choke tube not concentric w/ bore

[JB3rd]

I just looked at a new 870 SP DRS(matte finish, rem-choke, rifle sights) barrel for an 870 express, and observed that the choke tubes are .005" to .010" off-center. Just a visual approximation, but one can clearly see and feel the half-moon lip where the choke tube meets the barrel inside the bore.

Anybody seen this before? It's a Remington factory replacement barrel, so I was surprised to see something like this.

It's going back to be exchanged for another one, but I was wondering what you guys thought.

Perhaps the QC inspector was asleep, or it may have been a "Monday-morning" barrel. Recently I saw a new 1100 that was shipped from the factory with a defective part in the shell feeding assembly. Is Remington suffering from a plague of QC problems, now?

 

[HSMITH]

Over the last few years I have had a LOT of trouble with Remington chokes and choked barrels. I have 4 Modified chokes that vary in size by over .020", or nearly the difference between cylinder and full. I had one Express that had the choke recess in the barrel machined crooked as yours is, I sold it. Mine did not expose the skirt inside the barrel, but did throw patterns a foot left at 40 yards.

The QC at the big green is really poor. I am not looking for any current production items they have for sure.

 

[Dave McCracken]

These have been popping up like poison mushrooms in a cow pasture.QC at Ilion is a joke, regretfully. I'd be wary of anything made by Remington since 1990.

FYI, the Express barrel on Frankenstein is also bore a bit off center, but the patterns strike where they belong. Go figure, and YMMV.

HTH...

 

[JB3rd]

Thanks for your replies, Dave and HSMITH.

I was hoping you two would respond, as I have learned from your previous posts that both of you are quite knowledgeable about shotguns, and I value your opinions.

The barrel in question has not even been put on its intended gun, nevermind testing for accuracy or pattern placement. With the choke tube being that crooked, the barrel will most certainly not shoot straight. A quick trigonometric calc. with choke tube axis diverging 0.010" from barrel axis in the 2" or so length of the tube results in potential error of nearly a foot at 50 yds. This could possibly be adjusted out with the sights, but it shouldn't have to. The choke tube should be true with the barrel to begin with.

Remington will get another chance to get it right. Maybe this time they will send one that has no defect.

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're very welcome, JB. Please let us know how this plays out. Lots of folks may learn from your experiences as to what Remington is willing to do and how satisfied you are afterwards.

Thanks...

 

[HSMITH]

Anytime JB. I have to believe that you will be taken care of fairly. Let us know how it shakes out.

Just so there is no confusion from what I said, I can tell you that for sure everything they make is not junk, just that some junk is getting by the inspectors and onto the street. I can tell you also that getting a good choke from Remington is a crap shoot, you are gonna lose more than you win. Buy Hastings, Briley, Trulock ETC.

Just did not want anyone to read my post and take it wrong.....