New to Forum, Advice on Chokes and Barrel Length

[Gander29]

New to the forum.  Have hunted a few years, use an good ole 870, 3" with a 28" barrel.  Have a factory, non ported, XXFull choke, taken a few birds with it.  Got the fever early this year and looking for ideas for another choke.  What effect does the 28" barrel have on the choke? Should I look for a more open or constricted choke?  I've been eyeing the Indian Creek or Carlson's ported, both are .665 and hevi-shot capable.  I know all about needing to choose and pattern different loads/choke combos, just curious about the barrel length.  Normally shoot Kent #5s, leaning towards trying the Hevi 13#6s or maybe the Federal shells with the FC wad.  Thanks!

[sugarray]

Generally, you will get tighter patterns from the longer barrel.  With a good choke and patterning any barrel will put up some good numbers.  The .665 diameter chokes work very well with the Remingtons and will work well with #5, #6, and #7 loads.

[chipper]

Sugarray hit it on the head, I shoot 23 through 26 inch barrels but if 28 inch is what you have to work with it will be fine! Jellyhead chokes work real good in remington guns, IC,PG and SSX do too, If your gonna stay with lead a good ole  Kicks GT or remington ventilator works good.

[allaboutshooting]

First of all, welcome to OG. You came to the right place to find knowledgeable and helpful turkey hunters.

You've already had great advice, in my experience. Your 28" barrel should give you great patterns. i shoot several 870s in both 12 gauge and 20 gauge. I also try to shoot all the chokes that are commercially available. Some do better than others.

I'd encourage you to try the 3" Hevi-13 "Bronze" shells with 2 oz. of either #6 or #7 shot. They'll help you more than anything else you can try. I find that shell with the SSX to be a very potent combination.

Whatever you choose, best of luck to you in the turkey woods this spring.

Thanks,
Clark

[Gander29]

Thanks for the help guys.  I've been leaning towards the IC and pairing it with Hevi-13 #6s.  Almost every post I have read about Hevishot, says it throws great patterns in several different chokes.  That is why I was considering the Carlson's among a few others that aren't as pricey as the IC or Rhinos.

[ILIKEHEVI-13]

Chokes from .655 to .675 will work well in Rem 28" barrel guns.  My 870 is a 28".  I have a .670 Pure Gold chokeand a .675 MAD Super MAX choke that both shoot very well with Hevi-13 #7 loads. 

[deadbuck]

I would use a 670 or 675.
Mine is a 26 inch and it likes the 670

[decoykrvr]

Do yourself a favor and stay away from the Federal Heavyweights and the Flitecontrol wad.  This particular wad isn't recommended w/ ported choke tubes.  You will get spoiled w/ the patterns afforded by a 28" barrel, a .665 IC choke tube and Hevi-Shot, 2 oz. loads w/ 6's or 7's.  Make sure you outfit your barrel w/ good adjustable fiber optics so you can tweak your POA and POI.

[mossy835]

I use the Carlson's chokes in my 835 and have no issues but the turkeys and peasants do not like it a bit!