How the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder Changed My Routine
For years, I’ve been tweaking my scattergun setups for maximum performance in varied shooting disciplines. When I transitioned more seriously into sporting clays, the need for precise shot delivery became paramount. This led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder. It promised a simple, yet effective way to refine my patterns from my trusted 20-gauge shotgun.
My specific need arose from a desire to achieve tighter, more consistent patterns at common sporting clay distances, especially with the lighter recoil of a 20 gauge. I was looking for a cylinder choke that would offer a more open pattern than my standard improved cylinder, but without the extreme spread of a skeet choke. While I considered other manufacturers, the reputation of Carlson’s Choke Tubes for quality and compatibility with the Beretta/Benelli Mobil system made this specific model my clear choice.
Upon arrival, the first impression was one of understated quality. The black finish is a matte, non-reflective hue that looks professional and resists fingerprints well. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction speaks to durability, and the threading felt smooth and precise, indicating good manufacturing tolerances. It felt substantial in hand, not flimsy, which is always a good sign.
This cylinder choke promised a straightforward solution for one specific aspect of my shooting. It wasn’t meant to be a do-it-all device, but rather a specialized tool for a particular job. This focused approach, coupled with the apparent quality of materials and construction, instilled a sense of quiet confidence from the outset.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial tests were conducted at my local sporting clays course, a venue with a variety of stations designed to simulate different hunting scenarios. I fitted the Carlson’s choke to my Beretta A400 Lite 20ga, a gun I know intimately. The installation was a breeze; it threaded in smoothly without any signs of binding or cross-threading, a testament to the precise machining.
During the shoot, I focused on stations with mid-range targets – rabbits crossing at 25 yards and mid-height incomers at 30-35 yards. The choke performed admirably, delivering noticeably consistent patterns. There was no real learning curve; it simply replaced my previous choke and performed as expected.
One surprising observation was how clean the choke remained even after a few hundred rounds. The matte black finish seemed to resist fouling more than some of my older, blued chokes. This indicated that the quality of the material and finish contributed to easier maintenance right from the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and countless rounds of clays, this cylinder choke has become a permanent fixture in my shotgun’s arsenal. It has seen action in dusty field conditions and even a light morning mist without any degradation in performance. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel has held up beautifully, with no visible wear on the threads or the exterior finish.
Cleaning remains incredibly simple; a quick brush and some solvent are all that’s needed to keep it pristine. I’ve compared its performance to the stock cylinder choke that came with some other firearms, and this Carlson’s model consistently throws a more predictable and even pattern. It has outperformed budget chokes I’ve used in the past, which often exhibited less uniform patterns or showed wear much faster.
The reliability of this choke is its strongest suit. It’s a component that, once installed, you can simply forget about and trust. It hasn’t loosened, it hasn’t developed any internal issues, and it continues to deliver the open pattern I rely on for those specific clay presentations.
Breaking Down the Features of **Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder**
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is built with a focus on precision and durability. Its 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction is a significant advantage, offering superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to standard steel. This material choice is critical for a component subjected to repeated firing and varying environmental conditions.
The choke employs the widely compatible Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube system, ensuring it fits a broad range of popular shotgun models. The 20 gauge specification is precisely matched for its intended application. As a Cylinder choke, it has no constriction, meaning it allows shot to pass through with minimal impediment, resulting in an open pattern.
The stated Diameter of 0.62 in is typical for a 20-gauge cylinder choke, confirming its open nature. It is Non-Ported, which is often preferred for sporting clays as ports can sometimes introduce noise or slight muzzle flip. The inclusion of a Choke Wrench in the package is a practical addition, ensuring users have the necessary tool for installation and removal from the start.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is to deliver an open, consistent pattern. In this regard, it excels. For sporting clays, it’s ideal for targets that are closer to mid-range (e.g., 20-40 yards), where a wider spread is beneficial for connecting with fast-moving or irregularly angled clays.
Its strength lies in its predictable performance; shotshells break from the muzzle without additional constriction, creating a uniform distribution of pellets. This consistency is what distinguishes it from lesser quality chokes. A minor point of consideration, though not a weakness, is that for very specific, longer-range targets on a course, a more constrictive choke would be necessary. However, for its intended purpose as a cylinder choke for clays, it performs exceptionally well.
It absolutely meets and often exceeds expectations for a cylinder choke. The pattern density at appropriate ranges is consistent, leading to more broken clays and fewer frustrating misses. Considering its price point, the performance is a definite strong suit.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional, focusing on material quality and manufacturing precision. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel provides a robust feel, and the matte black finish offers a subtle, professional aesthetic that blends well with most shotgun finishes. There are no sharp edges or unnecessary protrusions, which contributes to safe handling.
Ergonomically, the choke is designed to be installed and removed with the provided wrench; it’s not something that requires extensive interaction once fitted. The external portion is minimally designed, allowing for easy grip with the wrench. The internal threading is smooth, suggesting excellent machining tolerances which are crucial for reliable function and ease of use.
Markings are minimal but clear, indicating the gauge and type of choke. This simplicity in design ensures it functions reliably without added complexity, making it user-friendly for anyone familiar with screw-in chokes.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is built for longevity. I anticipate it will last for many years of rigorous use. The material is inherently resistant to rust and erosion from firing.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down after shooting, and occasional cleaning of the threads with a brush and solvent, are sufficient. It’s important to keep the threads clean to ensure easy installation and prevent seizing. There are no obvious failure points with this type of component, assuming it’s not subjected to extreme abuse or damage.
