As redundant as this question might seem, what chokes should I use with a 28" barreled 12ga over under. The hunt will take place in the Central Valley of California near Madera. Thanks! John
Chokes for dove...
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Loyac
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I have pretty much tried them all and it seems like I always end up going back to a modified.
I will have a improved cylinder handy though in case most all the shots start to end up being really close shots.
If you really want to have some fun shooting doves; go get a 28ga.!!!!
I will have a improved cylinder handy though in case most all the shots start to end up being really close shots.
If you really want to have some fun shooting doves; go get a 28ga.!!!!
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4,824 Posts
John, Choke is a function of range. Nothing more and nothing less. The birds and your spot will determine which choke will be needed. If you do not own a gun that has choke tubes, I would invest in one. This way you can have all the chokes you need in your pocket and let the day determine which choke you will need.
I have killed doves with a skeet choked 410 with 1/2oz of 9's up to a SX-1 with a custom full choke and Remington Nitro 27 7 1/2's. Just depends on the day and the conditions.
Private ground,unmolested birds, and on opening day should be able to be shot with just about anything as long as it's modified or more open but that is just one scenario! If they start seeing you or get the wind up their asses or any number of other factors you may need more choke and more shell. Good luck! Jeff
I have killed doves with a skeet choked 410 with 1/2oz of 9's up to a SX-1 with a custom full choke and Remington Nitro 27 7 1/2's. Just depends on the day and the conditions.
Private ground,unmolested birds, and on opening day should be able to be shot with just about anything as long as it's modified or more open but that is just one scenario! If they start seeing you or get the wind up their asses or any number of other factors you may need more choke and more shell. Good luck! Jeff
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2,515 Posts
SuperXJeff is right; it all depends on how far away they are flying. My "go-to" choke down here in the South is usually Improved Cylinder, although there are times I wished I had Modified. Early in the season, I have used Skeet with great success. Again, it's all about how far..... Mike
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1,356 Posts
Improved cylinder or light modified if hunting over a Mojo Decoy and the birds are responding to it. Modified for all else. Use quality target loads. Been hunting them for 50 years.
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3,498 Posts
7 1/2s, trap 1 1/8, modified, has you covered for most all shots. Plenty of lead and a flat shooting gun......FUN......m
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1,356 Posts
And shot size depends on whether you are hunting Whitewings and/or Mourning doves. When I hunted where there were only Mourning doves I generally used 8's. Now that I hunt where both species + Eurasions are present I use 7 1/2's.
I started shooting doves in the late 50's. There have been many improvements in shells over that period of time. When I started modified was the best choke; the boys from 40's and 50's were still shooting fulls. I think they were taking it a step too far even then.
When shot collars came along, I think. you could come down one choke, and I was a pretty, fair, dove shot. We shot at least 2 days a week.
Modified is still a good choke, but Imp. Cyl. will get me a better percentage today. It will kill doves out to 50 yards and leads get too hard to figure after that. We did not use premium shells, couldn't afford them, but the cheapo "dove loads" I had to finish off MANY more birds when shooting 8's than I did with 7 1/2's.
Ron Ireland, Memphis, TN
When shot collars came along, I think. you could come down one choke, and I was a pretty, fair, dove shot. We shot at least 2 days a week.
Modified is still a good choke, but Imp. Cyl. will get me a better percentage today. It will kill doves out to 50 yards and leads get too hard to figure after that. We did not use premium shells, couldn't afford them, but the cheapo "dove loads" I had to finish off MANY more birds when shooting 8's than I did with 7 1/2's.
Ron Ireland, Memphis, TN
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3,523 Posts
Just get a tru glo adjustable choke I use one in my beretta auto a joy twist and go in a instant.
Buddy
Buddy
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2,126 Posts
Best Dove season I ever had I shot my 1100 20ga 26" fixed choke I/C using Remington 1 oz. 7 1/2`s...
Sportalluring
Sportalluring
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1,172 Posts
All the above is misinformation! ....There is no correct choke for doves! Whichever choke tube you have in at the time will be the wrong one! Always! (Ha!) Martinpicker
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112 Posts
Full, Helpfull when picking a bird off before it crosses in front of your buddy.
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967 Posts
Full works. It hits 'em real hard at 20, pretty hard at 40 and hard enough at 60. It's the hit'n part that's the problem. They don't take much killing.
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