What is a Remington 870 choke? 😏
It is a device attached to the end of the shotgun barrel of a Remington 870. Its primary function is to constrict the shotgun’s bore, controlling the spread or “pattern” of shot when fired. This enables the shooter to adapt the shotgun to specific hunting or shooting situations, from close-quarters self-defence to long-range waterfowl hunting.
How it works 🧐
It operates by constricting the end of the barrel, creating a narrower pathway for the shot to traverse upon firing. ➡️ As the shot progresses through the constricted area, it undergoes compression, resulting in a more tightly packed mass known as a ‘pattern’.➡️ The extent of this constriction plays a pivotal role in determining the size, density, and effective range of the shotgun.
*️⃣ A tighter constriction yields a smaller yet denser pattern, enabling it to travel greater distances, making it well-suited for long-range hunting pursuits.
*️⃣ Conversely, a looser constriction fosters a wider and less dense pattern, rendering it optimal for close-range scenarios where wide coverage is desired.
Features 🤠
First and foremost, it demonstrates a high degree of adaptability for differing shooting contexts, facilitated by varying degrees of constriction. ☑️ This adaptability allows the shooter to modify the spread of the shot, making it suitable for an array of hunting and shooting scenarios.
One salient feature is its capability to generate a tightly packed pattern of shot, due to a higher degree of constriction. ☑️ This enables the shot to maintain its density over longer ranges, thus increasing the lethality and accuracy during long-range shooting instances.
On the other hand, the choke can also be configured to have a looser constriction. ☑️ This trait engenders a broader, less concentrated spread of shots, which can be advantageous in close-quarter scenarios.
For instance, in self-defence situations where the objective is to cover a wide area rather than a single point, this configuration proves to be highly effective.
Additionally, the mechanism behind the choke’s operation is particularly noteworthy. The choke functions by constricting the end of the barrel, creating a pathway for the shot to traverse. ☑️ This pathway allows the shot to undergo compression, forming a coherent, dense mass, also known as a ‘pattern.’
Types 🔍
| 💠 Cylinder Choke: This type has no constriction and provides the widest shooting pattern. It is ideal for short-range shooting scenarios where broad coverage is essential, such as in self-defence situations. |
| 💠 Improved Cylinder Choke: With a slight constriction, this choke offers a bit more range than the Cylinder Choke while maintaining a reasonably wide shot spread. It is perfect for hunting small, fast-moving game. |
| 💠 Modified Choke: This middle-of-the-road choke is a versatile option that strikes a balance between shot spread and range. It is suitable for medium-range shooting and a variety of hunting scenarios. |
| 💠 Full Choke: With the tightest constriction, the Full Choke yields a small, dense pattern. This choke type is excellent for long-range shooting, particularly when hunting waterfowl or game birds. |
| 💠 Extra Full or Turkey Choke: Known for its extreme constriction, this choke is designed to maintain a tight, dense shot pattern at extended ranges. It is most commonly used in turkey hunting, hence its name. |
Best Remington 870 Choke Review
1# Carlson’s 2-Pack Waterfowl Choke Tubes
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The Carlson’s 2-Pack Waterfowl Choke Tubes include a mid-range choke tube for shooting 20 to 40 yards and a long-range choke tube ideal for shooting 35 to 55 yards. These choke tubes are made of 1704 stainless steel and throw tighter, denser patterns than conventional choke tubes. A 25% longer parallel section in the tubes results in more consistent patterns. Each Carlson’s Waterfowl Choke Tube is knurled on the end for quick and easy removal. Constriction and size are lasers marked on the end and body of each tube for easy reference. Steel shot may be used with exceptional results, but don’t shoot steel shot larger than a BB or any steel load faster than 1,550 FPS through the full or extra-full constrictions. Backed by Carlson’s lifetime warranty.
2# Carlson’s 12 Gauge Choke Tubes
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Carlson’s 12 Gauge Choke Tubes are the perfect choice for any shooter looking to up their game and trigger consistent, tight patterns. Crafted from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlson’s choke tube is both durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. As a bonus, the non-ported design reduces the recoil making it a great option for extended shooting sessions. It’s specially designed for Winchester, Mossberg & Browning systems using standard invector chokes.
With a diameter of 0.66 inches, this turkey choke tube produces some seriously impressive patterns with minimal loss of pellets due to movement or velocity changes. You can rest assured knowing you’re getting superior performance when you invest in Carlson’s 12 Gauge Choke Tubes. An included choke wrench ensures you can easily make all necessary attach points without ever having to buy extra tools or accessories to get rolling.
3# Carlsons Remington TSS Turkey Choke Tube
The Carlsons Remington TSS Turkey Choke Tube is the perfect choice for any serious turkey hunter. This tub was specifically designed to optimize Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS Turkey Loads, helping you take aim at long-range turkeys with ease. Using tungsten super shot (TSS) with greater density than traditional lead shot and smaller shot sizes of 7-9, this choke tube ensures the maximum amount of pellets will be in a 10-inch circle, hitting those hard-to-reach targets with incredible accuracy.
