Bore Gauge

[Jeff S]

I'm considering purchasing a "bore gauge" for measuring chokes. I've heard guys mention the brand "Baker" and I noticed that they can be found "online". I also noticed that they are offered in a couple different sizes. Is there anything in particular I need to know before buying one? Is the model that can handle 18 mm - 50 mm the correct choice? Is there a preferred vendor for these tools? Jeff

[OH Osthaus]

I have a Skeets. And have since purchased two (A 16/12/10. and a 20/28) from Gary Bulley

http://www.theunloader.com

Gary will build either a dial or digital gauge in your choice of length and what I think is a very reasonable price

Give him a call

[Stan Hillis]

Jeff,

I've had no experience using the Baker gauge, but it looks to be high quality. The range of measurement capability isn't what you'd want. 18mm is .710", which means it wouldn't get low enough to measure a 12 ga. choke constriction smaller than .019", assuming nominal bore for 12 ga. of .729". So, it would be useless for any standard gauge under 10.

I would also be concerned about the shaft length, because of how far down the bore you can measure. I like my bore gauge to be able to measure inside diameter for the full length of the barrel. The Skeet's gauge, which I have (now discontinued), is long enough to do that, working half the barrel from each end. Galazan's also sells a similar gauge: https://www.connecticutshotgun.com/prod ... rel-gauge/. And John Hosford, too: http://www.hosfordco.com/sporting-shotg ... gauge.html

IMO, and others as well, the Skeet's gauge is as good for measuring bore and choke diameters as most of us can utilize. Steven Dodd Hughes once wrote on another forum that he tested the Skeet's against the Galazan unit and could tell no discernible difference in accuracy. I think I'd be looking for one on eBay, or other classifieds.

Good luck, SRH

[Stan Hillis]

I have a Skeets. And have since purchased two (A 16/12/10. and a 20/28) from Gary Bulley

http://www.theunloader.com

Gary will build either a dial or digital gauge in your choice of length and what I think is a very reasonable price

Give him a call

Great suggestion.

SRH

[Jeff S]

Great information guys. I really appreciate it. Excellent point on the range of measurements. Jeff

[Silvers]

It's JMO but for those into vintage SxS's there's not much sense in buying something with just enough length to measure chokes. How about that bulge 10" back from the muzzle that was struck over and spot reblued? So far I've avoided three costly mistakes on such guns and paid for my Baker many-many times over.

The Baker bore mike I often refer to here is the out of production Stan Baker Bore Reader that can be found from time to time on E Bay etc. When made, they were available in specific bore sizes, i.e., 12-gauge, or as a combo set with (3) interchangeable stems that could handle everything from 410 to 10-gauge. I have the combo set and it's dead nuts accurate, repeatable, and the linkage from the measuring head to the dial indicator responds very quickly. None of which I could say for the el cheapo mike I had to start out many moons ago, or for another one I had after that. One advantage of the Baker mike is - with some experience - you can "feel" different surface finishes (degree of polish, or RMS number as a machinist might say) as the measuring head runs the bore. That's good to know because so many shotgun bores have been polished and that will throw off the patterning even though the constriction might measure X points for Full or Y points for IC. If someone stole mine I'd hold out to find a genuine Stan Baker.

That's 1/4" masking tape with inch marks on the 10/12 and 16/20 stems. Easy to locate the start of the choke leade or the length of a parallel section if present.

[foxgun]

Agree completely about the Stan Baker gauge. I have the interchangeable model with 3 probes. Readings are always repeatable so leads me to believe it is dead nuts accurate. I've never measured the length but know it is long enough to do 32" bbls by measuring from one end and then the other.

[Jeff S]

Frank, very good point regarding detecting "bulges". I hadn't thought of that. Thanks.

[Mike of the Mountain]

I agree with Frank. The Baker Bore Gauge is an excellent piece of equipment. I also have custom made chamber gauges, a Bore-Master multi-bore gauge and a Manson Reamers barrel wall thickness gauge. All are very useful but that Baker gauge is the nuts.

[spyder]

re: the Baker Combo set- what is a fair price to pay if one comes along for sale?

[Silvers]

Seller's market. If you find the combo set with case and instructions for sale on a pubic forum, for $400. or less, jump on it. JMO.

[jimmartin]

I have had a Stan Baker all guage set since 1989 ,I have used it an untold number of times for myself and friends. It still works like a charm ,all I had to do was replace the foam in the wood box that holds the set. If you find one don't let it get away.

[Jeff S]

I'm sure that this has been discussed somewhere before, but can someone share with me a chart that compares generally accepted choke terminology with the points of constriction? For instance, I have heard people say that a Fox with a "cylinder" bore will have a constriction of .002". What measurement would equate to skeet, IC, Mod, and Full. I received a new gauge in the mail and I'm practicing with it. Jeff

[bamboozler]

I'm sure that this has been discussed somewhere before, but can someone share with me a chart that compares generally accepted choke terminology with the points of constriction? For instance, I have heard people say that a Fox with a "cylinder" bore will have a constriction of .002". What measurement would equate to skeet, IC, Mod, and Full. I received a new gauge in the mail and I'm practicing with it. Jeff

Here's Hallowell's Choke Chart:
http://www.hallowellco.com/choke_chart.htm

[Jeff S]

Very nice Bamboozler! I printed it off and will keep it with my gauge. I also appreciate the "English Designation". I always wondered what people meant when the said "quarter, half, or three quarter". Thanks, Jeff