The Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve developed a finely tuned sense for quality and performance. My latest acquisition, the Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube, immediately sparked my interest. It’s a seemingly simple piece of equipment with the potential to significantly impact a shooter’s performance in skeet and other shotgun sports.
For years, I’d been relying on the factory-installed choke in my trusty Beretta 20-gauge over-under. While adequate for general upland bird hunting, it lacked the precision needed for consistently breaking clays on the skeet field. I needed a choke tube specifically designed for skeet, promising a wider, more even pattern at close ranges.
Unboxing the Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube revealed a well-machined piece of steel. The matte black finish exudes quality and durability. Its extended design, protruding an inch beyond the muzzle, hints at the potential for improved pattern consistency.
Compared to flush-mounted choke tubes, the extended design of the Beretta tube offers a few key advantages. Namely ease of installation and removal, and a visual reference for choke constriction. I was considering a Briley or Carlson’s choke, but the Beretta name and reputation for quality swayed me. Initial handling suggested I made the right choice, filling me with a quiet confidence.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube was at my local sporting clays range on a crisp autumn morning. The air was still, and the lighting was excellent. I was eager to see how this choke would perform compared to my old setup.
The difference was immediately noticeable. Clay targets that previously only chipped now shattered convincingly. The shot pattern felt significantly wider and more forgiving, particularly on crossers at stations 3, 4, and 5. There were no malfunctions, and the Beretta tube threaded into my barrel smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past several months, I’ve put the Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube through its paces in various conditions. From damp, foggy mornings to dry, sunny afternoons, its performance has remained consistent. I estimate I’ve put around 500 rounds through it so far.
The Beretta choke shows virtually no signs of wear. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous fixed choke, this tube offers superior pattern control and confidence on the skeet field. The ease of switching back to a tighter choke for hunting is also a major plus.
Breaking Down the Features of **Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube**
Specifications
The Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns with Mobilchoke threads. Its key specification is its “Skeet” constriction, engineered to deliver a wide, even pattern at close ranges. The choke extends 1″ beyond the muzzle.
This extended design provides a longer parallel section, theoretically improving pattern consistency. The 1″ extension also makes it easier to tighten and loosen the choke by hand, without the need for a choke wrench. This is a subtle but valuable feature, especially in the field.
<h3>Performance & Functionality</h3>The Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube excels in its intended role. The wider shot pattern is incredibly forgiving, making it easier to break targets, particularly at closer distances. It performs consistently, round after round.
The choke’s main strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver a uniform pattern. The only real area for improvement would be offering a ported version to reduce muzzle jump, but that’s a minor consideration. For its intended purpose, it meets and exceeds expectations.
<h3>Design & Ergonomics</h3>The Beretta choke is constructed from high-quality steel. Its matte black finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The extended design offers a secure grip for easy installation and removal.
The choke is exceptionally user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved. Simply screw it into the barrel until snug, and it’s ready to go.
<h3>Durability & Maintenance</h3>Given its solid steel construction, the Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube is built to last for years with proper care. Regular cleaning is all that’s required.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick scrub with a solvent-soaked bore brush after each shooting session is sufficient to keep it functioning optimally.
<h3>Accessories and Customization Options</h3>The Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It’s a self-contained unit designed to be used as-is. It’s compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that accepts Beretta’s Mobilchoke system. While there are no customization options for the choke itself, it allows for easy customization of your shot pattern for different scenarios.
Pros and Cons of **Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube**
Pros
- Specifically designed for skeet shooting, providing a wider, more even pattern at close ranges.
- Extended design allows for easy installation and removal without a choke wrench.
- Durable steel construction ensures a long lifespan with minimal maintenance.
- Noticeably improved clay target breaks compared to a standard choke.
- The Beretta name provides assurance of quality and reliability.
Cons
- Only suitable for skeet shooting or very close-range hunting; not versatile for longer shots.
- The $35.99 price tag is more expensive than some generic choke tubes.
Who Should Buy **Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube**?
This choke is perfect for competitive skeet shooters and recreational shooters who want to improve their scores on the skeet field. It’s also suitable for upland bird hunters who primarily hunt over pointing dogs at very close ranges. If you are serious about shooting skeet this is a worthwhile purchase.
Those who primarily hunt waterfowl at longer distances or require a more versatile choke for different game should skip this product. Those shooters will need a more adjustable choke. This is because the Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube is designed for close range shooting.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory, although the extended design allows for hand tightening.
Conclusion on **Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube**
The Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube is a well-made, purpose-built accessory that delivers on its promise of improved skeet shooting performance. It’s easy to install, durable, and noticeably enhances shot patterns at close ranges.
At $35.99, the price is justified by the quality of construction and the tangible improvement in performance. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any 20-gauge shooter looking to gain an edge on the skeet field.
If you’re ready to take your skeet game to the next level, invest in the Beretta 20 Gauge Skeet Extended Choke Tube. You won’t be disappointed.
