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4 members (KDGJ, Jeremy Pearce, 2 invisible),
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Forums10
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Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 52 Likes: 3
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 52 Likes: 3 |
Had chokes opened on 2 LC Smiths and Fox SW all in 16 ga by M Orlen and Dean Evans. Orlen does good work and Dean does Great job (my preference). Both are very reasonable with price.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1 |
So, imagine you came into possession of a very nice old shotgun. In this case a high condition, top-level model British BSA shotgun with factory 2-3/4 chambers (engraved, ejector model). The gun is factory choked open on the right and a tight full on the left.
How big of a sin is it to have a qualified professional open the tight barrel to a choke constriction more appropriate for the owner's use (say light-mod or mod)? Does this ruin the value of the gun forever? Is it better to maintain originality, knowing the gun will likely collect dust in the back of the safe or adopt the gun to modern shells and uses and give the old gal a new lease on life?
BTW, I've had chokes opened on a number of guns in the past. This one just seems a bit more sacred somehow. Should some guns simply not be altered? (ETA: If it makes any difference, the barrel is marked simply "CHOKE".) To my thinking on old English doubles it hurts in two instances were guns are in very nice original condition. Long range fowler or trap/pigeon guns. There won't be many takers for those if barrels are lightly choked.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,742 Likes: 496
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,742 Likes: 496 |
I just picked up a 32" Ithaca with F and F chokes. Now I have to figure out your question for myself. I don't need a gun choked that tightly but it is too nice to make into a shooter by altering the chokes. So I am going to try PC spreader post wads to see if I can get a more useful combinations of chokes. If I can just get a Mod and Full combination I would be extremely happy but even IM would help. It might be the perfect 30-50 yard Dove gun. Might get to try it out on late season birds in a few weeks.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,100 Likes: 339
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,100 Likes: 339 |
Don't know the part of the country you're in but if it's west of the big river I'd suggest Dean Harris of Skeet's Gun Shop in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He is exclusively barrel work and choke opening is precise and perfect. Best in the business. JR
Be strong, be of good courage.
God bless America, long live the Republic.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,772 Likes: 758
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,772 Likes: 758 |
I'd still leave it be...
Best,
Ted
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 308
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 308 |
How about this for a guideline on "opening chokes" :
If you could easily sell the shotgun tomorrow for at least $3k, leave it alone...otherwise, open it if you want to use it.
gold40
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,025 Likes: 51
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,025 Likes: 51 |
Like many things about doubleguns, many of us are quite passionate, and that is probably a good thing.
It is your gun, your property and I strongly believe in property rights. Do what you think best and enjoy the gun as you want.
Understand the collector vs shooter trade offs and make the call.
Michael Dittamo
Topeka, KS
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,184 Likes: 1162
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,184 Likes: 1162 |
How about this for a guideline on "opening chokes" :
If you could easily sell the shotgun tomorrow for at least $3k, leave it alone...otherwise, open it if you want to use it.
gold40
Probably need more caveats than price. I bought a lightly used Perazzi MX 8 trap gun about 10 years ago. It was choked F and F. I did not want to screw choke it, as I had another like it with thin wall Brileys. I had the chokes opened to .020" and 020". It is my go to sporting clays gun when I want to shoot the best score I possibly can. Point? It was easily worth over $3K. I would tend towards rarity as being a greater consideration than price. Another example. I have a couple Iver Johnson Special Trap single barrel trap guns. They will not bring over $500 each on a good day. I paid way less than that for them. They are both choked around .040". I wouldn't open their chokes for anything. SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 177
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 177 |
Should there be some consideration for the fact that modern, plastic wad shells shoot differently than old paper/fiber wad shells? If the newer ammunition inherently produces tighter patterns isn't it reasonable to modify the older guns to accommodate that change? Or would the purist say that only period-correct ammunition should be used in a vintage gun?
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,100 Likes: 339
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,100 Likes: 339 |
It's a dang BSA guys. Nobody cares if the chokes are opened.
JR
Be strong, be of good courage.
God bless America, long live the Republic.
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