The choke tube also works with other manufacturers’ turkey ammunition like FliteControl Flex wad providing even more accuracy from further distances, affording you the opportunity to get closer to your next big bounty.
4# Carlsons 12 GA Ported Sporting Clays Choke Tube
Carlson’s 12 GA Ported Sporting Clays Choke Tube provides the reliable performance you can count on for your successful shooting runs. Made from corrosion-resistant 17-04 stainless steel and precision machined for improved accuracy and tight patterns, this choke tube will prove incredibly useful for users of all kinds of shotshell ammunition. The extended parallel section allows for denser patterns with fewer flyers for more pellets striking their targets.
Reduced recoil and muzzle jump make follow-up shots quick and easy, giving you a slight competitive edge when competing in sporting clay matches. Lead, copper plated, nickel, Hevi-Shot, Bismuth and tungsten shells are all suitable to use with this high-performance choke tube; however, it is important to note that nothing larger than BB should be used when shooting steel through any choke tighter than full.
5# Patternmaster 12ga Remington Code Black Duck
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The Patternmaster 12ga Remington Code Black Duck is designed for serious duck hunters. Its advanced technologies, like the patented Code Black® technology and the heat-treated stainless steel construction, make it a powerful choice that allows you to get closer to your targets than ever before.
The extra tight patterns and short shot strings allow you to down ducks at maximum range, giving you an edge in any situation. To further enhance accuracy, this choke tube is ported to reduce muzzle jump. With its dark bronze titanium coating for non-reflective properties, this choke tube will be a reliable tool in your arsenal.
6# Primos Hunting TightWad Turkey Choke Tube
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Ensure that you get a clean kill every time with the Primos Hunting TightWad Turkey Choke Tube. Choose this choke tube to fire lead, copper-plated lead, and HEVI-SHOT at your target and hit it, not your wallet! Crafted of CNC-milled chrome alloy steel, this tube produces densely packed pellets in a 30” circle over 40 yards. Get the precision accuracy and superior performance that you’re looking for without any extra frills. Installs and removes without any tools for quick setup so you can go from site to hunt in no time at all.
7# Primos Hunting Jelly Head 20 Gauge Maximum Turkey Choke Tube
Put some serious power into your favourite turkey gun with the Primos Hunting Jelly Head 20 Gauge Maximum Turkey Choke Tube! This choke tube is specifically designed to increase the range and pattern density for taking down gobblers at longer ranges by up to 20%. The extended taper and fluted ports help to tighten patterns and reduce recoil, so you can make those long-distance shots every time. Plus, its Black-T coating offers special forces-level protection against rust and corrosion, giving you years of reliable performance in even the toughest environments.
8# Hevi-Shot Hevi-13 Turkey Choke Tube
The Hevi-Shot Hevi-13 Turkey Choke Tube is a serious hunter’s dream come true. Engineered for super-dense patterning with Hevi-13® loads, the wad-slowing choke tube produces tight patterns with both lead and lead-alternative shots. The distinctive cell structure of the throat area features internal rings that act to reduce extraneous wadding and keep it away from the shot cloud, ensuring optimal performance.
Additionally, axial porting reduces barrel jump, enabling you to accurately focus on your target without worrying about recoil effects. With this choke tube at your disposal, you’ll be equipped to take on even the toughest wild turkeys with confidence.
9# HEVI-Shot Remington Ported Turkey Choke Tube
The HEVI-Shot Remington Ported Turkey Choke Tube is the perfect choice for expert hunters and shooting professionals who are looking for top performance. Manufactured from aircraft-grade 17-4 stainless steel, this durable choke tube guarantees a lifetime of peak performance. It’s easy to change these tubes in the field thanks to their knurled fore-end design, and they are available in 12 and 20-gauge models in both ported and non-ported versions.
Mid-range (out to 40 yards) and Extended-Range (past 40 yards) choke tubes help you get maximum performance from your HEVI-Shot ammo. Please note that Extreme-range choke tubes are not recommended for steel pellets larger than BB or excessive speeds of more than 1550 fps—utilize a mid-range choke tube for those applications.
10# Truglo Head Banger Choke Tube, 12 Gauge Remington
The Truglo Head Banger Choke Tube is designed for serious turkey hunters looking to take their performance to the next level. With superior craftsmanship and technology, you can trust that your shotgun will always deliver the optimal performance you expect. The 12 Gauge Remington Head Banger Choke Tube is made in the USA with heat-treated steel for increased durability and strength even when used with powerful turkey loads.
