28 ga Repro

[Wild Skies]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

... ***snip*** ... I learned over many years of shooting 28 gauge guns that you are much better off ballistically with tighter chokes.

Would you please expound on this a little more?

[Double Lab]

Sure will Greg. First off this is my experience after shooting two original Parker 28's for 40+ years. My 26" VH measures .011/.20 and the 30" measures .012/.022. I believe that smallbores benefit from tighter chokes. That's just my observation. I know that a few members here have shot the 30" gun and shot it lights out. Just ask Chuckie B.

Now for the reason I say that. I have a high end 28ga o/u with choke tubes. I started out with .004/.013 and just wasn't happy with the target breaks or the lethality on live birds. I ended up screwing in .014/.026 tubes and it changed the whole complexion of the gun.

Once again this is just my opinion.

[Bob Jurewicz]

Sound to me the issue is not ballistic but pellet count on target.
Bob Jurewicz

[Double Lab]

Definition of ballistics

: the study of the processes within a firearm as it is fired.

Yes Bob pellet count, pressure, velocity and choke constriction are all part of the equation. As I said before, this is my experience and what works for me. Your mileage may vary.

I'm planning on having a 28ga. side event on the Baby Whoop this year at Hausmann's. Let's bring some 28's to have fun with. The proof is in the pudding.

[Wild Skies]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Sure will Greg. First off this is my experience after shooting two original Parker 28's for 40+ years. My 26" VH measures .011/.20 and the 30" measures .012/.022. I believe that smallbores benefit from tighter chokes. That's just my observation. I know that a few members here have shot the 30" gun and shot it lights out. Just ask Chuckie B.

Now for the reason I say that. I have a high end 28ga o/u with choke tubes. I started out with .004/.013 and just wasn't happy with the target breaks or the lethality on live birds. I ended up screwing in .014/.026 tubes and it changed the whole complexion of the gun.

Once again this is just my opinion.

Thank you for the reply Daryl. I can agree with much of what you say, especially for many 5-stand targets, sporting clays targets and perhaps pheasants when you're looking for more pellet count with larger shot. But, it's shots taken at skeet, woodcock and grouse where the bulk of your shooting is done at less than 25 yards that may put you at a disadvantage with your theory of being "much better off ballistically with tighter chokes".

Your 28ga. side event that you're planning sounds like a real hoot. Beware of the Parker Repro guys that may be bringing out their set of M/F barrels. You may be wishing your Parkers had a little more choke! (dbl. wink!)

[Mike Poindexter]

Put it on paper at 30 yards with your hunting load and see if you get a killing pattern. If so, forget about the rest. If not, try a different shot size/load. JMHO.

[Wilmurt]

I have a 28 gauge Repro 2 barrel set. Bird hunting I can't hit anything moving or stationary (slight exaggeration but not far off) with the 26" IC/Mod barrel, but I hit almost everything with the 28" M/F. Is it the my physical mechanics of using a longer length barrel or the tighter chokes that give me better results with the 28" M/F barrel? The down side of the 28" M/F is I obliterate close birds with the Mod barrel and thinking of having it opened to IC or Light Mod.

[Scott Gentry]

Put two shots on my pattern plate, for upland gun I am happy with these.

Both Rio 3/4 oz number 8 shot. That is a 30” circle on plate.

[Bill Murphy]

Tom brings up an important observation. He hits (or kills) more birds with his tight choked 28 than he does with the open barrels. Obviously, he is hitting birds with the open barrels, but doesn't put them in the bag. He is crippling the birds he is hitting with the open barrels. Gives a little more credibility to Daryl's post. Tight chokes are the only choice for serious bird hunting with a 28, except for quail, woodcock, and sometimes, grouse. What do you open choke guys do with a grouse when you miss with the first barrel? Luckily, Tom learned from experience, as have Daryl and I. 28 gauge Repros with IC and MOD are a better choice for general bird hunting than the Quail 1 and Quail 2. MOD and FULL may be an even better choice.

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by

Your 28ga. side event that you're planning sounds like a real hoot. Beware of the Parker Repro guys that may be bringing out their set of M/F barrels. You may be wishing your Parkers had a little more choke! [SIZE="1"

(dbl. wink!)[/SIZE]

Well Greg the gauntlet has been thrown. Unfortunately I can't compete as I'm setting the targets and running the show. But... I will have my protege's there to help you see the error of your reliance on reproduction chokes.

I know this sounds ridiculous to some, but I have made myself able to hard focus on the beak of a bird or the front edge of a target. If you practice some eye exercises you can direct your shot charge exactly where you want it using a tight choke.

Tom, don't change those chokes if you can score with them now. If you handload try working up a light 5/8oz load.