Are skeet chokes a waste of money?

[dave3006]

People have advised me (THR and others) to use a CYL or IC choke for skeet with my M1S90. I found in a Brownells catalog a SKEET choke that seems to be the midpoint between these two.

Is it a good idea to buy this choke? Or, will I be just as well off with the CYL choke I have?

 

[HSMITH]

Cylinder is fine for skeet.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Cylinder will work. IC will also if one uses soft shot.

Patterns will vary more from quality of the shot and speed than one increment of choke.

 

[kudu]

I would test out the cylinder choke on a pattern board with the chosen load you shoot skeet with. If there are holes in the pattern bigger than a clay target anywhere at about 21 yards I would get a skeet choke. Even then I/C may be fine. I have seen clay targets with as many as three holes in them not break when shot, not common but does happen. If you can't see a piece, it ain't broke.

Get enough choke to crunch the targets.

 

[PJR]

Often people will recommend an IC choke because that is usually what you already have. It saves the need to buy an aftermarket choke.

I shoot cylinder for skeet but I've patterned my gun and it tends to be on the tight side in all constrictions. YMMV.

The more open the choke the better in skeet but not to open that holes in the pattern develop at maximum skeet target ranges.

Paul

 

[Clemson]

I use a Briley "Skeet" choke in my 1100's when I shoot skeet. It tends to shape the pattern a bit better than the Remington "Skeet" tube, which was actually 0.001" overbore, or more open than true cylinder. I like the skeet constriction of around .005"-.006" for skeet with any gun but the .410. I shoot a fixed, modified choke on the .410 on the skeet range.

Ranges on skeet are typically 21 yards or less. Any longer shot is taken because you waited too long. An open pattern is good, but it needs to be very even. IC may cost you an occasional bird because it is tighter than it needs to be. Likewise, cylinder can cost you birds that fly "through" the pattern occasionally, which is really frustrating. Skeet seems to be a good compromise.

Clemson

 

[El Tejon]

*shrugs*

Only one way to find out, Dave. Go pattern your weapon and shoot a round o' skeet. See what your gun and your ammo like.

"Honey, I can't go furniture shopping (i.e. purse holding), I'm going to the range. It's for science!"