This will be an ongoing review hopefully in 2 parts. Initial observations now and later with the various chokes after I get them to test in it.
So comparing the standard Defender brake against the adapter version....
The first thing that's immediately noticeable is the length difference. The standard is (all dimensions by metal scale) 2 1/16" long and the choke adapter version is 2 7/16". Because there is more metal in the adapter version there is a noticeable difference in weight as well though neither is going to strain the arm.
Standard: 3.570 oz
Adapter: 4.775 oz
While the standard has open ports throughout it's length the adapter has the ports closest to the gun muzzle closed off, the additional length is used for an additional set of round ports making for some braking effect if no choke tube is installed. I'm on record as stating that any braking is minimal even on the standard version (SV from now on) so any braking on the adapter version (AV) is even less. But the look is maintained and frankly it looks like it means business, they both do. Where the very end of the SV has a few scallops the AV dispenses with those. The OD of both appear to be the same.
Looking inside the muzzle end of each I see not difference. But look in the end that screws onto the KS7 and there are differences. Both have threads that get screwed onto the firearm to affix it into place. Down from those is a shelf that both units use to bottom out against the barrel. The SV has a noticeably bigger ID and a smaller shelf. The AV has a smaller ID so a larger shelf. Seen in front of that shelf on the AV is the thread that holds the choke tube in place. By just making the ID smaller Hi-Tech was able to have the meat for the threads. Pretty slick.
Installation instructions for both units appear to be the same from what I remember of the SV unit; it's been awhile since I installed it.
Regarding the 2 holes in the AV that are there I assume for some braking effect... I never intend to use them. My plan is to always have a choke tube in place as a thread protector for the internal choke tube threads. If the threads are never exposed then they can't get buggered up even with powder residue. Will those holes be open and available for braking when a choke tube is installed? I just don't know yet, not do I care really. But I'll make note of it when my choke tubes get tested.
Could Hi-Tech have modified the SV design and kept the same basic unit? Maybe. The choke would have extended beyond the muzzle I assume. So I'm guessing that the additional length is also there for cosmetic reasons. If I'm wrong after receiving my choke tubes I'll eat crow and 'fess up.
So comparing the standard Defender brake against the adapter version....
The first thing that's immediately noticeable is the length difference. The standard is (all dimensions by metal scale) 2 1/16" long and the choke adapter version is 2 7/16". Because there is more metal in the adapter version there is a noticeable difference in weight as well though neither is going to strain the arm.
Standard: 3.570 oz
Adapter: 4.775 oz
While the standard has open ports throughout it's length the adapter has the ports closest to the gun muzzle closed off, the additional length is used for an additional set of round ports making for some braking effect if no choke tube is installed. I'm on record as stating that any braking is minimal even on the standard version (SV from now on) so any braking on the adapter version (AV) is even less. But the look is maintained and frankly it looks like it means business, they both do. Where the very end of the SV has a few scallops the AV dispenses with those. The OD of both appear to be the same.
Looking inside the muzzle end of each I see not difference. But look in the end that screws onto the KS7 and there are differences. Both have threads that get screwed onto the firearm to affix it into place. Down from those is a shelf that both units use to bottom out against the barrel. The SV has a noticeably bigger ID and a smaller shelf. The AV has a smaller ID so a larger shelf. Seen in front of that shelf on the AV is the thread that holds the choke tube in place. By just making the ID smaller Hi-Tech was able to have the meat for the threads. Pretty slick.
Installation instructions for both units appear to be the same from what I remember of the SV unit; it's been awhile since I installed it.
Regarding the 2 holes in the AV that are there I assume for some braking effect... I never intend to use them. My plan is to always have a choke tube in place as a thread protector for the internal choke tube threads. If the threads are never exposed then they can't get buggered up even with powder residue. Will those holes be open and available for braking when a choke tube is installed? I just don't know yet, not do I care really. But I'll make note of it when my choke tubes get tested.
Could Hi-Tech have modified the SV design and kept the same basic unit? Maybe. The choke would have extended beyond the muzzle I assume. So I'm guessing that the additional length is also there for cosmetic reasons. If I'm wrong after receiving my choke tubes I'll eat crow and 'fess up.
