how to guesstimate 16 gauge choke ?

[matthew_h]

hey guys i recently bought a savage 94 16 gauge and i can't find any were on the gun that says what choke it has or if it is even choked . it is a very old gun as it dose not have a serial number . i patternd it at about 10 yard with a 1 1/8 ouce Win game load of #7 1/2 . it had a big spread , if i went to 20 yards i don't even think there would be much or a pattern .

i am thinking this is a very open choke such as i/c or it may even be cylinder . how would i guess the choke other than pattern testing as i have done it ? if it is cyl or i/c i may cut it back to 22 or 20 inch as there is a good source for 16 gauge slugs local and it would aslo make a good close range bunny gun .

[trotterlg]

What the choak is at the muzzel doesn't really matter at all.  What pattern it throws it what it is.  Larry

[spruce]

I'm pretty sure all of the 94's were originally full choke.  Sounds like that one may have already been cut down, or had the choke opened up.

[wreckhog]

I seem to remember that the Savages have a proof mark that tells you muzzle inside diameter, from which you can infer choke. Don't own one though.

[wreckhog]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_I_determine_the_choke_of_a_Stevens_Model_94m_20_guage

[matthew_h]

the only thing is says on the barrel is select forged steel on the left side , other side is says proof tested 16 gauge 16 3/4 chamber . no stars or any thing . under the for-end however is what looks like an M stamped there . it is not cut down , its a 28 inch barrel . the choke could have been reamed but i don't know .

[gcrank1]

+1 on 'what it throws is what it is'. Why pattern so close, maybe try 25-30yd and some different brand loads. They all throw a bit differently. If you can find one of those old foam 'nerf' balls about 6"dia. you can set that out at distance and bounce it along with your hits to set if it will take a critter.