Multi-phase groove technology engages the shot cup and guides pellets into a tight, consistent pattern every time, allowing for greater range when hunting wild game. CNC machined for precision and featuring a polished end face for better seating and sealing – this choke tube ensures maximum power without any pressure loss. It’s rated for HEVISHOT, Winchester, Long Beard XR, Federal Premium 3rd Degree and other high-performance turkey loads.
11# Truglo Double-Threat Dove Choke
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Experience maximum versatility and efficiency in the field with the Truglo Double-Threat Dove Choke. Our quick-adjust system allows you to instantly switch between long- and short-range settings, so you can maximize your success in all situations. The “Twist and Click” design means easy adjustments without having to remove the choke from your shotgun – get ready for action in minutes! CNC-machined for precise tolerances, our choke comes with an installation tool (spanner wrench) to ensure a secure fit thanks to our patented non-obstructive gas porting.
12# Hunters Specialties Undertaker Choke Tube
Hunt with true precision with Hunters Specialties Undertaker Choke Tube. Incredibly strong and reliable, this premium choke tube is made of the highest quality materials, making it perfect for serious hunters everywhere. This 12 Gauge Remington choke tube is perfect for a variety of hunting situations and is designed to help you get the most out of each and every shot. When you need reliable performance in the field, turn to Hunters Specialties Undertaker Choke Tube.
13# MOJO Outdoors Fatal Shot Custom Waterfowl 12 Gauge Choke Tube
Introducing the MOJO Outdoors Fatal Shot Custom Waterfowl 12 Gauge Choke Tube. This revolutionary product is the result of a powerful partnership between MOJO Outdoors and Rob Roberts Custom Gun Works that has significantly improved performance in shotguns. Roberts has spent decades perfecting his craft, and his experience allows him to quickly and accurately test different theories of choke mechanics until he finds the ideal custom choke tube that offers superior performance above all else. His results are now available through Fatal Shot, so you can experience the greatest performance out of your shotgun.
14# TightWad Turkey Choke 12Ga Invector Tube
For those serious about their Turkey hunt, you want the TightWad Turkey Choke 12Ga Invector Tube. Designed with efficiency and power in mind, the .660 Invector steel construction is specifically tuned for long-range accuracy and deadly patterning. Compatible with traditional rifle scopes, red dot sights, and laser sights, your shots will land exactly where you need them to be. Each tube is tested for consistent performance, so your hunt can confidently rely on these results each time out on the field. Enjoy a faster kill recovery time with precision accuracy that only comes from the TightWad Turkey Choke 12Ga Invector Tube.
15# Kick’s High Flyer Choke Tubes
Take your shooting to the next level with Kick’s High Flyer Choke Tubes. Revolutionary computer-assisted manufacturing brings maximum performance to the table; the strategically positioned gas vents reduce felt recoil by 25%, increasing accuracy by 20%. With superior pattern performance, our choke tubes are ideal for any waterfowl hunter, as well as upland game, quail, dove, rabbit, and pheasant hunters.
Rated for lead or steel shot equally well, Kick’s High Flyer also reduces “flyers”-shots that miss the allowing for denser and faster follow-up shots and reducing muzzle jump. No tools are needed to install our choke tubes; a final tightening with a choke tube wrench is recommended for maximum security against a loose choke tube while shooting.
16# Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube
The Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube is the only choice for hunters and competitive shooters who want superior quality. The Black Diamond choke tube features an external operating system that fits all Remingtons with a .665 threaded port. It is proven to increase pattern density by 40%, giving you unprecedented accuracy when shooting long-distance targets.
With 30 parallel ports and a knurled end, this choke tube can be tightened by hand, giving you ultimate control over your shot. And if that isn’t enough, the Indian Creek Black Diamond Choke Tube has been the NWTF World Record target holder for 3 years running!
Installation 🛠️
The process of installing a choke tube in a Remington 870 shotgun involves several careful steps that ensure the safety and functionality of the weapon.
🛑 Initial Safety Precautions: Prior to starting the installation process, it is crucial to take necessary safety precautions. This includes ensuring the shotgun is unloaded and the safety is engaged.
⚪ Removal of Existing Choke: Start by removing the existing choke if there is one. From our experience – the choke can be unscrewed using a specific choke wrench, which is designed to fit into the notches on the choke tube. After that fit the wrench into these notches and turn it counterclockwise until the choke tube is loosened and can be removed by hand.
⚪ Cleaning the Choke Threads: After removing the old choke tube, the next step is to clean the internal threads in the barrel. This can be done using a shotgun cleaning rod with a brush attachment. You need to insert the rod into the barrel, twist it to ensure it catches all the threads, and then pull it out. This will help eliminate any debris or residue.
⚪ Applying Choke Tube Lube: Once the threads have been cleaned, apply a thin layer of choke tube lube to the threads of the new choke tube. This lubrication reduces friction and ensures the choke tube can be installed and removed more easily in the future.
