Fixed vs Interchangeable Chokes

m2244 · Post by **m2244** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 1:07 pm

Some people still like the fixed chokes due to the reduced weight and balance. I am looking into buying a Beretta O/U 20g, 26 inch barrel.

Any thoughts?

rinker · Post by **rinker** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 1:37 pm

I can't imagine buying a modern gun without tubes. I think you would be hard pressed to feel the weight difference in identical guns, one with and one without tubes.

Brazosvalleyvizslas · Post by **Brazosvalleyvizslas** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 1:39 pm

There are no benefits for having fixed chokes over screw ins. The material removed from the barrel off sets the weight of the choke tube but the flexibility of the screw ins more than makes up for any perceived feel.

m2244 · Post by **m2244** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 1:43 pm

Brazosvalleyvizslas wrote:There are no benefits for having fixed chokes over screw ins. The material removed from the barrel off sets the weight of the choke tube but the flexibility of the screw ins more than makes up for any perceived feel.

That was my thought coming in, just needed some more experienced opinions.

RayGubernat · Post by **RayGubernat** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 2:38 pm

If you find a gun choked the way you like, it makes no difference, other than aesthetics.

I bought an A-5 nearly forty years ago and ordered it with a short barrel and an IC choke. Never really had the need or desire for any other choke. Killed pheasants, quail, chuckar, rabbit, deer, fox and a skunk with it.

About 20 years ago I bought a Citori with interchangeable chokes. Kinda wanted an O/U, so I went that way. When going afield, I find I use SK/IC almost exclusively. If I change out anything, I change for quail to Cyl/SK or Cyl/IC.

For skeet practice, I generally use SK/SK. I do not do trap myself. The rest of the choke tubes are virtually brand new and the full choke is indeed brand new.

RayG

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 3:32 pm

The advantage of fixed is simplicity.
Unless one wishes to turkey--trap---duck---upland---zombie, choke tubes are just one more thing to clean.
I have one tubed gun left for steel use and multi-backup hunting....I dislike them.
If you want to fit in someplace tho or have a need to ever resell then tubes will be a plus.
Otherwise, choke tubes are much ado about little.

DonF · Post by **DonF** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 5:38 pm

I'll take fixed every time. I would hate to think the little woman might balk at a new gun because you already have all the chokes you need. Not only that but the bulge in the muzzle is ugly. How many guy's actually do change them out at times?

nikegundog · Post by **nikegundog** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 5:44 pm

DonF wrote:I'll take fixed every time. I would hate to think the little woman might balk at a new gun because you already have all the chokes you need. Not only that but the bulge in the muzzle is ugly. How many guy's actually do change them out at times?

Multiple time a season I change mine out, early season pheasants flushing at 20 yards vs late season at 40 sometimes with 30 mile an hour winds, ducks/geese/pheasants etc., don't have a bulge in any one of my barrels.

brad27 · Post by **brad27** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 6:37 pm

I've been shooting the same SxS 20g for the last 23 years. It is a fixed mod/full. Works fine for me.

ACooper · Post by **ACooper** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 7:08 pm

I change chokes on the same day! Ducks to quail/phez.

northern cajun · Post by **northern cajun** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 7:15 pm

ACooper wrote:I change chokes on the same day! Ducks to quail/phez.

Exactly.

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