What is a Choke?

[P.E. Kelley]

Gents, been awhile since I posted up anything.

Shot this video in hopes of answering the title question. What is a Choke?

[TCinVA]

Great video, sir.

Folks, pay attention to the variation in the size of a bore on something labeled "12 gauge".

[Caballoflaco]

Always enjoy your videos, thanks for posting.

[LHS]

Nice!

[P.E. Kelley]

Thank you gentlemen. Greatly appreciated!

[SteveL]

I definitely learned a few things. Great video. Thanks for sharing it.

[Wondering Beard]

This was very educational.

Thank you.

[Borderland]

That's a great video.

Years ago one never had a clue what the actual constriction (choke) was unless it was measured on a pattern plate at 40 yards. Then tubes came along and you could almost trust those. But two different manufacturers modified choke will pattern differently. Some of that also depends on the ammo used.

I'm thinking the designated choke, even with tubes, is almost an educated guess without the test.

[P.E. Kelley]

That's a great video.

Years ago one never had a clue what the actual constriction (choke) was unless it was measured on a pattern plate at 40 yards. Then tubes came along and you could almost trust those. But two different manufacturers modified choke will pattern differently. Some of that also depends on the ammo used.

I'm thinking the designated choke, even with tubes, is almost an educated guess without the test.

You are not wrong. Pattern tells the story.
And thank you!

[Bruce Cartwright]

Mr. Kelley:

Thanks for sharing a great video. You did a nice explanation of that topic.

I do have a question. How does one measure the internal diameter of their shotgun bore? I have recently started shooting Sporting Clays again and am going down rabbit holes regarding stock fit etc. In my process, I will be experimenting with different choke tubes and loads. I suspect I will need to know the internal diameter in order to plug the data/constriction standards from your video. By way of reference, I am running an 870 Remington in 12 gauge with a shortened (21 inch) vent rib barrel using Rem Choke tubes. I had Al Greco lengthen the forcing cone and polish the bore when he shortened the barrel and recut it for choke tubes.

As a follow-on question, where within the bore is the diameter measured-chamber, mid bore, just behind the choke tube threads?

Thanks in advance for your help with this.

Bruce