Lone Star Hunting Forum

Which do you experts think is better? I shot at 25 yards, the one on the right is a modified choke, and the one on the left is an improved choke. Also should I pattern at a different range?

Depends, on longer shots, faster, bigger birds like turkey and pheasant you want the tighter pattern.
On quail I like a larger pattern so I can get on them fast and have a better margin of error.

Personally, I shoot a 26 inch improved cylinder on dove and quail.
For turkey, pheasant, goose, crane, I have a 30 inch full choked barrel for my 870.

I am shooting a 28" barrel. I will bring both chokes, but I will probably start with the modified choke. How far are the normal shots on pheasant?

Every bird will vary. Some flush at 50 yards and some will fly up your ankle. Either way I like to be able to reach out and spank them, mainly because it scares the crud out of me and takes a second to gets my wits back.

Thanks.

I think they both look good helomech. I don't even know what choke is in my shotgun. I've had it 10 years and never looked.

Thanks Papa.

I use an IC on my shotgun but I am borrowing a frieds SBE2 to try this weekend so I am undecided on what choke to use myself.