Originally Posted By: SxS Only
Originally Posted By: Jose Fernandez
Gentlemen:

I was reading your opinions about to open or not open fixed chokes in a good quality shotgun.
Some time ago I read in this forum that shotguns were made with full chokes in both barrels so the owner could open them whatever his needs.
I have a Merkel model 124 made in the 1920´s that have 0.040" chokes in both barrels. I do not touch the shotgun chokes because you said to me that is a valuable piece, but I really want to know if the "theory" that those shotguns were made with full chokes on purpose so the owner open them as he wish.
If that theory is true, then to open the chokes in a valuabe old shotgun does not decrease their value a bit.

I hope someone could afirm or reject the "full choke on purpose" theory with some documentation.

Best,


Jose,

Full chokes were NOT made in shotguns for the current owner to open as he chooses. Opening any choke will lessen the value, sometimes considerable depending how rare and old the particular SxS. I have sold many collector SxSs and usually the first question my customers ask me of the shotgun is "have the chokes been opened?" If you don't like the chokes in your shotgun buy another shotgun with factory open chokes to your liking or try spreader loads. Most of us will not own any one shotgun until "death do us part", so don't devalue a collector for your temporary needs. One example was just listed on the "sale" page of this forum. Another collector Parker Reproduction bites the dust. Many of the people that visit this forum at one time or another, when buying a collector will or have rejected it because it's originality has been messed with. Leave what's left of the good unmolested guns alone. If anyone is fanatical about "chokes" buy a screw-in choke model SxS,O/U,pump or auto.
Amen and Amen to that- I would pass on any double with shortened barrels or thin muzzles or tool marks in the muzzle areas- no matter how good the "deal" ot the other features- as a famous gunner now gone once said- "A gun is to shoot"- if you are a grouse or quail hunter - get open chokes and use smaller size shot- if you are a serious waterfowler- get a 30" full for pass shooting (my first love) or mod. for birds over decoys-- I have two 12 gauge M12's- both 30" Full unaltered- that I use for waterfowls- one a std. Field grade 2.75" chambers mfg 1937- one a Heavy Duck 3" chambers made in 1949- I have shot Federal and Remington steel loads through them for 20 plus years- NO bulging, or any change in the barrel(s) and when I do my part right- the birds drop stone cold dead-

I would NOT open the chokes on that beautiful Merkel 12 bore- just shoot spreader loads- and enjoy the fine "Kraut Kraftsmanship"--

"The field is the touchstone of the man"..