[BMW2]

I've recently traded for a Defender 1300 and was wondering if it's feasible to have a gunsmith modify it to use choke tubes. This is my first HD type gun and I'd like to be able swap chokes out while patterning it. Would it be prohibitively expensive, should I even bother?

[Fred Fuller]

I'd say 'not necessary.'

Before you spend money on altering the gun, buy some Hornady TAP buckshot, or some Federal Premium or LE loads with the FliteControl wad.

More than likely you will discover no choke tubes are necessary, and you can control your pattern size by just changing ammo. For open patterns use S&B or Rio Royal buckshot, for moderate patterns try Fiocchi, Remington or Winchester buckshot.

hth,

lpl

[Milkmaster]

Lee gives good advice above.

I would use a reputable gunsmith for installing the choke tubes if that is what you decide to do. A crooked misaligned choke tube is worse than no choke at all IMHO.

You could just buy another barrel for it! Aftermarket 1300 barrels are not as cheap to buy for some reason unknown to me. I have a 28 inch Winchoke barrel I have been thinking of shortening to just over 18, but I just can't bring myself to do that and ruin a good hunting barrel. Once I do it, there is no going back.

Good Luck!

[BMW2]

I think I'll try a few different brands of buckshot and go from there. Getting a new barrel is a good idea too, plus it's a reason to buy a new accessory. Thanks guys.

[jmr40]

It can be done, but for HD it is not necessary. If you want to make the gun more vesaatile for hunting or clay shooting it would probably be better to get another longer barrel threaded for tubes.