↬ When it comes to maintaining your shotgun, one of the most important things to consider is the condition of your choke tubes. Choke tubes are subjected to extreme pressures, and this often leads to wondering when to replace them.
Choke tubes rarely wear out when used properly and under normal conditions. This means the likelihood that you will need to replace a choke tube, just from putting rounds through it, is virtually zero. The majority of chokes that need replacement are damaged by other means, such as stripped threads or external damage that decreases overall performance.
In this guide, we’ll discuss when a choke tube should be replaced, how to diagnose common choke tube problems, and the proper choke tube maintenance procedures to get the most out of each choke.
How often should you replace a choke tube?
A choke tube should be replaced when it’s damaged or out of spec. There is no round count or set time period for when this may occur. You should inspect your choke tube routinely to identify any defects or deformities before they become a larger problem.
Should you replace a choke tube after a certain number of rounds have been fired through it?
NO!
The number of rounds has no bearing on the when a choke may wear down. If you’re worried about a choke that has had tens of thousands or even a million rounds through it, the best thing to do is measure it with a bore micrometer or a pair of calipers like the trusty Mitutoyo 500, to see if the size specs are still accurate.
If you’re using steel shot or tungsten-based loads such as TSS, these can cause more wear and tear on the choke tube than using lead shot. Especially tungsten, which is denser than the barrel itself. If pellets leave the wad too early, they can cause scratches inside the choke.
Lastly, shooting in dusty or dirty conditions can also contribute to the wear and tear of the choke tube. Typically, choke manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their choke tubes, since the likelihood of them wearing out is virtually zero.
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Choke Tube Damage
Choke tube damage does occur occasionally and knowing what to look for is the first step in correcting it in a timely manner. The most important factors to consider when diagnosing signs of wear or damage on a choke tube include:
- Scratches, dings, or dents on the exterior of the choke tube.
- Rust or corrosion on the exterior or interior of the choke tube.
- Cracks or deformations in the choke tube.
- Difficulty installing or removing the choke tube.
- Changes in the shot pattern or performance.
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to replace the choke tube as soon as possible to ensure the best performance and safety of your shotgun. See this guide for choke tube maintenance and this guide for how to remove a stuck choke tube.
Choke Tube Maintenance
Proper choke tube maintenance is also important to prolong the life of your choke tubes. This includes cleaning the choke tubes after each use to remove any debris or residue that can cause corrosion or wear. It is also important to store the choke tubes in a dry place, and to avoid dropping or hitting them against hard surfaces.
Hunting in the rain, snow, or over saltwater is one of the most challenging environments and can lead to corrosion on the choke threads that bind the choke to the barrel, making it difficult to remove. Always remove the choke if it’s been wet or submerged so that it can dry out. Choke tube lube or grease make a great barrier to water intrusion and corrosion.
SUMMARY
Maintaining a choke tube properly is the best way to avoid having to replace it prematurely. Protecting the choke so that it maintains it’s specs is key for optimal performance. Inspect. clean, and lube your choke tubes regularly. If a choke does sustain damage, replace it.
How to replace a choke tube
If you’ve determined that your choke tube needs to be replaced, the steps for installing a new one are simple. First, use a trusty choke tube wrench to unscrew the choke from the shotgun barrel using a counterclockwise rotation. If the choke hasn’t been removed in a while, it may require extra torque to break it free. If the choke won’t budge, see these removal tips.
Next, unscrew the choke completely and remove it from the barrel. Inspect the threads of the choke and barrel for signs of damage or corrosion and clean if necessary with a soft brush. Apply a small amount of oil or grease to the threads as an anti-seizing measure. Gently screw on the new choke tube turning it clockwise until hand tight.
Bottom Line: Replace a choke when it’s damaged
Choke tubes are an essential part of a shotgun’s performance that rarely wear out, but they can become damaged. To ensure the best performance and safety of your shotgun, it is important to replace the choke tubes if any signs of wear or damage are identified.
The top signs that a choke tube needs to be replaced are scratches, dents or dings, size is out of spec, rust or corrosion is visible, and changes in shot patterns. Proper choke tube maintenance is also important to prolong the life of your choke tubes and remember to always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for replacement and maintenance.
See this guide for tips on how to clean a choke.
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