on May 08, 2011, 06:49:43 PM
QuoteThe choke tube needed for one shotgun may be wrong for another.

So true my 870 after trying so many high dollar tight chokes I was about to give up. I then tried an old 13 dollar carlson full .700 and it gave me the tightest pattern at 50 yards with Dead Coyote, #1 and #4 buck than any of the others. Now my buddies browning shoots the same loads better with a .690..
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: shaddragger on May 08, 2011, 09:10:03 PM
Not sure what shot size you are shooting but I have found great results in my 870 with the Undertaker turkey chokes in 4-5 shot. Make sure if you shoot HD loads you select the HD choke.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: KySongDog on May 11, 2011, 09:44:33 PM
I've been playing around with chokes too since they legalized 4 buck in KY.    I tried the Pattern Master choke and sent it back for a refund.  The pattern was very thin.  My Briley turkey choke patterned better but not great.   40 yards and under it does pretty good.  It is a .665 choke.   I also have an Undertaker that is .675 it was about the same at the Briley.

I may give one of those Kick's chokes a try since Cronk has had good luck with his.  I am looking for a good 50 yard pattern. 
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: Rich on May 12, 2011, 08:22:15 AM
Semp,

Which brand and model of shotgun are you shooting?
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: KySongDog on May 12, 2011, 03:45:04 PM
Rich

I have a Benelli SBE (the first model, not the newer SBE II) with a 24 inch barrel. 

Which model Kick's choke are you using?
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: Rich on May 12, 2011, 04:33:26 PM
Semp,

I am going to do a google search to see if I can find the nominal bore diameter of your SBE. I shoot a Beretta Extrema2. My gun likes the Kicks "BuckKicker" X-full for #4 Buck and Hevi shot T's. Now the BuckKicker X-full is .690 I.D. for my Beretta. I also use a Kicks .680 that works real well. If you call Kicks Industries, they may agree to allow you to try the BuckKicker and let you trade for next size smaller I.D. if the BuckKicker doesn't pattern to your satisfaction.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: KySongDog on May 12, 2011, 06:46:02 PM
Rich

I think the nominal bore diameter is .723  but I am not 100% sure. 
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: Rich on May 12, 2011, 07:51:50 PM
Semp,
I believe that you are correct. I think that your gun accepts standard Beretta/Benelli tubes, and your Kicks BuckKicker X-full would likely be a .680 I.D. Here is a link that should take you to more information. http://www.kicks-ind.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=Kicks&Category_Code=BuckKicker
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: clubmkred on May 17, 2011, 07:33:06 AM
Interesting thread.

I have had nothing but bad things to say about the Hevi-shot Dead Coyote and Carlson's Dead Coyote choke tube... That combination patterns absolutely terrible out of my Mossberg 535AT. At 40 yards, I was only getting 3-5 pellets in an 8 inch circle.... Just goes to show, that you have to try different chokes and ammo combos to get the best out of each gun...

I am still in the hunt for a good combo for my gun... Haven't put an enormous amout of effort into it, due to cost of ammo. I recently ordered a box of the Federal Heavyweight Coyote with the flight control wad... We will see how that performs here soon.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on May 17, 2011, 06:05:43 PM
I didn't take any pics. The choke didn't do what I wanted. I shot it at 40, 45, and 50 yards. At 40 it did very good. But after that it's like it hit a wall and spread all over at 45 and 50.
They didn't have the one in stock that I wanted to exchange to. So they said send it back for a refund. It's on the way. :sad:
So far, my Remington super full turkey is doing better than any of the others. But I'm restricted to lead shot with it. And that's really the only gripe I have about that choke. I'd just like to have a choke that will also shoot Hevi-Shot should I take a notion to use it. Oh well, I got a few months to get it lined out.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: coyotehunter_1 on May 17, 2011, 08:57:48 PM
QuoteThe choke didn't do what I wanted.

Ed, was this the Carlton Sporting Clays?



QuoteSo far, my Remington super full turkey is doing better than any of the others. But I'm restricted to lead shot with it. And that's really the only gripe I have about that choke. I'd just like to have a choke that will also shoot Hevi-Shot should I take a notion to use it.

I'm in the same boat here with a Remington 870 Express Mag. I'm looking to use the 3" Dead Coyote T shot, the largest size shot we can use here in TN.  Remington says their 870 barrels are not back bored like some other shotguns and recommend a extended choke tube, designed for high density shot, in a heavy modified to light full choke size. Supposedly these will pattern better when using the larger T sized heavy shot. :shrug:  I don't have either choke right now but will have as soon as I can find one.  :whew:

A person could spend a pretty good war pension testing different chokes and loads.  :argh:
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on May 18, 2011, 03:19:30 AM
Chet, Yes it was the sporting clays choke. I've got one of their Dead Coyote choke tubes too that I've had for a few years. Out of my gun, it's about a 40 yard choke also. They are coming out with a "New & Improved" coyote choke, and that's the one I was going to exchange to, But it won't be available for a couple more months.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: shaddragger on May 18, 2011, 03:24:28 PM
 :corn: Interesting stuff!
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: coyotehunter_1 on May 18, 2011, 08:32:41 PM
Thanks, Ed. :highclap:
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: Rich on June 17, 2011, 03:17:21 PM
Here is an interesting piece of information. The tightest patterns from my Beretta Extrema2 are achieved with Hevi-shot "Dead Coyote T's. The Kicks BuckKicker  .690 or their Gobbling Thunder .680 both throw very dense patterns at 50 yards.
The problem is that those patterns strike quite a lot higher than do the lead loads, so a man needs to decide which load he likes and stick with it.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on August 09, 2011, 07:35:02 PM
I FOUND MY NEW HUNTING CHOKE!!!!! I ordered the new ported "Carlson's Coyote Choke". It's AWSOME. I had some pics but accidentally deleted them. But I was shooting at a 24" X 24" target with a paper plate in the middle. With 4 BUCK it put 32 out of 41 pellets on the paper with 5 in the plate at 50 yards. I then tried a BB load. It put 66 out of 81 pellets on the paper with 8 in the plate at 50 yards. Both were fairly dense patterns without big gaps. I have no idea what the actuall restriction is on it but it's pretty tight.
You can't order them on-line yet if you want one. You have to call on the phone. On-line they are trying to sell out the older version Dead Coyote choke before they put the new one on there.

