Adding choke to 18.5'' barrel or using 'Flite Control' ammo

[Jamie]

After watching one of my Christmas presents, (Magpul- Art of the Dynamic Shotgun), the patterning chapter go me wondering after seeing the different patterns from different guns. Would it be worth and is it possible to machine a Remington 18.5'' barrel for a choke tube? If not, I'm wondering if anyone has compared patterns of 'standard' 00 buck verses the Federal Flite Control 00 buck. I've found that standard 00 buck in my gun will all end up hitting a standard 24"X36" paper target, about half of 'em will get the silhouette at 25 yards. I'm wondering how much better the Flite Control ammo would be or would the choke be better and if so, how much?

[Synchronizor]

A choke would be my preferred way to go, and would make the gun more versatile. Having a barrel machined for choke tubes is also going to be expensive. It wouldn't surprise me if it would be cheaper just to buy another barrel. I believe Carlson's sells 18.5" 870 barrels that're threaded for chokes, priced about $150 - $200 depending on what sights you want.

As for the Federal buckshot, my advice would be to buy a box of shells and a pack of cheap targets, and see what it'll do out of your gun for yourself.

[Jamie]

A choke would be my preferred way to go, and would make the gun more versatile. Having a barrel machined for choke tubes is also going to be expensive. It wouldn't surprise me if it would be cheaper just to buy another barrel. I believe Carlson's sells 18.5" 870 barrels that're threaded for chokes, priced about $150 - $200 depending on what sights you want.

As for the Federal buckshot, my advice would be to buy a box of shells and a pack of cheap targets, and see what it'll do out of your gun for yourself.

Synchronizor, you're right, getting a box of the 'Flite Control' shells would answer the question for sure, be fun doing the 'research'. I realize that 20-25 yards is about max for an 18.5" straight barrel shooting 00 buck, at that point and beyond it's 'slugville'. It'd be nice to get maybe another 10-20yards out of 00. If I have a spare $150-$200 to spend, it'll be on ghost ring sights.

EDIT: Did some searching this morning, found a few recent comparisons between 'Flite Control' and standard 00 buck. A couple of tests at 15-20yards show the the Flite Control patterns about half the size of standard, (8" vs 4" approx). Definitely need to see what MY shottie will do, but from what I seen from my gun and now read, standard 00 buck is the way to go at inside the house distance. Getting out to 20-30 yards, the Flite Control allows tighter patterns, (if your aim is true, all pellets within the 'silhouette'). After that range, 'slug-ville'.

[pesty3782]

I have used this gun smith before and will be sending my 18.5 inch barrel to him...At work we have 14 inch barrels with the pattern master choke and we are hitting 00 buck from over 35 yards with no issues.

Rem-choke* threading (no tubes included) and return shipping is currently $65. I also have flush style tubes in Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder and Skeet for $20 when shipped with other barrel work. Turn time is 14 days or less

* To accept Rem-choke threading the outside diameter of the barrel at the muzzle must be .845” or larger. Most factory 18.5” barrels are well over this minimum.

Please send your barrel, a check or money order for the total, a note detailing the work to be done, and return shipping instructions to:

Rose Action Sports
1200 Beeker Rd
Pembroke, KY 42266

[Synchronizor]

That's a pretty good price. How are the barrels refinished after threading?

[pesty3782]

I don't know that. I will be sending in a barrel in the next week or so.

Tony P.

[Jamie]

So the threading will allow any Remington choke to be used? For SD, what choke should be used for what ammo and why? I realized the answer will very general!

[Carlo1137]

So the threading will allow any Remington choke to be used? For SD, what choke should be used for what ammo and why? I realized the answer will very general!

Hi Jamie, this link here should help you with your questions. http://www.rem870.com/2012/05/06/shotgu ... fied-full/

[pesty3782]

Yes you can use any remington choke. We have 14 inch barrels at work with a pattern master choke. 00 buck and slugs work great. Nice tight extended pattern with 00 buck.

[Kentactic]

In my opinion it makes more sense to find ammo that does what you want with the gun as is. You could thread for a choke and start chasing ammo with a different setup but it makes more sense to find suitable ammo as is. Adding chokes to the equation just adds dollar signs. Rest assured theres an ammo out there to suit your needs as is.