⚪ Installation of the New Choke: To install the new choke tube, carefully insert it into the barrel and begin to turn it clockwise by hand. When the choke tube can no longer be turned by hand, use the choke wrench to fully tighten it. However, care should be taken not to overtighten the choke, as this could damage the threads.
⚪ Final Inspection: After the new choke is installed, perform a final inspection. We recommend checking that the choke tube is seated properly and that there are no gaps between the choke and the barrel. If everything looks correct, the installation process is complete.
Watch this video to find more information 💻
FAQ ❓
Conclusion 🤩
The Remington 870 Choke is a device that attaches to the muzzle of a shotgun and alters the spread of the shot. There are many different types of chokes available on the market, so it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your needs. In this article, we have provided reviews of some of the best-selling chokes on the market and shared tips on how to choose the right choke for your shotgun. We hope you found this information helpful!
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Remember, guys, it’s crucial to match your choke with the right ammunition for optimal performance. Different loads can behave differently with various chokes, so testing them out is key to finding the perfect combo for your shotgun.
Thank you for your advice 👍
I’ve used Carlson’s chokes in my Remington 870 for years, and they’ve been fantastic. Improved my patterns and consistency, especially for waterfowl hunting.
Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. I’ll start with a thorough cleaning and check the choke tube’s seating. If that doesn’t help, I’ll head to the range to pattern test with different loads. I appreciate the advice!
Hey, friends, I’ve been having some issues with my Remington 870 shotgun and its choke. The patterns seem inconsistent, and sometimes it feels like the choke isn’t working as it should. Any ideas or similar experiences?
There are a few things you can check and try to resolve the problem:
🟨 Cleaning: Ensure that both your choke and barrel are thoroughly cleaned. Residue and fouling can affect the choke’s performance.
🟨 Ammunition: Double-check that you’re using the appropriate ammunition for the choke you have installed. Using the wrong loads can lead to inconsistent patterns.
🟨 Choke Tightness: Make sure your choke tube is screwed in snugly and aligned correctly within the barrel. Loose chokes can definitely cause problems.
🟨 Choke Quality: If you’re using an aftermarket choke, consider trying the factory choke if you have it. Sometimes, lower-quality chokes can lead to inconsistencies.
🟨 Patterning: Take your shotgun to the range and pattern it with different chokes and loads. This will help you identify if the issue is specific to one choke or type of ammo, allowing you to troubleshoot more effectively.
🟨 Shooting Technique: Sometimes, changes in your shooting technique can affect patterns. Ensure that your shooting form and follow-through are consistent.
🟨 Gunsmith Check: If the problem persists, it might be a good idea to have a gunsmith inspect your shotgun. There could be damage or wear in the choke tube or barrel causing the inconsistency.
Sorry to hear about your issues, Hillion. Inconsistent patterns can be frustrating. Have you tried thoroughly cleaning the choke and the barrel? Sometimes buildup and residue can affect performance.
If cleaning and ammo checks don’t help, it might be worth having a gunsmith take a look. Your choke tube or barrel could be damaged or worn, causing the inconsistency you’re experiencing.
I had a similar issue once, and it turned out my choke tube wasn’t properly seated in the barrel. Make sure it’s screwed in snugly and aligned correctly.
Hello. Is it okay to mix different brands of choke tubes?
When it comes to mixing different brands of choke tubes, most experts recommend using choke tubes that are designed to match your shotgun’s barrel. The reason is that different brands may have slightly different thread sizes, lengths, and tolerances that can potentially cause fit issues or impact performance.
❌ However, there are some cases where mixing choke tube brands may work fine, provided they are designed to the correct gauge and thread pattern. For example, many aftermarket extended and ported choke tubes are interchangable between brands as long as the gauge and threads match up.
🛑 The biggest risk with mixing brands is that an improperly fitted choke tube can get stuck in the barrel and be difficult to remove. At minimum, it may cause the pattern to be less consistent. For best performance and safety, it’s generally best to stick with choke tubes from the same manufacturer as your shotgun barrel. If you do want to experiment with mixing brands, be sure to pattern test the combo at the range before relying on it in the field.
I love the versatility of the Remington 870. I’ve got a few different chokes in my collection, including a turkey choke for gobblers during the spring season.
How do you know if the choke you have is the right one for your gun?
You should always check the specifications of your gun and the choke you’re interested in. Comparing them will help you determine if they’re compatible. Additionally, it’s important to consult a professional if you have any doubts or concerns about which choke is right for your gun. 😎
This post is jam-packed with everything you need to know about Remington 870 chokes! It’s awesome that this resource provides all the details, tips and advice needed to pick the best one for the job. Easy to read and understand, I’d definitely recommend checking it out. Thanks so much for sharing your thorough knowledge on the subject! 🔥