Patternmaster Anaconda vs. Code Black Choke Tubes

QUICK SUMMARY ↬ We often think of choke tubes as simple cylindrical designs that differ mostly in size. But with specialized chokes like the Patternmaster Anaconda and Code Black, choke design surpasses merely the constriction and looks to improve the performance as well. Let’s break down these two choke tubes – focusing both on similarities and differences – while giving our recommendation on when to use them.

The Patternmaster Anaconda and Code Black are two of the most popular chokes offered by Patternmaster. These two extended chokes, each with its own set of unique attributes, promises unparalleled patterns and performance for waterfowl and turkey hunting.

But it’s clear from even a casual glance, these two chokes are constructed differently. The Code Black choke with its traditional ported design, and the Anaconda with a more sleek and refined appearance. While these two chokes do have some similarities, the technology behind them is completely different. In this guide, we’ll shed some light on what’s exactly behind these two chokes and when to pick one over the other.

On This Page

Patternmaster Anaconda vs. Patternmaster Code Black
The Similarities
The Differences
The Technology Behind Them
Choosing The Right Choke

Amazon

Patternmaster Code Black

Amazon

Patternmaster Anaconda

Patternmaster Anaconda vs. Patternmaster Code Black

Let’s compare these two choke tubes by focusing on the similarities and differences, then discussing the technology that makes them work. Finally, we’ll put it all together to recommend when you should choose one over the other.

The Similarities

At first glance, both Patternmaster Anaconda and Code Black share a common goal: maximizing pattern efficiency. These choke tubes are meticulously designed to enhance patterns, increase pellet density, and optimize downrange energy. Their sleek construction ensures easy installation, catering to hunters seeking hassle-free modifications for their shotgun setups.

Similarities include:

Ports/Vents
Extended
Durable stainless steel
Fitment options
Shot compatibility
Price

The Differences

Here’s where the showdown gets intriguing. The Patternmaster Anaconda boasts an innovative wad-stripping technology, optimizing the shot’s flight and keeping patterns tight, even with high-speed loads. On the flip side, the Code Black takes a different route, utilizing a patented stud ring design that manipulates shot deformation for more consistent patterns and controlled spread.

The Anaconda is available in short range, mid-range, and long-range options which translates to improved cylinder, modified, and full choke, respectively. The Code Black is available in several different options, including duck, goose, and turkey versions. The Code Black is comparable to a full choke across most of the lineup.

Differences include:

Wad halting technology
Porting zones
Appearance
Constriction
Options and Features

The Technology Behind Them

Anaconda

The Patternmaster Anaconda’s “Coil Zone” technology acts as a virtual brake, utilizing specially angled diagonal ports to strip the wad from the shot column, allowing the pellets to exit without interference. This ensures reduced fliers, denser patterns, and ultimately, more downed birds.

What is coil zone technology?

The Anaconda choke employs an inner chamber divided into front and back parts at a central plane. The rear part tapers and includes vents leading to an outer chamber, creating gas bypass paths. These channels can serve as both vents and a bypass while the front section narrows towards the muzzle.

Upon firing a shotshell load, gas is contained behind the wad until it passes the vents, when it expands into the outer chamber, causing a momentary pressure drop. This reduces propulsion, allowing the heavier shot to separate from the wad before it exits the muzzle. The wad seals against the tapered bore, preventing gas escape until enough pressure ejects the wad.

Code Black

Conversely, the Code Black’s “Stud Ring” technology introduces axial rings within the choke tube, controlling shot deformation and preventing the dreaded doughnut effect. This innovation ensures a uniform distribution of pellets for consistent and effective patterning.

How does the stud ring technology work?

The Code Black choke tube features a specialized stud ring that is strategically positioned inside the tube. When a shotshell is fired and reaches the choke tube, the shot column encounters resistance due to the presence of the stud ring.

When the shot column reaches the stud ring, the constriction caused by the stud ring not only tightens the shot pattern but also creates a momentary halt of the wad. This halting affects the wad and shot column differently due to their varying weights and densities.

The relatively lighter wad experiences deceleration and is temporarily held back. Meanwhile, the heavier shot column continues to move forward, rapidly separating from the wad. This separation occurs before the wad exits the muzzle.

Choosing The Right Choke

So, when should you opt for the Patternmaster Anaconda or the Code Black? The quick answer is to choose the Anaconda for lighter waterfowl loads with more versatility across ammo brands, and the Code Black for magnum waterfowl and turkey loads under 1550 fps.

The Code Black is not compatible with flight-controlled wads like those found in Federal’s Black Cloud ammo, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. It’s also slightly louder due to the ports designed to channel gas expansion outwards.

The Anaconda is available in more sizes, including short, mid, and long-range versions. The Code Black is primarily a full choke. When comparing the Code Black Duck vs Goose versions, the main difference is the extended portion of the choke being 1-inch on Code Black Duck and 1.5-inch on the Code Black Goose to accommodate 3 ½ inch shells.

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