What are they?
Ported choke tubes, also called compensators and “muzzle brakes” are an absolutely versatile and extremely popular product among sport shooting and hunting enthusiasts.
They are inserted into the barrel of the shotgun and stick out 20 mm past the muzzle of the firearm. Analogously to the Extended ones, they do not add too much weight to the tip and are easy to assemble and disassemble using the appropriate key. If you choose the titanium version you can easily forget the "weight" issue. The choke tubes made of this material are ultra light and weigh up to 40% less than the traditional steel ones.
All the Ported are really performing and effective; in particular they are suitable to reduce the recoil of the firearm and, thanks to the elimination of the "muzzle flash-smoke puff ", to achieve denser and more uniform cones of fire.
But why should we care to get rid of the "muzzle flash-smoke puff”? It is the moment when the gases generated by the combustion of the powder conveying propulsion to the ammunition, come out of the crowned muzzle while continuing to push on the shell (or on the shots). The latter, no longer guided by the barrel, are thus normally scattered and diverted from their best trajectory. That’s precisely the instant in which our Ported choke tube gets into action; less recoil, no more muzzle flash-smoke puff, a better shot. It’s simple!
Recommended uses
As we said, Ported choke tubes can be used for any type of sport shooting, mounted to the first and second barrel: Trap, Double Trap, Electrocibles, Skeet and Sporting.
For we recommend using a Ported choke tube for close distance shooting with short- or medium-barreled shotgun, for medium distance shooting with medium- and long-barreled shotgun, for long distance shooting with long-barreled shotgun.
As for hunting use, they are suitable for any type of tactic and prey.
In order to choose the ideal constriction size for your type of activity we advise you to refer to our tables dedicated to hunting and sport shooting.
Models and materials
Depending on the models you will find 7 or 11 constriction size types in the catalogue, from the largest tightest XXF (1,14) up to the widest SK2 (-0,30) one. Some models are made of 42CrMo4 alloy steel, a super-resistant and high-performance material with different finishes and treatments, including Nickel or Nickel + Diamond Like Carbon (DLC); the latter ensures less friction and extreme hardness. Other models are made of titanium, with DLC treatment.
Ported choke tubes are available for 12-, 16-, 20- and 28-gauge. In addition, if you take hunting trips in wet areas and then use lead-free ammunition, you can buy the appropriate Steel Shot versions displayed in the catalogue from SK2 constriction size up to the M (***) one.
To understand the different nomenclatures that involve these products, we enclose a comparison table between letters and constrictions (in mm and inches) depending on the barrel bore (12-gauge).
Installation and maintenance
Remember to always check that, once installed, they do not rest on the crowned muzzle; this will allow you to avoid any breakage or damage, both to the firearm and to your choke tube. Between the muzzle crowning and the Ported choke tube must always remain a little "void", ranging from a few tenths to about 1 mm, visible even to the naked eye.
Ported choke tubes require slightly more accurate maintenance than the standard ones. They must be disassembled and cleaned more frequently, even in the outer part, since at each strike, the gas slipping out causes material deposition. You can use an ultrasonic cleaning machine or alternatively, we recommend our special cleaning kit which includes 1 brush for the inner, 1 brush for the outer of the choke tube, 1 bottle of detergent, 1 bottle of grease and a small cloth.
Originally published by Gemini Chokes, Blog, Guides: 06/21/2021