One of the most important criteria for choosing a hunting rifle is the accuracy of the battle. Some shotgun models use a very complex internal barrel geometry, which is due to the uneven diameter along the entire length. In such a weapon, the trunks consist of two parts - a transitional cone and a muzzle narrowing of the gun. The expansion of the fraction also depends on the latter. It is important to understand that it is impossible to finalize the factory drill yourself, however, the accuracy of the battle when using various types of ammunition can be affected using special nozzles.
There are several varieties of chokes, but it is impossible to single out their unified classification, which would make it possible to select the most optimal variant. Therefore, when choosing a smoothbore gun, hunters have to rely on factory markings. Let's try to figure out which muzzle contractions are better and what to look for when choosing them.
A bit of history
Muzzle contractions were invented in 1870 by the American fur hunter and hunter Fred Kimble. He wanted to achieve greater accuracy in firing shots, so he decided to experiment with his weapon. In those days, replaceable chokes did not exist yet (they were invented almost a century later), Kimble could only try to change the diameter of the barrel of his shotgun. And, as you might guess, he managed to achieve better results.
What affects the accuracy of fire?
Initially, Kimble tried to tighten the choke of his 10-caliber rifle as much as possible, as a result of which the accuracy of the expansion of the shot completely disappeared. Frustrated by the unsuccessful experiment, the hunter returned the choke of his rifle to its original state and checked its performance. After all the measures taken, the accuracy of shooting not only returned to its original level, but also became much better.
Careful studies of the work done showed that the accuracy of fraction expansion improved due to narrowness remaining after an unsuccessful experiment. Thus, Kimble came to the conclusion that muzzle constrictions affect the damaging capabilities of weapons.
The invention of removable muzzle contractions
Simultaneously with Kimble, or more precisely, 4 years before him, the British gunsmith Markus Pape, who is considered the unofficial inventor of interchangeable chokes, patented an innovative technology of that time with detailed calculations for the manufacture of small arms. New models of guns had a difference between the inner and outer parts of the barrel equal to one unit of caliber, and the length of the transition cone was 2.5 centimeters. It was then that replaceable muzzle contractions appeared, which quickly gained popularity around the world.
What to consider?
As mentioned earlier, today there is no uniform classification by type of choke, therefore all information is conditional, and the only criterion for choosing a hunting rifle is the marking provided by the manufacturers of weapons. In this case, one important nuance must be taken into account: the declared parameters do not correspond to the expected accuracy of the flight of a fraction of a certain model of crushing.
The following factors affect the accuracy of fire:
- type of ammunition used;
- barrel length;
- weapon caliber;
- correctly selected magnitude of muzzle narrowing.
If you want to get the highest accuracy, then when choosing a nozzle, you need to perform its adjustment. The thing is that, depending on the design features of the choke, the nozzle can both lower and increase the accuracy of fraction flight. This is due to the fact that different muzzle contractions have a different angle between the transition cone and the choke, as well as the length.
During the shooting process, an experienced hunter can choose the optimal nozzle, which will have minimal dispersion when shooting various types of shots. At the same time, it is also necessary to take into account the model of a smooth-bore gun, since if the chock has high accuracy on one weapon, then on the other the results can be very disgusting.
Purpose and design features
All muzzle narrowings that exist today are called on the basis of their technical characteristics. The most common type of nozzles are six-pipe, having linear dimensions and shape. They also have a reinforced cylinder with a narrowing of 0.25 mm and accuracy of fire - 45 percent. Moreover, the dispersion rate does not change regardless of the ammunition used. You can shoot using such a nozzle not only with buckshot and shot, but also with bullets of any type.
Marking hunting rifles
There are quite a few varieties of hunting rifles, but experts identify six main types. Distinguish them allows marking muzzle narrowing provided by manufacturers of weapons. All values indicated in it are measured in millimeters.
Let's look at the most common types:
- C is a cylinder, or bell. It has no notches. Permissible changes in the diameter of the choke are within 0.2 mm. It provides good accuracy in the expansion of the shot, increases the maximum firing range by 25 meters and allows the use of any type of shells.
