Chokes for some old guns

[RickRS]

My mom is going pass on to me some of my dad’s shotguns. The guns are a 1970 vintage Remington Wingmaster and a Browning Auto 5 from about 1965, both 12 ga. The Wingmaster is fixed choked IC and the Auto 5 used to have a adjustable choke tube that you “dialed in†the choke by twisting the device. My dad had the Auto 5 choke removed to get a straight tube after he decide the choke device was too restrictive. I haven’t used a shotgun in 20 years but I’m thinking of taking up sporting clays at a near-by range.

So the question: Thinking of converting both guns to choke tubes. Any idea of the typical cost? Any brands to recommend?

Thanks, all.

 

[Tom C.]

Chokes

You can probably find a local guy to cut the barrels for Tru-choke removable choke tubes. There are several different thread diameters of removable choke tubes. For older barrels, the wall thickness may not be enough that multiple options exist. Tru-choke is about .795" and can be done on more old guns. The removable choke tubes are available from Brownell's. There are a number of choices. I use extra long tubes in my old Remington Model 11. That puts the radial loads in the choke tube beyond the end of the original barrel. Several people also make flush fitting tubes. I use Hasting tubes in my double.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Suggest...
First see how they shoot. On pattern board and targets.
With an assortment of brands and loads.
They might be just fine as is....or not.
But you won't know till you test em.


Sam

 

[Dave McCracken]

At usual, Sam manages to pack a lot of sense in a few words.

Cylinder bore is good to maybe 25 yards with the right load. IC, with load selection, out to 30 yards, and that covers ALL skeet shots, most 5 stand and SC shots, and a myriad of hunting shots.

Go shoot them, see if they need anything. Chances are they won't unless you take up trap.

One shortened barrel here has the Truchokes. No probs to report, plenty of dead critters and clays behind same.

 

[Red Label]

I was just going to suggest not cutting up your guns, especially that Wingmaster since it has not been messed with. I too shoot clays with my Red Label and use skeet chokes in both barrels for the entire course. skeet chokes are just slightly more open than I/C. As far as the Auto 5 goes maybe you can find a virgin barrel for it. I really hate hacking up old guns

 

[RickRS]

Thanks, guys.

I'll do some pattern checks and do some real shooting before deciding anything. It's possible that I shoot just as lousy now as I did 30 years ago and there ain't no point in wasting money or messing up the guns Hoping some quality time with the shotgun instructor at the range will show some chance that I can improve.