What is a Choke Tube and Why Does It Matter?
The satisfying crash of a breaking clay, the sudden flush of a pheasant from the cover, the long, arcing flight of a waterfowl – these are the moments that define the thrill of shotgun shooting. But behind every successful shot lies a carefully considered choice: the right choke tube. And for shooters using Browning shotguns and other brands with compatible barrels, understanding the **Invector Plus Choke Tube Chart** is the key to unlocking peak performance. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of this popular choke system, providing you with the knowledge and insights to choose the perfect choke for every shooting scenario.
Introducing the Invector Plus System
The **Invector Plus** choke tube system is a highly regarded design found in many popular shotguns, particularly those manufactured by Browning. It’s designed to offer improved patterns and consistency compared to older systems. This enhancement is achieved through a combination of features. The most notable of which is its extended internal taper, which creates a smoother transition for the shot column as it travels down the barrel. This smoother transition minimizes pellet deformation, resulting in more consistent and dense patterns. The Invector Plus system also features a longer parallel section at the muzzle, further aiding in pattern improvement. Its specific thread pattern ensures a secure fit and ease of installation. This robust design and proven performance have made it a favorite among hunters, competitive shooters, and recreational gun enthusiasts alike.
Advantages of the Invector Plus Design
The benefits of the Invector Plus system extend beyond pattern improvement. Because of their superior design, these chokes often deliver more consistent performance across a wide range of ammunition types. The extended taper and parallel section contribute to better gas sealing, which helps reduce recoil. The result is a system that’s not only more accurate but also more comfortable to shoot. This contributes to a shooter’s overall success and enjoyment on the range or in the field.
Invector Plus Compared to Other Systems
Understanding how the Invector Plus system stacks up against other common choke designs is important. Systems like Invector and Mobilchoke are older designs with shorter tapers and sometimes less precise manufacturing. While these older systems can still perform adequately, Invector Plus offers the advantages mentioned earlier, particularly enhanced pattern performance. This is especially noticeable at longer ranges. Some newer designs utilize advanced materials and coatings. However, the Invector Plus’s proven reliability and widespread availability make it a very good choice. It is a step above many older designs.
Understanding the Choke Chart: A Guide to Performance
The **Invector Plus Choke Tube Chart** is a valuable tool, a quick reference guide that simplifies choke selection based on your shooting needs. This chart provides clear guidance on which choke tube to use based on factors like target type, distance, and ammunition.
Understanding the Constriction
* **Cylinder Choke:** This choke offers no constriction, meaning the bore diameter is the same as the barrel diameter. The shot pattern is wide, providing a very open spread. This is ideal for close-range targets such as skeet shooting, where fast lead is more important than distance.
* **Skeet Choke:** Skeet chokes have a slight constriction, typically more than a cylinder. It provides a wider spread than improved cylinder, making it perfect for the close-range shots commonly found in skeet. The aim is to get a wide and even pattern at distances.
* **Improved Cylinder Choke:** This is slightly more constricted than skeet and cylinder chokes. This choke offers a moderately open pattern, making it suited for a range of applications. This is excellent for sporting clays courses where targets are closer or for medium-range hunting.
* **Modified Choke:** The modified choke is more constricted than improved cylinder. It offers a more focused pattern, making it effective for sporting clays, upland hunting and general all-purpose shooting at medium ranges.
* **Improved Modified Choke:** This choke bridges the gap between modified and full. It allows for a denser pattern than modified. This is a great choice for longer-range shots at sporting clays or for turkey hunting.
* **Full Choke:** The full choke provides the tightest constriction. This choke is suitable for the maximum possible distance, and it offers a tight, dense pattern. This is a great option for waterfowl hunting at longer ranges.
* **Extra Full/Turkey Choke:** These highly constricted chokes are designed specifically for turkey hunting. They are engineered to produce extremely dense patterns at extended ranges. These are designed for maximum lethal effectiveness at longer distances.
