Frequently Asked Questions and Workshop Charges…
Can I have screw in chokes installed in my shotgun?
First you need to measure the barrel O.D. (Outside Diameter) at the choke section where the threads would be, O.D. must be at least 0.830″ to fit standard size tru-chokes (or over 0.810″ for tru-choke thin wall tubes), the bore I.D. (Inside Diameter) must be reasonable concentric with the Outer Diameter. There are other checks to do but these are the main things to check first.
How much will Chokes cost?
In most cases the machining cost are $145.00 plus GST per barrel/bore. (Double barrel guns-x2). The individual choke-tubes cost $55.00 – $70.00 plus GST each, or may be discounted for 3 or more. Rifled choke tubes for slugs are $125.00 plus GST.
What if my barrel is too small for the standard size tru-chokes, are there any other options?
You may be able to have thinwall-style tubes installed if your barrel is slightly too small for the standard tubes – your barrel must be over 0.810″ outside diameter. If it is a single barrel shotgun you could have an adaptor fitted that will accept standard style Win-choke tubes.
This is a bit more expensive but it is only a fraction of the cost of a new barrel.
At present the cost of fitting the 12ga choke adaptor is about $230.00 plus GST, plus the cost of choke tubes required. Tubes are about $55.00 to $70.00 plus GST each. (Note: the barrel often needs Rebluing or similar after fitting adaptor and this cost is additional.)
Adaptors are a good choice if the bore is chrome lined.
Are these tubes safe for steel shot?
‘Super Steel’ extension type tubes are available if you are going to shoot a lot of steel. They are tougher and thicker than other tubes with the constriction section forward of the end of the barrel. All choke tubes may be susceptible to expansion with steel shot in some situations, especially in the tighter constriction sizes (Imp Mod, Full, X-Full). For these sizes the extension tubes are preferable as in the event of damage to the tube it can be easily replaced without damage to the barrel. Flush mount tubes for Steel & Lead should be perfectly safe for steel with chokes Skt-1 to Mod, if shot size is not larger than No.2 and loads do not exceed factory specs (i.e. no superhot homeloads!). Steel/Lead tubes are not available in ‘Thinwall-style’ sizes. Tubes for Lead only are still perfect for competition target guns and field/game guns where only lead will be used.
WORKSHOP CHARGES
GUNSMITHING WORK (updated – from 1/10/2021)
- STANDARD/MINIMUM CHARGE OUT RATE: $80.00+GST, PER HOUR (PLUS COST OF PARTS, EXPENSES, AND CONSUMABLES) Note: This is a subsidised rate for non-urgent gunsmithing work only.
- OVERTIME/URGENT JOB RATE: $100.00+GST, PER HOUR (PLUS PARTS, ETC.)
- MINIMUM CHARGE FOR ANY COMPLETE FIREARMS LOGGED INTO JOB BOOK FOR REPAIRS OR SERVICE: $160.00+GST
- MINIMUM CHARGE FOR SMALL JOBS: $80+GST
(PLUS COST OF ANY PARTS, EXPENSES AND CONSUMABLES)
- CNC MACHINING: $200.00+GST, PER HOUR (PER MACHINE)
- QUOTES (WRITTEN): FROM $60.00+GST
- CONSULTANCY, INSURANCE WORK, OR SPECIAL MEETING RATE: $240.00+GST, PER HOUR
DEPOSITS REQUIRED FOR LARGER JOBS OR SPECIAL-ORDER ITEMS (NON-REFUNDABLE ONCE ORDERED, OR JOB HAS COMMENCED)
BALANCE OF PAYMENT OWING FOR ALL WORK TO BE PAID IN FULL UPON COMPLETION PLEASE.
Note: Due to current high workload, some services listed on this website may be temporarily unavailable.
Particularly, we are currently not taking on restoration, re-bluing, or stock-making work, due to the high labour content required.
