↬ What is a choke tube and how does it work? This is a common question many have who aren’t familiar with shotgun chokes for hunting, sporting clays, or target shooting. In this guide, we’ll discuss the basics of choke tubes and how to choose the right one.
A choke tube is a stainless steel cylinder that is inserted into the end of a shotgun barrel that changes the pattern of the shot as it exits the barrel. Choke tube sizes vary from open to tight, and are interchangeable between some shotgun models. A choke tube works like the nozzle of a yard hose. An open nozzle results in water spraying wide, while a tight nozzle makes a stream of water that shoots far. Choke tubes vary in length but can extend over 2-inches past the end of the shotgun barrel.
Choke tubes are equipped with a threaded base that can be screwed into the threads of the barrel of a shotgun. The following is an in depth analysis of choke tube basics, how to use them, and which ones you should consider.
What is a Choke Tube?
A choke tube is a cylindrical metal tube that is threaded into the barrel of a shotgun, designed to modify the diameter of the barrel’s muzzle and control the dispersion of the shot column upon firing. By applying constriction, the choke tube tightens the shot pattern, enhancing accuracy and extending effective range.
Functioning much like a nozzle on a garden hose, the choke tube influences the behavior of the shot. Just as an open nozzle sprays water over a wider area, a less constricted choke allows the shot to spread out, while a tighter choke creates a focused and concentrated pattern that travels farther.
Open chokes, such as cylinder, produce the least constriction, while tighter chokes, such as full choke, provide the most. Choke tubes affect the tightness of the pattern and largely decide it’s effective range.
Choke Tube Diagram
Chokes tubes can be installed or removed from a shotgun barrel by manipulating the threads. A clockwise direction tightens the choke, while a counterclockwise motion loosens it. Choke tube wrenches are used to make installing and removing choke tubes easier.
A choke tube should only be twisted until hand tight when being installed. This reduces the chance that threads get stripped and also makes it possible to remove the choke by hand should it be required. Applying heavy torque should be avoided.
How a Choke Tube Works
A choke tube works by constricting the shot column as it leaves the barrel. This constriction adjusts the pattern density for the intended range. There are two types of choke tubes, fixed and interchangeable choke systems. Fixed choke tubes are cut into the barrel and cannot be changed unless done with machinery.
Interchangeable choke systems on the other hand are designed to be removed and installed quickly for changing field conditions. Choke systems are threaded into the barrel and a choke can simply be unscrewed for easy removal.
The purpose of a choke tube is to:
- Constrict the shot column before it leaves the barrel
- Protect the end of the barrel from damage
- Screw into choke systems for quick installation and removal
- Allow for customization of choke types
- Improve patterns at the ranges it was deisgned for
- Reduce recoil and muzzle jump
- Increase aim on follow up shots
- Shorten the shot string
How to Use a Choke Tube
Choke tubes are simple to use and require very little maintenance. However, there are some key steps to follow to make sure they are used correctly.
To use a choke tube, first chose a compatible choke with the diameter that is effective at the ranges it will be used. Inspect the choke and barrel threads to make sure they are clean and free of debris. Screw the choke into the end of the shotgun barrel turning it clockwise until hand tight. Use a choke wrench so that it is snug and won’t back out.
Repeat this process in reverse for removing a choke tube and replacing it with another. Once a choke tube is securely installed, the shotgun can be fired and the choke tube can be used.
Steps for using a choke tube:
- Find a compatible choke tube using the interchange lookup
- Inspect threads to identify debris or binding issues (clean as necessary)
- Install choke onto shotgun barrel turning clockwise
- Turn until hand tight, don’t over torque
- Repeat steps for choke removal, twist counterclockwise
Choosing the right choke tube can be a game of trial and error. Choke tubes pattern differently depending on many factors, which can include the firearm, choke tube, ammunition, and field conditions. Each of these factors can affect the results of how a choke tube patterns.
One of the best strategies for choosing the right choke tube is to pattern your shotgun with as many choke and ammo combinations as possible to find out what works best. Developing good patterns is a system of trial and error, but starting with a quality choke tube and premium ammo is a great way to achieve consistent results.
Choke Tube Sizes
There are 11 different choke tube sizes, with the 4 most popular being Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. Cylinder is the most open choke, while extra full and turkey are the tightest.
11 Sizes of Choke Tubes
- Cylinder
- Skeet
- Improved skeet
- Improved cylinder
- Light modified
- Modified
- Improved modified
- Light full
- Full
- Extra full
- Turkey
Cylinder Choke – The Most Open Shotgun Choke Tube
Buckshot for Hogs and Deer. Cylinder choke tubes are designed to provide a generous amount of space for the shot to travel, resulting in unrestricted flight patterns and a relatively shorter effective range. Open choke tubes are primarily employed when using birdshot and buckshot at close distances. Their purpose is to disperse the shot widely, delivering devastating impact to targets within a short range. These chokes demonstrate optimal performance within the approximate distance of 15 to 30 yards.
