Winchester Choke Tubes

[dmwz71]

I just acquired a Winchester Ranger 1400 semi-auto 12 gauge. It has one choke tube installed, I don't know, but I think it is a modified choke. That's all I got, a shotgun. No manual, no extra tubes, no tool with which to change the tubes if I had them. Questions: Where, if anywhere, can I obtain a set of choke tubes? How do I take out the choke tube installed in the barrel and how do I determine what choke tube it is, are they identified in some way? If I am unable to find Winchester Ranger 1400 choke tubes, are there any other brand/type choke tubes that would work in my shotgun? What choke would be a good choice for an extreme novice dove hunter. (I've been one time, about 35 years ago.)

I am sorry if I sound totally ignorant about this, but, in reality, I am. I could use some help and some advice. Thanks in advance for either one. I would greatly appreciate some sound advice!!

 

[Dawico]

For a beginner, unless it is a skeet or full choke, it should work. Shoot it and see how it patterns. Don't be discouraged, Dove are very hard to hit. Have fun.

I don't have the measurements for choke restriction handy. I also don't know much about your gun. Cabelas, Academy, or Bass Pro usually carry choke tubes for most guns but no guarantees there. If nothing else look online.

 

[M. Sage]

You can get a manual from Winchester, free for the asking. Or you can download it here: http://media.winchesterguns.com/pdf/om/model1400_om_s.pdf

 

[40Arpent]

Choke tubes are typically marked with notches on the edge of the tube. The number of notches denotes the choke. Google it. In a pinch, and if the tube isn't over-tightened, you can probably use a quarter (coin) to remove it.

 

[40Arpent]

Choke tubes are typically marked with notches on the edge of the tube. The number of notches denotes the choke.

Now that I have a little more time:

1 notch = Full
2 notches = Improved Modified
3 notches = Modified
4 notches = Improved Cylinder
5 notches = Cylinder

And I can't recall if Skeet has 6 notches, or no notches at all.

Oh, and I'd recommend either Modified or IC for dove hunting.

 

[M. Sage]

That's how the Invector chokes are marked, anyway. Is that true of the older system Winchester used?

 

[40Arpent]

Not sure, Sage, to be honest.

 

[dmwz71]

TXSUT and SAGE......you have NO idea how grateful I am for your information and advice. Come to find out, the choke tube in my shotgun is a modified choke; I know that 'cause that what is stamped on it. However, there are no notches on the choke tube, it looks like one would have to remove it with something like a crescent wrench, but I am sure there is a tool for removing and installing the tubes. Since it is a modified choke, and all I plan on doing with it for the immediate future is dove hunt, I am not too concerned about it for the present. Sage, I used the link you provided and printed up an owner's manual, and I plan on calling Winchester soon to see if they can/will tell me how old the gun is. I checked Cabela's website and they have several choke tubes listed as fitting my shotgun, but I will investigate it a bit further to see if they will actually work on my gun. Once again, thank you so much for your input, and please continue to provide advice and information as you see fit; it WILL be appreciated!!

Dennis

 

[M. Sage]

Sounds like it has an extended choke installed if you can read it without removing it. Can you post a pic? I'm curious now.

 

[40Arpent]

Since it is a modified choke, and all I plan on doing with it for the immediate future is dove hunt

Cool! Try to get a round of sporting clays in before the season starts if you can....you'll bring more birds home!

 

[Flashcb]

there is a small spanner wrench you can use to change the chokes. I will try to post a picture when I get in tonight.

 

[Flashcb]

Sorry, I am a little slow

 

[Flashcb]

 

[Dawico]

I have never seen a choke tube like that before. Am I seeing Imp. Cyl. as in Improved Cylinder? I know you said modified before but that seems incorrect. Either one will work for Dove huntimg though.

 

[TXARGUY]

View attachment 14985

I believe that's an adjustable "Poly-Choke". Was something that Winchester tried back in the '70s. I have one on a 1200.

 

[M. Sage]

Yeah, it looks like a poly choke.

 

[dmwz71]

View attachment 14985

That picture was not from me, but from Flashcb...Thanks Flash!!! However, it looks very similar to mine with the exception that mine does say modified.
Here is a picture of mine:


Also, there are three marks, like colons ( on either side of "MOD", and two small holes opposite one another on the rough portion of the tube. I apologize for the picture, but I could not get my camera to focus when I got any closer to the gun. I will try to post a better picture when I get some help later today.

Dennis

 

[M. Sage]

Nah, now I see it. It looks like it's a regular-ish screw in choke.

 

[40Arpent]

I believe that's an adjustable "Poly-Choke". Was something that Winchester tried back in the '70s. I have one on a 1200.

I'm not sure what you have on your shotgun but that's not a Poly-Choke in the picture posted. I wasn't aware that any mfr's ever sold their shotguns from the factory with P-C's installed...do you know that yours came that way from Winchester? I have a P-C on one of my Browning Auto-5's, installed by a gunsmith in the early 60's.

 

[phatcyclist]

Winchester shares the same choke dimensions as Mossberg Accu Chokes. You should be able to walk into Walmart or Academy and pick one up.

This site has some information about interchangeability.
Winchester Choke Tubes - ChokeTube.com - Carlson's Choke Tubes, LLC