Open up chokes or not to open up chokes....

[Rick Riddell]

12ga GH 30 inch tubes for Woodcock and Grouse over a dog. I plan on patterning it this weekend. The right barrel is at .740 with a choke constriction .045 and the left barrel is at .736 with a choke constriction .035. Both barrels measured .695 at the muzzle (if that's the correct terminology for choke). I know these are just numbers and the patterning board will show more, just wanted to get an idea or opinion/experience on spreaders vs. choke alterations.

[Double Lab]

Thanks Rick. If your GH damascus is in nice condition I would'nt touch the chokes. I'd look for another gun for that purpose, one with shorter barrels and more open chokes. But then again I love tight chokes but not for woodcock and grouse, so I see your dilemma. Try the spreaders first.

[StubTwist]

Originally Posted by Rick Riddell

12ga GH 30 inch tubes for Woodcock and Grouse over a dog. I plan on patterning it this weekend. The right barrel is at .740 with a choke constriction .045 and the left barrel is at .736 with a choke constriction .035. Both barrels measured .695 at the muzzle (if that's the correct terminology for choke). I know these are just numbers and the patterning board will show more, just wanted to get an idea or opinion/experience on spreaders vs. choke alterations.

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Thanks Rick. If your GH damascus is in nice condition I would'nt touch the chokes. I'd look for another gun for that purpose, one with shorter barrels and more open chokes. But then again I love tight chokes but not for woodcock and grouse, so I see your dilemma. Try the spreaders first.

I agree with Daryl's advice. I love tight chokes too and at the distance at 21 yards the pattern would be the size of a cantelope. Fun seeing the "smoke" on clay birds but not good for the real birds with feathers.

I've patterned spreaders from a 12 gauge with full chokes but can't seem to find the pictures of the patterns to show an example. What I've been able to find as well as the NH boys who've also patterned spreaders, it will open a full choke to approximately to IC.