So I decided to get a new choke to replace the the full choke that was in it when I baught it here on EE, but the groves the choke tool fits in are sort of rounded off, looks like previous onwer used a punch or some make shift tool. The choke tool I baught just slips out, What are my options here? Try using a punch?
Mossberg 835 - Need help getting choke tube out
- Thread starter leeaspell
- Start date
Hard to say what might work for you without having the gun in hand. It sounds like the choke tube is snugged up pretty tight, or the tube wrench wouldn't just slip off, even if the notches are worn.
So, it sounds like you have 2 challenges.
For the first challenge, I'd recommend using copious amounts of penetrating oil and letting it soak for several hours. Then, holding the top of the barrels tightly in your left hand and using your thumb on that hand to put downward pressure on the tube wrench, try turning the wrench counter-clockwise, concentrating on preventing the wrench slipping by a combination of downward pressure on the wrench and slow, controlled turning.
If that doesn't work, you'll probably have to resort to more drastic measures. One method that'll work for sure is to use an "Easy-Out". I don't know what those things are properly called, but "extractors" is a term often applied to them. They're typically used to remove stripped bolts by drilling a hole down the center of the bolt and then inserting the extractor. The extractor is a long, tapered, squarish thing. The square edges dig into the sides of the round hole and the offending part is removed.
The problem with using an extractor, and the reason it should be your last resort, is that it will damage the inside of the choke tube, likely ruining it for the intended purpose.
So, it sounds like you have 2 challenges.
For the first challenge, I'd recommend using copious amounts of penetrating oil and letting it soak for several hours. Then, holding the top of the barrels tightly in your left hand and using your thumb on that hand to put downward pressure on the tube wrench, try turning the wrench counter-clockwise, concentrating on preventing the wrench slipping by a combination of downward pressure on the wrench and slow, controlled turning.
If that doesn't work, you'll probably have to resort to more drastic measures. One method that'll work for sure is to use an "Easy-Out". I don't know what those things are properly called, but "extractors" is a term often applied to them. They're typically used to remove stripped bolts by drilling a hole down the center of the bolt and then inserting the extractor. The extractor is a long, tapered, squarish thing. The square edges dig into the sides of the round hole and the offending part is removed.
The problem with using an extractor, and the reason it should be your last resort, is that it will damage the inside of the choke tube, likely ruining it for the intended purpose.
If you're going to have to go out and buy tools to do the job, maybe just take it to your local gunshop and ask the resident smith to get it out for you. He'll have the tools on hand and will only charge you a small labour fee.
You probably will end up spending less, getting it done quicker, and not having to risk doing damage to your barrel or the choke tube.
Once the tube is out, it would be a good time to touch up the notches, or cut new ones if necessary.
You probably will end up spending less, getting it done quicker, and not having to risk doing damage to your barrel or the choke tube.
Once the tube is out, it would be a good time to touch up the notches, or cut new ones if necessary.
Also once the tube's out, using a brass brush and Hoppes, thoroughly clean the choke tube threads and the corresponding threads inside the barrel. Check to make sure there are no burrs on the tube (perhaps where the notches are worn/punched) and that it's properly rounded (not oval from being crushed).
When you reinsert the choke tube into the barrel, if the threads aren't damaged or clogged with powder residue, you should be able to thread it in entirely by hand. The tube wrench should be necessary only to tighten it snug. Don't over tighten because you may cause damage to the threads, or cause the tube to be jammed in so tight you end up back in this situation again. Better to leave the tube just snug, than to over tighten. When the choke tube is properly tightened, it should be checked on a regular basis and tightened if it starts to loosen.
Both situations are bad. Too tight can cause damage and/or get stuck. Too loose can allow residue to get between the tube and the barrel wall. Once this happens, the tube can be hard to extract due to gumming in the threads. The residue will also attract and hold moisture, potentially leading to corrosion.
One piece of advice you don't often see on this board that should be common knowledge is that choke tubes should be removed and cleaned regularly.
When you reinsert the choke tube into the barrel, if the threads aren't damaged or clogged with powder residue, you should be able to thread it in entirely by hand. The tube wrench should be necessary only to tighten it snug. Don't over tighten because you may cause damage to the threads, or cause the tube to be jammed in so tight you end up back in this situation again. Better to leave the tube just snug, than to over tighten. When the choke tube is properly tightened, it should be checked on a regular basis and tightened if it starts to loosen.
Both situations are bad. Too tight can cause damage and/or get stuck. Too loose can allow residue to get between the tube and the barrel wall. Once this happens, the tube can be hard to extract due to gumming in the threads. The residue will also attract and hold moisture, potentially leading to corrosion.
One piece of advice you don't often see on this board that should be common knowledge is that choke tubes should be removed and cleaned regularly.
Heat it with a heat gun before you try anything. Not a torch just a heat gun so you don't damage the bluing. I find that helps a lot. Good Luck
I had to send mine to a gunsmith to get him to remove the tube. I don't remember what he charged but it wasn't much. I was also having trouble with the safety so I had that fixed at the same time.
That little flat choke wrench that comes with the mossberg is a piece of crap.
That little flat choke wrench that comes with the mossberg is a piece of crap.
