Winchester Model 37, What does "Choke" Mean?

[surg_res]

Ok, here's a silly question. I've got a Win model 37 in .410. I was curious as to whether or not there is a built-in choke, so-to-speak, as so many of these single-shot units have. On the barrel, it says "model 37, steelbuilt," next line says ".410 -- choke -- 3in."

What does just plain old "choke" mean--that is without a prefix?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[10ga]

Choke

delete

 

[mtnboomer]

It's probably a "full" choke, but take it to a gunsmith and have the restriction measured.

 

[johnbt]

The 37 came standard with a full choke, but could be special ordered with modified or cylinder choke. For the life of me I can't remember how they marked the barrels on them.

I can't imagine who would want an open-choked .410, but I'm sure somebody did at some point.

John

 

[surg_res]

Ok, so likely a full choke. I have calipers that can measure the bore diameter at the muzzle, I'll check that tonight.

What I'd really like to know is the largest size shot that one could fire through this .410 (i.e. BB, or size 4?, or rifled slugs, etc.) Oviously a rifled slug would not work. I'm just curious about the versatility as a farm gun.

Again, thanks.

 

[johnbt]

I've never shot anything larger than number 4 lead in a .410, but usually stick to number 6 and 7.5.

You certainly can use slugs in a .410.

Have fun.

John

 

[surg_res]

Is it safe even in a fully choked shotgun? I thought that slug-guns had to have open, or skeet bores.

 

[mtnboomer]

You can shoot slugs through a full choke but the constriction will cause poor accuracy.