5 Signs Your Choke Tube May Be Wearing Out

Choke tubes rarely wear out, but poor performance could mean it needs to be replaced.

Choke tubes rarely wear out, even with thousands of rounds, but some conditions can lead to poor performance, including missed shots, bad patterns, and damage to the choke itself. Knowing what to look for to determine when a choke should be replaced is key to fixing it and increasing performance.

Below are the 5 key signs to look for to help diagnose choke tubes that may be wearing out. They include missing shots in the field, damage to the inside of the choke, changing diameters, and erratic patterns. And if you’ve determined your choke tube is worn out and you need a new one, check out this list we’ve put together of the best choke tubes.

1) Missing Shots in The Field?

The first tell tale sign that a choke tube may be wearing out is missing shots on ducks and geese while hunting. While this can sometimes be contributed to poor aim on the shooter, it can also be an indication the choke tube is underperforming.

Hunters that don’t miss routinely will know when something doesn’t seem right, and missing layup shots on decoying ducks could be a sign that something is amiss. The first step is to check the choke tube for obvious signs of wear and tear that could be causing misaligned shots.

2) Scratches or Bulges Inside the Choke

Another condition that can cause choke tube wear is scratches or gouges from pellets coming in contact with the choke. This occurs when pellets travel outside the wad before they leave barrel. This repeated contact of pellets scraping against the choke can wear it down over time.

“Damage to the inside of the choke tube is a sure sign of a worn choke tube and should be replaced immediately. Avoid using ammo with short or thin wads and be extra vigilant with pellets that are denser that steel. If you reload, consider using thicker wads and a mylar wrap,” said editors at WaterfowlChoke.

SUMMARY

Visible damage inside the choke can indicate that something is amiss with the barrel or ammo you are using. Closely evaluate the inside of the choke with a flashlight to determine where pellets are striking the choke. Using less hot ammo, over shot cards, longer/thicker wads, and mylar wraps can help keep a choke from being damaged by escaping pellets.

3) Choke Diameter Has Changed

Choke tube diameter, or the size of the choke, may be written on the outside of the choke to indicate its constriction. Chokes that are worn, however, may no longer retain the size they were manufactured as. Measuring the choke size is the only way to determine if it still maintains its diameter.

The best way to confirm the size of a choke tube is to use a bore micrometer or calipers to confirm choke size still meets specs. The Mitutoyo 500 is a trusted caliper that measures 0 to 6 inches in 0.0005″ increments for precision use when determining choke tube size. It’s one of the most trusted calipers for gunsmiths, so check it out if you have a choke that may be worn and want to know the real size.

4) Patterns Become Erratic

Patterning your shotgun is the best way to discover just how effective your shots will be while hunting. Clear signs that a choke may be worn can include off center shots, uneven pellet distribution, and damaged wads.

Inspecting plastic wads that have been shot is a little-known tactic that can by conducted while patterning. Broken wad slits, exposed pellet indentions, and unopened wads are all signs that something isn’t as it should be.

“Patterning your shotgun is one of the best ways to tell how it will perform in the field. Patterns can change drastically with different ammo, and some may work better with certain choke tubes. Remove the uncertainty and pattern your shotgun to learn where the issues really are,” said editors at WaterfowlChoke.

SUMMARY

Patterning a shotgun is a delicate balancing act between the ammo, choke tube, and shotgun itself. If any of these are off, your patterns could suffer.

5) Choke is Loose or Backs Out Often

Removable choke systems require the choke to be securely screwed into the barrel for maximum performance, and repeated removal can result in worn or damaged choke threads. Thread binding is another condition that occurs from dirt and corrosion accumulation.

If a choke tube won’t stay properly seated or doesn’t sit flush with the barrel. It may be a sign that the choke threads are worn and need replacing. If you see a gap between the choke and barrel, it’s a clear sign that the choke isn’t seated properly and should be either fixed or replaced.

Related Products

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Bottom Line: Inspect Your Choke Regularly

Inspect your choke tube regularly to identify signs that it may be wearing out. If you determine your choke is damaged or not to spec, it should be replaced. Measuring the size of the choke with a pair of calipers or bore sizing tool is the only way to know for sure.

Missing shots in the field, erratic patterns, and damaged wads are also factors that should be examined. Tungsten pellets, such as TSS, can scratch and gouge a choke if not totally seated in the wad. Using a thicker wad and a mylar wrap is the best way to prevent a shotgun barrel and choke from wearing out.

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