Improved Cylinder Choke
Dove, Quail, Rabbit, Woodcock. Improved cylinder chokes produce wide patterns at short ranges. They work well with small lead shot for fast moving birds that flush close. Consider using improved cylinder chokes for dove, quail, rabbit, and woodcock. Imporved Cylinder chokes are best for shots inside 35 yards.
Modified Choke
Pheasant, Ducks and Geese Over Decoys. The modified choke tube is the middle ground of choke constrictions and thus provides the best setup for changing conditions. Consider using a modified choke tube to hunt pheasants, ducks, and geese. Modified chokes are best for shots between 30 and 45 yards.
Full Choke
Pass Shooting Waterfowl, Turkey, Sandhill Cranes, Coyote. Full chokes are specialty choke tubes for long range shots on larger game. They pair well with buckshot and heavier than lead alternatives where dense tight patterns beyond 50 yards are needed. Consider using a full choke for pass shooting geese, turkey, cranes, coyotes, and deer. Full chokes work well for shots beyond 50 yards.
Read more about choke tube effective ranges for game animals.
History of Shotgun Choke Tubes
Shotguns throughout history have been made with a wide variety of choke tube boring sizes. Fixed choked barrels were the first choke shotguns and mostly regulated to single shot shotguns. Newer shotguns guns tend to favor choke tube systems that allow for the interchanging of choke tubes in a quick manner.
The first patented choke for shotguns was invented in 1886 by Fred Kimble, but it was a fixed choke and couldn’t be removed. Later, in 1933, Winchester came up with the first removable choke tube, which revolutionized the shotgun industry. This innovation allowed shotgun owners to easily switch between different choke constrictions based on their needs, making it a lot more convenient for them. Since then, there have been several improvements and advancements made to choke tubes, including different constrictions and materials. Nowadays, choke tubes are an essential component of many shotguns and are widely used in various shooting sports, including trap, skeet, sporting clays, and hunting.
The effective shooting range for a choke bore is often determined by the distance where at least 60 percent of the shot falls within a 30-inch circle. This is estimated to be 25 yards for improved cylinder, 35 yards for modified, and 40 yards for a full choke.
Shotgun Choke Systems
Advantages to bore diameter can be gained from shooting a double barrel or over/under shotgun that allows for two different choke sizes. Interchangeable barrels are another option for fixed choke systems. Additionally, adjustable choke systems can provide quick options for picking the correct choke tube for a particular situation.
- Fixed chokes – Shotguns that have one choke diameter. The most common fixed choke shotgun is fixed full which was installed on shotguns before 1990. Fixed choke shotguns have the choke diameter installed directly into the end of the barrel.
- Interchangeable chokes – Choke systems are installed on some shotguns making switching between several choke diameters a possibility. These systems feature a threaded choke base which mates with threads inside the shotgun barrel.
Types of Choke Systems
- Benelli/Beretta Mobil
- Benelli Crio Plus
- Browning Invector
- Browning Invector Plus
- Browning Invector DS
- Optima Plus
- Optima HP
Popular waterfowl shotguns come in standard barrel lengths of 26, 28, 30, and 32-inches. The longer barrels are geared toward goose hunting and long-range pass shooting. Shorter barrels, even down to 24-inches are used for improved handling in tighter situations such as duck blinds or timber hunting.
Popular waterfowl shotguns include semi-autos, pumps, side by sides, over and under, and single shot shotguns. Sem-auto shotguns are the most popular since they cycle shells the quickest.
Vent Rib Barrels
Ribs are attached to the barrel of a shotgun and are either vented or solid. The raised surface of the ribbing adds a better sight plane than the barrel itself. The ventilated rib allows for the barrel to cool off quicker in situations such as trap shooting where many rounds are fired, and the barrel can get quite hot. The vent rib allows for heat to be channeled out of the surface slots and away from the barrel.
Non-Vent Rib Barrels
Shotguns without vent ribs have smooth barrels with a bead on the end for aiming. This requires the shooter to aim down the top of the barrel without the relief that a vent rib can provide.
Without the rib, a shotgun barrel can swing quicker due to being lighter. It can also point quicker for fast flushing birds. Shotguns without vent ribs tend to be older or vintage shotguns manufactured before 1990.
What Type of Choke for Duck Hunting?
The best chokes for duck hunting are those that can deliver consistent patterns with steel shot evenly at ranges between 25 and 40 yards. Most duck hunting takes place over decoys and that means a choke must be effective within 40 yards. Modified and Light Modified are two choke tube sizes that tend to be the most popular for duck hunting.
Less constrictive chokes also work better with smaller shot that is typically used for duck hunting. Steel shot #2’s, #3’s, #4’s, and #6’s are all popular shot sizes for ducks and can pattern great with the right choke at 30-40 yards with enough knock down power to harvest birds cleanly.
We’ve put together this list of the most popular duck hunting chokes.
What Type of Choke for Goose Hunting?
The best chokes for goose hunting tend to be tighter chokes since the range of shots for geese is typically longer. Modified, Improved Modified, and Full chokes are all widely used for goose hunting at distances exceeding 50 yards.
