how much will a choke help my sporting clays game?

[tuj]

Hi fellow shooters!

I have a Remington 1100 with a fixed choke improved cylinder barrel. As I understand chokes, this is not bad for skeet and shots out to 25 yards. Well when I was out shooting sporting clays this weekend, there were a number of shots that were quite far, I'd say 35-45 yards. Needless to say, I didn't hit a lot of birds this weekend.

Just how much would a full or modified choke help me versus what might be poor shooting skills on my part (I shoot a lot and I'm a good shot with pistols and rifles, but at static targets)?

I got my shotgun for fairly cheap, and it looks like it would be about $300 bucks for me to get a RemChoke barrel for it + whatever choke or set of chokes I decide on.

Finally, I remember seeing something about this thing called a PolyChoke that was permenantely affixed to the barrel, but allowed you to dial your choke setting by turning the outside of this ring that looked kind of like a tuner or compensator. Are those still around and if so, would it be worth getting one put on my barrel?

Thanks!

 

[Jersey Joe]

For sporting clays, IC is what we have most beginners use if possible. If you are competing seriously though, and your scoring in the 85 percent range, you can start messing with chokes. Being that you have only one barrel on that 1100 though, IC may just take you as far as you need to go. Spend more time thinking about your shot plan than messing with switching out chokes!

 

[tuj]

thanks Joe, that's exactly what I was wondering. I'd really rather not have to mess with chokes during the course and concentrate on shooting.

 

[kudu]

With a fixed choke barrel you can change shells and almost replicate changing chokes, pattern an assortment of different sizes of shot and brands of shotshells. Some of the premium Remington and Winchester target loads really hold tight patterns at long range out of an I/C choke. Where as the economy shells will throw a very open pattern for close shots.

 

[tuj]

kudo: seriously??!?! I was shooting some cheap Rio target loads, but my gun seems like it will cycle pretty much any target load 2 3/4". I've shot almost every brand of ammo, but I can't say that *I* noticed a difference, but then again I'm not experienced enough too tell.

Is there a comparison of how tight versus loose the pattern is for various brands?

 

[oneounceload]

There are spreader loads to make a tight choke have a larger pattern; there are folks who use something like 8.5 for close and 7.5 for tight and do not change chokes; there are folks who change chokes AND ammo at every station

Different strokes for different folks - the IC will break targets easily to 35 yards or more BUT the shooter has to do his/her part and focus on the target. Since each course and target setter is different, what combo of ammo and choke is ideal for one, may not be for another - but starting with an IC should be fine in the beginning. Many who shoot a semi really like to use a LM and leave it alone

As to any comparison, that is determined at the pattern plate - your gun and your ammo will be different than my gun and my ammo

 

[Virginian]

Chokes are a benefit I believe on the Sporting Clays range, but they will not make a huge difference. I shoot Light Modified at probably 70% of the targets. Mike Orlen can install choke tubes in YOUR barrel for less than $100, and I will vouch for his work. There are doubtless other good gunsmiths too, but the only two I will personally vouch for are Mike and Brileys. Brileys is more expensive.

 

[scchokedaddy]

chokes

PATTERN BOARD!!!! PATTERN BOARD!!! You have to know what your pattern looks like at diffrent yards. You needd to set up at 25, 35, 40 and 45 or 50 yards to see what you are doing. Couple of hours with different loads, 7/8, 1, 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 oz loads. This will also tell you when you to shoot bigger loads. Also be sure to try 7.5,8, and 9s. Good luck and enjoy shooting!!

 

[oneounceload]

Except you can't use 1-1/4oz for sporting clays, and many folks prefer to use nothing heavier than a 1oz payload. Trying them at the different distances is the best way to see how your gun does. Speeds in the 1200-1250 range seem to work well for most folks

 

[RUT]

>>For sporting clays, IC is what we have most beginners use if possible.<<

And not just "beginners". I find I use an IC choke 99% of the time, with an occasional Lt. Mod. now and then.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I shoot a lot of 5 stand. I use IC almost eclusively in my semi auto. Farther shots I'll have some 1 1/8oz in my bag, closer, I just use 7/8oz.
If you do your part, the IC will take you pretty far on a sporting clays course.

 

[mxjunky78]

I guess I'm on the IC bandwagon as well. Most all shots on a sporting clays course will fall within the range of an IC choke. YMMV.

 

[oneounceload]

That really depends on where you shoot and whether it is just set for practice, a charity shoot or a registered tournament, but as folks have said, starting at least with an IC is a good idea

 

[Snarlingiron]

Most misses are measured in feet. Chokes will give you inches.

 

[oneounceload]

^^ Exactly, and if you are just chipping targets, then you are not on the bird properly. Which is why more experienced shooters gravitate eventually to tighter chokes - they have learned the technique and methods necessary to be "one with the target" and their tighter chokes gives them harder, more centered, breaks. This translate into better odds when the targets become more distant.

 

[throdgrain]

IC is fine mate, it's not the choke that's missing, it's you I'm afraid

 

[Old Unc']

IC is the universal sporting clays choke. I shoot two IC's in my Caesar Guerinni...

 

[b.thomas]

IC is about as good a "universal choke" as any i can think of for most clay and even hunting.