I'm going on my first Duck hunt

[Austrian Hunter]

Hi all,
I am invited to go on a duck hunt.  Need some help on choosing the right choke.  I have a Remington 870 and I plan on using this gun for ducks.  All I have is Turkey chokes.  Any advice on chokes and shells is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[CedarPants]

DON'T SHOOT a duck load through your turkey choke, your face will thank you for it 

[Austrian Hunter]

DON'T SHOOT a duck load through your turkey choke, your face will thank you for it 

  I was not planning on that!  But now I'm curious what would happen?   

[Goldeneye]

Since you shooting steel, use a modified or improved cylinder choke.  Steel tends to hold a tighter pattern than the old lead loads.

Shot size:  #2 or #3 is what I use.

Shell size:  Depends on what you doing.  Pass shooting, decoying, of jump shooting.  2 3/4" shells will handle a lot.  If you think you need more range go for the 3" or 3 1/2" shells.

Brands: lots of good shells out there.  Winchester, Kent, etc...  Take your pick.

[CedarPants]

DON'T SHOOT a duck load through your turkey choke, your face will thank you for it 

  I was not planning on that!  But now I'm curious what would happen?   

Think of the old Loony Tunes cartoons with Elmer Fudd covered in black gunpowder while staring at his gun with a barrel peeled back like a banana peel 

[Austrian Hunter]

Since you shooting steel, use a modified or improved cylinder choke.  Steel tends to hold a tighter pattern than the old lead loads.

Shot size:  #2 or #3 is what I use.

Shell size:  Depends on what you doing.  Pass shooting, decoying, of jump shooting.  2 3/4" shells will handle a lot.  If you think you need more range go for the 3" or 3 1/2" shells.

Brands: lots of good shells out there.  Winchester, Kent, etc...  Take your pick.

That's exactly the info I'm looking for, thanks!! 

[hdshot]

Those turkey chokes might not be rated for steel shot.  870 easy to get chokes, might want to get a mod size for steel decoy hunting.  I use a pattern master mid range but might want to get more experience first since tighter patterns.  Good luck.

[lokidog]

Don't bother with 3 1/2" shells, if you are going to hit the bird, you'll hit with 2 3/4 just as well IMHO.  I hunted ducks with my fixed FULL choke 1963 wingmaster almost all my life and have had no problems with it.  However, I might have gotten a few more close in birds with a modified one.

[Stilly bay]

when in doubt use modified. your going to get shot opportunities where you will regret having an IC choke screwed in.

Don't bother with 3 1/2" shells, if you are going to hit the bird, you'll hit with 2 3/4 just as well IMHO. 

there is a difference in performance among the different shell lengths and load combinations contained within, but probably not something a first time duck hunter should worry himself with.
buy three inch shells, better to have a little more than a little less. especially if your not going to the patterning board before  your hunt.

[WSU]

Not know exactly what you will be doing, I would get a modified choke (or the stock one your gun came with) and some kent #2s.  3 inch 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 ounce.  Either will kill the duck if you do your part.

[hntrspud]

IMHO there is also no need to shoot a 3 1/2 inch shell unless you want your shoulder to hurt for days. They are a waste. There have been many articles that show that the kinetic energy produced by a 3 inch shell is just the same as a 3.5 inch shell at 40 yards, and they dont hurt as much. Kent, winchester is all I shoot. Good price, and they put em down. Good luck, you will be hooked after your first trip, if your not, there is something wrong with you!     

[et1702]

Use IC if close shooting and Mod for a little extra distance.  Steel shoots tighter groups than lead thru the same choke.  3" is more than enough shell.  3.5" not worth the extra $$ or punishment.  Plus, not really any more effective than 3" shells.

[lokidog]

For decoying birds, I would use #4 for the first and #3s behind it.  For jump shooting, I used to use a #3 for the first shot with #2 behind. 

[Austrian Hunter]

We will hunt over decoys.  Thanks for al the suggestions.  So, a Modified choke and 3" kent #2 or #3 and I am good to go? 

[Heartsblood]

We will hunt over decoys.  Thanks for al the suggestions.  So, a Modified choke and 3" kent #2 or #3 and I am good to go? 

Yep. That'll work.
I'm not sure if yer 870 would even accept a 3 1/2" anyways?  Should say on the barrel...

Good luck! Have fun.