Chokes with tighter constrictions hold the shot column together for long range shots, whereas more open chokes spread the shot out sooner giving it less range and fewer pellets on target. Popular shot sizes for geese include steel BB, BBB, and T shot.
Heavier than lead pellets, like hevishot, heavyweight, and TSS are also popular for geese since these types of pellets retain energy longer for more knock down power. Choke tubes for TSS and Hevi-shot are widely available for goose hunting.
We’ve put together this list of the most popular goose hunting chokes.
Choke Tube Guides
- Choke Interchange Lookup
- Choke Tube Diameter and Constriction Table
- How to Remove a Stuck Choke Tube
- How to Identify a Choke Tube
- Choke and Shotgun Maintenance
- How to Clean a Choke Tube
- When to Replace a Choke Tube
- Common Choke Tube Markings
Choke Tube FAQ
Does a ported choke tube reduce recoil?
Ported choke tubes do reduce recoil, but it’s often at a level that isn’t noticeable to the shooter. The biggest benefit of ported choke tubes is their ability to slow down the wad so it doesn’t interfere with pellet separation, thus improving shot strings and creating uniform patterns downrange.
The science behind recoil reduction by adding ports is based on accelerating the expansion of pressure outward as the shot column and gases exit the barrel.
The science behind this effect is sound, as the ports do increase the outward expansion of gases, even if slightly. But for most it doesn’t translate into any noticeable difference in felt recoil. You likely won’t feel a difference between a magnum turkey load being shot through a ported or non-ported choke. It’s still going to kick more than you would like.
The amount of gas ports in ported choke tubes ranges between 6 and 12. These openings are oval shaped and are angled to provide maximum outward expansion. Choke tubes such as Patternmaster and JEBs contain the most ports and would likely be a good place to start for testing actual felt recoil in foot pounds.
Do extended choke tubes provide better patterns?
Extended choke tubes can outperform stock choke tubes in the field. When using extended chokes, it’s important to think consider the type of ammo and choke constriction.
The ability to remove the choke without a choke wrench since it extends outside the barrel, the ability to view the choke size stamped on the side of the choke without removing it, and the fact that most aftermarket choke tubes are extended are all advantages of using extended choke tubes.
You’re limited to the diameter of chokes that come with the shotgun if you use factory choke tubes. Three choke tubes, ranging in diameter from open to tight, are commonly used. Extended choke tubes provide you more alternatives when it comes to customizing your choke and ammo. Read more about effective ranges for waterfowl.
What is the difference in choke tubes for shotguns?
The biggest differences in shotgun choke tubes are the effective range, diameter, and length. Tighter choke tubes, such as full chokes, are effective between 45 and 50 yards. Open chokes, like improved cylinder, are effective at shorter ranges up to 35 yards.
Choke tube diameter is the measurement of the inside walls of the choke that determines how much the shot column will be constricted when it exits the shotgun barrel. Tighter choke tube diameters hold the pattern together longer at extended ranges.
Choke tube length is another difference as there are two types of chokes; flush and extended. Flush choke tubes sit even or “flush” with the shotgun barrel when installed, while extended choke tubes “extended” 1-2 inches past the end of the barrel. Extended chokes allow you to remove the choke tube with your hand, while flush chokes usually require a choke wrench or tool.
Why do you need a choke on a shotgun?
A shotgun choke is needed to keep the pattern tight at the ranges you will be hunting. The tighter the choke, the further the effective range. Chokes with open diameter create large patterns at close ranges.
A shotgun without a choke installed would operate at the diameter of the bore itself. Even fixed choke shotguns without removable choke systems have a specific choke they have been fitted for.
Chokes can be modified by competent gunsmiths. This includes opening fixed chokes or installing choke systems by threading the barrel to accept them. A choke system is a versatile tool that allows you to change chokes on the fly depending on the field conditions present.
Bottom Line: Choke Tubes Work Like a Water Hose
Understanding choke tube basics, how choke tubes work, and what to expect while hunting can make the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty handed. A choke tube works like the nozzle of a yard hose. An open nozzle results in water spraying wide, while a tight nozzle makes a stream of water that shoots far.
Choke tubes offer a way to increase ballistics over a standard cylinder barrel shotgun. The constriction of the shot column exiting the barrel compresses the pellets so that they hold together longer. Choke tubes come in many different constriction sizes that allow you to customize them for the situations that you’ll be using them in.
Improved cylinder, modified, and full are the most popular types of choke tubes. They can be found on shotguns in either fixed choke or part of a removable choke system. Vent ribbing is attached to the top of shotgun barrel to aid in creating a better sight plane for aiming.
Was this helpful?
Search Chokes by Gauge
Related Posts
- Best Waterfowl Choke Tubes for 2024, Expert Picks
- Choke Tube Diameter and Constriction Table
- 5 Easy Ways to Remove a Stuck Choke Tube
Choke Interchange Lookup
Find which choke tube fits your shotgun.