What to do? GHE 20 ga

[Quail1]

I own this GHE 20 ga with 28"special steel barrels, choked M/F. I would like to have the chokes opened to IC/M or wider so I can better use it quail hunting.
Will I negatively affect value?
Should I consider thin wall choke tubes?
Should I leave it alone?

Thanks

[OH Osthaus]

modification affects value

IMHO - screw in chokes ruin a gun like this

have you tried spreader loads?

[Wild Skies]

Leave it as it. Shoot spreaders or carry your Repro.

[B. Dudley]

Best option for value: leave alone
Next best option for usability and value: re-cut chokes right by someone who knows what they are doing.
Worst option for value: install screw in chokes.

Absolute worst option: shorten barrels.

I threw in the last in for comedy.

My personal thoughts on recutting chokes are as follows: if there are no factory records on a gun to say how the chokes were originally cut, and you get them recut properly, there is no way anyone would know the gun was altered. Realistically speaking.

Screw in chokes would add versatility, but it is pretty universally frowned upon by most who are into classic double guns. Now... If you have the opportunity to buy a gun that has already had screw in chokes installed, and the price is right, buy it for a shooter. But shame on the person who pays to have the chokes installed.

[Autumn Daze]

Fred,Spreaders are the answer. Do you reload? I have a great recipe for 20 gauge spreaders.

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

if there are no factory records on a gun to say how the chokes were originally cut, and you get them recut properly, there is no way anyone would know the gun was altered. Realistically speaking.

Screw in chokes would add versatility, but it is pretty universally frowned upon by most so are into classic doubke guns.

I beg to differ Brian but Captain Obvious here,

If one has a set of Parker choke reamers so that a new choke could be cut at the same taper as original Parker chokes then you are correct. Most choke reamers available today simple remove choke but cutting a parallel (with the line of the bore) section at the muzzle end of the choke. Parker chokes were tapered without a parallel section.

Is a parallel section easy to detect. Yup, in a 12 gauge I can see them with my eyes! A bore gauge would give a more definitive reading.

The above stated, a parallel section stabilizes the shot column reducing flyers. That's why modern target guns use them. I use parallel choke reamers on guns of "shooter" quality. On very collectible guns, i.e. guns with increasing value due to their originality, condition, and rarity, I shoot them as they with spreaders when need be or I shoot a "lesser" gun with open chokes.

Mark

[Quail1]

I currently use two of my 28 ga repros now, but would like to have the GHE in the lineup.
I do reload 20 and 28 ga. Have a Ponsness set up.
I was just looking at archives regarding Spred-r wads.
Dave, I would like very much to see your 20 recipe.

Thanks all for the quick responses. My preference would be to not alter the gun.

[Brush Buster]

Fred , Spreaders are the key to what you are after ,if you shoot Polywad Spreaders and pattern the gun ,you will be amazed at the width of the pattern ! I shot Polywad Spreaders for years in a 16 Gauge Trojan that was choked so tight I couldn't hit anything with it and after shooting the spreaders ,it seemed I couldn't miss ! Just my opinion for what it's worth but I would never put screw in chokes in a gun such as yours , it's a Gem !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Quail1]

Have just ordered 1000 Spred-r wads and will give them a try as soon as they arrive.

I had this gun out yesterday on a mild chukar hill and got these 4. I'm able to let these birds get out there, but the quail get behind trees and cactus too quickly.
I'm hoping the Spred-r's and 9 shot will do the trick!

[Double Play]

Originally Posted by Mark Ouellette

I beg to differ Brian but Captain Obvious here,

I Parker chokes were tapered without a parallel section.

Is a parallel section easy to detect. Yup, in a 12 gauge I can see them with my eyes! A bore gauge would give a more definitive reading.

Mark

Mark,
Although the Parker Story Volume II dose not go into much detail regarding the actual shape of the Parker Chokes I have often found on original untouched barrels a choke length from 3" to 5" with a short parallel section at the end. This always reinforced for me what Austin Hogan had found in his research of Parker Chokes.

From Austin Hogan
Parker Chokes prior to sometime during Remington's ownership were cut with the adjustable nut borer and had the characteristic "OGEE" shape, with a parallel section 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Late Remington barrels were reamed from the muzzle end, and have longer parallel sections.