SHOTGUN OPTICS: Do different choke/barrel combos change close range point of impact?

[Defense Minister]

I have a Mossberg 500 combo with an 18.5" cylinder bore barrel, and a 28" modified choke barrel. I am considering putting a mini red dot sight on the gun, but I am new to using optics on a shotgun. So, my question is this: Does changing the barrel/choke combo effect the point of aim at close range, say, 20 yards, or does the different barrel/choke effect only the pattern? What about at 50 yards? I want to know if I am going to have to re-zero the sight when changing barrels.

 

[oneounceload]

Are you saying you'll be putting the red dot on the longer field barrel? (I am going to assume you mean for deer or turkey?) I would 't use one for flying birds was where I was going.

Pattern is affected by choke, POI/POA is affected by how the gun fits you

 

[MisterHappy]

What is the intended purpose...I mean, what type of target are you intending to engage at 50 yards...?

More info WRT your potential plans will be helpful.

 

[jmr40]

If I understand your question this is what you are asking. If you zero the gun with the short barrel, will the POI be in a different spot with the other barrel? If I understand the question right then the answer is, probably yes. In reality you just have to shoot it with both barrels and see.

 

[Fred Fuller]

The only thing Murphy loves more than you is shotguns. Probably the best thing to do is set it up like you want it, lock everything down as best you can, and leave it alone. Every change- including filed stripping for cleaning and reassembly- is apt to cause a change in POI.

lpl

 

[Defense Minister]

The shotgun will serve general purpose. It will be used as an HD gun w/the shorter barrel, and as a field gun w/the longer one. The red dot will remain on the weapon for both uses. All I'm asking is whether changing the barrel from a short cylinder bore to a long modified choke will change where the pellets impact relative to the line of sight at 20 yards. This is assuming, as Lee pointed out, that both barrels seat exactly the same when installed.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Some choke tubes will shoot to different POIs than others. Remchokes were notorious for this once, but things seem to have improved.

Best thing is to pattern with all tubes and replace any aberrant.