New Shotgun Owner

[ckay]

As a new shotgun owner I am interested in what chokes are must haves. The shotgun in question is a Benelli Super 90 M3. It'll be a plinker/home defense as I hunt mainly with bolt guns and when I do go bird hunting, I use my father's Mossberg. I will probably tool around at the range and shoot trap and skeet every now and then.

For home defense, I plan on 3" slugs. I'm guessing a cylinder choke or no choke would be best?

 

[Regolith]

Don't shoot a shotgun that has exchangeable chokes without a choke in. Lead shaved off the projectile(s) will foul up the choke threads. Also, make sure the choke is tight before shooting; a loose choke can cause a barrel bulge.

As for what chokes you need, for home defense cylinder bore or improved cylinder are usually recommended. If you're going to be using slugs, you should try both and see which one the slugs are most accurate out of. You should also try different types of slugs, and find the ones that are most accurate in your firearm.

Finally, 3" slugs are not usually recommended for home defense, as they kick too much, which causes difficulty for follow up shots (not to mention makes practicing and firing it painful). They also aren't really needed; a 2 3/4" slug has more than sufficient firepower for home defense.

 

[classic095]

Full choke for trap, Skeet choke or Imp. Cylinder for Skeet.. can use imp cylinder or cylinder for the slugs.. even modified.. Some people use the modified choke for shooting trap from the 16 yd line but ya need to tighten to full if your going back to the 27..

 

[ckay]

Great info guys and it is much appreciated.