What choke

[bigcim]

I currently have a Beretta urika 391 sporting in 12g with a 28'' barrel. I'm planning on shooting steel shot through it and was wondering if its ok. The sporting comes with the extended choke tubes. I will be shooting #3's for duck and a also wondering what choke you guys recommend for this. A thank you in advance

 

[Pete409]

Modified or Light Mod should work very well. If the shots are inside 35 yards, an Imp Cyl choke would work fine.

 

[ArmedBear]

I have always read that steel shot patterns about one major constriction tighter than lead in a given choke (i.e. IC = M, M = F, etc.)

Can't say if that's true. One day I have to pattern duck loads somewhere that doesn't mind if I shoot steel.

 

[bigcim]

what do you guys usually use in your duck guns
Also is the beretta stock chokes ok to use with steel

 

[chas08]

Pete409 and Armed Bear both offer excellent advice. I use all the mentioned chokes plus, on occasion, an improved modified. Match your choke to the type of shooting you will be doing. I/C & LM over decoys and Mod or IMP/Mod for pass shooting or just when the ranges are further. #3 is a good choice I prefer #2 overall, especially when its windy. Most modern chokes are rated for steel up to modified. Some Imp/mod and full are steel rated also but not all are. Best wishes and Happy Waterfowling.

 

[rcmodel]

Owners Manual:
See page 14 for choke tube use.

http://www.berettaservices.com/Modu.../PDF Manuali In Catalogo/al391teknys_ingl.PDF

rcmodel

 

[chas08]

Perhaps I should mention that the Light Modified and Improved Modified chokes I mentioned above are aftermarket chokes by Briley and are rated for steel.

 

[bigcim]

Rcmodel, It looks like as long as I use the modified to cylinder choke on the stock chokes and nothing tighter I should be fine, right

 

[rcmodel]

Yes.

I'm surprised the choke tubes are not marked whether or not they are suitable for steel shot use.

Every other brand of gun I know of is.

You really need to do some pattern testing with the loads you intend to use.

Steel patterns much tighter then lead, and it is easy to use more choke then you really need.

rcmodel

 

[bigcim]

what can I expect to get distance wise. Would the steel have about the same killing distance as the dove hunting im use to. 50 yards max

 

[Zedo]

Time to get out the mfg.'s manual and READ it.

Steel shot through the wrong bore can get dangerous at worst and void your warranty at the least.

 

[chas08]

I usually set a decoy at 40 yds and try not to take any further out than that, if I'm hunting with someone who is new to the sport. I generally don't bother with it if I'm hunting alone or with my usual hunting buddy.(we read each others minds...LOL) 50 yds. is not to far for #2 steel in a tighter choke like Mod. or Imp/Mod. but then you are somewhat handicapped on the closer shots. Modified is a good all around compromise choke. though it tends to"hamburger" the close ones. Be aware that past 40yds your cripple rate will go up dramatically with steel. And a wounded Duck is almost "Bulletproof" on the water at 50 yds.

 

[berettashotgun]

Chokes must be marked with a *S* for steel use, never taken a factory modified choke out of a duck gun.
modified/lead is also referred to as a full/steel.
Optima barrel on the 391?
The ammo choice is more important than the choke.

 

[bigcim]

Optima barrel on the 391?

yes I bought it 8/05 if that helps