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- Alfred Mendoza
- June 1, 2023
Shooters use shotgun chokes to change the pattern of the shot. It is responsible for constricting the shotgun bore situated at the muzzle.
Depending on the constriction indicated in the barrel, it alters the tightness of the pattern produced. Hence, your choke should be tailored to the range of the target. We’ll show you how to measure shotgun choke size below.
Table of Contents
5 Steps to Follow When Measuring Your Shotgun Choke Size
1. Prepare the Necessary Items
Before you get started, you need to prepare the necessary tools within arm’s reach.
Here are the following tools you’re going to use:
- Choke removal tool
- 30-inch diameter sheets of paper
- Target material (if you do not have the sheets of paper)
- Choke gauge
Once you have these things ready, proceed to the next step.
2. Check the Barrel for Choke Size Stamping
Get your barrel and check for the choke size stamping. Usually, you’ll find that the barrels that come with built-in chokes have the size stamped onto the barrel.
You will see the stamping placed at the front of the action, which is outside the barrel. It is placed where the round is chambered.
3. Unscrew the Choke
With the use of the choke removal tool, you’re going to have to unscrew the choke. It’s at the end of the barrel. Make sure you have already read the stamping engraved on the choke.
You can find the choke size for the removable chokes stamped at the outer end of the choke. It is visible as soon as it is unscrewed from the barrel.
Always remember that fixed choke barrels do not have removable chokes.
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4. Shoot the Gun at a 30-inch-diameter Target
The next step is to pattern the pellets. You do this by shooting the shotgun, ideally, at a 30-inch-diameter.
Pull the trigger at the target. You should be at least 40 yards away. When you’re doing this, ensure that you utilize a shell with a known figure of pellets.
In most cases, factory loads specify the designated number of pellets per shell. If you have a higher choke constriction, then more pellets are going to hit your target. Learn how to load your shotgun here.
5. Insert the Choke Gauge
As for the last step, you just have to insert the gauge that is sized for the gauge of your shotgun and then unto the barrel’s muzzle.
Keep in mind that a choke gauge features a graduated sizing, which indicates the choke size in question.
It is done by gauging how deep it can be pushed into the gun’s muzzle.
As a guide, you may refer to the line found on the unit’s choke garage’s outer edge. It corresponds to the number of gauges that are inserted into the gun’s barrel.
It represents the choke size.
As your muzzle brake’s alignment will greatly improve the recoil based on its positioning, you must time the positioning perfectly.
Improper alignment might cause unwanted wear and tear to the muzzle and have a negative and uncontrolled impact on the rifle’s recoil as you fire. Here’s how you can properly install a muzzle brake.
Improper timing might lead to the muzzle gradually moving around as you use your rifle, which we wouldn’t want.
Also Read: How Much Are Shotguns?
FAQS
Yes. The choke size is responsible for the shot pattern, which affects the performance of your shot (1). If you are shooting at a greater distance, it causes the pellets to spread apart from each other.
It’s essential to know the gun choke’s measurement because it affects the shotgun’s effective range. Also, it may help reduce gun-barrel stress that is caused by heat.
Measuring a Shotgun Choke - Our Final Thoughts
Learning how to measure a shotgun choke affects your performance as a shooter. If you’re looking for a better-performing shotgun for tournaments or recreational activities, the choke size plays a significant factor.
The good news is that it only takes a short while to do so. Just make sure you have the necessary materials before starting.
Once you are familiar with how it works, you can alter your shooting pattern at will for precision and accuracy.
- https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2017/oct/01/shotgun-shooters-guide-interchangeable-choke-tubes/
