Shotgun Choke Tube Failure

Alpine

I have a Japanese made O/U that has aftermarket Colonial Arms Choke Tubes. This Stainless Steel choke tube began to unravel the threaded end of the tube out the end of the barrel. I had just shugged both tubes down, and after about ten shots I noticed a string of metal sticking out the barrel. The choke tube was tearing at the threads and was stringing out the end of the barrel.
Anyone seen this type of failure before?


"If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there."

Nighthawk

Ive heard of it happening with chokes that have not been tightned back up after repeated shooting.But in your case I cant say for sure but its possible the choke threads were of low quality.I would contact the factory,or a gun smith before I done any more shooting.


Good Luck!

Rugster

Nighthawk

Ive heard of it happening with chokes that have not been tightned back up after repeated shooting.But in your case I cant say for sure but its possible the choke threads were of low quality.I would contact the factory,or a gun smith before I done any more shooting.


Good Luck!

Rugster

v35

Was the shotgun threaded by the factory or did a gunsmith thread the barrels? Did these choke tubes come with the gun? What is stripping, the threads on the choke or the threads on the choke tube?

v35

I meant: what is stripping, the threads on the barrel or the threads on the choke tube?

Alpine

The threads from the stainless steel choke tube were striping two threads wide. The ribbon of steel that was hanging out the end of the barrel was the threads from the bottom of the choke tube.
My understanding was that Colonial bored and threaded the barrels.

"If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there."

Edited by - Alpine on 08/05/2002 21:10:29

v35

You may be lucky. Clean and examine the barrel threads for stripping, cross threading and bits of metal from the damaged choke tube. Using a magnifying glass, compare the both barrel threads. If they look identical and the choke tube from the other barrel spins in smoothly then get a new choke tube, seat it snugly and give er a another go. If the threads look damaged or another choke tube doesn't go in smoothly call Colonial. You may be lucky if it only needs thread chasing with a threading tap. If you're unlucky the barrels will have to be shortened and rethreaded.

BT99

Sounds like the choke tube is slightly smaller diameter than the
bore, causing the wad to "snag" on the edge of the tube. I have
installed choke tubes in many barrels and the lead end of the tube
must be equal to or smaller than the bore diameter.

BT99

Sorry about the previous post. should read "equal to or larger than
the bore diameter.

Alpine

Thanks for the info. I have contacted Colonial.

"If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there."