- IC - cylinder with pressure. These hunting muzzle contractions have a notch. Permissible changes in the diameter of the choke vary from 0.15 to 0.25 mm. According to their characteristics, they are identical to Type C, but have a higher accuracy of fire.
- M - payday, the diameter of which can be from 1 to 0.5 mm. Unlike IC, it allows you to shoot only those bullets that freely pass through the barrel.
- IM - reinforced payday. It has a notch and a muzzle narrowing, the diameter of which can range from 0.2 to 0.75 millimeters. The accuracy of the bullet is 60 percent. Perfect for firing small shots at a distance of about 50 meters.
- F is a chock. This nozzle has a choke with a diameter of 0.4 to 1. When using fractions no higher than the “three”, the accuracy of fire can reach 75 percent.
- XF - reinforced choke with a diameter of muzzle narrowing from 0.5 to 1.25 mm. These hunting rifle models, although they have a fractional flight accuracy of 85%, are among the less common. Their main purpose is sports shooting, where accuracy is very important. As for ammunition, this model is designed to shoot only a fraction no higher than the "seven".
We examined the main types of guns, so let's now get to know which nozzles and muzzle contractions are best used to achieve maximum accuracy.
Rarely found types of chokes
So, we examined the most common types of muzzle contractions. Let's talk about the types of chokes that are less popular.
These include:
- LF - rifled chokes. Oriented to professional hunters. The firing range can reach 150 meters, which allows you to hunt a large beast. When using fractions, the effectiveness of shooting drops significantly.
- OSH is a very strong shock. Gauge muzzle gauges range from 1.25 to 1.45 millimeters. Designed for shooting sports, so it is not used in hunting. It has excellent accuracy and accuracy of fire when using fractions no higher than the "eight". When firing other shells, it behaves very unpredictably.
If you are looking for a nozzle for hunting, then the above species will not be the best solution, since they are more suitable for athletes.
Nozzle on the "Vepr-12" 430 mm
Nozzle type full choke. It has a muzzle narrowing of 1 mm. When firing small shots, accuracy can reach 75 percent. The use of large fractions and buckshot is not recommended, since the weapon will behave unpredictably. Moreover, the more shots will be fired, the worse the accuracy will be.
The advantage of this nozzle is a strong muzzle narrowing, which reaches 1.25 millimeters. Thanks to the chock, the accuracy of fraction flight can reach 85 percent even when firing at long distances. It is not intended for the use of large fractions and buckshots, since in this case muzzle contractions become simply unpredictable. It’s better not to charge the bullet at all, it can simply break the barrel from it.
Chock - rifled, has unique design features that allow you to fire at extremely long distances. The maximum firing range can reach 150 meters, which allows you to hunt large animals. As for ammunition, it is recommended to use special bullets for firing, because from buckshot and fractions the effectiveness and accuracy of shooting are very much reduced.
Nozzle on "Remington 870 Express Magnum"
The adapter cone for the nozzle for this model of gun has a narrowing of about 0.5 millimeters, so that the accuracy of the fraction of the flight reaches 55 percent. If you do not know how to shoot a bullet with a muzzle narrowing, then this nozzle will be an excellent solution, because it allows you to use any type of ammunition. The gap between the main part of the barrel and the bullet body is 0.5 millimeters. The narrowing of the choke is 0.75 mm, which allows you to increase the accuracy of fire up to 65%.
Choke Choice Tips
If you came to the store for a new choke, then the type of nozzle and its length are far from the only criteria that you should pay attention to when buying. Professionals also recommend taking into account design features, since the accuracy and accuracy of firing largely depends on the internal geometry of the barrel. For example, all experienced hunters know that short nozzles have more effective shooting compared to long ones, but if the transition angle is incorrectly selected in them, the results can be completely opposite.
Manufacturers
Nozzles on hunting rifles are produced by the manufacturers of weapons themselves. The most famous among them are Beretta, Benelli, Browning and Fabarm. The quality of shotguns of these companies is known throughout the world. As for Russian brands, many hunters speak well of guns from the Vyatka-Polyansky engineering plant and TOZ.
As it turned out, today there is a fairly large selection of chokes, and each of them has its own advantages. This is not to say that one of them is better or worse. It all depends on what you need it for. As for pricing, it is different. Its range depends on many factors, including the selected manufacturer.