Choke lifespan ?

[Oconeeguy]

I have begun patterning a Mossberg 535 and a BPS 12 GA, and have purchased several used chokes. What is the lifespan of a turkey choke these days? I assume it would be closely related to the constriction vs the amount of shot put through it, with HTL shot wearing more than lead. The internal geometry and type metal it is constructed of might also figure into the equation.

Do any of you guys see a change in your chokes over several years of use?

[Old Gobbler]

I have had some 10 gauge chokes that are 15+ years old have seen hundreds of rounds and many a dead gobbler - patterns just as well as ever

If you don't drop the choke on a hard surface and bend the skirt -or bulge it, score it , or crack it  by shooting unrecommended loads  it should last forever 

[Skeeterbait]

Yeah I have never shot one out.  Keep an eye on them for damage.  Otherwise they should be fine.

[allaboutshooting]

I have begun patterning a Mossberg 535 and a BPS 12 GA, and have purchased several used chokes. What is the lifespan of a turkey choke these days? I assume it would be closely related to the constriction vs the amount of shot put through it, with HTL shot wearing more than lead. The internal geometry and type metal it is constructed of might also figure into the equation.

Do any of you guys see a change in your chokes over several years of use?

I have chokes that have had hundreds and hundreds of tungsten-based shot through them and they look as good and pattern as well as they ever did. Some chokes actually shoot better the more they are shot.

I have one choke that was given to me in October of 2005 and I've shot that choke regularly since that time. It is burnished and actually patterns better than it did then. It's one choke that I'll never let out of my hands.

Thanks,
Clark

[Fullfan]

I used one of the first Mad Max chokes for about 17 years. Shot winchester #6 shot through it and then Hevi 12. Still throwing some great numbers.

[DirtNap647]

personally i like  chokes when they get a little age and some shots through them,  tend to even find the barrels the same way

[nate12285]

I think you are going to have to do some serious shooting to mess one up.

[TrackeySauresRex]

This was a great question,with Info to know as well.

[captin_hook]

I shoot trap all year long. Last year I shot 5,000 rounds through a Browning inv + full tube and it is fine. I actually believe it patterned better after a couple thousand rounds. I put it on paper after about 1,500 shots just to make sure my pattern is still ok.  So as long as you don't drop it and screw up the threads, always make sure its tight in your barrel, and clean it , the tube should last a lifetime.