What is Extra Extra Full Choke?
Definition and Comparison
The world of shotguns is a world of precision, a dance between projectiles and targets. Within this realm, a critical element dictates the shot’s final spread: the choke. And among the spectrum of chokes, there exists a specialized tool, a tight-patterning powerhouse designed for maximizing effective range and pinpoint accuracy: the Extra Extra Full Choke. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the intricacies of this specialized choke, illuminating its purpose, applications, advantages, disadvantages, and how to wield it with skill and confidence.
Shotguns, unlike rifles, launch a spray of pellets, a pattern that spreads outwards as it travels. The choke is the constriction at the end of the barrel designed to control this spread. It shapes the pattern, allowing the shooter to tailor their shot for various distances and game or target types. While other choke types offer varying degrees of constriction, the Extra Extra Full Choke reigns supreme in its ability to compress the shot, concentrating the pellets into the tightest possible pattern.
Understanding the Extra Extra Full Choke starts with its precise definition. It’s the choke with the most significant constriction, designed to produce patterns with a very high percentage of pellets within a 30-inch circle at a standard distance of 40 yards. Typically, the pattern density achieved is within the range of 85% to even 95% of the shot pellets within that crucial circle. This level of constriction is achieved by dramatically reducing the diameter of the barrel’s bore at the muzzle. This forces the shot column, upon exiting the barrel, to stay tightly clustered, maintaining velocity and pattern integrity over a greater distance.
To truly appreciate the significance of the Extra Extra Full Choke, one must compare it to other choke types. Imagine the spectrum: at one end sits the Cylinder choke, offering no constriction and thus the widest spread. Then come Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes, each providing incrementally tighter patterns. The Extra Extra Full Choke surpasses even the Full choke in its constriction, delivering a pattern that is substantially tighter, designed for specific roles demanding utmost precision at longer distances. The comparison highlights the Extra Extra Full Choke’s commitment to tightly focused shot delivery.
Applications of Extra Extra Full Choke
Ideal and Not-so-Ideal Scenarios
The practical uses of the Extra Extra Full Choke are highly specialized, making it the go-to choice in specific scenarios. Its primary strength lies in its ability to provide consistent pellet strikes at longer ranges. This is especially crucial in situations that require a precise shot placement where a wide spread could result in wounding the target instead of a clean kill.
Consider the demanding world of long-range target shooting disciplines. If your passion lies in target shooting sports that include trap, skeet (where permitted), or sporting clays, the Extra Extra Full Choke can give you a significant edge. The tight pattern allows you to break clay targets consistently at distances where other choke types might not provide the necessary pellet density for a successful hit. When the challenge requires pinpoint accuracy at extended distances, the Extra Extra Full Choke becomes your ally.
Another significant application is in hunting, specifically for species like wild turkeys. Turkey hunting demands a high degree of accuracy and range. Turkeys are notoriously wary, and hunters often encounter them at distances exceeding 30 or 40 yards. The Extra Extra Full Choke allows hunters to put a dense cloud of pellets on target, maximizing the chance of a clean, ethical kill. The tight pattern ensures sufficient pellet strikes to the vital areas of the turkey, allowing hunters to successfully harvest these challenging game birds at ranges that would prove difficult with other choke types.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that the Extra Extra Full Choke is not a universal solution. There are scenarios where its extreme constriction becomes a liability. In close-range hunting situations, such as pursuing upland birds at close distances, where quick shots are necessary and the target is moving swiftly, the tight pattern might be too restrictive. It can make it difficult to connect with a moving target. Similarly, for skeet, where targets travel at close-range, this would be an unsuitable choice. The Extra Extra Full Choke’s restricted spread won’t allow the shooter to have a consistent hit rate. The very characteristics that make it effective at distance can become a disadvantage when dealing with rapid close-range encounters.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros and Cons
The advantages of this specialized choke are substantial. Its primary benefit is the exceptionally tight pattern, providing a denser shot cloud at a given range. This translates to an increased effective range, allowing shooters to engage targets further away with the confidence of a high-probability hit. The denser pattern improves pellet density at the target, which increases the likelihood of multiple hits to vital areas for a clean and effective kill, whether on a game animal or a clay target. It improves the chances for a successful harvest or target break.
