Chokes: purpose, marking

One of the most important criteria for choosing a hunting rifle is accuracy. Some shotgun models use very complex internal barrel geometry. This is due to the uneven diameter along the entire length. In such a weapon, the barrel consists of two parts – a transition cone and a narrow muzzle. The development of factions depends on the latter. It is important to understand here that it is impossible to modify the factory recess yourself, but the use of special attachments can affect the accuracy of combat when using different types of ammunition.

Contents of the article:

• A little history
• What affects the accuracy of shooting?
• Invention of replaceable choke constrictions
• What to consider?
• Purpose and design features
• Marking of hunting rifles
• Rarely seen types of chokes
• Nozzle for “Vepr-12” 430 mm
• Nozzle for “Remington 870 Express Magnum”
• Tips for choosing a choke
• Manufacturers

there are several types of chokes, but it is impossible to single out a single classification from which to choose the best option. Therefore, when choosing a smoothbore gun, hunters should pay attention to the factory markings. Let’s look at which chokes are better and what you should pay attention to when choosing them.

A little history

Chalk was invented in 1870 by American trapper and fur trader Fred Kimble. He wanted to achieve greater accuracy when shooting, so he decided to experiment with weapons. At that time, interchangeable chokes did not yet exist (they were invented almost a century later), and Kimball could only try to change the diameter of the gun’s barrel. And, as you can imagine, he managed to achieve the best results.

What affects the accuracy of shooting?

Kimble initially tried to make the 10-gauge choke as narrow as possible, but this resulted in a complete loss of shot dispersal accuracy. Disappointed with the unsuccessful experiments, the hunter returned the rifle’s throttle to its original state to test its functionality. After taking all the measures, the shooting accuracy not only returned to its original level, but also became much higher.

A careful study of the work done showed that the narrowness left after unsuccessful experiments increases the accuracy of shot elongation. Therefore, Kimball concluded that stranglers affect the lethality of weapons.

Invention of replaceable choke constrictions

At the same time as Kimball, or rather four years before him, the British blacksmith Marcus Pape, considered the unofficial inventor of the interchangeable choke, patented an innovative technology at that time and made detailed calculations for the manufacture of small arms. In newer models of the gun, the difference between the inner and outer parts of the barrel was equal to one, and the transition cone had a length of 2. 5 centimeters. It was during this time that interchangeable choke tubes were introduced and quickly gained popularity throughout the world.

What to consider?

As mentioned earlier, today there is no single classification according to the type of choke, so all information is conditional, and the only criterion for choosing a hunting rifle is the marking provided by the weapon manufacturer. In this case, one important nuance must be taken into account. The stated parameters do not correspond to the expected accuracy of shot flight for a particular gun model.

The following factors influence the accuracy of the shot:

• Type of ammunition used;
• Barrel length;
• Weapon caliber;
• Select the correct muzzle size.

To achieve the best accuracy when selecting an attachment, it should be zeroed. The problem is that, depending on the design features of the choke, the nozzle can reduce or increase the accuracy of shot flight. This is because different chokes have different angles and lengths between the transition cone and the throttle.

During the shooting process, experienced hunters can choose the most suitable attachment. This minimizes dispersion when shooting with different types of shot. In this case, you should also consider a shotgun model. This is because while chokes are highly accurate when fired from one weapon, the results from another weapon can be very unpleasant.

Purpose and design features

All chokes available today are named according to their specifications. The most common type of nozzle is a 6 pipe with linear dimensions and shape. They also have a reinforced cylinder with a narrowness of 0. 25 millimeters and shooting accuracy of 45 percent. In this case, the dispersion indicator remains the same regardless of the ammunition used. These attachments can shoot all types of bullets, as well as buckshot and buckshot.

Marking of hunting rifles

There is a wide variety of hunting rifles, but experts identify six main types. They can be distinguished by the choke markings provided by the gun manufacturer. All values ​​indicated in it are measured in millimeters.

