Choke tubes accumulate dirt, debris, and gunpowder over a lifetime of use and without proper cleaning can affect performance. As a shot column passes through the barrel of a shotgun and exits the choke, gases, unburnt powder, and pieces of plastic wadding can be deposited inside the choke tube building up over time.
In this guide we’ll discuss how to clean a choke tube using methods that are proven to work for even the grungiest of conditions. These choke tube cleaning tips can be applied to a cleaning schedule after heavy use, or the hunting season has ended. Properly cleaning your choke tube is the first step in maintaining its long-term performance.
Related – Looking for a NEW choke tube? Check out the top picks here.
- How to Clean a Choke Tube (6 steps)
- Bottom Line
- Wondering what choke tube size you need?
How to Clean a Choke Tube (6 steps)
Below are six steps to clean a choke tube the right way:
1) Hoppe’s #9 Will Remove the Burnt Gun Powder
If you’ve shot trap or hunt a lot you’ve experienced burnt gun powder coating the inside of your shotgun barrel. Removable choke tubes suffer the same fate and black grit will coat the inside just the same over time.
One of the best ways to clean a choke tube is to use Hoppe’s #9 solvent which is specifically designed to penetrate gun powder residue and break it up for easy removal. Just a light coating is all that is needed and with a few wipes of a rag a choke tube can be completely free of black residue and looking like new again.
Hoppe’s is a staple of the gun cleaning and maintenance community for over 100 years, and it’s proven to work.
- Ultra effectiveness
- Safe and easy to use
- Child proof cap
- Penetrates deep and rapidly
- Ultra potent
2) Keep the Threads Clean with these Tips
The threads of a choke tube should be cleaned regularly just as you would the inside of the choke. Binding and stuck chokes are common problems associated with threads that are dirty. These issues can cause the choke to not mate properly with the barrel threads and in some cases causes damage to the threads themselves.
How to keep choke tube threads clean:
- Remove the Choke tube from the shotgun
- Examine the threads of the choke for debris or signs of cross threading. Replace the choke if the threads are damaged.
- If the threads are dirty, either soak overnight in solvent or use a toothbrush to gently massage the threads until the debris is freed. Clean excess solvent and material off with a cloth rag.
- Rust or heavy corrosion may require steel wool to remove.
3) An Outside Coating of Oil is Best
A light coating of oil on the outside of the choke tube can prevent corrosion and debris build up issues in the future. Not only is it important to oil the threads of a choke to prevent it seizing up, but the outside walls of the choke tube where it meets the inside barrel can also corrode.
Lubricating gun oils are often best as they only leave a light coating and tend to not collect dirt and debris buildup. A light coating of oil will help shed water intrusion onto the surface of the choke tube and prevent rust or corrosion from developing.
Oil coatings are especially useful when hunting over water, on rainy days, or in saltwater. These environments are hard on metal surfaces and preventative measures such as coating them with gun oil can help protect them for the foreseeable future.
4) Scrub the Inside with a Soft Bristle Brush
A shotgun choke can easily see thousands of rounds during its lifetime, and the buildup of material in the choke tube can affect its performance. Shotgun wads are made from plastic and as the shot column is compressed through the choke, can leave streaks of plastic behind.
Soft Brush
A soft bristle brush and solvent is a great way to remove plastic and gunpowder from the inside of a choke tube. This combination will clean even the dirtiest choke tubes. A toothbrush is perfect for this application, but sturdier plastic brushes will also work.
Metal Brush
Avoid using metal brushes as they can scratch the inside of the choke tube.
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5) Let it Soak in Penetrating Oil or Rust Remover
Some cleaning applications require enhanced methods that go beyond just removing cosmetic dirt and debris. For the grimiest of choke tubes, that may mean soaking it for an extended time in penetrating oil or anti-seize lubricant.
This cleaning method involves removing the choke (if you can) and submerging it completely in a vat of oil. Over time the oil will work its way into the corrosion and cervices to free up rust or debris.
Soaking a choke tube in penetrating oil may not clean it completely in one day. Days or weeks may be needed so patience is key.
6) Set up a Cleaning Schedule
Preventative maintenance is always the best approach to keeping equipment in top working order. Choke tubes are no different and should be cleaned regularly with gun lubricants and oils. Setting up a cleaning schedule is a great way to ensure that your choke tube stays clean and operable.
Cleaning schedules can revolve around heavy use or days out in the field. Spring cleaning once after each hunting season is another option but should only be followed if usage is low or you didn’t expose the choke to water.
Properly cleaning the choke tube and oiling it each time will set you up for reduced effort in subsequent cleanings. Stay committed to a choke tube cleaning schedule will result in peak performance in the field.
Bottom Line
Cleaning a choke tube is not a time-consuming task, but it does require attention occasionally to avoid long term issues from neglect. Most choke tubes develop gun powder residue and plastic wad buildup after each use. If left uncleaned, it can eventually cause a choke tube to underperform.
Cleaning a choke with Hoppe’s #9 solvent is often the best first step for dirty choke tubes. Removing debris from the choke threads and keeping them oiled will stop it from binding when installed and help it back out easier upon removal.
Soft bristle bushes can be used to free hardened debris, and they won’t scratch the choke tube surface. Soaking the choke in penetrating oil for extended periods of time can help break free stubborn corrosion. Developing a cleaning schedule after each use or hunting season can keep your choke tube performing flawlessly for years to come.
Wondering what choke tube size you need?
Check out this table for most shotgun choke diameters
Last update on 2022-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API