TGEvans Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Hi guys. Just picked up an old Baikal single barrell 12 bore. Love it to bits. 90% of my shooting is with a rifle these days and I was getting a bit tired of carrying a double barrell around when I was just mooching in the woods so it suits me great. But.... Its full choke so should I get it taken down to half choke? I shoot most of my game with half choke so it kind of makes sense to me to do this. Mainly going to be for bolting rabbits and squirrels and the odd close pigeon. Thanks in advance, Tim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utectok Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 I believe these guns had the choke opened by sawing small bits of the barrel (1/2" or something) obviously it would need reproofing if u were to sell it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 I believe these guns had the choke opened by sawing small bits of the barrel (1/2" or something) obviously it would need reproofing if u were to sell it. Well that the stupid way to do it, just take to a gunsmith they can hone/ream it out and no need to reproof as long as you dont open it beyond true cylinder. http://www.teagueprecisionchokesltd.co.uk/choke_adjustments_&_specialist_regulating.html or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7YQf6YWLaM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 You can get it reamed out as HDAV has said, my dad had it done once and it had to be sent off for reproofing, so it might depend on who does it - if it gets re-proofed it's extra time and money. You can do it by shortening the barrel (keeping it over 24" long) as utectok has said, personally I don't think this is a good method as it seems a shame to cut guns up, but it is an easy way of doing it. If I were you I'd try using it and see how you get on. If you shoot it well and put the shot in the right place, the choke doesn't really matter, if you aren't a brilliant shot you might benefit from opening it out a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpshooter.123 Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 i have a single baikal 12g and it also has full choke. i use mine for all sorts shooting bolting bunnies to the odd squirrel and pigeon and i really dont notice the choke. i do however tend to up a shot size when using it. like 28g 71/2 but dont use over 32s as its so light and kicks hard. i have a single baikal 12g and it also has full choke. i use mine for all sorts shooting bolting bunnies to the odd squirrel and pigeon and i really dont notice the choke. i do however tend to up a shot size when using it. like 28g 71/2 but dont use over 32s as its so light and kicks hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 You can get it reamed out as HDAV has said, my dad had it done once and it had to be sent off for reproofing, so it might depend on who does it - if it gets re-proofed it's extra time and money. http://www.teagueprecisionchokesltd.co.uk/choke_adjustments_&_specialist_regulating.html This process involves boring and honing out fixed choke shotguns to the required bore size. IE. From 1/2 and full to improved cylinder and 1/4. It is advisable to submit the complete shotgun, so a pattern check can be made. All gauges can be adjusted, 10 - 12 - 16 - 20 - 28 - .410 This adjustment does not require reproofing. Unless the gun is is in need of reproofing due to pitting etc reducing the constriction in the choke does not require reproof unless you open it beyond cylinder. Teague are the masters of choke but if you just want a little less any local gunsmith with a set of reamers will be able to do it. If you chop the barrel you are in with all sorts of potential issues, reproof, no bead, exposed edges etc. Often the single baikals can be picked up for £15-£20 in rough shape so finding another barrel won't be a huge issue if the worst happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 There is a choke hone on eBay at the minute for a £10 ish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 OK HDAV, obviously your right that it does not need reproofing, it doesn't remove the fact that I know someone who had to send it off, obviously for whatever reason the gunsmith or RFD who dealt with it misinformed him (or wanted to make a little extra cash?). It's good to know it isn't a requirement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Don't dispute that some have had them sent away for proofing, but for choke adjustment which is what we talking about it isnt a legal requirement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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