Top 3 Waterfowl Choke Tubes for Remington 870

↬ The Remington 870 is a popular shotgun for hunting both ducks and geese, and with the right choke tube, it can deliver consistent patterns with non-toxic shot. The 870‘s versatility allows it to function in even the most challenging environments, but it needs the right choke tube to function effectively.

The Patternmaster Code Black and Carlson’s Cremator are two of the best choke tubes for the Remington 870. They can deliver results of over 80% pellets inside a 30-inch circle at over 40 yards with the right ammo. Their ported design helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump, making follow up shots quicker and more accurate.

In this guide, we’ll discuss in more detail why you should consider these chokes, the features behind them, and what to expect at certain hunting distances. And remember, always pattern your shotgun to see how it performs with the ammo you plan on hunting with so adjustments can be made prior to using it in the field.

Best Choke Tubes for the Remington 870

These are the three choke tubes for the Remington 870 and 870 Super Mag that you should consider that can produce more consistent and dense patterns downrange. Remington 870 shotguns are compatible with the REM choke style choke system.

1) Carlson’s Cremator Choke Tube

The Carlson’s Cremator choke tube is an excellent choice for hunters who need a versatile choke that can perform well with a variety of shotshell loads. This choke tube uses a unique design that consists of multiple tapers, which work together to provide a consistent shot pattern. This makes the Cremator ideal for hunting situations where you need to be able to adjust your shooting style quickly and accurately.

The Remington 870 works especially well with the Carlson’s Cremator. This tight choke gives dense patterns at extend ranges and is equipped with triple shot technology which gradually compresses the shot column as it exits the barrel to prevent deformation. This is the perfect choke for open water situations or ducks over decoys. Carlson’s Cremator can produce 80% of pellets inside a 30-inch circle at 40 yards with the right ammo. This is the BUDGET pick.

Carlson's Cremator Choke Tube - Non Ported - Remington 870

30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No...
HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our...
HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's...
LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all...
MADE IN THE USA: All our...

2) Patternmaster Code Black Choke

The Patternmaster Code Black is a top-of-the-line choke tube that provides unmatched performance in long-range hunting situations. This choke tube uses a specialized constriction design that helps to control the spread of shot at longer distances. This makes it an ideal choice for waterfowl hunters who need to take shots at moving targets from a distance.

The Patternmaster Code Black choke tube fits the Remington 870 perfectly. This all around choke is great for field hunts, ponds, lakes, and rivers where the range of shots varies and you’ll be able to handle it all without having to change chokes mid hunt. Patternmaster works well will most pellet types and is close to the diameter of a full choke, meaning long shots past 50 yards are something it excels at. Expect it to pattern closer to a full choke. This is the TOP pick for MAX range.

Patternmaster Code Black Choke Tube - Ported - Remington 870

VERSATILE TUBE - The Code...
ULTIMATE SHOTS - The 12 Gauge...
PATTERN OPTIONS - Thanks to...
UP TO 60 YARDS - Effective...
CONSTRUCTION - Crafted from...

3) Carlson’s Cremator Ported Mid Range

Carlson’s ported version of the Cremator choke series is another good option for the 870 in that it helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump, while the internal stud design works to reduce pellet deformation. This mid range choke tube is perfect for decoying birds in tight or for quick passing shots at medium range.

Consider the ported Cremator choke if you want a slight reduction in muzzle jump and getting on targets faster for follow up shots due to directing some of the gases and pressure outwards. However, ported chokes can be louder and may throw more gun powder residue outwards, so keep that in mind.

Carlson's Cremator Choke Tube - Ported - Remington 870

30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No...
HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our...
HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's...
LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all...
MADE IN THE USA: All our...

Why the Cremator is the best choke for the Remington 870

Made from high-quality stainless steel
Specifically designed to provide superior performance
Features a unique design that allows for tighter shot patterns and improved accuracy
Unique wad tapering system as the shot exits the barrel
Less fouling and improved consistency
Black oxide finish that provides superior durability and corrosion resistance
Improved accuracy and performance

What is the best Remington 870 choke for steel shot?

The Remington 870 shotgun works well with a wide variety of choke tubes and shot types. This is true with steel shot used mostly for waterfowl. Steel shot loads from small 2 3/4”, to 3-inch, to large 3 ½” steel shot shells can all be fired through certain models of the 870 which it is specifically designed for.