But, the Extra Extra Full Choke is not without its downsides. First and foremost, it lacks versatility. Its extreme constriction limits its usefulness to very specific applications. Secondly, the tight pattern demands greater aiming precision. Any error in the shooter’s aim becomes magnified, as there’s little room for error within the compact shot cloud. This means proper technique and diligent practice are essential to master this choke.
There is the risk of potential barrel damage if used incorrectly. Ensure the Extra Extra Full Choke is rated for the specific ammunition you intend to use. Steel shot, for instance, requires a choke designed to handle its harder properties. Using a choke with inadequate steel shot compatibility can lead to barrel damage over time.
Furthermore, because of the constricting nature of the choke, it might influence the felt recoil. While this isn’t always a large factor, the pattern created can cause this.
Choosing and Using an Extra Extra Full Choke
Compatibility, Installation, and Maintenance
Choosing and using the Extra Extra Full Choke correctly is vital for achieving its full potential. The first step involves confirming compatibility with your specific shotgun model. Each shotgun manufacturer has specific choke threading patterns. Make sure the Extra Extra Full Choke you select is specifically designed for your make and model of shotgun.
If you intend to use steel shot or other hard shot materials, it’s imperative to verify that the choke is rated to handle these materials. Steel shot, for instance, can be significantly harder than lead shot. The choke must have a rating that ensures it can withstand the wear without causing barrel damage.
Proper installation is critical. Screw the choke tube into the barrel until it is snugly seated. Do not over-tighten it. Always ensure your shotgun is unloaded before installing or removing a choke.
Maintenance is crucial. After each shooting session, clean the choke tube to remove any residue from the shots. This includes powder residue and plastic wad buildup. A buildup will affect pattern integrity. Clean the choke tube with a suitable solvent and a specialized choke brush. Inspect the choke for damage, and replace it if it’s worn.
Ammunition Selection and Patterning
Choosing the right ammunition is essential for maximizing the performance of the Extra Extra Full Choke. Match the shot size to the intended target. For turkey hunting, the common shot sizes include #4, #5, or #6 shot, as they provide excellent penetration and pattern density at the required distances. Larger shot sizes might be more effective for longer distances, but they can reduce the pattern density. Always test your chosen load and shot size to ensure it produces a desirable pattern through your chosen choke.
Before heading into the field, take the time to pattern your shotgun. Patterning involves shooting at a large target, usually at a distance of 40 yards, and analyzing the spread of the shot pellets. This process helps you determine where your gun is shooting and what type of pattern you get.
A recommended method is to use a large paper target or a patterning board, ideally one with a clearly defined aiming point and concentric circles. When patterning the shotgun, carefully aim the gun at the center of the target and fire one round. Examine the pattern, counting the number of pellet strikes within a 30-inch circle drawn around the center point. This helps gauge the pattern’s density and its impact on the target.
Patterning will show you how well your gun and ammunition work together. By measuring the pattern density, you will get an understanding of how many pellets are hitting the target at various distances. If the pattern is too tight, you can adjust your load. If the pattern is uneven or sparse, you might need to consider trying a different brand of ammunition or shot size. The information gathered will refine your approach.
Safety Considerations
Important Reminders
Always prioritize safety. Always follow all firearm safety rules. Always treat every gun as if it is loaded. Never point your shotgun at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Always be aware of your surroundings, and be sure of your target and what lies beyond it. Wear appropriate eye and ear protection.
Also be extra cautious when you use an Extra Extra Full Choke. Ensure the choke is the right one for the ammunition you choose. Always inspect your barrel and choke tube for any signs of damage before each shooting session.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
Mastering the Extra Extra Full Choke demands understanding, practice, and patience. It’s a specialized tool that, when correctly employed, allows you to extract the most accuracy and range from your shotgun. By embracing the principles of pattern, ammunition selection, and safety, you can unlock its full potential. This choke gives you the edge at the long-range target or the critical hunting scenario.
The Extra Extra Full Choke is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a gateway to enhanced accuracy and range. Its focused pattern gives you the edge in specific shooting situations. Remember that versatility is not its goal, but laser-like precision. Practice, and be safe. Your dedication will be reflected in the results: tight, consistent, and effective shot patterns.
