The Stevens 320 is a popular and versatile shotgun, prized for its reliability and affordability. But to truly maximize its performance, choosing the right choke tubes is crucial. This guide will help you understand choke constrictions, identify the best chokes for your hunting or sporting needs, and ensure you're making informed decisions when selecting choke tubes for your Stevens 320.
Understanding Shotgun Chokes and Constrictions
Before diving into specific choke recommendations, it's vital to grasp the basics of shotgun chokes. Chokes are devices inserted into the muzzle of your shotgun barrel to modify the shot pattern. They control the constriction (narrowing) of the barrel at the end, influencing the shot pattern's density and spread.
Different choke constrictions produce different results:
- Cylinder: Offers the widest shot pattern, ideal for close-range shooting like trap or very close-range hunting.
- Improved Cylinder (IC): Slightly more constriction than Cylinder, providing a slightly tighter pattern at moderate ranges.
- Modified (Mod): A good all-around choke offering a balance between pattern density and range. Suitable for various hunting situations.
- Improved Modified (IM): Tighter than Modified, providing a denser pattern at longer ranges. Excellent for hunting birds at moderate to longer distances.
- Full: The tightest choke, offering the most concentrated shot pattern at the longest range. Best suited for long-range waterfowl hunting.
Choosing the Right Chokes for Your Stevens 320
The Stevens 320 accepts interchangeable choke tubes, typically using a standard screw-in system. When selecting chokes, consider the type of game you'll be hunting and the typical shooting distances involved.
Hunting Applications:
- Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese): For long-range shots, Full chokes are commonly preferred. An Improved Modified (IM) is a good alternative for closer shots or when dealing with faster-flying birds.
- Upland Birds (Pheasants, Quail, Grouse): A Modified (Mod) or Improved Cylinder (IC) choke works well for upland birds, offering a balance of pattern density and range appropriate for the varied distances encountered while hunting these birds.
- Turkey: For turkey hunting, you'll want a tighter choke to maximize pellet density at longer ranges. A Full or Extra Full (if available) choke is generally recommended. However, the specifics may depend on the turkey's range and your confidence level.
- Deer: While not typically hunted with a shotgun at ranges where chokes significantly impact accuracy, a Cylinder or Improved Cylinder (IC) offers a wider spread, potentially increasing your chances of a clean shot at closer ranges.
Sporting Applications:
- Trap: A Cylinder or Improved Cylinder (IC) choke is standard for trap shooting, aiming for a wide, even pattern.
- Skeet: Skeet shooting often calls for a range of chokes, from Improved Cylinder (IC) to Modified (Mod), depending on the station.
- Sporting Clays: A versatile selection of chokes, such as Improved Cylinder (IC), Modified (Mod), and Improved Modified (IM), will allow you to adapt to the varying distances and target presentations in sporting clays.
Maintaining Your Stevens 320 Chokes
Proper choke maintenance is key to ensuring accuracy and longevity. After each use, clean your choke tubes thoroughly with a solvent designed for firearms and a bore brush. Store them in a safe and organized manner to prevent damage or loss.
Conclusion
Selecting the right choke tubes significantly impacts the performance of your Stevens 320 shotgun. By understanding the different choke constrictions and carefully considering your hunting or sporting needs, you can optimize your shotgun's accuracy and effectiveness. Remember always to practice safe gun handling and follow all relevant regulations.