A Helpful Guide to the Chart
The **Invector Plus Choke Tube Chart** is a quick guide to help you find the proper choke for the situation.
| Choke Tube Name | Constriction Measurement | Recommended Use/Applications | Shot Size Recommendations |
| ——————— | ———————————- | ———————————————————————————————– | ——————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Cylinder | Very little to no constriction | Skeet Shooting, Very Close-Range Clays, Close-Range Upland Hunting, Home Defense | Shot size #8 to #9 |
| Skeet | Slight constriction | Skeet, Very Close-Range Clays | Shot size #8 to #9 |
| Improved Cylinder | Moderate constriction | Sporting Clays, Close-Range Upland Birds, Rabbits | Shot size #7.5 to #8 |
| Modified | Moderate Constriction | Sporting Clays, Upland Birds, Waterfowl over Decoys, General Purpose Hunting | Shot size #6 to #7.5 |
| Improved Modified | More Constriction | Longer-Range Sporting Clays, Predator Hunting, Deer Hunting (with slugs), Turkey Hunting | Shot size #4 to #6 |
| Full | High constriction | Waterfowl, Long-Range Upland, Turkey Hunting, Trap Shooting, Long Range Predator Hunting | Shot size #2 to #4, some #5 or #6 |
| Extra Full/Turkey | Very high constriction | Turkey Hunting (Long Range), Long-Range Predator | Shot size #4 to #6, some may choose #7 |
Keep the above factors in mind when using the chart. This is a great place to start. However, always test your chosen choke and ammunition.
Important Considerations When Using the Chart
Remember the chart is a guide, and performance can change based on your equipment and ammunition. Consider these factors:
* **Shotgun Type:** The gauge of your shotgun plays a role in choke selection.
* **Ammunition:** Different shot sizes, wad designs, and powder charges will impact the shot pattern. Always be sure to test with your ammunition to achieve the best results.
* **Target Distance:** Distance is critical. The further away the target, the tighter the choke you will need.
* **Personal Preference:** Experiment to find what works best for you. Different people will obtain different results depending on their shooting style.
Choosing the Right Choke Tube: Applying the Knowledge
The real value of understanding the Invector Plus Choke Tube Chart comes in applying the information to your specific shooting needs. Let’s explore some examples.
Considerations for Your Shots
* **Shooting Skeet:** In this fast-paced game, the targets are usually close. The appropriate choice is the cylinder or skeet choke.
* **Hunting Upland Birds:** When hunting quail, dove, or other fast-moving game, the improved cylinder is a good starting point. You may want to use a modified choke if you are hunting at longer ranges.
* **Waterfowl Hunting:** For pass shooting, a modified or full choke is typically best, depending on the range. When shooting over decoys at close range, a modified is sometimes used.
* **Turkey Hunting:** For turkey hunting, an extra full or turkey choke is highly recommended to produce the tightest patterns for the longest effective range.
* **Sporting Clays:** Sporting clays require adjusting choke selection to the distance of each target.
These recommendations are general guidelines. Your best option is to test different chokes to see which gives you the best results with your specific ammunition.
Installation, Maintenance, and Safety: A Practical Guide
Once you’ve selected your choke, proper installation, maintenance, and safe handling are essential.
* **Installing Your Choke Tube:** Ensure the firearm is unloaded. Lightly lubricate the threads of the Invector Plus choke. Screw the choke tube into the barrel by hand. Do not over-tighten the choke tube. Use the appropriate wrench.
* **Cleaning and Maintenance:** Regularly clean your choke tubes to remove residue and prevent buildup. Wipe down the threads with a cleaning solvent and apply a light coating of gun oil.
* **Safety First:** Always ensure your firearm is unloaded before installing or removing a choke tube. Never insert an Invector Plus choke tube into a barrel that is not designed for it.
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly utilizing the **Invector Plus Choke Tube Chart** is a key ingredient in shotgun shooting. This guide should give you a solid foundation for choosing the right choke tube, maximizing your effectiveness in the field or on the range. By carefully selecting your choke tube based on the type of shooting you are doing, you’ll be able to improve your patterns, increase your hit probability, and enjoy the sport more. Remember to test various choke and ammunition combinations to find the optimal performance for your shotgun.
Good shooting!
