Choke Tubes 101

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shotgun choke tubes
All shotguns come with a choke tube wrench. When purchasing a choke tube, make sure it fits your make and model of shotgun so the wrench that came with the gun can quickly unscrew and screw in a choke tube.

With the increased popularity of predator hunting, several choke tube companies started producing choke tubes for types of large shot; like buck shot that is used on predators like coyotes. Some companies claim that their predator choke tubes will consistently hold a tight pattern out to seventy yards.

Skeet and trap shooting enthusiasts always have high-end choke tubes protruding from their shotgun barrels because they know a quality choke tube can increase the effective range of the gun. A strong, well-built choke tube also protects the gun barrel and in some cases helps reduce gun barrel stress caused by heat. When a tournament is on the line, skeet and trap shooters want every edge they can get. A good choke tube helps give them that edge.

Some may ask why they even need a choke tube. In the old days, many shotguns came with a fixed choke barrel so chokes weren't needed. Now even if you want an extremely wide pattern, some type of choke tube must be used. If it's not, the choke tube threading on the inside of the barrel could get damaged. Having at least an improved cylinder choke tube in a gun at all times is a must.

choke tube patterns
Practicing on some clay targets before hunting will give hunters an idea of how well their choke tube patterns.

The sure fire way of choosing the right choke tube is to test a few of them. Place a paper target at 30 or 40 yards at a gun range or in a safe place where no one can get hurt and can test a couple choke tubes. The difference between one choke tube and the next can be substantial. I have discovered that quality turkey chokes really do reach out and touch turkeys well beyond what a factory full choke or an extra full choke can do.

The beauty of using a variety of choke tubes is they turn one gun into several specialized guns, depending on the choke tube that is in the barrel. If the hunter is turkey hunting, he can screw in the extra-full choke. If he is waterfowl hunting, he can put in a modified choke tube designed especially for steel. With every style of shotgun shooting, there is a choke tube that fits that style. With the right choke tube, a novice shotgun enthusiast can greatly increase their effectiveness by using the right shotgun choke.

Choke Tube & Shot Size Guide For Waterfowl Hunting

SMALL DUCKS (SHORT AND MEDIUM RANGE: UP TO 45 YDS.)
STEEL SHOT LOAD STEEL SHOT SIZE SUGGESTED CHOKE TUBES
20 Gauge, 2 inch, 3/4 ounce 6, 4 Improved Cylinder, Modified
20 Gauge, 3 inch, 1 ounce 6, 4 Improved Cylinder, Modified
16 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 15/16 ounce 4 Improved Cylinder, Modified
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 ounce 6, 4 Improved Cylinder, Modified
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/8 ounce 6, 4 Improved Cylinder, Modified



SMALL DUCKS (LONG RANGE: BEYOND 45 YDS.)
STEEL SHOT LOAD STEEL SHOT SIZE SUGGESTED CHOKE TUBES
20 Gauge, 3 inch, 1 ounce 4, 3 Modified, Full
16 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 15/16 ounce 4 Modified, Full
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 ounce 6, 4, 3 Modified, Full
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/8 ounce 6, 4, 3 Modified, Full

 

MEDIUM & LARGE DUCKS (SHORT AND MEDIUM RANGE: UP TO 45 YDS.)
STEEL SHOT LOAD STEEL SHOT SIZE SUGGESTED CHOKE TUBES
20 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 3/4 ounce 6, 4 Improved Cylinder, Modified
20 Gauge, 3 inch, 1 ounce 4, 3, 2 Improved Cylinder, Modified
16 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 15/16 ounce 4, 2 Improved Cylinder, Modified
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 ounce 6, 4, 3, 2 Improved Cylinder, Modified
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/8 ounce 6, 4, 3, 2 Improved Cylinder, Modified
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/4 ounce 4, 3, 2 Improved Cylinder, Modified
12 Gauge, 3 inch, 1 1/4 ounce 4, 3, 2 Improved Cylinder, Modified



MEDIUM & LARGE DUCKS (LONG RANGE: BEYOND 45 YDS.)
STEEL SHOT LOAD STEEL SHOT SIZE SUGGESTED CHOKE TUBES
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/8 ounce 3, 2, 1 Full
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/4 ounce 3, 2, 1 Full
12 Gauge, 3 inch, 1 1/4 ounce 3, 2, 1 Full
12 Gauge, 3 inch, 1 3/8 ounce 3, 2, 1 Modified, Full
12 Gauge, 3 inch, 1 9/16 ounce 2, BB Modified, Full
10 Gauge, 3 inch, 1 3/4 ounce 2, BB Improved Modified

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