Survival Lessons Tips for the survivalist, fisherman and hunter
One of the main indicators characterizing smoothbore guns (colloquially shotguns) is the accuracy of the battle. The internal geometry of the barrels of some guns, unlike analogues, can be quite complex. That is, their muzzle does not have the same diameter along the entire length, but consists of two sections - a transitional cone and a choke, called a choke. The expansion of the shot depends not least on its value.
Since the factory drilling of the channel, for obvious reasons, cannot be changed, when shooting with different types of "stuffing" for ammunition in order to increase accuracy, special choke nozzles are often used. There is no single classification of all existing chokes (and they differ not only in linear parameters, but also in shape), so in practice one has to rely on their designations used by leading manufacturers of hunting weapons.
Content
What to consider
All data on choks (their varieties) are conditional. The declared value is not an absolute indicator of the expected accuracy of the battle of a particular gun. The latter depends on a combination of several factors. First, the type of shot used in shooting. Secondly, the barrel length and caliber of smoothbore weapons. Thirdly, the correct determination of the actual size of the choke (and it may differ slightly from that indicated in the passport) and the choice of the appropriate choke nozzle. To get the most accuracy, it is necessary to produce zeroing this gun at targets. The fact is that, depending on the design, the narrowing can both reduce and increase dispersion. Factors such as the angle of transition from site to site, its nature (cone or parabola) and length play a role here.Shooting at stationary targets allows you to determine the choke value of each barrel as accurately as possible (if there are two, then there may be differences), as well as the type of choke nozzles that are advisable to install when using cartridges with different types of shot. The recommendations of "experts" are unlikely to help, since each brand of weapon has its own devices. By the way, they differ, including the method of attachment.
Varieties and designations of choke constrictions and nozzles
Specialists identify 6 main types of shotgun chokes, although there are several more.
In parentheses - the international marking of the specified choke. All measurements are in mm.
C - (Cylinder or C), as the cylinder is designated
The second name is a socket, since its narrowing is not provided, but a change in diameter is allowed within ± 0.2. Notches are absent.
Peculiarities:
- To ensure an even density of the "scree" of the shot and increase the radius of its expansion.
- Shooting with all types of hunting ammunition is provided. As with any number of fractions (buckshot), and types of bullets.
- Increases the effectiveness of a shot at distances up to 25 m.
TsN - ( Improved Cylinder or IC ), pressure cylinder
Muzzle constriction - minimal (within 0.15 - 0.25). Notch of nozzles IIII Imp. Cylinder (weak choke, taken as 0.25).
Peculiarities:
- Identical to a cylinder, but the density of the shot is higher (per unit area).
1/2 - (Modified or M), pay
Narrowing - from 1 to 0.5. Notch on the muzzle - III Modified.
Peculiarities:
- The difference from the above constrictions is that when using a bullet, you must make sure that it passes freely through the bore. If she has a belt (for example, a round "satellite") or she is packed in a container, then the minimum gap between her body and the muzzle walls should be 0.5.
3 / 4 - ( Improved Modified or IM ), enhanced pay
Muzzle constriction in the range of 0.2 - 0.75. Nozzle notch – II Imp. Modified (0.75; medium choke).
Peculiarities:
- Similarly, but such a muzzle narrowing increases the accuracy of the battle to 60%.
- Muzzle nozzles are advisable to use if shooting is carried out with small shot, from a long distance at a fairly large game. For example, you can "take" a hare with the 3rd number of meters from 50 - 60.
IF - (Full or F ), full choke
Muzzle constriction from 0.4 to 1. The nozzle is marked I Full choke (1.0).
Peculiarities:
- Accuracy increases by 65 - 75%. But only when firing shots not higher than the "troika".
- When using buckshot or shot of 1 - 2 numbers, the constancy of the battle is not guaranteed. It changes from shot to shot.
UCH - ( Extra Full or XF ), reinforced choke
Muzzle constriction 0.5 - 1.25. Nozzles are not provided.
Peculiarities:
- Despite the fact that when shooting at long distances, accuracy increases to 85%, such guns are practically not used for hunting. As a rule, this weapon is sporting, and the reinforced muzzle constriction allows you to make the most accurate second shot at the flying saucer. As a "filling" only a fraction is used, not higher than the 7th number. Shotgun cartridges with such a choke are not loaded with bullets.
Rare chokes
LF - rifled chokes
A separate type of choke, called "paradoxes".
Peculiarities:
- As a rule, such weapons are used by professionals who hunt a large animal. Shooting is carried out from long distances (up to 150 m) with special bullets.
- It is possible to equip cartridges with shot. In this case, the result is identical to the paycheck, and even then, not always. Therefore, this is rarely practiced by hunters.
OSCH - very strong choke (from 1.25 to 1.45)
Peculiarities:
- Basically, some brands of sporting guns have such choke. Such a design of the choke significantly increases the range and accuracy of fire, but the cartridges are equipped with only small shot (no higher than No. 8). Buckshot, especially a bullet with such a muzzle constriction, is not used for the reason that the consequences are unpredictable. Accuracy can be any, and changing with each next shot.
When choosing choke tubes, it is necessary to pay attention to such characteristics as the coefficient of thickening and the uniformity of the scree (that is, the parameters of the inner and outer rings). And the indicator of the battle of one or another muzzle nozzle in relation to a specific gun, except in practice, cannot be checked.
On a note!
- If you carefully study all the possibilities of your weapon when shooting with various ammunition, from different distances, then it is not a fact that a hunter cannot do without attachments. After all, it is much easier (and more convenient) to have a stock of “different-caliber” cartridges than to constantly reinstall muzzle devices on a hunt. If it is running, then it is hardly advisable to carry extra cargo with you, especially when moving over long distances. For example, when hunting for a hare, in the fields.
- In addition, such a gun requires more careful maintenance. First of all, this concerns the place of the threaded connection. It will have to be constantly lubricated, otherwise, if corrosion occurs, installing a choke nozzle will turn into a big problem.
The author advises to think carefully before purchasing such devices. There is enough trouble with them, including in terms of organizing storage. With a large selection of cartridges from various manufacturers, shooting efficiency can be increased even without choke tubes. Although this is largely determined by the skills of the hunter, practice, and the features of the gun. Actually, it's up to you, dear reader.
Good luck on the hunt!
Hello, I am Alexander, the mastermind behind the blog.
In terms of career and free time, I connected my life with the forest. How else, when you live in Karelia! In this blog, I am responsible for the hunting, hiking and equipment sections. Welcome to my world!
