It is really important to choose the right constriction size and choke tube depending on the type of sport you usually practise and on your customary shooting distance for hunting. It is equally essential to choose the type of choke tube that suits your needs; the aim of this article is to analyze the models, we shall not consider the available constriction size diameter, we are rather going to focus on the peculiarities of the various types of choke tubes.
Flush.
The first type of choke tube we are presenting is the Flush, i.e. the internal choke tube, the one that, more precisely, is entirely positioned lengthways inside the barrel of your shotgun.
It is light and simple to be installed, it must be locked with the appropriate key to avoid any damage and breakage due to a not perfect clamping. Simply clean it a couple of times a month, with our kit, or an ultrasonic cleaning machine.
Among Gemini Flush choke tubes you have available 7 or 14 types of constriction sizes, according to the models: from -0,30 up to 1.20. Choose the one that best suits you depending on your type of activity, as shown in our tables on the page “How to choose a choke tube for Sport Shooting” and “How to choose a choke tube for hunting”. Flush choke tubes are available in the Steel Shot version (for lead-free ammunition) up to the M (***) constriction size.
Ported +20mm and Extended +20mm.
However, if you are familiar with the barrel of your shotgun and you are not bothered by an additional weight at the muzzle end, you can install a Ported +20 mm or an Extended +20 mm choke tube. Remember that in any case you can opt for a titanium choke, which can almost completely eliminate the perception of weight. That means about a 40% lower weight than the one of a traditional steel choke.
Ported +20mm and Extended + 20mm both stick out 20 mm past the barrel, they are performing and also easy to be installed - remember to always check that they do not rest on the crowned muzzle; a little "void" must always remain between the choke tube and the barrel; it can range from a few tenths of a millimetre up to about a millimetre. (read here: "5 things you must know for a proper use of the choke tube")
What differentiates them?
The Extended +20 mm boasts an excellent performance, but our flagship is the Ported +20 mm one combining the utmost ballistic efficiency with recoil reduction.
Yet the latter requires a greater frequency in cleaning even in the external part that becomes dirty due to the escape of the gases.
Both are characterized by an excellent shooting comfort.
You shall find 11 constriction sizes for these 2 models in the catalogue; as for Flush choke tubes, choose the ones that best suit you depending on your type of activity, by following our tables on the page “How to choose a choke tube for Sport Shooting” and “How to choose a choke tube for hunting”.
Ported +20 mm choke tubes are available in the Steel Shot version (for lead-free ammunition) only up to the M (***) constriction size, while the Extended +20 mm ones in the Steel Shot version up to the F (*) constriction size.
In/Out +50 mm and In/Out +100 mm.
These choke tubes, unlike the Extended +20 mm and Ported +20 mm ones, stick out 50mm or 100mm past the barrel and are used almost exclusively for hunting activities.
They are characterized by a particular internal profile with a long cone, suitable to minimally deform the shots of the shell and to achieve denser and more uniform cones of fire. The In/Out +50 mm and +100 mm choke tubes can be used, featured with several constriction sizes, with every kind of ammunition, except the XF and XXF ones which can be solely used with those made of lead; they are available in the Steel Shot version up to the F (*) constriction size, as well as for the abovementioned Extended +20 mm.
To sum up.
It's still worth following the good rule of thumb thus purchasing, whereas possible, a couple of models (among those suggested according to your range) and carrying out real ballistic tests: that shall allow you to “ascertain” the efficiency of the choke tube and constriction size you have opted for in relation to other parameters - such as the choice of ammunition - and then to empirically evaluate which one is the most performing depending on your shooting conditions.