What Kind of Choke does my 1100 have?

[blackdog_507]

I have recently inherrited a fixed choke barrel Rem 1100 from my grandpa. I've had the tape measure out and I believe the barrell to be a 26". My grandpa was not a hunter, he says he bought it for self defense. He tells me he's never fired it, and he bought it new, but he's old now and sometimes a little confused. He can't recall any details about the gun. Its a pretty nice looking gun, and in good shape, but how can I tell what kind of choke it has??? Thanks!

[coldshot]

it should be stamped on the side of the barrel close to the receiver.

[dalecooper51]

It should be marked on the side opposite the ejection port close to where the barrel meets the receiver. I would think that an 1100 with a 26" barrel probably has an improved cylinder, but that would just be a guess. See if its marked.

cyl = cylinder bore
IC = Improved Cylinder
Mod = Modified Choke
Full = Full choke

The 1100 is a great gun, have fun shooting it.

[blackdog_507]

Sure enough, I just checked it out and it an improved cyclinder. Thanks!

[T. O'Heir]

IC is dandy for slugs and upland birds. Other barrels are relatively easy to get too.

[zippy13]

^IC is dandy for slugs and upland birds. Other barrels are relatively easy to get too.
It will work for Skeet, too. :)

[blackdog_507]

Well, that's probably all I would ever use it for, skeet, dove, and slugs. What would Modified and full be used for? Turkey? Waterfowl?

[zippy13]

You misunderstand the purpose of chokes. They are used to control the spread of the shot pattern. By constricting the shot at the muzzle a choke makes the pattern tighter and increases its effective range. An imp cyl choke provides provides minimal constriction.
The suitability of the target is controlled by the size of the individual pellets. Large pellets for large animals (buck shot for deer) to small pellets (fine bird shot for smaller birds and clay targets).
Beyond pellet size, other variable factors are the amount shot in a shell (weight), the amount of powder (light, standard or heavy) changes the shot velocity, and the material the shot is made from (lead or non-toxic). Being a proficient shot-gunner not only means being able to hit a moving target, you must have the experience to select the proper choke and shell combination for the potential target situation.
Many consider the imp cyl choke a great compromise because it's well suited for slugs and shot. Your choke is good for everything from defense and deer with slugs or heavy shot and, at close range, to smaller animals to birds and targets with the appropriate shot loads.

[hogdogs]

How old is it? It may be worth never firing it and putting it away as an unfired family heirloom. I don't them much at all just a thought. All the heirlooms I had my hands or eyes on were well used so continuing to use them was in the spirit of the passed...
Brent