Choke tube gap is a highly visible problem some choke tubes have when they won’t sit flush with the barrel of a shotgun. A small gap is usually fine, but larger ones can be a sign that the choke is not functioning properly.
Choke tube gap is the space created when a choke tube does not sit flush or install completely. It’s a condition that can lead to a decrease in shooting performance if not corrected quickly. A properly seated choke tube creates a tight fit against the end of the barrel, void of any gaps or spaces.
In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of choke tube gaps and how they can affect your shotgun’s performance. We’ll also give some tips on ways to diagnose choke tube gap and how to fix them.
What is a choke tube gap?
A choke tube gap refers to the spacing or gap between the end of the shotgun’s barrel and the beginning of an extended choke tube. This gap can occur due to improper installation of the choke tube or issues with the choke or barrel threads. It can also refer to the internal gap inside the shotgun barrel from the failure to seat the choke properly.
Regardless of the type of gap, they should both be seated flush with the mating surface. While a small gap may not affect the shotgun’s performance significantly, a larger gap can lead to inconsistent shot patterns and decreased accuracy. Routine inspection of the choke tube and barrel are the best ways to spot a choke tube gap before it becomes a problem.
Top 5 reasons choke tube gap occurs
- Improper installation of the choke tube by the user
- Manufacturer’s defect in the shotgun or choke tube
- Use of incorrect choke tube system on shotgun
- Wear and tear on the shotgun or choke tube over time
- Modification of the shotgun or choke tube by the user
Defective choke tubes and damaged threads are the leading causes of choke tube gap. Reoccurring loose chokes are also notorious for leaving a gap when the choke backs out.
Flush chokes are not as prone to experiencing choke tube gap as extended chokes are. This is because the gap is less noticeable inside the barrel and extended chokes are high visible where they meet the end of the barrel.
Choke tubes should seat flush with the barrel of the shotgun. Any exposed threads or gaps exceeding 1 to 2 millimeters should be examined closely to determine reasons preventing a flush connection. Dirt, debris, and corrosion can cause choke threads to bind, creating a gap to form between the choke and barrel. Cleaning a choke tube and applying grease can prevent this from occurring.
How to fix a choke tube gap
Once a choke tube gap is diagnosed, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper installation and measurement. If the gap is due to wear and tear, it may be necessary to replace the choke tube or the shotgun barrel.
If the gap is due to modification by the user, it is recommended to consult with a professional gunsmith to make the necessary fixes. If threads are determined to be damaged, a shotgun barrel may be able to be rethreaded.
Simply cleaning the choke tube threads and barrel threads with solvent and a stiff brush can free up any debris causing the choke to bind up and not seat fully. Inspect the threads closely for signs of cross threading.
Avoid applying large amounts of torque to the choke as this can cause damage to the choke itself. Stuck choke tubes should be addressed first before considering issues with gaps. Always double check that the choke tube is designed for the choke system that is installed on the shotgun.
How choke tube gaps can affect accuracy
Choke tube gaps can have a significant impact on accuracy and consistency when shooting. A larger gap can result in a wider pellet spread and decreased accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
A choke tube gap can affect the wad as it exits the barrel. This disruption can cause the shot column to act erratically, leading to inaccurate shots.
It is essential to understand the negative effects that choke tube gaps can have on your shotgun’s performance. Correcting it will help achieve the desired shot pattern for your specific shooting needs.
Choke tube gap and ballistics
The choke tube gap can also affect the internal and external ballistics of your shotgun. The choke constriction controls the release of the shot and the pellet spread, and the gap can affect the shot’s velocity and trajectory.
Ballistic decreases in both speed (fps) and penetration (ft/lbs) of pellets downrange is one of the top issues that large choke tube gaps can create. Optimal performance requires tight tolerances, and proper mating of choke and barrel is one of them.
If you experience a decrease in performance, inspection of your shotgun and choke will usually find the culprit. If you have a choke that backs out constantly, see these tips for keeping it in place.
Bottom Line: Choke Tube Gaps should be corrected quickly
Understanding choke tube gaps is essential for achieving accurate and consistent shot patterns when shooting a shotgun. It is important to check for gaps during installation and fequently during use to make the necessary adjustments to achieve optimal performance.
Cleaning choke tube threads is the most common fix to get a choke to sit flush. But if a choke gap can’t be fixed, it usually means that the threads are damaged or misaligned. Damaged chokes should be replaced.
If you need to replace a choke, start here. If you need to clean a choke, here are the tools to get it done.
Was this helpful?
Search Chokes by Gauge
Related
- How to conduct proper choke tube maintenance
- Why chokes back out and how to prevent it
- Complete guide to identifying choke tube sizes
- Shotgun ejection failures and ways to prevent
- How to fix choke tube gap and why it occurs
Latest Posts
- Best Waterfowl Choke Tubes for 2024, Expert Picks
- Choke Tube Diameter and Constriction Table
- 5 Easy Ways to Remove a Stuck Choke Tube
Last update on 2025-10-18 / Affiliate links / Product Images from Amazon Product Advertising API