marking choke tubes

2tall2

2tall2

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I recently acquired a set of original Winchester choke tubes for my older model 120. These tubes only have their size marked in very small letters on the side just under the knurled end. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be, and I don't always have reading glasses with me. I really can't read the choke name without glasses. They don't have the notches on the end like newer choke tubes. Even with notches, I'm not sure I would remember which notches belong to which tube.

I have an electric pencil engraver, but not sure I want to engrave the side of the choke tube, although I may use it to put a small mark on the end similar to the notches on modern tubes.

I also thought about trying to paint the lettering, but it is so small I doubt it would be legible.

Anyone have any other ideas for marking the tubes, even on the main body that will be hidden when installed? Is there any other method of marking that would work on the main body of the tube without damaging it?


As an aside, I understand there is a standard for the markings or notches. This is what I found...
Full - I - *
IM - II - **
M - III - ***
IC - IIII - ****
C - IIIII - *****

The tubes I have are Extra Full, Full, IM, M, Improved Cyl, and Skeet, so even if I mark them like modern notches, what markings would I use for Extra Full and Skeet? Is skeet and cylinder usually the same? Or are they different for different manufacturers?

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the only real things i can think of is a etching pase and a stencle of some sort, if you take a crayon and rub it over the writing the wax will stay in the letters and makes it easier to read.
 
If you don't want to put notches on the end of the chokes then just color code them with paint. The knurled end will hold the paint extremely well and will prevent it from rubbing/wearing of.
 
VLT79 said:
If you don't want to put notches on the end of the chokes then just color code them with paint. The knurled end will hold the paint extremely well and will prevent it from rubbing/wearing of.
Click to expand...

Hmm, that gives me an idea. Maybe I can paint a short abbreviation on the knurled section. As you say, the knurling will hold the paint well.
 
There is a "groove" between the knurled section and the outer rim which should hold paint well.
I'd use the little glass jar hobby store enamels.

For a colour code, you might want to try Beretta's: Blue/Cylinder Red/Skeet, Purple/"American" Skeet, Yellow/Improved Cylinder, Orange/Light Modified, Green/Modified, Black/Improved Modified, Grey/Light Full and White/Full.

After a few outings, you'll have no trouble memorizing them.
 
Although I think the paint is a good idea, I have to wonder how often are you changing them where you wouldn't have glasses around? I change mine before I leave the house. If that's the case, why not put them in marked containers? A Ziploc and a Sharpie would take care of that.
 
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