Upland bird choke
 

Ok, I've hunted upland game birds before but this is the first time I'm hunting with a shotgun with removable chokes so, what is a good choke for grouse? We're going for "forest" grouse which includes blue, ruffed and another one I can't remember but I can't imagine they will be much different. My other shotgun is, I think, a cylinder bore but as long as I can change out the choke I'd like to make sure I'm giving myself the best chance to knock a bird down and make sure it stays down. Meaning, when he drops he's dead and not flopping around all over the place. So, what's the best choke? Thank you.

I guess fpr the close shooting I would use the modified one.

I would try an improved cylinder choke along with the modified if you are getting close up shooting. Early in grouse season shots are pretty close due to the foliage.

I'd go with improved cylinder.
If I was super rich and could own 2 O/U's for upland birds like grouse, I'd have one choked cylinder/improved cylinder. I'd use that gun as long as the leaves were on the trees. When the leaves fell, I'd go to an improved cylinder/modified set up.
Another factor is whether you hunt over a pointing dog or not. If you are hunting with a pointing dog, the bird often is within a few feet of you when it flushes- and you can't have a choke that's too open. Cylinder would be perfect.
If you're hunting without a dog, or with a flushing dog, the birds will be a bit farther away when they flush. Under those conditions, improved cylinder or modified would be best, IMO.

Well, I have the "MOD" so I think I'll take my chances with that until I have the $$$ for some more. Unfortunately, gas prices have me planning my hunts a little different than before. Thanks for your help and advice. I'll try and let you know how things go tomorrow

I wouldn't use anything tighter than modified. Modified is what I use for all my dove hunting, and some of those shots are out at 40+ yards.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Not so good Fabs
 

We see a single bird. We did get in some scouting, though and we may have found a decent spot to deer hunt. Lots of fresh tracks and one urine puddle that couldn't have been more than an hour or 2 old.

When up a couple of days early for Elk, I always carry a 12ga with IC...funny, I've never shot one with it.....always wind up doing head shots with a 357!!!!!Have killed quite a few this way.
357 is on hip from force of habit.
Dan