Cylinder Choke vs. Imp Cylinder

[GDW]

Can anyone explain what the difference is between cylinder choke and improved cylinder choke?

Thanks.

 

[Ash]

Cylinder is not choked at all, just a place-holder for the threads in a removable-choke system or, as described, a true cylinder in fixed-chocked shotguns. Improved is slightly constricted.

Ash

 

[Gary A]

Cylinder choke is .000 constriction, no constriction.
Improved cylinder is .010 constriction.

Constriction
CYLINDER .000
SKT 1 .005
IMP CYL .010
Skt 2 [light mod] .015
MODIFIED .020
IMP MOD .025
FULL .030
EXTRA FULL .040
TURKEY .045 PLUS

 

[sm]

http://www.colonialarms.com/aboutchokes.html

http://www.colonialarms.com/chokespecs.html

 

[BBroadside]

If I may expand on GDW's question....

I surmise that you'd almost never fire birdshot out of a cylinder (except maybe for riot control if you were a 1950s cop). And I assume buckshot is good out of either. What is best for slugs?

I gather that sabot slugs are terribly inaccurate out of a cylinder barrel, and downright dangerous out of a choke; they are for rifled barrels, or rifled tubes, only.

Which leaves Foster slugs and Brenneke. Is there a maximum choke before these start damaging the barrel? With what are they most accurate? I've head cylinder from some and IC from others....

 

[MAX100]

Modified coke is the best all around choke in my opinion. All shotguns are going to pattern different so if you have choke options try different ones and see which patterns best for the purpose you need it for. You shouldn't use any choke more constricted than Modified (.020) with slugs

The right shot size combined with the right choke for the intended purpose.


GC

 

[Jeff F]

I use a rifled choke tube with foster slugs with very good results. My HD shotguns are set up with rifle sights and either light modified or modified tubes that pattern buckshot the tightest and are still good to go with slugs if needed. I will some times use an improved cyl tube at the skeet range.

You can shoot slugs from any choke up to and including full without fear of damage, do not shoot them out of an extra full or turkey choke.

 

[GDW]

Thanks all. So here's my next question: If it is a fixed cylinder can the barrel be threaded, or is it wise not to do this for a HD shotgun?

 

[Jeff F]

Most shotgun barrels can be threaded for choke tubes. Most gunsmiths can do it. Depending on which shotgun you have you may be able to just get another barrel. I haven't had tubes installed in the last ten years but when I did the last it cost me 75.00 in the Bay Area.