Browning Choke Tube 12 SK Review

The Browning Choke Tube 12 SK Made a Bold First Impression

Shotguns, for me, have always been about versatility. One minute you’re busting clays at the range, the next you’re knee-deep in a marsh, waiting for waterfowl. That’s why choke tubes are so important – they let you tailor the spread of your shot to the specific task at hand. I needed a reliable and consistent choke tube for close-range work on upland game and clays, something that wouldn’t break the bank, and the Browning Choke Tube 12 SK caught my eye.

I’ve been swapping out choke tubes for over a decade, but my old generic set was starting to show its age and, frankly, not patterning consistently. I was tired of guessing where my shot was going. Unboxing the Browning Choke Tube 12 SK was a pleasant surprise. The stainless steel had a nice, polished sheen, and the flush fit was exactly what I wanted for a clean look and snag-free performance in thick cover.

Compared to some extended ported chokes I’ve used, which are great for competition, the Browning stood out for its simplicity and practicality. Other chokes I considered were pricier, some with fancy coatings or porting, but for the kind of shooting I do, I valued consistent performance and rugged durability over bells and whistles. My initial thought was, “This feels solid, well-made, and exactly what I need for the job.” I was excited to get it out in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Browning Choke Tube 12 SK to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Browning Choke Tube 12 SK was at a local sporting clays course. The weather was mild and dry, perfect conditions for a day of shooting. I wanted to see how it performed on close-range targets. I installed the choke tube easily into my Browning Citori, and after a few warm-up shots, I immediately noticed a more consistent and even pattern at shorter distances.

The improved pattern consistency allowed me to break targets with greater confidence. There were no malfunctions or issues during the first use. I didn’t have to think about my choke, it just did its job.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Browning Choke Tube 12 SK during both clay shooting and upland bird hunting, it has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve used it in everything from dry, dusty fields to damp, foggy mornings. There are minimal signs of wear and tear. The stainless-steel construction has held up beautifully.

Cleaning is a breeze. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it in perfect condition. Compared to my old chokes, which often required more aggressive cleaning, the Browning Choke Tube is far easier to maintain. I’ve gained a significant amount of confidence with this choke. It outperforms my previous chokes in pattern consistency.

Breaking Down the Features of Browning Choke Tube 12 SK

Specifications

The Browning Choke Tube 12 SK, designed for 12-gauge shotguns with the Standard Invector™ system, is a flush-fitting choke tube designed for skeet shooting and close-range hunting. It is constructed from polished 17-4 stainless steel, a material known for its strength and corrosion resistance. The key specification is its Skeet (SK) constriction, which provides a wider, more open shot pattern at close distances. This helps deliver excellent uniform densities.

The Skeet constriction is ideal for targets within 20-25 yards, offering a larger margin for error and increased hit probability. The flush fit design keeps the choke tube even with the barrel’s end, minimizing the risk of snagging on brush or clothing. 17-4 stainless steel provides exceptional durability and protection against rust and corrosion, making it perfect for all-weather use.

Performance & Functionality

The Browning Choke Tube 12 SK excels at its intended purpose: providing a wide, even shot pattern at close range. Its accuracy is exceptional, consistently delivering dense patterns that reliably break clay targets and effectively take down upland game like quail and grouse. There are no significant weaknesses in terms of performance. It is a well-designed and executed choke tube.

The Browning Choke Tube 12 SK meets and exceeds expectations for a skeet choke. Its consistent performance and reliability have improved my shooting success.

Design & Ergonomics

The Browning Choke Tube 12 SK’s build quality is top-notch. The polished 17-4 stainless steel feels solid and durable. The flush-fit design is aesthetically pleasing and functional. It minimizes the risk of snagging.

It is incredibly user-friendly. Simply screw it into the barrel until snug using a choke tube wrench. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Thanks to its stainless-steel construction, the Browning Choke Tube 12 SK is built to last. It is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will keep it in optimal condition for years to come.

Maintaining the Browning Choke Tube 12 SK is straightforward. There are no special tools or procedures required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Browning Choke Tube 12 SK is a standalone accessory. It does not require any additional accessories to function. It is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that uses the Standard Invector™ choke tube system.

Standard Invector™ is widely used, giving you lots of shotgun options.

Pros and Cons of Browning Choke Tube 12 SK