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Joined: 25 Jul 2013 Posts: 35

Placing an order with Upland Gun Company this coming week for a Venus. I had decided on LM IM for chokes and I want to keep it fixed choke. Build sheet came back and brought up the fact that it won’t be steel proofed with the IM choke. I never considered that fact thinking of upland only but there are areas in some states where non toxic is required for upland game. Gun will be used for ptarmigan and grouse in Alaska, wild pheasant in ND and quail in AZ. I know opinions vary but consider g all that I’d like to get some input on choke selection. I do have a Citori gran lightning 16 to also use with obviously interchangeable chokes.

Joined: 22 May 2020 Posts: 282 Location: Ky

Your choke selection sound good to me. I would never shoot steel shot at wild game any how. Bismuth works much better!

Shoot bismuth as mentioned. Won't hurt the gun at all.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3202 Location: NCWa

you're right to make the decision on chokes without regard for steel shot. As noted, bismuth is readily available and the softer types of tungsten are available from time to time. Steel is best used making the gun, not shooting through it.

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1129

As long as you are contemplating hunting only the wild birds you list, your choke selection sounds like my selection of screw in chokes on my 16 ga Zeus. The exception is I go with IC/Mod for wild quail. I also hunt preserve birds locally and go down to SK/IC for preserve quail, so selected screw in chokes on my Zeus. Are you getting the 20 ga frame build on your 16 ga? Sure makes for a trim, quick handling gun.

Joined: 25 Jul 2013 Posts: 35

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1129

I really don't see any disadvantage to my 16 ga Zeus built on a 20 ga frame. The centerline of the bores are noticeably closer together than my 16 ga's built on a scaled frame, and the barrel wall thickness at the chamber area is noticeably thinner than my other 16 ga SXS's. However, the gun passes the proof test required of Italian gun builders without issue, so I shoot Fiocchi Golden Pheasant loads with no worry. It does result in the Zeus being my lightest 16 ga SXS by nearly 1/2 pound in guns of a similar configuration. Try it, you'll like it.

Blackfoot,

Your choice of fixed chokes sounds fine to me, in fact I recently picked up an L.C. Smith 16 gauge choked very similarly. I use RST SpredR shells in most of my Classic guns to attain the Grouse killing patters I need. I do not worry very much about shooting steel shot, I use he RST Bismuth shells when I am in a state that demands nontoxic shells.

all the best,

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith Man
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Joined: 08 Mar 2019 Posts: 46 Location: Alabama

I understand being traditional with fixed chokes, but screw in chokes are just so much more versatile.
My UGC 16ga Zeus is on a 20ga frame also, I recommend it.
I have a 28ga Zeus on order now, went with screw in chokes on it also.

Joined: 08 May 2018 Posts: 225

I really like imod. Shoot bismuth.

Love fixed choke guns. Wish you could get them in mass produced guns like in past years. Your combo should be great!

Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 465 Location: WI

I almost never change my choke tubes out. For me, they are kind of like the adjustment screws on a carburetor - get it dialed in to where it's running right, and then never need to touch it again.

Joined: 25 Jul 2013 Posts: 35

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3202 Location: NCWa

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2390 Location: West MI

Sounds like a winner, best of luck with the new toy.

In a modern gun, IM/LM too tight for steel shot?!? I beg to differ but it's your gun...

If nervous about steel shot, agreed, Bismuth no worries.