Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: Review

Let Me Walk You Through the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:

For years, I’ve been on the hunt for choke tubes that genuinely enhance my shotgun’s performance without introducing fuss or inconsistency, especially when dealing with the subtle nuances of 20-gauge platforms. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: caught my eye as a promising solution, offering dedicated options for mid and long-range engagements, a critical aspect for upland game and extended shots. My previous experiences with a mismatched set of chokes, some notoriously difficult to clean and others inconsistent in pattern, had left me needing a reliable upgrade. I specifically sought out a two-pack for its convenience and cost-effectiveness, and after a brief comparison with other specialized brands, Carlson’s reputation for quality and compatibility with Beretta/Benelli Mobil systems made them the clear choice. My first impression upon holding these tubes was one of solid craftsmanship; they felt substantial and well-machined, a welcome departure from some flimsier alternatives I’d encountered. There was an immediate sense of satisfaction, a feeling that I’d finally found a component that could live up to its promises.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on a crisp autumn morning, out in the field, specifically targeting late-season pheasant. I loaded the MR (Mid Range) tube into my Beretta 20-gauge, a platform known for its reliability. The tube threaded in smoothly, with no resistance or cross-threading, which immediately boosted my confidence. I then proceeded to engage flushing birds at varying distances, from 25 to 45 yards. The MR tube consistently delivered tight, even patterns that translated into clean, ethical kills. Later, for longer shots encountered on an open field, I swapped to the LR (Long Range) tube. This transition was equally seamless, and the extended range tube performed admirably, effectively extending my usable range for those more challenging shots. There were no surprises, no malfunctions, just a straightforward, effective performance that felt intuitive from the moment I installed them.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of the hunting season, these choke tubes have become a permanent fixture in my shotgun’s arsenal, seeing action on multiple outings for various game birds. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel with titanium coating has proven its worth; despite repeated exposure to damp conditions and the occasional tumble onto soft earth, there are no visible signs of corrosion or significant wear. Cleaning is remarkably simple; a quick wipe-down with a solvent and a nylon brush is usually all it takes to remove fouling. Compared to some older chokes I’ve used, which required more aggressive scrubbing and often developed stubborn carbon buildup, these have been a breath of fresh air. They hold their own against other premium choke tube manufacturers, offering a level of performance and ease of maintenance that justifies their price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:

Specifications

This 20-gauge choke tube set is designed specifically for Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke systems, ensuring broad compatibility with many popular shotguns. The pack includes two tubes: one for Mid Range (MR) and one for Long Range (LR). Both are constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel and feature a durable titanium coating, contributing to their resilience and corrosion resistance. The diameters are listed as 0.59 in for the MR and 0.6 in for the LR, indicating slight variations optimized for different shot patterns. A significant feature is that these are Non-Ported tubes, which can contribute to a slightly quieter shooting experience and reduced recoil compared to ported designs. The set also conveniently includes a Choke Wrench, making installation and removal straightforward.

These specifications are crucial for understanding the performance characteristics of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel is a robust material known for its strength and ability to withstand the pressures of shotgun firing, offering long-term durability. The titanium coating not only adds a sleek aesthetic but also enhances the tube’s resistance to wear and corrosion, especially important when using modern ammunition. The subtle difference in diameter between the MR (0.59 in) and LR (0.6 in) tubes is designed to optimize shot dispersion for their intended ranges; the tighter bore of the MR constricts the shot pattern more for effective mid-range engagement, while the slightly more open LR allows for a broader pattern at longer distances. Being Non-Ported means that all the gas is directed forward, potentially leading to a cleaner shot and a more stable shooting experience.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of performance, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: excel at their intended tasks. The MR tube provides impressively consistent patterns at typical upland bird hunting ranges, usually around 20-35 yards, delivering a dense core of pellets with minimal flyers. Swapping to the LR tube, I found it effectively tightened patterns by about 10-15% at ranges extending to 50 yards, crucial for those reaching shots. The primary job of a choke tube is to control shot dispersion, and these tubes do so with remarkable efficacy. Their main strength lies in this predictable and reliable performance, allowing a shooter to confidently select the appropriate choke for the situation. A minor weakness, if one can call it that, is that for extremely close-range shooting (sub-20 yards), even the MR tube might produce a slightly too-tight pattern, though this is inherent to choke tube design and not a flaw of this specific product.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these choke tubes is both functional and refined. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel with titanium coating gives them a premium feel and look, with a smooth, even finish that resists scratching. Machining is precise; the threads are clean and engage perfectly with the barrel, ensuring a secure fit. The overall sturdiness is evident, and they feel substantial in hand, conveying a sense of quality. Ergonomically, they are designed for easy installation and removal, particularly with the included Choke Wrench. There’s no complex grip surface needed as they are hand-tightened and then gently snugged with the wrench. The non-ported design also contributes to a cleaner aesthetic and potentially a more comfortable shooting experience by minimizing any disruptive gas expulsion near the muzzle.

Durability & Maintenance

These choke tubes are built for longevity. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel is a workhorse material, inherently resistant to the stresses of repeated firing. Combined with the titanium coating, they are exceptionally durable, showing minimal signs of wear even after a full season of consistent use in varied field conditions. Cleaning is straightforward; standard bore solvents and a nylon brush are sufficient to remove powder residue. I have found no significant failure points or areas of concern. Unlike some chokes that can become difficult to remove due to fouling or expansion, these have remained consistently easy to unscrew and re-install. The USA origin also speaks to a certain standard of manufacturing quality and material sourcing.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: come with a valuable accessory: a dedicated Choke Wrench. This tool is essential for proper installation and removal, ensuring you don’t damage the choke or barrel threads. While these tubes themselves aren’t directly customizable in terms of materials or coatings, their primary “customization” comes from being offered in specific choke constrictions (MR and LR) for different shooting scenarios. Compatibility with the Beretta/Benelli Mobil system is key; if your shotgun uses this system, these tubes are designed to fit seamlessly. There aren’t any further “upgrade” options for these specific tubes, as they represent a finished, high-quality product in their own right.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:?

This choke tube set is ideally suited for upland bird hunters, particularly those who shoot a 20-gauge shotgun with the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system and appreciate the need for specialized constrictions. If you frequently find yourself taking shots at varying distances, from flushing birds at medium range to those slightly further away in open fields, this pack offers distinct advantages. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking to improve their pattern consistency and shot effectiveness without the hassle of managing multiple individual choke tubes.

Conversely, individuals primarily engaged in clay sports requiring a wide range of choke options (like skeet or trap) or those using shotguns with different choke systems (like Invector Plus or Benelli Crio) would need to look elsewhere. Shooters who only ever take very close-range shots might find the MR tube sufficient, but the LR option is genuinely intended for extended distances, making this pack less ideal if you never shoot beyond 30 yards. For those who own a compatible shotgun, a must-have accessory is a good quality cleaning kit with a nylon brush and bore solvent to maintain the tubes’ performance.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:

Overall, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: are an outstanding upgrade for any shooter who utilizes the compatible shotgun platforms. They deliver on their promise of enhanced performance, providing reliably tight and consistent patterns that translate to cleaner shots afield. The build quality, using 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel with a titanium coating, is top-notch, ensuring these tubes will be a reliable part of your gear for many seasons to come. Considering the price point and the quality of engineering and materials, the value proposition is very strong. I would absolutely recommend these choke tubes to any hunter looking to maximize the effectiveness of their 20-gauge shotgun for upland game and mid-to-long range shooting. They offer a distinct advantage that is both practical and impactful, making them a worthwhile investment for serious sportsmen.