Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full Review

Behind the Box: Testing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I approach new tools with a discerning eye. My recent quest for enhanced patterning consistency led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full. This particular choke tube promises tighter patterns, a crucial element for sporting clays where precision at varying distances is paramount. I’d been experiencing a slight, but noticeable, spread with my existing setup, and the thought of achieving that coveted uniform pattern density spurred this upgrade. Upon first inspection, the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction felt substantial and robust, a good indication of its intended durability. I considered a few other brands, some offering more elaborate ported designs, but Carlson’s Choke Tubes reputation for solid performance and the specific “Extra Full” constriction for my needs felt like the most direct solution. There was a definite sense of anticipation, a quiet hope that this small component would translate into a tangible improvement downrange.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial tests took place at the local sporting clays course, a demanding environment with varied target presentations. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full was installed on my trusted Beretta shotgun. Swapping out the choke was straightforward, thanks to the included choke wrench. During my first round, I immediately noticed a difference in the perceived consistency of my patterns on the clays. The targets seemed to “break” cleaner, suggesting a more concentrated pellet strike. Testing in mild autumn conditions, with slight humidity and a cool breeze, didn’t seem to affect its performance. It felt intuitive; once installed, it performed its function without any additional learning curve. One minor surprise was how cleanly it threaded into the barrel, indicating precise manufacturing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including multiple sporting clays outings and some informal clay busting sessions, this choke tube has held up admirably. It’s seen a few hundred rounds without any discernible drop in performance. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel body shows no signs of significant wear, even from occasional cleaning where I might be a bit more vigorous with a brush. There have been no issues with it loosening during firing, which is a critical point for any choke tube. Compared to some generic chokes I’ve used in the past, which sometimes developed rough internal surfaces after heavy use, this Carlson’s unit remains smooth. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth after each shooting session keeps it in excellent condition. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points; it simply continues to perform as expected.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is engineered with precision for specific shotgun systems. It features the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of popular shotgun models. Constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, it promises superior strength and corrosion resistance, vital for longevity in various weather conditions. This specific choke tube is designed for 20-gauge shotguns, with an Extra Full constriction. The diameter is precisely machined to 0.585 inches, which is key to achieving the tight pattern density desired for longer shots. It is a non-ported design, meaning it relies solely on constriction for pattern control rather than gas redirection. The package includes one choke tube and a choke wrench, and it is proudly manufactured in the USA.

These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits for the shooter. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel offers durability, preventing the common issue of thinner chokes deforming under pressure or from cleaning solvents. The Beretta/Benelli Mobil system compatibility means it’s a drop-in replacement for many hunters and sport shooters. The Extra Full designation is critical; this level of constriction is intended to produce the tightest patterns, ideal for extended range targets in sporting clays or specific hunting scenarios where maximum pellet density is required at a distance. The 0.585 inch diameter is the physical manifestation of this tight choke, concentrating shot string more effectively than more open constrictions. The non-ported nature simplifies maintenance and ensures there are no additional gas ports to clean or potentially affect the shot string.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is to tighten shot patterns, and it excels in this regard. On the sporting clays course, the difference was palpable. Targets at the typical 30-40 yard distances that often present a challenge with more open chokes were breaking with exceptional uniformity. The pellet spread was noticeably tighter, leading to more confident breaks and fewer “crippled” targets. This tight pattern means more pellets are delivered to the intended zone, increasing the probability of a clean hit. It meets and exceeds expectations for an Extra Full choke, providing the extreme constriction that serious clay shooters often seek.

The strength of this choke tube lies in its ability to deliver consistent, tight patterns without introducing erratic flyers. Its performance is predictable, allowing a shooter to understand the effective range and pattern density. While its specialization means it’s not an all-arounder for every situation, for its intended purpose—achieving maximum pattern density at range—it performs brilliantly. A potential weakness, inherent to any Extra Full choke, is a reduced effective pattern size at very close distances, making it less forgiving for edge-on shots or fast, close-in presentations. However, within its design parameters for sporting clays, it functions flawlessly.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is functional and understated, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The black finish is utilitarian and helps to reduce glare. Machining is precise, with clean threads that ensure a smooth installation and removal. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel provides a satisfying heft, suggesting quality without being overly heavy. The non-ported design contributes to a cleaner look and simplifies cleaning. While there are no specific ergonomic grips or controls on the choke itself, its design integrates seamlessly with the shotgun’s receiver. The inclusion of the choke wrench is a practical design choice, ensuring users have the necessary tool to install and remove it without damaging the choke or barrel.

The build quality is evident from the moment you handle it. The material feels durable, and the machining is exact, which is critical for the precise fit required for choke tubes. There’s no wiggling or binding when installed correctly. The overall feel is one of a component built to last and perform under stress. The smooth, consistent surface inside the choke is paramount for shot pellet travel.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and my extended testing, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is built for long-term durability. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel is inherently resistant to corrosion and wear, meaning it should withstand thousands of rounds and regular cleaning cycles. I haven’t observed any signs of stress or deformation, even after using heavier hunting loads and standard sporting clays ammunition. Maintenance is straightforward: a simple flush with solvent and a light brushing, followed by a wipe with a lubricated cloth, is all that’s needed to keep it in pristine condition.

There are no obvious weak points in its design concerning durability. Unlike some chokes with external coatings that can chip or scratch, the inherent properties of stainless steel make it robust. Potential users should be mindful of not over-tightening the choke, as this can damage the threads over time, but this is standard practice for all shotgun chokes. The absence of ports also means fewer small parts or intricate areas prone to damage or difficult cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full comes with one essential accessory: a choke wrench. This is a practical inclusion, as it ensures the user has the correct tool for installation and removal, preventing damage that can occur with ill-fitting tools or improvised methods. Beyond this, customization options for a choke tube are generally limited to selecting different constrictions or lengths, which this model already addresses by being an Extra Full variant. It is designed specifically for the Beretta/Benelli Mobil system, meaning it’s compatible with shotguns that utilize this interchangeable choke system.

While there are no additional accessories bundled, the product’s primary appeal is its direct function. Some users might opt for aftermarket choke tube storage cases to keep them organized, but this is supplementary. The main “customization” is selecting the correct choke for your intended use, and Carlson’s offers a range of options within the Mobil system.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full?

This choke tube is ideally suited for sporting clay enthusiasts who prioritize achieving the tightest possible patterns for longer-range targets. It’s also a strong contender for serious hunters who often encounter situations requiring extreme pellet density at distance, such as waterfowl hunting over decoys or turkey hunting. Anyone with a Beretta or Benelli shotgun that uses the Mobil choke system and is looking to optimize their pattern performance for precision shooting will find this choke tube beneficial.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who primarily shoot at very close distances, where a more open choke like Improved Cylinder or Modified would be more appropriate. Shooters who prefer ported chokes for perceived recoil reduction or muzzle control might also look elsewhere, though the effectiveness of ports is often debated. For those seeking a general-purpose choke, this Extra Full option is likely too constrictive. A must-have accessory would be a quality cleaning kit for shotguns, ensuring the choke tube’s interior remains pristine for optimal performance.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a well-engineered component that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns. For its intended purpose, it represents excellent value, especially considering its durable 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction and the fact that it is manufactured in the USA. The performance improvement in pattern density for longer shots at sporting clays is noticeable and directly translates to more confident shooting. While its specialized Extra Full constriction means it’s not an all-situations choke, for those who need that extreme level of pellet concentration, it’s a highly recommended upgrade. If you own a compatible Beretta or Benelli shotgun and are looking to fine-tune your pattern for challenging shots, this choke tube is a solid, reliable choice that won’t disappoint.