I am a relative newbie to the sport, but I am curious as to why some shooters use an extended choke. What are their advantages/disadvantages?
Some pros and cons of extended choke tubes include:
1) extended tubes are usually easier/faster to change (usually no wrench needed),
Be aware that Briley thinwall chokes or any other makes machined for Briley thinwall threads do require the use of a wrench to snug up the chokes.
I have witnessed two barrels ruptured because the owners thought hand tight was good enough.
CT
Especially like the statement, "Not all chokes are what they say they are on ....." The late Don Zutz wrote a bit about that with the conclusion that each choke can be something different than what it purportedly is supposed to be. A good thing to remember and a good reason to put a new one on paper.I prefer the flush factory chokes. They seem to pattern better than the extended chokes, for me.
My opinion on extended chokes:
Extended chokes do protect the end of the barrel
Do look nice. Add a little bling
Easier to change
Does make it difficult to fit your shotgun into a soft case
But for me that inch or two extension on the end of my barrels doesn’t do a thing for me or my shooting.
personal choice I guess. I prefer Carlson’s my son uses the old Hastings Chokes. Loves them.
Check your patterns with different chokes on paper. Not all chokes are what say they are on the side of the choke.
Good luck
Chief