I recently bought a Benelli SBE II with a 26 inch barrel primarily for birds. So far it shoots everything I put it in with no hiccups. I started shooting rifled slugs, Federal and Remington, out of it at the range and the groups were unimpressive. I’m sure with appropriate sights I could have done slightly better but the groups were about 5 inches at 50 yards (3 shot 5 group averages). I was shooting with very little wind, IC choke tube and sandbags to support the front of the shotgun. I looked into a rifled barrel and found it at $600+ which was more than I was looking to spend. I did some research and came across rifled choke tubes as an alternative. There were mixed opinions on them but I figured I’d give one a shot. I ordered a rifled choke tube for $55 shipped (brand left out, not pushing a certain choke tube brand, only for purpose of comparing accuracy from a rifled choke tube to a smooth barrel). The choke tube was designed very well and had a great fit. It says on the choke tube that it can be used for rifled slugs and sabot slugs so I bought both. I used the Federal and Remington rifled slugs and the Remington Copper Solid, Winchester Supreme XP3 and Lightfield Hybred EXP sabot slugs. I went back to the range and the conditions were the same except for the rifled choke tube. My groups were 2 inches for the rifled slugs and 1.50 inches for the sabot slugs at 50 yards (3 shot 5 group averages)! The improvement was well worth the cash spent.
I’m sure the fully rifled barrel has better accuracy but for me having some fun at the range and possibly hunting within 100 yards, the rifled choke tube is a good alternative.
I’m sure the fully rifled barrel has better accuracy but for me having some fun at the range and possibly hunting within 100 yards, the rifled choke tube is a good alternative.
