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Just checking: Older (1970s) Remington Wingmaster 870 20 gauge shotgun, full choke, not Magnum.....

 
John Weiland
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posted 4 years ago
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Now I hear this shotgun should not be used with steel shot unless I modify the choke. Is this correct? Thanks

“The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.”― Albert Einstein

 
Robert Ray
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http://remington.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/200/kw/can%20you%20shoot%20steel%20shot%20full%20choke/r_id/166

Here is what Remington says about their chokes and steel shot

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John Weiland
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Thanks for that link, Robert. Yes...I just called a local gun shop based on reading that Remington link and they suggested taking it to a gunsmith to get the barrel re-bored for modified or other choke to accommodate using steel shot. Thanks for your help.....

“The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.”― Albert Einstein

 
Noel Deering
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Hmm. I wonder if that local gun shop just hoped you'd take it to their local gunsmith.

On the other hand, maybe I need to stop shooting steel shot through mine, which is the exact same as what you mentioned. (Although mine can shoot 3" shells- not sure if that's magnum or if 3.5" is called magnum.)

Ray's link was talking about choke tubes, not necessarily the existing choke of the barrel. A choke tube is something that can be added and changed. And when someone says "modified choke," that doesn't mean a choke that has undergone modification, it's a type/grade/size/whatever of choke.

I've been shooting steel shot for years without incident, though perhaps I'm just lucky (so far).
shotgun_choke_types.gif
[Thumbnail for shotgun_choke_types.gif]
from: http://www.rem870.com/2012/05/06/shotgun-chokes-explained-cylinder-improved-cylinder-modified-full/

"...he is the greatest patriot who stops the most gullies." - Patrick Henry

 
Noel Deering
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Of course, those tapers are very exaggerated for illustration purposes. Some of those don't look safe to shoot anything through!

"...he is the greatest patriot who stops the most gullies." - Patrick Henry

 
Robert Ray
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The 870 platform is very versatile. If your barrel does not have interchangeable chokes, replacement barrels are widely available and replacing your current barrel with one suitable for current legal shot would be what I would personally do. Shotgun World has several threads that advise against using steel shot in the early barrels.

"There is enough in the world for everyones needs, but not enough for everyones greed"
(Buckman)

 
Noel Deering
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Very versatile indeed! I have a rifled barrel in mine too, for deer hunting with slugs, and will use it again this weekend.

I probably ought to reconsider using steel in the bird barrel though.

"...he is the greatest patriot who stops the most gullies." - Patrick Henry

 
John Weiland
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Thanks for extra comments. In the end, I traded in my early '70s Rem. 870 Wingmaster 20 ga. for a new one (Wingmaster as well). The new shotgun not only has the approved barrel (w/vent rib) for steel, but is chambered for 3" shells, whereas my older one was only for 2-3/4". In the 20 ga., I was noticing that more of the steel shot shells on the shelf come in 3" and decided I could do both lengths in the one shotgun. Can't recall what I got on the trade for the older one, but I was satisfied with the exchange.

“The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.”― Albert Einstein

 
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