Hi,
So... in a 12Ga O/U with 28" barrels... is there a noticeable difference in patterning if you go from a flush choke tube to an extended one?
I'm looking at new choke tubes for my 686 (full and mod and maybe skeet)... used primarily for breaking clay (recreational)... is the extra 1/2" worth the extra cost?
EB
No. Every choke tube can perform well or poorly depending on tube construction, the gun it's mounted on, and the shells used. Extended choke tubes might have a bit of an advantage, if your barrels are a little on the short side for the use you intend, but that's so negligable it's almost a joke.
Extended choke tubes were conceived to allow mounting and removal of the tubes without tools. They're typically knurled on the part that extends past the muzzle, for this reason. But this convenience can come at a cost. If you fail to firmly seat them for whatever reason (usually this is because a person is in a hurry or they simply don't have the necessary hand strength), combustion gasses more easily penetrate the threads. If large numbers of shells are fired between cleanings, whether that be over just a few days or over longer periods of time doesn't matter, fouling build up can promote corrosion and/or make it hard to remove the tubes.
For this reason, I'd recommend extended chokes tubes that include the option to use a choke wrench. I'd buy the proper wrench. And, I'd recommend always making sure the tubes are installed firmly into place, whether turned by hand or using the wrench.
Don't misinterpret this to mean they should be as tight as possible, because going that route can also cause damage to the threads and lead to seized tubes. Firmly and fully seated is what you want.
The cost of the tubes should be appropriate for the quality of materials and workmanship and the patterns they throw, all else being equal. It should have nothing to do with the style of choke (although the cost of manufacture should be a bit higher for extended tubes of comparable quality).
ETA: Some guns are balanced with a style and weight of tube in mind. Because the weight is so far forward, it has a greater impact on balance. Take the manufacturer's recommendation where one is offered.
