Are the "tool less" screw-in chokes any good?

[kotengu]

OK - I'm sending off my 18" 870 barrel to have some Tru-choke threads installed and the forcing cone lengthened, and I'm shopping for chokes now. I'm thinking a cylinder, mod, and extra full (I'd like to turkey hunt) to start out with, and I like the idea of the knurled-end kind that supposedly doesn't need any tools or wrenches to change.

Do these work well, or do they get stuck and you have to put a pair of vice-grips on the knurl anyway?

Does anybody have any preferences to choke tubes, or things they like or don't like about the ones they have? What about the different makers? Is there anywhere I can see the actual points of constriction of the various tubes, or do I just have to guess based on their names?

 

[Rat-30]

Shameless plug #1:

link to choke thread #1


The extended tubes I've had worked fine, just like the flush-mount. Provided I keep lube on them...

 

[HSMITH]

Buy extended chokes, much simpler and often times better patterns also. Buy Hastings brand when buying for normal types of choked guns, by FAR the best tubes on the market for the money. Trulocks are great quality also.

 

[sm]

I prefer extended knurled chokes. Protects muzzle from dings, and my #1 reason, I hate to keep up with a darn wrench. Been using extended knurled chokes since early '70's, these were Nu-Line. Never had a problem, still running and patterning true. I bet my first set of Nu-Lines have 100K through them.

Another good choke often overlooked are the factory original Win-choke, I didn't use the wrench,( typical me) never had a problem, another easy 50K through those chokes.

I never "wrenched" them down,just finger tight snug. RIG yellow label or oil on threads. Never used that pc of red inner tube I cut and carried in case "overtight"...has never happened.

Regardless, of whom you go with, check POA/POI before, if its off , correct it. Alway use a reputable gunsmith, and product and re-check POA/POI.

 

[Dave McCracken]

It boils down to personal choice, IMO. Some folks like the convenience, others find the extra weight of the extended stuff slows their swing, for either good or bad.

Most chokes stay put most of the time for me. The Knurled ones are easier to check.

I've used Remington, Hastings and Colonial tubes. No probs yet.