Introduction
The Remington 11-87 is a name synonymous with reliability and performance in the world of shotguns. Introduced to the market decades ago, this semi-automatic shotgun has become a staple for hunters, sport shooters, and even those seeking home defense. Its robust design, gas-operated action, and ability to handle a wide variety of ammunition types have solidified its place as a workhorse. However, the true potential of the Remington 11-87 lies not just in its mechanics but in the shooter’s ability to customize it for optimal performance. One of the most significant factors in achieving this is understanding and utilizing the correct choke tube. This guide delves into the world of chokes for the Remington 11-87, illuminating their function, and empowering you to select the perfect one for your specific needs.
Understanding Shotgun Chokes
The effectiveness of a shotgun hinges on its ability to deliver a consistent and effective shot pattern. This is where the choke tube comes into play, acting as a crucial component that influences the spread of the pellets as they exit the barrel. The primary function of a choke is to constrict the bore of the shotgun barrel at the muzzle end. This constriction is what controls the shot pattern’s diameter and density at various distances. A tighter constriction results in a narrower, denser pattern, suitable for longer-range shooting, while a wider constriction produces a more open pattern, better suited for close-range targets. Choosing the right choke is essentially selecting the optimal pattern for the intended use and the distance to the target. Without the appropriate choke, you are limiting the performance of your Remington 11-87 and potentially missing out on its full potential.
Choke Types and Constriction
Different types of choke tubes exist, each designed to provide a specific pattern. The degree of constriction is the primary differentiator between them. The tighter the constriction, the more compressed the shot column remains as it travels down the barrel, resulting in a tighter pattern downrange. Conversely, a more open choke allows for a wider spread of pellets. These patterns are frequently referred to by terms that reflect their pattern’s density and the distance at which they are most effective. Many of the choke types are interchangeable, and the Remington 11-87 is no exception. Understanding these types is the first step in mastering your shotgun.
Cylinder Choke
The most open chokes, offering the widest spread, is the Cylinder choke. A Cylinder choke has no constriction, offering the loosest pattern. This type of choke is most useful at very close ranges, typically within twenty yards, such as in skeet shooting or home defense scenarios where a broad spread is desired to ensure a hit at short distances.
Skeet Choke
Slightly more constricted than a Cylinder choke, the Skeet choke is ideal for clay shooting and targets that are closer to the shooter. Its pattern is wider than other chokes, but with greater concentration. This is generally good up to roughly twenty-five yards.
Improved Cylinder Choke
Next is the Improved Cylinder choke. A versatile option, the Improved Cylinder provides a good balance between pattern density and spread. It is suitable for trap shooting, hunting small game at moderate distances, and overall general-purpose shooting up to about thirty yards.
Modified Choke
The Modified choke offers a tighter pattern than Improved Cylinder. Modified chokes are excellent choices for hunting medium-sized game such as rabbits and squirrels, providing a denser pattern at ranges out to approximately forty yards.
Improved Modified Choke
The Improved Modified choke represents a step up from Modified. The Improved Modified choke is an excellent choice for hunting larger game such as deer and turkeys at ranges that generally extend beyond the effective range of the Modified, up to approximately fifty yards.
Full Choke
Moving further down the constriction spectrum, we encounter the Full choke. Full chokes deliver a very tight pattern, making them ideal for long-range shooting. They are frequently used for waterfowl hunting or turkey hunting where longer shots are required, achieving their best performance at ranges out to approximately forty-five yards.
Extra Full/Turkey Choke
Specialized for even tighter patterns at longer distances, the Extra Full or Turkey choke is designed to maximize pellet density on target. Primarily used for turkey hunting, this choke maximizes your odds of a clean kill at extended ranges, often fifty yards or more, by concentrating a high percentage of pellets within the head and neck area. This is not always compatible with all ammunition types, so be sure to consult your choke’s manufacturer instructions.
