Options for fixed full choke

[Monolith]

I have an old (pre- great depression) Remington Model 11. It's a beat up old thing, and not worth much, but I like it. Naturally, it has a fixed full choke from what I gather those older loads spread out faster than today's stuff. I would like to take it out dove hunting, but I don't really want to return with bird burgers.

Are there any options that don't cost a lot of cash? I have heard of Briley, and I may yet go that route, but not yet. Are there any shells that compensate, or (small) things I can put on the muzzle? And no, I haven't patterned it yet (I know, I know..) so I am just gathering ideas to use pending it's probably going to shoot too tight for my needs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rcmodel]

Might try "Spreader loads" like these.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=543065

They do work, but patterns are usually kinda spotty.

Still it's better then missing doves all day with a full choke.

You might consider Carlson's for choke tube install:
http://www.choketube.com/instal.html

rcmodel

 

[machinisttx]

You should be able to find a replacement barrel if you look around some.

 

[ArmedBear]

Spreader loads.

Also, you could just shoot light loads like 24 gram or 7/8 oz.

That said, unless you shoot the dove real close, it probably won't be as big of a deal as you think. Most of the doves I've seen flying in the past week were at or beyond Full choke distance.

 

[plumberroy]

cheap "promotional loads" is where i would start.they do not pattern as well as AA's or STS or does't kent or some one load shells with fiber wads that will open up loads . I have a muzzle loader 12 ga that will use 12ga wads with the full choke tube and fiber wad loads It throws a pattern that is some better than modified but on the low side of full . the same powder charge and shot weight in a harder plastic wad and chilled shot will shoot a pattern you wouldn't beleive .
Roy

 

[RetiredLawman]

Have you ever considered shortening the barrel somewhat and having Polychoke put their Deluxe model on it. I have used Polychokes for over 40 years and now that they are rated for steel, I like them even better.

 

[Virginian]

I always use full choke dove hunting. I practice fire control and rarely end up with dove burger. One out of 44 when I was shooting my mouth off instead of paying attendtion so far.
You can always wait for them to get further away, but if they ain't coming any closer, full choke is good.

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

I sent a bbl to Briley years ago and was VERY pleased. They reamed the barrel from +0.040 to 0.000.
I would not hesitate to do it again.

Briley, and several others do choke tube installations as well.

Also, I have used the Spread-r loads, http://www.polywad-shotgun-shells.com/spred-r-spreaders/
and if you reload, you can buy the spread-r inserts very cheaply.

I have additionally tried loading light loads of soft shot to high pressures (to deform the shot and create flyers) but that was an exercise in folly. You could try it to satiate curiosity.

Any of the options I listed created confidence ONLY when tied to a patterning session. It helps SO MUCH to see what happens out 20-40 yards.

 

[Jeff F]

You could get choke tubes installed in that barrel or just about any gunsmith can ream and hone the full choke to a modified or less for not that much money. Or like said above play with different loads and find one that opens up faster.