best shotgun barrel type, sight, and choke for 3 gun

Dux-R-Us · Jan 27, 2013

This probably has been covered in this forum, although I could not find a complete answer.

What type of barrel and choke is most suited for 3 gun? I have not shot 3 gun yet, or know if I will pick up the sport in full earnest.

I have an 870 Wingmaster with a 28" vented rib modified choke. I have read some posts pooing this shotgun, but buying anohter gun is not an option. A new barrel purchase IS an option however.

I also have a Browning Auto - 5 Magnum with 28" vent rib barrel and invector chokes, plus a 24" IC slug barrel with adjustable sights.

Is a simple bead the best overall choice of shot gun sight?

What is the best recommendation in my case?

Thanks

Kevin

P.E. Kelley · Jan 27, 2013

If you are just going to test the waters as it were, I'd run the A-5 with the 24" bbl. Nordic makes a mag extension.

I ran one for several years.

brandt9913 · Jan 27, 2013

Light Modified is the choke most people run.

greatlakes08 · Jan 27, 2013

Does anyone recommend briley chokes?

Spiff · Jan 27, 2013

Everyone recommends Briley chokes.

Wall · Jan 27, 2013

Briley is the only choke

P.E. Kelley · Jan 27, 2013

Nopeâ€¦Carlson's Choke Tubesâ€¦.you guys go flash and i'll save some cash.

jtischauser · Jan 30, 2013

Get a mag tube for both guns and see which one you like best for a game gun.

Freedom Shooter · Feb 12, 2013

Support Make ready pro shop i bought his stuff great price fast service and he will order what you want if you dont see it, plus you get to deal with tony!!!! :good:

runawaygun762 · Oct 22, 2014

To revive this thread rather than starting a new one, I have a dumb question. For the Area 3 match coming up, I am going to assume most of the shotgun work will be square knockovers, poppers, and some pigeon flippers, probably all within the 15-25 yard range. I'm running the Versa Max 22", right now with the Imp Cyl choke tube that came with it. Based on those types of targets, would a light mod be a better choice to give me a bit more forgiveness, or is the spread difference between the two at that type of distance insignificant?

Bob Sanders · Oct 23, 2014

The only real way to answer that is for you to pattern both chokes with the loads you intend to use. I'm still fairly new to 3gun, but LM is my go to choke and I only go more open for close knock overs. The trap and skeet guys use chokes tighter than you think, so the real answer is just knowing and practicing with what you have and think is best after you pattern each. Probably not what you're looking for, but it's how I do it.

jtischauser · Oct 23, 2014

25 yards is a long shotgun shot. Past about 17 yards I run LM generally speaking.

Like Bob said you really need to get out and shoot the various targets you expect to encounter at different distances and pattern your shotgun to really know whats up. Or just over choke and aim hard all the time.

runawaygun762 · Oct 23, 2014

Jesse Tischauser said:
25 yards is a long shotgun shot. Past about 17 yards I run LM generally speaking.

Like Bob said you really need to get out and shoot the various targets you expect to encounter at different distances and pattern your shotgun to really know whats up. Or just over choke and aim hard all the time.

"...aim hard" Aim. Aim. I'm not familiar with this concept, but it sounds interesting. Must be something professionals do.

Bob Sanders · Oct 23, 2014

David Marlow said:
"...aim hard" Aim. Aim. I'm not familiar with this concept, but it sounds interesting. Must be something professionals do.

Pulling the trigger harder works too...

Spiff · Oct 23, 2014

Get a light mod and a full and you'll be prepared for anything. A diffusion is nice to have for close hoser steel and clays, but not required.

runawaygun762 · Oct 23, 2014

Bob Sanders said:
Pulling the trigger harder works too...

Oh I do that already. I've already crushed three overtravel screws on my Glock. Then again, they were just chewing gum wrappers I jammed between the trigger and frame.

Wild Bill1 · Oct 24, 2014

David Marlow said:
Oh I do that already. I've already crushed three overtravel screws on my Glock. Then again, they were just chewing gum wrappers I jammed between the trigger and frame.

Watch out pal, I've got that patented!!! I'm nearing production!!!!

runawaygun762 · Oct 24, 2014

Wild Bill said:
Watch out pal, I've got that patented!!! I'm nearing production!!!

Maybe so, but I'm claiming Fair Use Act. I know Fair Use only applies to non-profit use of intellectual properties and not actual devices, but much like the airplane and box magazine-fed pump shotgun, I believe I invented the gum wrapper overtravel screw regardless of how many years it has been out before I announced it. Besides, patents don't mean anything when I already made a tiny David Marlow flag and planted it in the pack of Big Red.

I don't think it's a coincidence that my initials are "Delta" and "Mike". I hear them all the time at pistol matches. SQUIRRELL!!!

LoganbillJ · Oct 24, 2014

David, you may want a heavier choke. The guys at the COPS range like the heavy US Poppers. If your choke is really light you will be waiting forever for it to fall. Pick up a Mod or IM and you will be good to go. Never hurts to have more options. Pay attention to your squad mates and what they are running. Watching how their targets fall will help you determine what you need to run.

runawaygun762 · Oct 24, 2014

You're right about that. All I have right now is Imp Cyl that came with the gun or EF turkey choke, and I suspect that might be a bit too tight. Just a bit. I was going to buy an IM choke, but Bass Pro was sold out at the time. I'll end up getting one for your matches when they start up again, as you folks love your square knockovers. Slowly but surely, my gear bag is turning into multiple gear bags. I love it.