It’s the kind of part that you install and trust to keep working, requiring very little attention beyond basic firearm care. This lack of demanding maintenance is a significant benefit for any shooter.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder comes with a single, crucial accessory: a Choke Wrench. This is a thoughtful inclusion that ensures immediate usability without the need for an additional purchase. The wrench is robust and fits the choke tube securely, making installation and removal straightforward.
Regarding customization, the Beretta/Benelli Mobil system itself is a form of standardization. This means the choke is compatible with a wide array of Beretta and Benelli shotguns that utilize this internal threading system. While the choke itself is a fixed cylinder constriction, the system it belongs to allows for easy swapping with other Mobil chokes should your needs change, offering flexibility for different shooting disciplines.
Performance & Functionality
The core function of this choke is to deliver a pattern as close to the barrel’s bore diameter as possible. For sporting clays, this translates into effective breaks on targets at moderate distances. The cylinder choke is specifically designed for this, offering a wider pellet spread compared to more constrictive chokes.
I found it reliably produced consistent patterns on clay birds, leading to more satisfying breaks. Its performance is predictable and unaffected by environmental factors I tested it in. The lack of ports further contributes to a clean shot release without unwanted turbulence.
It meets expectations for a dedicated sporting clay cylinder choke. Compared to a generic cylinder choke, the patterns from this Carlson’s tube seem tighter and more evenly distributed, which is a significant advantage for effective target engagement.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is utilitarian and robust. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel material lends a solid feel, and the black finish is understated and practical, resisting glare and fingerprints. It’s built for function, not aesthetics, though it does look the part on a modern shotgun.
Ergonomically, once installed, it becomes part of the barrel and requires no direct handling. The external knurling, combined with the provided Choke Wrench, ensures easy gripping and turning during installation or removal. The smooth threading is a key ergonomic consideration, preventing frustration and potential damage to the barrel or choke.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction is the cornerstone of this choke’s durability. It’s designed to withstand thousands of rounds without degradation. I have experienced no signs of wear, corrosion, or loosening after extensive use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Keeping the threads clean and applying a light coat of lubricant is the extent of the care required. The non-ported design also means fewer areas for fouling to accumulate, simplifying the cleaning process even further.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary accessory included with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is the Choke Wrench. This is a practical and essential item that allows for immediate use of the choke upon arrival. The wrench is sturdy and designed to fit the choke tube’s external features precisely.
As for customization, the choke itself is a fixed cylinder bore. However, its compatibility with the Beretta/Benelli Mobil system offers inherent customization potential. Users can easily swap this cylinder choke for other Mobil chokes (like improved cylinder, modified, etc.) depending on shooting requirements, providing significant flexibility within a single shotgun platform.
Pros and Cons of **Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder**
Pros
- Superior Material: Constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, offering exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- Precise Fitment: Designed for the popular Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube system, ensuring compatibility and smooth installation.
- Optimal Performance: The Cylinder constriction provides an open, consistent pattern ideal for sporting clays at typical engagement distances.
- Professional Finish: The black matte finish is non-reflective and resists fingerprints, contributing to a clean aesthetic.
- User-Friendly: Includes a Choke Wrench for immediate installation and easy maintenance.
- USA Made: Manufactured in the USA, often implying higher quality control standards.
Cons
- Limited Application: As a cylinder choke, it is best suited for specific distances and target presentations; not versatile for all shooting scenarios.
- Single Unit: Comes as a single unit; additional chokes for different purposes would require separate purchases.
Who Should Buy **Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder**?
This choke is an excellent choice for sporting clays shooters who use a 20-gauge shotgun with the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system. It’s perfect for those looking to refine their pattern for mid-range targets and who appreciate reliable, durable components. If you primarily shoot clays and want a consistent, open pattern without over-complicating your setup, this is a strong contender.
Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who need a choke for varied hunting scenarios requiring tighter patterns at longer ranges, or those who use shotguns with different choke tube systems. If your shotgun is not compatible with the Beretta/Benelli Mobil system, this choke will not fit. For those with a Mobil-compatible shotgun, but who need versatility across many disciplines, purchasing a set of chokes might be a better long-term investment.
A must-have accessory is a good quality shotgun cleaning kit, as maintaining clean threads is paramount for any screw-in choke. Additionally, if you don’t already own one, investing in a dedicated choke tube case to store this and other chokes when not in use will prevent loss and damage.
Conclusion on **Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder**
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is a testament to quality manufacturing and thoughtful design for a specific purpose. Its 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction ensures longevity, while its precise fitment and open Cylinder pattern deliver reliable performance on the sporting clays course. The included Choke Wrench adds immediate value, making it easy to deploy right out of the box.
At $52.49, the value proposition is strong. You’re getting a durable, high-performance component that will undoubtedly enhance your clay shooting experience for years to come. It’s a focused upgrade that delivers tangible results without unnecessary complexity.
I would absolutely recommend this choke tube to any sporting clays shooter with a compatible 20-gauge shotgun. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality cylinder choke that performs consistently and is built to last, this Carlson’s model is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.