Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet Review

First Thoughts on the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet

The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet promises to enhance your shotgun’s performance, particularly for skeet shooting, with its advanced technology and durable construction. I’ve been a shotgun enthusiast for over a decade, primarily focused on hunting and competitive shooting, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my pattern and consistency. When I saw the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet, specifically designed for skeet and promising improved shot spread, I was immediately intrigued.

My current choke setup is a mix of factory tubes and a couple of aftermarket options. I have never tried one with titanium nitride surface. The advertised features – the Titanium Nitride surface for reduced plastic buildup and the promise of consistent patterns – were compelling enough to make me want to test it out. I was looking for a choke tube that would provide a consistently wide pattern at close range, allowing for quicker target acquisition and follow-up shots.

Upon unboxing, the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet felt solid and well-made. The stainless steel had a clean, uniform look and the extended design gave it a professional appearance. Compared to my standard flush-mounted choke tubes, the extended length felt like a substantial upgrade, offering a better grip for easy changes. I chose this tube over others due to the Titanium Nitride coating and the positive user feedback highlighting improved averages in trap shooting. I was excited to see if it would translate to similar improvements in my skeet game.

Real-World Testing: Putting Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet at my local shooting range, which has a dedicated skeet field. The weather was slightly overcast, with a light breeze – typical conditions for a weekend shoot. I used my 12-gauge Browning Citori, a reliable over-under that I trust implicitly, along with standard 2 ¾ inch shells loaded with #9 shot.

The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet performed admirably right out of the gate. The improved shot spread was immediately noticeable, especially on crossing targets at stations 3, 4, and 5. There was no need for excessive leading and target breaks were much cleaner. The wider pattern provided a margin for error, allowing me to connect with targets even when my timing was slightly off. No unusual issues arose during the first use, and I quickly adapted to the new choke tube.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet has proven to be a reliable performer. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my shotgun using this choke, across various weather conditions, including light rain and dusty days. The Titanium Nitride surface has indeed helped minimize plastic wad buildup, making cleaning significantly easier compared to my other chokes.

Durability-wise, the choke tube shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The finish remains intact, and there’s no evidence of corrosion or damage despite regular use and cleaning. Maintenance is a breeze; a quick wipe down with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to keep it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with standard skeet chokes, the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet offers a superior combination of pattern consistency, ease of cleaning, and durability. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet

Specifications

• Choke: Skeet. This designates the tube’s constriction designed for close-range shots in skeet shooting.
• Gauge: 12. Specifies the choke tube is compatible with 12-gauge shotguns.
• Tube Technology: Latest in Invector-Plus. This indicates compatibility with shotguns designed for the Invector-Plus choke system.
• Material: Stainless steel bar stock. It provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
• Heat Treatment: Heat treated prior to machining. Ensures optimal strength and dimensional stability during manufacturing.
• Surface Treatment: Titanium nitride surface 72RC hardness. Offers exceptional wear resistance and reduces plastic buildup.
• Special Feature: Spreader choke tube is helically rifled. This imparts spin to the shot, aiding in pattern spread.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the choke’s overall performance, durability, and ease of use. The Titanium Nitride coating, for example, directly impacts how easy the choke is to clean, while the stainless steel construction ensures longevity even under heavy use.

Performance & Functionality

The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet excels at its primary job: delivering a consistent and wide shot pattern at close range. The helical rifling effectively spreads the shot, creating a larger effective zone for hitting targets. This translates to improved scores and increased confidence on the skeet field.

A notable strength is the reduced plastic fouling due to the Titanium Nitride coating, minimizing the need for aggressive cleaning. However, some shooters might find the extended length slightly cumbersome when switching chokes quickly. Overall, the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet meets and exceeds expectations, offering tangible improvements in performance compared to standard skeet chokes.

Design & Ergonomics

The choke tube’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The stainless steel construction gives it a robust feel, while the extended design allows for easy installation and removal. The added length doesn’t significantly impact the shotgun’s balance.

The knurled end provides a secure grip, even with gloved hands. While there’s no learning curve involved in using the choke, understanding the impact of its specific design on shot patterns can take some experimentation.

Durability & Maintenance

The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet is built to last. The stainless steel construction and Titanium Nitride coating provide excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and fouling. With proper cleaning and occasional lubrication, this choke tube should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance involves a simple cleaning routine after each use. A bore brush, solvent, and a light coat of gun oil are all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet does not come with any additional accessories, as it’s a standalone product. However, it is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that uses the Invector-Plus choke system.

There are no specific customization options for the choke itself, but its compatibility with various shotguns allows for extensive customization of the overall shooting experience, such as adding adjustable combs or recoil pads to the shotgun.

Pros and Cons of Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet

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Who Should Buy Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet?

The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet is perfect for skeet shooters of all skill levels looking to improve their close-range accuracy and consistency. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters who frequently engage targets at close distances, such as upland bird hunters. Anyone who values easy maintenance and durability will appreciate the benefits of the Titanium Nitride coating and stainless steel construction.

Those who prefer flush-mounted chokes or shoot a shotgun system other than Invector-Plus should skip this product. A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.

Conclusion on Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet

The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet is a worthwhile investment for any shotgun enthusiast looking to optimize their skeet shooting performance. Its superior shot spread, durable construction, and easy maintenance make it a standout product in its category. At $52.99, the price is justified by the tangible improvements in accuracy and consistency it provides.

I would personally recommend the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Skeet to anyone serious about skeet shooting or close-range hunting. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!

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