The best Remington 870 choke tube for steel shot is the Patternmaster Code Black. It provides dense patterns with short shot strings that are capable of hitting fast moving birds. It works especially well over decoys out to ranges of 50 yards.

Other great options for choke tubes that work well for the 870 are the Carlson’s Cremator series of chokes. These choke tubes are highly customizable as they available in long range and mid-range options depending on the hunting situation.

Are Remington factory chokes good enough?

Often overlooked are the factory choke tubes that are included with the Remington 870 when bought new. The Rem Choke system is installed on most 870 shotguns and can be customized with interchangeable choke tubes built for it.

Factory Remington chokes tubes can be good enough, but it depends on the application it’s being used for (e.g. timber hunting vs pass shooting) and the shotshell loads. These factors will determine if the factory choke you have is capable of performing for any given hunting situation.

Once you’ve determined that the factory choke size and constriction is right, then patterning the 870 with the loads you intend to hunt with will let you know if it’s good enough to use in the field. If patterning can’t be done, then an aftermarket choke tube like the Patternmaster will most likely perform better right out of the box.

Remington 870 Choke Reviews

Is the Remington 870 modified choke the most versatile choke size?

Yes, the modified choke tube is the most versatile choke tube for the Remington 870 and the Rem Choke system. It may not be the best performer at all ranges, but over a wide range it can’t be beat.

This includes close decoy shooting, birds skirting the edges of the decoys, and that occasional long pass shot. A modified may be too tight of a choke for timber hunting since shots are under 30 yards. A light modified, improved cylinder, or skeet choke may be a better option.

Regardless, if you’re in a field hunting situation where the shots on birds will be at varying ranges from 20 yards to 50 yards, the modified is a good choice for versatility.

About the Remington 870 Shotgun

The Remington 870 pump shotgun has been around since 1950 and has gained a cult like following due to its ruggedness in the field and its affordability as a dependable shotgun. 870 shotguns can be found between $200-400 which makes it widely available to most new hunters dipping their toes in the waterfowling world.

The simplicity of the design of the 870 shotgun leaves little to go wrong in the muddy waterfowl fields or ponds. It won’t freeze up in the winter and it’s easy to disassemble in the blind should the need arise. The 870 is available in over 10 different models with shotshells ranging from 2 ¾ all the way up to 3 ½.

Barrel length also comes in a wide range from 20-inch all the way up to 30-inch. Several different finishes and camo options give the gun more modern touch and can be tailored for the hunting situation. The Rem Choke system allows for interchangeable and aftermarket choke tubes to be installed with ease.

The Remington 870 is a do-it-all shotgun that has stood the test of time. It’s the perfect mix of affordability and dependability that combined with a good choke and shotshell, will continue to harvest waterfowl for years to come.

How It Compares

When it comes to choosing the right choke tube for the Remington 870 shotgun, Carlson’s Cremator stands out from its competitors. The Carlson’s Cremator is engineered with a unique design that provides consistent and even shot patterns, resulting in better accuracy and a higher precision. Unlike its competitors, the Cremator is built with Triple Shot Technology, which ensures that the shot is evenly distributed, reducing the chances of having holes or gaps in your pattern. Additionally, the Cremator’s longer parallel section helps to reduce recoil, which in turn leads to more controlled shots and better follow ups. Overall, the Carlson’s Cremator is a top performer, delivering outstanding results that set it apart from the competition.

Bottom Line

Several factory choke tubes come with the Remington 870, but they aren’t always the best. After market premium choke tubes are available to provide enhanced features and better patterning results that translate to better success in the field.

The Patternmaster Code Black and Carlson’s Cremator are two of the best choke tubes to consider using when hunting with the 870. These ported chokes are extended for easy removal in the field and are designed to produce more consistent and dense patterns between 30 and 50 yards.

As always, you should pattern your shotgun to see what ammo and choke combinations work the best out of it. One shotgun may not perform like another. Test it out and develop a system that will work well throughout the hunting season and give you the best chance of success when birds are hovering over your decoys. Whichever choke you pick, make sure it’s listed for Remington shotguns with the REM choke system.

Related

Latest Posts