Retrofit Your Smooth Bore: Adding Chokes - Gunsmith Tip

This guide details the process of retrofitting a smooth bore shotgun with choke tubes, a modification that enhances versatility. Professional gunsmith Doug Painter and Mitch Shultz of Gunsmithing Ltd. explain the critical step of checking barrel wall thickness. They cover the installation of various chokes for different shooting applications, from waterfowl to target practice, and discuss cost-effectiveness. The guide concludes with essential post-installation steps like patterning and emphasizes firearm safety.

Quick Summary

Retrofitting a smooth bore shotgun with choke tubes requires a gunsmith to first verify sufficient barrel wall thickness. Once confirmed, various chokes can be installed, enhancing the shotgun's versatility for different shooting applications. Costs range from approximately $175 for a single barrel to $350 for an over-and-under, with post-installation patterning being essential.

Chapters

  1. 00:11Introduction to Retrofitting Shotguns
  2. 00:42Technical Requirements for Choke Installation
  3. 01:07Over-and-Under Barrel Modification
  4. 01:41Cost and Versatility
  5. 02:16Post-Installation and Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any shotgun be retrofitted with choke tubes?

Not all shotguns can be retrofitted. A qualified gunsmith must first assess the barrel wall thickness to ensure it can safely support the threading and stress of screw-in choke tubes. Older or thinner-walled barrels may not be suitable for this modification.

What are the benefits of adding choke tubes to a shotgun?

Adding choke tubes significantly increases a shotgun's versatility. It allows shooters to adapt the firearm to different shooting scenarios, from tight patterns for long-range waterfowl hunting to wider patterns for close-range clay sports, by simply swapping out the choke tubes.

How much does it cost to add choke tubes to a shotgun?

The cost varies by shotgun type. A single barrel shotgun retrofit with three choke tubes typically costs around $175. For an over-and-under shotgun, the price is approximately $350, including installation and choke tubes.

What is the first step in adding chokes to a shotgun?

The crucial first step is to have a professional gunsmith inspect the shotgun's barrel. They will measure the barrel wall thickness to determine if it's sufficient to safely thread for and withstand the use of screw-in choke tubes.

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