Specialty Chokes
Beyond these standard choke types, a range of specialty chokes are available. These might include ported chokes, which have vents to reduce muzzle climb and recoil, and rifled chokes, designed to stabilize slugs for increased accuracy. While these specialty options exist, it’s worth noting that the basic choke types, such as Modified or Full, are generally the most used, and effective, for the Remington 11-87.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Choke
Selecting the right choke for your Remington 11-87 involves careful consideration of various factors. Your hunting or shooting goals will dictate the best choke. Hunting different species necessitates different patterns for consistent hits. For example, turkey hunting demands a very tight pattern, while hunting upland birds often requires a more open choke. Sport shooting events, like trap and skeet, also demand unique choke selection.
Ammunition Selection
The ammunition you use also plays a crucial role. Shell size, shot size, and shell construction all influence the pattern. Different shot sizes will pattern differently with the same choke. Heavier shot loads typically require tighter chokes for optimal performance, while lighter loads may work well with more open chokes. Remember to consider the type of shells, and the construction of the shell and shot when choosing a choke.
Range to Target
Consider the distance to the target. The farther away the target, the tighter the choke you will need to maintain a dense pattern. Close-range targets call for open chokes, while longer-range shots benefit from tighter constrictions. A good rule of thumb is to select the choke that delivers a pattern with the highest percentage of pellets within a given area at the typical engagement distance.
Pattern Testing
Pattern testing is paramount to determine how your shotgun and ammunition combination perform. This involves shooting at a pattern board (a large sheet of paper or cardboard) at a specific distance (typically 40 yards) and assessing the pattern. Examine the density and distribution of pellets within a thirty-inch circle to determine the choke’s effectiveness with a particular load. This provides data that informs your choice. For turkey hunting, aiming for 70% or more of pellets within the thirty-inch circle is the general standard for a clean and ethical kill.
Choke Materials
The material of the choke can influence its performance. Steel chokes are durable and cost-effective, while stainless steel chokes offer superior corrosion resistance. Other materials, such as titanium or high-grade alloys, may also be used, offering added benefits like weight reduction or enhanced durability.
Choke Tube Manufacturers
A wide range of manufacturers produce high-quality choke tubes for the Remington 11-87. Reputable brands like Carlson’s, Briley, Trulock, and Patternmaster offer a variety of chokes to suit different needs. Researching these brands and their specific choke offerings is essential to find the perfect fit for your needs. Consider each brand and their specific features, build quality, and performance reviews.
Brand Considerations
When deciding among brands, consider factors such as the choke tube’s constriction, material, and intended use. Some brands are known for their specialized chokes (e.g., Patternmaster for hunting), while others focus on overall versatility.
Maintenance Tips
Proper care and maintenance are critical for extending the life of your choke tubes and maintaining their performance. Cleaning choke tubes regularly is essential to remove any buildup of powder residue or plastic wads. Use a dedicated choke tube cleaner and a brush to remove any fouling.
Lubrication
Lubrication is equally important. Apply a light coat of gun oil or a dedicated choke tube lubricant to the threads and the inside of the choke tube after cleaning. This prevents corrosion and facilitates easy installation and removal.
Installation and Removal
Ensure the choke tube is installed and removed correctly. Tighten the choke firmly by hand, ensuring it’s flush with the barrel. Avoid overtightening. Regularly inspect your choke tubes for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any damaged chokes immediately to prevent potential issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding chokes is fundamental to optimizing the performance of your Remington 11-87. By understanding choke types, and considering factors such as intended use, ammunition, and range, you can select the perfect choke for your needs. Remember to pattern test your chosen choke and ammunition combination to ensure optimal performance. The right choke can significantly improve your shooting accuracy, and give you more confidence in the field or on the range. Experiment with different chokes and loads to discover what works best for you. By investing in knowledge and the right choke, you’ll unlock the true potential of your Remington 11-87 and elevate your shooting experience. Remember that the best choke is the one that consistently delivers the results you’re looking for, whether it’s bagging a trophy bird or breaking a clay target. Start experimenting with the information available to you, and enjoy the shooting sports!
