How to Remove Stuck Choke Tubes

Hunters and shooters place choke tubes in the ends of their shotguns to increase their effectiveness. Choke tubes restrict how much the BBs in shotgun shells spread out when fired. The three most common choke tubes are improved cylinder, modified choke, and full choke. While each choke is used to accomplish something different, the three have one thing in common: All can get stuck in the end of a shotgun barrel.

Things You'll Need

• Choke tube wrench
• Vise grips
• Penetrating oil
• Hair dryer
• Small piece of wood

Instructions

1. Remove the barrel of the shotgun. If you can't, make sure the shotgun is unloaded before proceeeding.

2. Turn the choke tube clockwise with the choke tube wrench. Do not turn too much, since turning it clockwise actually tightens it. But it also might help loosen it.

3. Turn the choke tube counter-clockwise. Try to remove it.

4. Hold the hair dryer about a foot from the barrel with the choke tube and heat it. Once the barrel is hot, try again to remove the choke tube by turning it counter-clockwise.

5. Tap the shotgun barrel with a piece of wood. Try again to remove the choke tube by turning it counter-clockwise.

6. Place the barrel and choke tube in penetrating oil for two to three days. Then try again to remove the tube by turning it counter-clockwise.

Tips & Warnings

• A vise grip or pliers will give you additional leverage for your choke tube wrench.

• Do not risk damaging the choke tube by grabbing it with pliers or a vise grip.