Carlson's 785-626-3700 ask for Scott.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: KySongDog on August 09, 2011, 10:12:04 PM
I got one on order.  So I'm hoping my luck with it is as good as Ed's.


Quote from: weedwalker on August 09, 2011, 07:35:02 PM
I had some pics but accidentally deleted them.


Ed, I'll send those pics you sent me back your way.

Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on August 10, 2011, 03:20:56 AM
Thanks Semp, Here's a pic of the BB load, I don't have one of the 4 BUCK load........................
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: FinsnFur on August 10, 2011, 05:42:10 AM
 :eyebrownod: You gotta like that.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: coyotehunter_1 on August 10, 2011, 03:53:38 PM
QuoteBoth were fairly dense patterns without big gaps.

When we talked Sunday you were saying that you felt the new choke tube showed lots of promise... I believe!  :shock2: I would imagine an ol' coyote would have a hard time sneaking through patterns like that. :highclap:



Edit: Ed, I forgot to ask you... is your 870 drilled & tapped for a weaver style mount?
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on August 10, 2011, 05:56:35 PM
Quote from: coyotehunter_1 on August 10, 2011, 03:53:38 PMis your 870 drilled & tapped for a weaver style mount?

Chet, no it isn't drilled & tapped
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: coyotehunter_1 on August 10, 2011, 08:19:42 PM
Ed, not everyone likes optic sights on a scatter gun but should you ever decide you would like a mount installed you have my number.  :wink:


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v50/coyotehunter_1/P8110051.jpg)
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on August 10, 2011, 08:25:08 PM
Thanks Chet, :bowingsmilie: but I'm one of those that prefer the simplicity of an open sight on a shotgun. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: KySongDog on August 10, 2011, 08:27:53 PM
I drilled and tapped my SBE and put a low power 1x3 scope on it.   That made a big difference because I can adjust my pattern to center it.   Also, the target is much easier to see.  For turkey or coyote hunting, I really like it.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: coyotehunter_1 on August 10, 2011, 08:54:36 PM
I agree Semp.  Sometimes optics, like removable choke tubes, can make a good scatter gun even more user friendly.


Ed, I understand 100%, it's a personal thing. A couple of my specialized shotguns carry optics or else adjustable sights while the rest wear beads. :wink:  My friend, the offer will always be open to you should you choose other wise. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: KySongDog on August 12, 2011, 05:19:57 PM
I had ordered one of those new Carlson coyote chokes after talking to Weedwalker about it and received it a couple of days ago.   Went out to the range to pattern my shotgun with it today.

Here are the results:

After I tweaked my scope a bit to center the pattern more or less.....

3 1/2 inch shell 4 buck, 9 inch paper plate at a laser range of 50 yards.  9 hits on the plate and the pattern was pretty uniform around the plate too.   Here is a pic of the plate.


(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p28/aggiecat/General/photobucket-5595-1313179429619.jpg)


Then I tried Rem HD BB's  3 1/2 inch shell,  9 inch paper plate at a ranged 50 yards.   20 hits on the plate and a pretty uniform pattern around it.   Here is a pic of the plate.


(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p28/aggiecat/General/photobucket-4926-1313179457251.jpg)


I am real happy with those patterns.   I think the new Carlson coyote choke is a winner.    :yoyo:    But, of course, YMMV.  :biggrin:


Now I got to go find me the magic bullet.........a good 100 yard choke.   :eyebrownod:








Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: coyotehunter_1 on August 12, 2011, 05:35:30 PM
WOW!!! Now there won't be a paper plate anywhere that will be safe :thumb2: plus those coyote critters will be a hurting too. :highclap: 

Looking  good, Semp !   :congrats:
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: weedwalker on August 12, 2011, 05:36:31 PM
I'm glad the choke worked as good for you as it does for me. :yoyo: Recommending a certain choke is like recommending a size 10 shoe. It'll work for some but not everybody. Every gun is different. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: KySongDog on August 12, 2011, 08:58:17 PM
Quote from: coyotehunter_1 on August 12, 2011, 05:35:30 PM
WOW!!! Now there won't be a paper plate anywhere that will be safe :thumb2: plus those coyote critters will be a hurting too. :highclap: 

Looking  good, Semp !   :congrats:

Yep, the easy part is spending money and buying stuff.   The harder part is finding a coyote to stand in front of that choke.   :eyebrownod:
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: riverboss on August 13, 2011, 04:37:14 AM
 Aint that the truith!       Ed it looks like youve got something started with these choke tubes they ought to put you on the payroll !   And im sure the coyotes wont like you much either LOL.
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: Rich on August 14, 2011, 04:13:16 PM
Here is a 40 yard pattern I shot with 3" #4 Buck at 40 yards. Choke is a Kicks .680 Gobbling Thunder.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v108/cronkcalls/Hunting%20adventures/DSCF1191.jpg)
Title: Re: Shotgun Chokes
Post by: Todd Rahm on September 24, 2011, 05:09:47 PM
Rich that would be a very dead coyote.  :congrats: