Unlock Your Shotgun's Full Potential: The Remington ProBore 12 Gauge Improved Cylinder Choke

For every serious shotgun enthusiast, from the seasoned hunter tracking elusive game to the dedicated competitor breaking clay targets, optimizing shot patterns is paramount. The difference between a clean hit and a missed opportunity often comes down to the precise spread of your pellets. This is where the Remington ProBore 12 Gauge Improved Cylinder Choke, identified by its part number 19166, stands out as an indispensable accessory designed to elevate your shooting performance.

Are you asking yourself, "How can I achieve more consistent shot patterns with my 12 gauge shotgun?" or "What's the best choke tube for close-range hunting or skeet shooting?" The answer lies in understanding and utilizing specialized choke tubes like this one. Engineered with precision and crafted from high-grade materials, the Remington ProBore Improved Cylinder (IC) choke is a critical component for anyone looking to fine-tune their shotgun's capabilities for a wide array of scenarios.

What is an Improved Cylinder Choke and Why Do You Need One?

A shotgun choke tube is a removable device that screws into the end of your shotgun barrel, constricting the muzzle to control the spread of the shot pellets. Different choke constrictions are designed for various shooting distances and target sizes. The Improved Cylinder choke represents a moderate level of constriction, striking an excellent balance between a wide open pattern and a tighter spread.

An Improved Cylinder choke typically provides approximately 25-35% constriction, meaning it will hold about 50-60% of a shotgun's total pellet payload within a 30-inch circle at 40 yards. This makes it a remarkably versatile choke, offering a wider shot pattern than a Modified or Full choke, but still tighter than a Cylinder (or true bore) choke. This carefully controlled spread is ideal for shots at shorter to medium distances, ensuring a greater chance of hitting your target without overly concentrated patterns that could damage game or make breaking clays harder within certain ranges.

For shotgunners, the problem often arises when facing dynamic, rapidly moving targets at varying distances. A choke that's too tight can lead to missed shots at close range due to insufficient pattern spread, while one that's too open might lack the density needed for clean breaks or ethical kills at slightly longer distances. The Improved Cylinder choke expertly bridges this gap, providing a forgiving yet effective pattern.

The Remington ProBore System: Precision Engineering for Superior Performance

The Remington ProBore system is renowned among shotgunners for its commitment to precision and performance. Unlike generic choke tubes, ProBore chokes are designed to integrate seamlessly with Remington shotguns equipped with the ProBore choke system, ensuring optimal alignment and consistent patterns shot after shot. This proprietary design minimizes gas blow-by, leading to more efficient pellet velocity and pattern density.

When you invest in a Remington ProBore choke, you're not just buying a piece of metal; you're acquiring a meticulously engineered accessory that enhances the inherent accuracy of your firearm. The internal geometry of ProBore chokes is optimized to provide a smooth transition for the shot column, reducing deformation and ensuring a more uniform and effective pattern downrange. This attention to detail is what sets the ProBore system apart, translating directly into better results for the shooter.

Unyielding Durability: The Power of 17-4 Stainless Steel

One of the most significant distinguishing features of the Remington ProBore 12 Gauge Improved Cylinder Choke 19166 is its construction from premium 17-4 stainless steel. This material choice is not arbitrary; it's a testament to Remington's commitment to durability, longevity, and consistent performance under demanding conditions.

Why is 17-4 Stainless Steel the Ideal Choice for a Choke Tube?

1. Exceptional Strength and Hardness: 17-4 stainless steel is a precipitation-hardening alloy known for its impressive strength and hardness. This makes the choke tube incredibly resistant to the stresses of repeated firing, preventing deformation or wear even after thousands of rounds. For the avid shooter, this means a choke that maintains its precise internal dimensions over an extended lifespan.
2. Superior Corrosion Resistance: Shotgunning often involves exposure to various environmental elements – rain, humidity, mud, and even the corrosive byproducts of gunpowder combustion. 17-4 stainless steel offers excellent resistance to corrosion and rust, ensuring that your choke tube remains in pristine condition, regardless of the weather or shooting environment. This significantly reduces maintenance effort and extends the life of the accessory.
3. Resistance to Erosion: The constant passage of high-velocity shot pellets can cause erosion within a choke tube over time, altering its constriction and degrading pattern consistency. The inherent hardness of 17-4 stainless steel minimizes this erosion, preserving the choke's intended performance specifications for longer.
4. Heat Resistance: Firing multiple rounds in quick succession can generate considerable heat in the shotgun barrel and choke. 17-4 stainless steel handles these temperature fluctuations without compromising its structural integrity or performance.
5. Aesthetic Appeal: The natural black finish of the 17-4 stainless steel gives the choke tube a sleek, professional appearance that complements any shotgun.

This robust material ensures that your Remington ProBore Improved Cylinder Choke will withstand the rigors of competitive shooting, challenging hunting expeditions, and extensive practice sessions, providing reliable service for years to come.

Ideal Use Cases for the Remington ProBore 19166 Improved Cylinder Choke

When should you reach for your Improved Cylinder choke? This choke is a workhorse, offering optimal patterns for a variety of popular shooting disciplines and hunting scenarios.

• Skeet Shooting: The Improved Cylinder choke is often considered the primary choke for skeet shooting. Skeet targets are typically engaged at closer ranges (from 21 yards down to 10 yards), and the IC choke provides the ideal pattern spread to consistently break these fast-moving targets. Its wider pattern helps compensate for slight variations in lead or target speed, offering a greater margin for error.
• Upland Bird Hunting: For birds like quail, pheasant, grouse, and woodcock, which often flush close and present fast, erratic flight paths, the IC choke is a superb choice. It delivers a dense enough pattern to ensure clean kills at typical upland ranges (15-30 yards) without destroying too much meat due to overly tight patterns.
• Close-Range Waterfowl Hunting: While many waterfowl hunters opt for tighter chokes, for decoying birds that commit and come in close (within 25-30 yards), the Improved Cylinder can be highly effective, especially when using larger shot sizes. It allows for a broader pattern that covers more area, increasing the chances of hitting multiple birds with a well-placed shot.
• Small Game Hunting: When pursuing rabbits or squirrels in thick cover, where shots are often quick and at short distances, the IC choke provides the necessary pattern spread for effective and ethical harvesting.
• Sporting Clays: Sporting clays courses are designed to simulate various hunting scenarios, requiring shooters to adapt their choke choice to different stations. The Improved Cylinder is an excellent general-purpose choke for many sporting clays presentations, particularly those involving closer targets, crossing shots, or simultaneous doubles. Many shooters will keep an IC in one barrel of their over/under for quick, close shots.
• General Target Practice: For honing your skills on paper targets or stationary clays at moderate distances, the IC choke offers a good balance, providing clear feedback on your pattern without being overly restrictive.

A Note on Slugs: While an Improved Cylinder choke is generally safe to shoot with rifled slugs, it is not optimized for slug accuracy. For best results with slugs, a Cylinder or Skeet choke is typically recommended, or a specialized rifled choke for enhanced precision. However, if you find yourself in a situation where a quick slug shot is needed and an IC choke is installed, it is usually safe to proceed, though pattern testing is always advised.

Maximizing Performance: Tips for Using Your ProBore IC Choke

To truly unlock the potential of your Remington ProBore 12 Gauge Improved Cylinder Choke, consider these best practices:

1. Pattern Your Shotgun: The most crucial step is to pattern your shotgun with your chosen ammunition and the IC choke. Shoot at a large paper target (e.g., 40x40 inches) at various typical shooting distances (e.g., 20, 30, and 40 yards) to observe the pellet distribution and density. This will help you understand your effective range and optimize your lead.
2. Proper Installation: Always ensure your choke tube is properly seated and tightened using a choke wrench. A loose choke tube can lead to inconsistent patterns and potential damage to the barrel or choke. Check tightness periodically, especially during extended shooting sessions.
3. Regular Cleaning: After each shooting outing, remove the choke tube and clean both the choke and the threads in your barrel. Carbon and plastic residue can build up, making removal difficult and potentially causing issues with pattern consistency. Use a good quality bore cleaner and a nylon brush.
4. Experiment with Ammunition: Different loads (shot size, velocity, wad design) can produce varying patterns through the same choke. Experiment to find the combination that yields the most desirable pattern for your specific needs with the IC choke.

Why Choose the Remington ProBore 19166?

Choosing the Remington ProBore 12 Gauge Improved Cylinder Choke 19166 means choosing reliability, precision, and the confidence that comes from using a product engineered by a trusted name in firearms. It’s an investment in:

• Versatility: One choke tube for a multitude of shooting applications.
• Durability: Built to last from 17-4 stainless steel, resisting corrosion and wear.
• Consistency: Designed to deliver predictable, uniform patterns shot after shot.
• Enhanced Performance: Improve your hit rate whether in the field or on the range.
• Seamless Integration: Part of the proven Remington ProBore system.

This choke tube is not just an accessory; it's a vital tool for any shotgun owner seeking to optimize their firearm's performance. Whether you're a competitive shooter striving for higher scores or a hunter aiming for more successful outings, the Remington ProBore 19166 Improved Cylinder Choke offers a clear advantage, making your shotgun more adaptable and effective. It's about achieving that perfect pattern when it matters most, giving you the confidence to take the shot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shotgun Choke Tubes

• Q: How do I know if my Remington shotgun uses the ProBore system?
  A: Remington shotguns manufactured with the ProBore system typically have "ProBore" stamped on the barrel near the receiver or on the choke tubes themselves. You can also consult your shotgun's owner's manual or check the manufacturer's website.
• Q: Can I use steel shot with the Improved Cylinder choke?
  A: Yes, Improved Cylinder chokes are generally safe for use with steel shot. However, always verify the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific choke and shotgun. For shot sizes larger than BB, it's often advisable to use more open chokes like Cylinder or Skeet to prevent excessive pressure or damage.
• Q: How often should I clean my choke tube?
  A: It's recommended to clean your choke tube after every shooting session, especially if you've fired a significant number of rounds or used loads with plastic wads, which can leave residue. Regular cleaning prevents carbon and plastic buildup that can seize the choke in the barrel.
• Q: What is the benefit of a black finish on a choke tube?
  A: The black finish, often achieved through processes like black oxide or a specialized coating, provides additional corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface, which can be beneficial in hunting situations where minimizing glare is important. It also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the choke.
• Q: What is the main difference between an Improved Cylinder and a Modified choke?
  A: An Improved Cylinder choke offers less constriction than a Modified choke, resulting in a wider shot pattern at a given distance. IC is ideal for closer shots (e.g., 15-30 yards), while Modified provides a tighter pattern effective at mid-ranges (e.g., 25-40 yards), offering a balance between spread and density.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Product	Remington ProBore Choke Tube
Gauge	12 Gauge
Choke Type	Improved Cylinder
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel
Finish	Black
Part Number	19166
Compatibility	Remington Shotguns with ProBore System
Intended Use	Hunting (Upland, Close Waterfowl), Skeet, Sporting Clays, General Target