[advantage1one]

I can't seem to determine what kind of choke I have on my 870 Express Synthetic - 18" barrel. I thought it was suppose to say on the barrel what kind of choke but it doesn't. The reason I'm asking is because I want to shoot slugs but I read that if it has the wrong kind of choke, slugs can ruin the barrel. When I look down into the barrel it looks smooth...can I shoot 00 buck and slugs in this? Thanks for any info...

[Beagle-zebub]

An 18" barrel is probably cylinder (completely open), and *maybe* improved cylinder. Both can take slugs perfectly well.

I assume you've looked at the muzzle to make sure there isn't a screw-in choke-tube in it? It would have four notches for unscrewing it, sort of like a Phillips-head screw.

[ds92]

Depending on the slugs i think you're ok. The federal tactical slugs i use for HD say that they will shoot out of all chokes but prefer IC. Look on the box of slugs that you are using, it might say what chokes the slugs are safe to fire out of there

[Gungnir]

I own two of those (18" 870 Express Synthetic) fires magnum Slugs just fine, I've shot 3" Brenneke KO Sabot's out of mine just fine.

You could strip the barrel and look down it, if there's no narrowing then there's no choke.

From Remington
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_synthetic_18inch_specs.asp

Choke: Fixed Cylinder = no choke.

[rcmodel]

because I want to shoot slugs but I read that if it has the wrong kind of choke, slugs can ruin the barrel.Forster type rifled slugs can be safely fired out of any choke.

You will get best accuracy with Cyl or Imp Cyl however.

rc

[jim in Anchorage]

I have seen slugs fired out of every shotgun imaginable with no problem so I don't think its a issue

[JImbothefiveth]

When I look down into the barrel it looks smooth...can I shoot 00 buck and slugs in this?
Never look down the barrel of a firearm with it pointed towards you! Open the firearm and look through the chamber instead.

And it sounds like it has no rifling, so buckshot should work fine. However, I think you'll want to use rifled slugs, not sabot slugs.

[jim in Anchorage]

Here's a old trick-go to a gun shop with a dime and see how it fits in the muzzle of various chokes,then compare yours. I don't have a full choke handy, but I belive a dime will not fit in it.

[MAKster]

The Remington 18.5" Express barrel is fixed cylinder. The Police barrels are IC.

[plumberroy]

Forster type rifled slugs can be safely fired out of any choke.Ammo makers have to make ammo idiot proof as possible
You will get best accuracy with Cyl or Imp Cyl however
I have a full choked H&R single shot 12 ga turkey gun that didn't get that memo:D
It will keep cheap winchester slugs in a 4" circle as long as your shoulder can stand it
Roy

[advantage1one]

Thanks for all the info...much appreciated.

[RetiredLawman]

When a person checks the muzzle with a dime, you have definite proof of two things: One, you have ten cents. Two, you have a gun.

Markings on the chokes and barrels are guesses at best.

Slugs will give you good service in any choke. I've used them for decades and don't even check for choke stampings. Some say that IC is best. I can't tell a smidgen of difference. Do a bit of target practice and know where your gun is hitting and you're good to go.

[3pairs12]

My mod choke seems to shoot 2" high at 30 yards. Other than that works fine.