Changing fixed chokes to Teague

[gdunc]

Thinking of purchasing a new shotgun this season which will be a game spec. to shave a few hundered grams off the weight in comparison to my 682.

 

A friend had a EELL sporter which I quite liked but was a bit heavy (like my 682) for walked up days and i'm not an experienced enough shot to get by with a 20g so thought about a EELL game. However, i'm a bit concerned at the idea of fixed chokes as my shooting ranges from skeet to driven pheasant and would prefer to be able to change chokes.

 

What would be involved in getting somthing like a EELL (probably with 1/4 & 1/2) modified to Teague multichokes - ie. how long would it take, can any decent gunsmith do it and how much would it cost?

 

Cheers

[garyb]

There isn't a single target, be it clay or game you can't hit with 1/4 & 1/2 fixed choke.

 

If your willing to spend that amount on a Beretta, I'd leave it be

[MC]

I agree with GaryB,

 

Teagues can be fitted if there is enough meat in the barrels, However it it quite expensive to have done.

 

I would consider what you will be doing the most of, because if it is clays then a heavier gun will be better than a light one recoil wise. If you are doing more walked up rough shooting than clays then you may benefit from a lighter gun.

 

Google teague chokes and take a look at their website.

 

1/4 and 1/2 is about perfect for anything.

[gdunc]

I hear you both on leaving it as is - I just wondered if it was worth looking into.

 

Martin, it's mostly game shooting I do hence my search for a lighter gun. My 682 is great and if I shot clays more it wouldn't be going anywhere - but I am looking for a lighter gun for walked up etc. and only really want one shotgun in the cabinet.

[garyb]

I recently parted with my 682 as I wasn't using it since I got the SP3 20g... with fixed choke

 

Using the 682 for game and rough shooting became a right pain, it was just far too heavy & too long to use.

[gdunc]

That's where i'm at just now Gary - finding the 682 too cumbersome and looking to go a bit lighter. I'd like a 20g but don't think i'd shoot well with one - feel I need a few more seasons with a 12g first.

 

I guess i'm a little concerned that i'll turn closer range birds into feather clouds with 1/4 and 1/2 choke?

 

I think i'd like one gun which will cover me for everything for the forseable future which is mostly game with a little clays for fun. Since the Beretta seems to fit me well I thought i'd stick down that road.

Edited August 22, 2008 by gdunc

[Gully]

You can get EELL game guns with multichokes. They're a little heavier than the fixed chokes but not as bad as the sporter. I think they're around 7+1/4 lbs for 12b with 28" barrels.

[garyb]

I'd like a 20g but don't think i'd shoot well with one - feel I need a few more seasons with a 12g first.

 

 

Can I ask what makes you think that?

 

If 1/4 & 1/2 choke were a problem for closer range birds, I doubt the likes of Beretta would continue to offer their game guns in this configuration?

[gdunc]

Gary - my concerns with the choke and the gauge are based on my relative inexperience. I'm not a great shot and the tighter / smaller pattern of a 20 is a bit difficult for me to hit targets well. More lead through a more open choke seems to work reasonably well for me.

 

I've tried a fixed choke (1/4 & 1/2) 20g SP and didn't hit too much!

[Cushat]

http://www.teagueprecisionchokesltd.co.uk/

[garyb]

Ahhh you see.. Choke gives you inches, but you miss in feet

[clayman]

Chances are that it will cost more to have your existing barrels threaded and buy a full set of chokes, than it would to get another barrel set with Mobil chokes as std. As Teaque makes chokes compatible with Mobil threads, you could just buy change-overs later of you wanted to, but probability is that the Mobil chokes just as good - after all, Beretta have thrown just a wee bit of time and money into product research and quality control! There is also Briley to consider if you think after market chokes will give an edge.

 

Also, why do you think your 20g throws a smaller pattern?

 

Patterning is defined by the no of pellets in a given circle and a given range, so, say, 1/4 choke on a 10g / 12g / 20g, 28g and a 410 all throw IDENTICAL pellet density on the pattern plate given the same load. There is a slight differential on the length of shot string across the gauges ( the bigger the gauge or more open the choke the longer the string, it is NOT the hose pipe effect of lengthening the string with smaller barrels/tighter choke, its the opposite) , but the actual pattern size is the same by definition.

 

Maybe money invested in good coaching will have a much better effect than spending money on equipment?

[gdunc]

Maybe money invested in good coaching will have a much better effect than spending money on equipment?

 

I've had some coaching and my fundamentals are fine - it's experience I lack. In order to gain more experience i'm looking for a more suitable gun for my requirements than the one I have at the moment which I find cumbersome to walk around with.

 

My perceived difficulties with the 20g may well be only psychological but either way I'm looking to build confidence while i'm shooting rather than feel (rightly or wrongly) that my equipment is not suited to me.

 

I had it in mind that I would need multi chokes but am coming round to the idea of a fixed choked gun but would like to stick with 12g. I'll stick to what I know so far and save any endeavours with a 20g for the future after I've shot a bit more.

 

I do fancy a nice looking gun though and as my current Beretta fits me well I thought about the EELL and hence my post.

 

Thanks for the advice chaps, i've got a few options to think about

[tweedledee]

i always found fixed chokes to throw better patterns.i for one thing would nt spend the money getting it choked. as said before the choking you have is perfectly adequate.