Choosing The Right Choke Tube For Your Remington 870
The Remington 870 is valued for its straightforward design, broad aftermarket support, and suitability for several sporting and hunting roles. Its choke tube influences how widely pellets spread, so the correct choice depends on the intended use, ammunition, and barrel configuration.
For Australian owners, selection also involves checking the firearm’s exact model, gauge, thread pattern, and state or territory requirements. A choke that fits one 870 barrel may be unsuitable for another, while ammunition approved for one choke may be inappropriate for a different construction.
Before ordering, identify the barrel markings and consult the owner’s manual or a licensed firearms dealer. The Remington firearms catalogue can help you compare compatible models and accessories, although local transfer, licensing, and dealer requirements still apply in Australia.
| Choke Type | Typical Pattern | Common Use | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder | Very open | Close-range defensive or specialised use | Limited range and pattern density |
| Improved Cylinder | Open | Slugs, close-range hunting, some field work | Check slug and ammunition compatibility |
| Modified | Medium | General field shooting and waterfowl | A versatile all-round option |
| Improved Modified | Tight | Longer-range birds and some clay targets | Requires careful ammunition matching |
| Full | Very tight | Certain long-range hunting or target applications | Avoid incompatible shot or slugs |
Understand What Choke Controls
A choke is the constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel. It affects pellet distribution after the shot leaves the barrel, rather than increasing the firearm’s basic power. Open chokes produce a broader pattern at shorter distances, while tighter chokes keep more pellets together farther away.
The most familiar ratings are Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. Some aftermarket manufacturers also offer Skeet, Light Modified, Extra Full, or specialised turkey chokes. These names describe approximate constriction, but actual performance varies with barrel length, shot size, wad design, velocity, and the particular ammunition.
The right pattern is the one that provides adequate coverage for the intended activity without creating an unnecessarily dense or narrow spread. A tighter choke is not automatically better; excessive constriction can make a moving target harder to hit cleanly.
Match The Choke To The Activity
For close-range field use, upland birds, or clay disciplines involving relatively near targets, Cylinder or Improved Cylinder may be suitable. Their wider pattern can make it easier to cover a moving target, particularly when the distance changes quickly. Skeet-style shooting often favours an open choke, depending on the course and ammunition.
Modified is commonly chosen as a practical middle ground. It can suit general field shooting, some sporting clays, and situations where distances are variable. For waterfowl or other longer-range applications, Improved Modified or Full may be considered, but the choice must reflect local regulations and the shot material being used.
Australian hunters may travel from Melbourne or Sydney to regional properties, or from Brisbane toward Queensland hunting areas, where conditions and game species differ substantially. A choke selected for close scrub work may not provide the same result across an open paddock, so purpose and realistic distance matter more than chasing the tightest possible pattern.
Check Your 870’s Exact Compatibility
The Remington 870 has been produced in numerous gauges, barrel lengths, and configurations. A 12-gauge choke tube is not suitable for a 20-gauge barrel, and a fixed-choke barrel does not accept interchangeable tubes unless it has been professionally modified. Some 870 barrels use Rem Choke threading, while older or specialised versions may differ.
Read the markings on the barrel and compare them with the manufacturer’s specifications. Do not rely on the appearance of a tube or assume that all Remington-branded parts share the same dimensions. The tube should screw in smoothly with the correct wrench and sit properly within the muzzle; forced fitting can damage the barrel or choke.
If the barrel is fixed choke, a gunsmith can explain whether modification is appropriate. For an Australian owner, using a licensed dealer or qualified gunsmith is especially sensible when importing accessories, dealing with older firearms, or confirming that a part meets state or territory rules.
Consider Shot Material And Ammunition
A choke tube must be matched with the ammunition it is designed to handle. Traditional lead shot is widely associated with standard shotgun use, but Australian hunting areas can have restrictions on lead ammunition, particularly around wetlands and waterways. Steel, bismuth, and other non-toxic loads behave differently and may require a more open choke.
Many modern tubes carry markings that indicate whether steel shot is permitted and what degree of constriction is acceptable. Steel is harder than lead and does not compress in the same way, so a Full choke that is suitable for lead may be unsuitable for certain steel loads. The ammunition box, choke manufacturer, and 870 manual should all be checked before use.
Slugs require separate attention. Only use a slug type and choke combination that the barrel and choke manufacturer approve. Never assume that a rifled slug, sabot slug, or standard birdshot load is interchangeable for every 870 configuration.
Pattern Testing Makes The Choice Practical
Choke labels provide a starting point, not a guarantee. Two 870s with the same nominal choke can produce different patterns because of barrel condition, ammunition, wad design, and manufacturing tolerances. Pattern testing at an approved range can show whether the selected combination distributes pellets evenly at the distances relevant to the activity.
Use a safe, lawful range with an appropriate backstop and follow its rules. The firearm should be handled as unloaded until the range procedure requires otherwise, and eye and hearing protection should be worn. A dealer, range officer, or experienced coach can help assess whether the pattern is balanced and whether there are excessive gaps.
Keep notes on the gauge, cartridge load, choke, distance, and results. This creates a useful reference when changing brands or moving between hunting conditions. In Australia, local range availability can vary, so plan testing through a club or licensed facility rather than improvising on private land.
Maintain And Inspect The Choke Tube
A choke tube should be removed and inspected periodically, particularly after regular shooting. Powder residue, fouling, and moisture can collect around the threads. Clean and lightly lubricate the threads with a product intended for firearm choke tubes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Before each session, confirm that the tube is properly seated and that the muzzle area is free from visible damage. A loose choke can affect accuracy and may damage the barrel. Avoid using pliers or improvised tools, since they can deform the tube and make later removal difficult.
Storage matters in Australia’s varied climate, from humid coastal areas such as Sydney and Brisbane to drier inland regions. Keep the shotgun and spare tubes secure, dry, and compliant with the storage requirements applying in your state or territory. Firearms must be stored according to local law, with access restricted to authorised people.
Buy And Confirm Through Proper Channels
When purchasing a choke tube, provide the seller with the 870’s gauge, barrel markings, model details, and intended ammunition. Ask whether the product is compatible with lead, steel, bismuth, or slug loads. A reputable dealer should be able to explain fitment limits rather than treating a generic “12-gauge” description as sufficient.
Australian buyers should also distinguish between ordinary accessories and regulated firearm transactions. A choke tube may be treated differently from a complete firearm, but importation, delivery, and dealer procedures can still involve federal and state requirements. Confirm the position with the relevant authority or a licensed firearms dealer before ordering internationally.
For complete firearms or regulated transfers, review the seller’s process and provide accurate dealer details. The shipping guidance explains the information commonly required when arranging shipment to a chosen firearms dealer, while Australian customers must follow their own local transfer rules.
Make Your Selection With Confidence
Start with the activity, then confirm the gauge, barrel type, choke threading, and ammunition compatibility. For many general-purpose 870 users, Improved Cylinder or Modified is a sensible starting point, but local conditions and pattern testing should determine the final choice.
Speak with a licensed Australian dealer or qualified gunsmith before fitting an unfamiliar tube, especially if the shotgun is an older model or will be used with non-toxic shot. Choose a properly matched choke, keep the documentation with your firearm records, and purchase through a compliant retailer that can verify compatibility and delivery requirements.