The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless choke tubes promising tighter patterns and enhanced performance. Yet, the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full immediately caught my eye with its promise of advanced technology and durable construction. I’ve always sought out gear that can withstand the rigors of field use and offer a tangible improvement in my shotgun’s performance, making me especially interested in choke tubes that can handle demanding conditions.
I was looking for a choke tube that could consistently deliver tight, reliable patterns for waterfowl hunting at longer ranges. Many factory chokes simply don’t provide the consistency needed for ethical and effective shots beyond 40 yards. The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full arrived well-packaged, showcasing a clean, stainless steel finish. Its extended design and clearly marked “Full” designation exuded quality, and the weight felt substantial without being cumbersome.
Compared to my existing factory choke tubes and a couple of aftermarket options from Carlson’s and Briley, the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full appeared to be machined to a higher degree of precision. It also boasted the titanium nitride coating which seemed to address a common issue I’ve had with plastic wad build-up. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping this choke tube would live up to its promising appearance in real-world shooting scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full was on a frigid morning at my local shooting range, patterning it with various lead and steel shot loads. The weather was typical for late November – damp and around 35 degrees Fahrenheit. I wanted to see how the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full would handle both common and premium hunting loads.
Installation was simple, screwing in smoothly by hand and requiring only a slight snugging with a choke tube wrench. The patterns at 40 yards were immediately impressive, exhibiting a noticeably tighter and more consistent distribution compared to my factory full choke. There were no noticeable gaps in the pattern, even with steel shot. The choke tube was easy to remove after the range session, and showed no signs of loosening during firing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a couple of duck hunts in wet and muddy conditions, the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full continues to perform admirably. The stainless steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion, and the titanium nitride coating appears to be effectively preventing plastic wad build-up. Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only a quick wipe down after each use.
Compared to other choke tubes I’ve used in the past, the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full stands out for its consistent patterns and ease of maintenance. Some cheaper chokes I’ve used have either rusted quickly or failed to produce consistent patterns after repeated use. This Diana Grade choke tube has outperformed my expectations, especially considering its price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full
Specifications
- Choke: Full. It delivers a tight pattern, ideal for long-range shots.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is designed for standard 12-gauge shotguns.
- Construction: Stainless Steel Bar Stock. It is designed for strength and corrosion resistance.
- Surface Treatment: Titanium Nitride. The titanium nitride provides a hard, wear-resistant surface that minimizes plastic build-up.
- Technology: Invector-Plus Compatible. It is designed to work with shotguns featuring the Invector-Plus choke system.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the choke tube’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The full choke designation guarantees a tight pattern for longer shots, while the stainless steel and titanium nitride coating ensure longevity and reliability in harsh conditions. The Invector-Plus compatibility is crucial for ensuring a proper fit with compatible shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full excels at delivering consistent, tight patterns at extended ranges. This makes it perfect for waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, or any situation where longer shots are required. Its tight pattern means fewer wounded birds and more ethical harvests.
The only potential downside is that the full choke can be too tight for close-range shooting. For close-quarters situations, a more open choke (like improved cylinder or modified) would be more suitable. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a full choke tube, delivering exceptional performance at a reasonable price.
Design & Ergonomics
The stainless steel construction feels robust and well-made. The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal.
The knurled end allows for quick adjustments in the field. The clearly marked “Full” designation ensures easy identification.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel and titanium nitride coating should ensure a long lifespan. The smooth surfaces make cleaning quick and easy.
Proper maintenance involves regular cleaning and light lubrication to prevent corrosion. This choke tube is built to last with minimal maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full does not come with any accessories. It is a standalone product.
However, it’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Invector-Plus systems. There are no specific customization options for this choke tube beyond its inherent design and functionality.
Pros and Cons of Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight patterns for long-range shots.
- Durable stainless steel construction with titanium nitride coating for corrosion resistance and reduced plastic build-up.
- Easy to install and remove with an extended design and knurled end.
- Affordable price point offering excellent value for the performance.
- Compatible with Invector-Plus choke systems, a widely used standard.
Cons
- Full choke may be too tight for close-range shooting scenarios.
- No included accessories (such as a choke tube wrench).
Who Should Buy Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full?
The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full is perfect for waterfowl hunters, turkey hunters, and sporting clay shooters who frequently engage targets at longer ranges. It provides a consistent and reliable pattern for ethical harvests and improved accuracy.
Hunters primarily targeting game at close range (e.g., upland birds in dense cover) should consider a more open choke. Those requiring specialized chokes for specific shooting disciplines (e.g., skeet) may also want to explore other options. A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full
The Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight patterns and durable construction. At $52.99, the price is more than justified given its performance and longevity.
I would absolutely recommend it to any shotgun owner looking to improve their long-range accuracy without breaking the bank. Upgrade your shotgun’s performance today with the Diana Grade Extended Choke Tube 12 Gauge Full!