Let’s look at the most common types:

1. C-cylinder or bell. There are no notches. The permissible deviation of the throttle diameter is within 0. 2 mm. Provides sufficient accuracy of shot dispersion, increases the maximum firing range by 25 meters and allows the use of all types of projectiles;
2. The IC is a pressurized cylinder. These hunting choke tubes are serrated. The permissible deviation of the throttle diameter is 0. 15-0. 25 mm. Its characteristics are identical to type C, but has greater shooting accuracy;
3. M-cartridges, the diameter of which can range from 1 to 0. 5 mm; unlike IS, they can only be fired with bullets that freely pass through the bore;
4. IM is an enhanced payer. Notching and tapering of the muzzle, the diameter of which ranges from 0. 2 to 0. 75 mm. The accuracy of the bullet’s flight is 60%. Ideal for shooting in small spaces at a distance of about 50 meters;
5. f-Chock. The diameter of this nozzle ranges from 0. 4 to 1. Shots exceeding “triple” shooting accuracy can reach 75%;
6. XF – reinforced chokes with a muzzle diameter from 0. 5 to 1. 25 mm. These models of hunting rifles have a shot accuracy of 85%, but are among the less common. Their main purpose is sports shooting, where shooting accuracy is very important. In terms of ammunition, this model is designed to only fire “7” rounds or less.

DTCP is closed-type muzzle attachment, sound moderators, flash suppressors for hunting weapons. These devices do not contradict the current legislation, since they are not prohibited special equipment that can reduce the noise level below 40 dB.

Having looked at the main types of shotguns, let’s find out which nozzles and choke tubes are best to use to achieve maximum accuracy when shooting.

Rarely seen types of chokes

So, we looked at the most common types of choke constrictions. Now let’s talk about the less popular types of chokes.

These include:

1. LF-Rifle shooting showers. Aimed at professional hunters. The firing range can reach 150 meters, which allows them to hunt large animals. The use of shot greatly reduces shooting efficiency;
2. OSCH is a very powerful choke. The chokes have a hole diameter of 1. 25 – 1. 45 mm. It is intended for sport shooting and is not used for hunting. It has excellent accuracy and accuracy when shooting from a distance of 8″ or less. When shooting other projectiles it behaves very unexpectedly.

If you are looking for a decoy for hunting, the above types are not the best solution as they are more suitable for sportsmen.

Nozzle for “Vepr-12” 430 mm

Full throttle nozzle. 1 mm nib on the muzzle. When shooting with small shot, accuracy can reach 75%. It is not recommended to use large shot and buckshot. This is because the weapon will behave unexpectedly. Additionally, the higher the number of shots, the worse the hit percentage.

The advantage of this nozzle is its powerful choke, reaching 1. 25 millimeters. Thanks to the choke, shooting accuracy reaches 85% even at long distances. It is not intended for use with shot or buckshot. This is because the throttle becomes unpredictable in this case. It’s better not to load the bullet at all. The barrel is easily separated from the bullet.

The choke is rifled and has a unique design feature that allows it to be fired at very long distances. The maximum range reaches 150 meters and can handle large animals. As for ammunition, it is recommended to use special bullets for shooting, since the efficiency and accuracy of shooting from buckshot and shot is significantly reduced.

Nozzle for “Remington 870 Express Magnum”

The transition cone of the nozzle of this pistol model is narrowed by approximately 0. 5 millimeters, so the shot accuracy reaches 55 percent. If you’re not sure which choke to shoot with, this choke is a great solution because it allows you to use all types of ammunition. The gap between the barrel body and the bullet body is 0. 5 millimeters. The choke tapers down to 0. 75 millimeters and can improve shooting accuracy by 65 percent.

Tips for choosing a choke

When it comes to buying a new watch, the type of attachment and its length are far from the only criteria you should pay attention to when purchasing. Experts also recommend taking into account design features, since the accuracy and precision of shooting largely depends on the internal geometry of the barrel. For example, every experienced hunter knows that short baits shoot more effectively than long ones, but if the transition angle is chosen incorrectly, the result can be completely opposite.

Manufacturers

Hunting rifles are produced by gun manufacturers. The most famous of them are Beretta, Benelli, Browning and Pharmaum. The quality of guns from these companies is known all over the world. As for Russian brands, many hunters often talk about guns from the Vyatsko-Polyansky Machine-Building Plant and tribe.

After all, today there is quite a large selection, each of which has its own advantages. This doesn’t mean that one is better or worse than the other. It all depends on what you need. As for the pricing policy, it is different. The assortment depends on many factors, including the manufacturer you choose.