[Kestrel]

I ran across a used 870 that has hardley been shot. It's an old one, with the old corn cobb front end. It was a 28" bbl, IC., no rib. Exc. cond.

I almost bought it, but then wondered what I would use an IC choke for. (I'm still trying to figure out the uses for the various chokes...)

I thought about getting it for my father, which he would use for squirrel hunting, probably. It seems modified would be better for squirrel?

Thanks for any help,
Steve

[444]

I am no shotgun guru, but I would use an IC choke when hunting for ruffed grouse in heavy cover.
I personally would prefer a full choke for squirrel.

[sm]

IC is probably the most versatile fixed choke . Seriously.

In the "old days", we only had fixed chokes, ammo not as good as today, and like today even tho a bbl marked as having a certain choke...didn't mean it threw that pattern. Many folks just patterened the loads to get what needed for task at hand...bbl markings didn't mean a whole lot. Still don't nor do the choke markings).

Reason why a lot of FC used in the old days was the shells were not as good and the fact the FC was a 30" bbl...longer bbl, smoother swing and less apparent lead. So the first shot might be soft shot for more open pattern at close range, harder shot for 2nd shell for the follow-up / longer range. My old plain rib bbl marked MOD actually threw IC , while another old boy had one with same loads threw IC from his brand new IM bbl. Just markings, PB tells the truth.

Hard shot will tighten up a IC, Soft shot will open a FC to a larger pattern than the IC. Most people today could benefit from the same lessons we have always preached. 1) Most should use a more open choke, and 2) pattern the gun an tailor the load. 3) Pattern is more a result of bore NOT choke.

I kinda almost wish we went back to fixed chokes in way, less stuff to confuse new shooters and divert attention away from basics.

FWIW as an example a .410 choked Full will throw a bigger pattern at 21 yds than a 12 ga in IC with comparable target loads...really.

[Al Thompson]

Everything. :D Only thing I wouldn't use it for would be Turkey if I couldn't call them.

[Rupestris]

What would you use an 870 with IC choke for?

Thats what my son and I use for deer with rifled slugs. He uses a 20, I use a 12 gauge. Both are 870's. Mine is a newer Express with choke tubes but his is an old model with a 26" fixed IC vent rib bbl. So far, no deer (first year) :rolleyes: but they both print better with IC.
I also keep the IC in the 12 for HD
HTH,
Rupe

[ksnecktieman]

"corn cob front end"? You are not referring to the twist adjustable choke apparatus that was installed on so many older shotguns?

[oscar]

I have an 1100 Special Field with IC and it is one dandy pheasant shooter.

[HSMITH]

'73 is preachin' gospel truth again, re-read his post.

[Kestrel]

ksnecktie,

Nope - not a choke, but the actual wooden front end. It's not shaped like any 870 front end I've ever seen. It's shaped a little more like an Ithaca M37 front end - just longer.

Steve

[Dave McCracken]

Some times that front end is called a Tootsie Roll forend. Look at Frank's on the pics I posted. It's the oldest style.

IC, if it is that, will work well for about everything except turkey and pass shooting. I'd go for Full for squirrelin' but I've taken plenty with more open chokes like IC.

This sounds like a great Upland gun. Adding a short RS barrel would add deer and HD capabilities.

[JA]

The age of the shotgun I would be willing to bet that it was bought by a quail hunter. As you need the larger pattern IC choke gives you when quail flush as they fly really fast and most of the time they are in the brush/small trees of a fence row. So you have to shoot quick between the trees.
Modified choke will work for squirrels but full choke would be better at the first of the season when the leaves are still on the trees especially if hunting in woods with old/tall trees.