Choke Measurement in 1889

[Tamid]

I have a grade 3 1889 mfg 1904 marked 394 on the right barrel and 396 on the left. That is 77% indicating a choke of full and full. However my measurements show something slightly different. Both barrels at 9" measure .732 and at the muzzle are .705. That would indicate an Improved Modified by American standards. According to the wall measurements is would seem the barrels have not been touched. Thinnest measurement in the right is .042 and the left .039.

I'm wondering why the difference between the barrel markings and the measurements. Is it because patterning is really the best way to determine choke and measurements are only an indication?

[paul harm]

The shot count is just what it says, nothing more. I have a couple of guns, one a 1894 F grade, with a jug choked barrel. When I bought it the right barrel was a skeet choke so I jug choked it back to Mod. I can't read the count on the lugs because I keep it over at the club. Someone could have opened it up a bit, intended or other wise. Same with yours.

[Researcher]

A lot of guns have had their chokes modified since they left Ilion 110 or more years ago. I know my Father had a lot of the choke reamed out of his 1896 vintage AE-Grade in the late 1950s.