Shotgun Specification

Question
Hi Paul,

I was wondering if you could help me make sense out of shotgun specifications.

Here is an example of such specs I found for MOSSBERG, 500 Cruiser Pump Shotgun at www.ableammo.com:

CHAMBER: 12GA & 20GA - 2 3/4" and 3" Shotshells 410GA - 2 1/2" and 3" Shotshells

what do numbers like 2 3/4" specify?

CAPACITY: 6 shot (5+1)- 50440, 50450

what about 50440 and 50450?

CHOKES: Cylinder Bore

what is a CHOKES?


I'll appreciate your help.


Adrien  

Answer
Hi,

The the 2 3/4 is the standand shell lengh of 12 gauge
and 20 gauge. The 3 inch shells are magnum shells
that also be safely used in the gun.

Capasity for all Model 500s are 5 + 1 unless otherwised noted.

Choke is the restriction in the end of the barrel that helps determine the effective range of the barrel.
Cylinder Bore is the actual barrel diameter and the most open possible.
It makes a 30 inch pattern at 15 yards
Its only use is short range self defence.
In most cases this is a set choke
in a barrel 18.5 to 20 inches

Most barrels take screw-in choke tubes
they are available

There is also
Skeet 1  out to 20 yards
Improved Cylinder out to 25 yards
Skeet 2 out to 30 yards
Modified out to 35 yards
light full  out to 40 yards
Full out to 50 yards
extra full out to 60 yards

There are also rifled barrels for use of slugs
which are good out to 100 yards