I've historically used 3" #2 shot out of a 12 gauge with a modified choke. I've done pretty well with this. I've got some leftover #4 shot from teal season, though I think I'll leave that at home and wait until next fall again.

My son (age 12) shoots a 3" #4 shot out of a Remington 870 20 gauge, also with a modified choke. He's still learning, so I'm wondering if a full choke might help him be a little more successful? A little longer shot, though a tighter pattern. Any suggestions? Or should I stay where I'm at, or even consider a broader pattern, although a shorter distance, with an improved cylinder choke? Also, I'm not even sure Remington makes it, but should I consider a #2 shot for his 20 gauge?

Thanks for the advice. We are heading to Garwood on Saturday for a Sunday hunt, just the two of us. Should be a blast!

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I've historically used 3" #2 shot out of a 12 gauge with a modified choke. I've done pretty well with this. I've got some leftover #4 shot from teal season, though I think I'll leave that at home and wait until next fall again.

My son (age 12) shoots a 3" #4 shot out of a Remington 870 20 gauge, also with a modified choke. He's still learning, so I'm wondering if a full choke might help him be a little more successful? A little longer shot, though a tighter pattern. Any suggestions? Or should I stay where I'm at, or even consider a broader pattern, although a shorter distance, with an improved cylinder choke? Also, I'm not even sure Remington makes it, but should I consider a #2 shot for his 20 gauge?

Thanks for the advice. We are heading to Garwood on Saturday for a Sunday hunt, just the two of us. Should be a blast!

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Personally, I wouldn't go full choke for duck hunting unless it's a blue bird day, it's late season, you anticipate passing shots, or you're just an excellent shot.

The way I understand it, steel actually patterns tighter than lead on the same choke. So shooting a modified with steel is closer to a full choke with lead.

I think with your son, I would stay where he is now or maybe go broader, if you're getting close shots. 20ga is plenty to knock down ducks just have to be more precise with your shots... Adding a full choke will only make that worse.

Just my opinion though. I'm really only in my 2nd year of 10+ duck hunts a year though, so expect better feedback from other guys. Good luck this weekend! I'll be down around Markham-Blessing.

I guess the real question is how far are your shots? Are ducks decoying or are you mainly taking passing shots?

I normally shoot 3" #6s (Kent TealSteel) during teal season or very calm days, 3" #4s (Winchester Xpert) most of duck season, or 3" #2s (Winchester Xpert) for stronger winds. Rogers Sporting Goods is a great source for ammo - usually qualifies for free shipping, and you have it in a day or two.

I put the Improved Cylinder choke in my 390 when I got it 15 years ago, and haven't had a reason to change it out since. (use never-seize!) Once you get "on" with a setup, I rarely see a reason to change it.

Thank you both. It sounds like you guys have done quite a bit more duck hunting than I have, so this is helpful.

Yes, there will be decoys out. We're going with a different guide this time, but the same outfitter, and we've always used decoys.

I think for my son, he will most likely take closer shots, so perhaps staying with the modified makes the most sense. I may pick up an improved cylinder for him at Academy today and have it and see what the guide says.

I can't tell a big difference between the kick in a #2 and a #4 shot in my 12 gauge. I guess that's part of my concern with my son as he isn't terribly thick. I want him to be successful, but I also don't want him sore out of the gate and lose interest. Is there a noticeable difference in kick out of a 20 ga?

I've been shooting 2 3/4" #4's and have no issue killing birds either coming into the dekes or pass shot. Using IC choke.

The difference in recoil is based on the size of the powder load, not the size of the shot.

A 1-1/4oz #4 will have the same recoil as a 1-1/4oz #2.

#2 shot has slightly larger pellets, but less of them. #4 has smaller pellets, and more of them. That's why you typically see larger numbered shot (#4-#6-#7-1/2) for smaller game or closer shots, and smaller numbered (#2-BBB-T-00 Buck) for larger game or longer shots.

Echo the thoughts on IC. Started using IC 15 years ago when the data came out on that with steel. It has been the most effective tube since I started shooting steel. Give it a try on the 20 and see what happens!

You should never shoot steel through a full choke. Opening up his pattern to an IC will increase his chances of hitting birds. Using #4 shot gives him more pellets.

I prefer IC 3" #3 or 4's over decoying ducks. Deadly out to 35 yards or so.

Water Turkey,
They do make full chokes that are rated for steel.

Why does steel tear up a full choke? Just because of how narrow it is?

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Why does steel tear up a full choke? Just because of how narrow it is?

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Because it doesn't "compress," for lack of a better word,like lead.

3" #3, IC or mod

If your son doesn't like the recoil then yes, get him a 20.

However, I have found that 20 gauge waterfowl ammo is tough to find at Academy, Walmart and ****'s. Which is ironic, considering how much we hear Take a Kid Hunting.