About Choke Tubes

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are covering choke tubes. Choke tubes are important pieces of equipment which provide a degree of versatility to many types of shooters. We are going to cover what choke tubes are in addition to things such as traits, features, and other considerations. Without further ado, let’s talk about choke tubes.

What Types of Firearms Utilize Chokes?

Choke tubes are mainly utilized by shotguns. This holds true across popular chamberings such as 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 bore. Shotguns which utilize chokes come in a variety of styles and configurations. Semi-automatic, pump action, bolt action, double barrel, and single barrel shotguns alike utilize chokes. Of course, it is worth mentioning that not all shotgun barrels are capable of accepting chokes. Some barrels have fixed diameters and lack any threading to install chokes. These users can attempt to find a barrel for their shotgun which accommodates chokes if they wish to utilize them.

What is a Choke Tube?

A choke tube, often simply referred to as a choke, is a piece of equipment that influences the spread of a shotgun. These metal tubes are installed into shotgun barrels and essentially modify the diameter of the bore at the muzzle end. Most choke tubes will screw into the bore of a shotgun barrel to the point where they are flush while other ones are of the extended variety and protrude from the bore.

Choke tubes are available in a variety of diameters which impact the spread of projectiles as they exit the muzzle by constricting the diameter of the bore. Generally speaking, the more a bore is constricted, the tighter the shot pattern will be. A constrictive choke will allow for a tight pattern of shot which will retain its formation out to longer distances.

Chokes Allow for Adaptability

By utilizing choke tubes, an end user can adapt their shotgun of choice to a variety of use cases. Choke tubes, in conjunction with optimal loadings, can be paired up to truly tune a shotgun for a specific use case. For example, an improved choke paired with buckshot or slugs will be optimal for home defense while a full choke with various types of birdshot will be good for hunting at ranges of 30-45 yards. Some types of chokes, such as modified chokes, are versatile and suitable for a variety of uses such as hunting and shooting sporting clays.

How Are Chokes Installed?

The ability to utilize chokes is ultimately dependent upon the barrel of a shotgun featuring threading within the bore to accept the devices. Without this threading, one cannot use choke tubes with their shotgun unless they acquire a new barrel. Most chokes feature slots around the rim of the tube which interface with choke wrenches and similar tools. Typically, a shooter will begin the choke tube installation by hand, ensuring it matches up with the threads and engages positively. Choke tube wrenches are mainly utilized by end users to tighten tubes to be flush with the muzzle and have positive retention.

Common Types of Chokes

There are a variety of choke tubes and styles on the market. Of these offerings, there are some that are more common and widely employed than others. Here are just a few of the choke tubes which are in common use and often included with shotguns.

Cylinder – 0.000” Constriction
Skeet Choke – 0.005” Constriction
Improved Cylinder Choke – 0.010” Restriction
Modified Choke – 0.020” Restriction
Full Choke – 0.035” Restriction

This is by no means an exhaustive list of choke tubes. There are many chokes which exist between some of these popular chokes which offer different levels of constriction. Additional options, such as light modified, improved modified, and extra full chokes, allow for further tuning of a shotgun by an end user.

Extended and Vented/Ported Chokes

Chokes are also available in the form of extended and ported chokes. Generally speaking, extended chokes will protrude past the end of the muzzle, allowing for easy installation. These extended chokes essentially add more length to a barrel, allowing for consistent constriction of shot and maintaining a desired pattern. Ported chokes, often also called vented chokes, bleed off excess gasses produced during the firing cycle. In some cases, these chokes can aid in reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise, allowing end users to make faster and more accurate follow up shots.

Who Makes Choke Tubes?

Currently, choke tubes are produced by a number of companies. Many choke tubes are produced by manufacturers of shotguns such as Beretta, Benelli, Remington, and Mossberg to name a few. Additionally, companies such as Carlson’s, Mueller, and Briley.

It is also worth noting that there are different specifications of chokes Some chokes will interchange with others while other chokes are simply incompatible. When buying chokes, one should ensure that they acquire chokes compatible with their shotgun’s thread pitches.

Choke tubes are easily obtained as one can purchase individual units or sets of chokes from a variety of sources. Often times, chokes are accompanied by the tools needed to install them. Additionally, many shotguns can include chokes from the factory, providing shooters with versatile tools.

Conclusion

All in all, shotgun choke tubes are an important piece of equipment for a variety of end users. Everyone from hunters to clay shooters and recreational shooters can benefit from the use of the right chokes for their use case. While we do not carry chokes, we here at True Shot Academy carry a wide range of shotgun ammunition suitable for many purposes. Whether you are looking for bulk shotgun ammo or individual quantities, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.

Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at [email protected] for more ammo options.

View more posts about shotguns and shotgun ammo:

Tyler Elsberry

Tyler Elsberry is an author for True Shot Ammo, boasting over a decade of experience in the firearms industry. His extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise make him a valuable asset to the True Shot team. Tyler's deep understanding of firearms, coupled with his passion for the ammunition industry, allows him to provide insightful and practical guidance to enthusiasts and professionals alike. His writings often reflect his commitment to delivering accurate, up-to-date information on the latest trends, products, and advancements in the field. Tyler's ability to convey complex technical details in an accessible manner has earned him a loyal following among readers seeking reliable advice and information in the world of firearms and ammunition.