eightbore, the problem I see with both the Hosford and Manson is that in doing the bore readings from the breech, you need someone to hold the barrels down as you try and get readings. Not always possible to get those extra hands and turn for readings.
The flex part is not a problem doing it your way, as the rod is almost floating by holding it with a string or ring.
For home, I will still take the Galazan type gage I made. I can do 10, 12, and 16 ga. If the choke is to tight and I cannot insert it on said rod, I can move it over to the next smaller rod and re-calibrate the needle.
Easy to take readings from top rib to bottom rib and read all from this position and still write down the readings which I do on all guns I do.
The above gage by Damascus from what I see is only a little over 13" long. Good for 26" barrels but would leave a void on longer ones.
