Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL Review

The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless choke tubes come and go. But, the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL immediately caught my eye with its promise of tighter patterns and ease of use. The manufacturer, Browning, has a long-standing reputation for quality, and I was eager to see if this choke tube lived up to the hype.

I was looking for a choke tube that could improve my consistency when shooting sporting clays. I often found my patterns were too spread out at longer distances, leading to frustrating misses. I needed something that would tighten those patterns without sacrificing too much versatility at closer ranges.

Upon unboxing, the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL felt substantial and well-made. The stainless steel construction with a black oxide finish exuded durability, and the gold accent band gave it a touch of class. It was heavier than some of the cheaper, generic choke tubes I’ve used in the past, which instilled confidence in its build quality. Compared to a Carlson’s Cremator and a Patternmaster Code Black, the Browning seemed to strike a better balance between pattern density and ease of cleaning. The Patternmaster, while producing tight patterns, was notoriously difficult to clean. The Carlson’s was easier to clean but didn’t offer the same pattern consistency as the Browning promises.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality was excellent, and the features sounded promising, but I knew the true test would be on the range. I was excited to see if the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL could actually deliver on its claims of tighter patterns and improved performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL to my local sporting clays range for its first test. The weather was mild and sunny, perfect for a day of shooting. I tested it in my Browning Citori 12 gauge.

The choke tube was incredibly easy to install and remove, thanks to its extended design. No tools were needed. I started with some close-range shots to get a feel for the pattern. I was immediately impressed by the consistent breaks I was getting. Then I moved onto some longer-distance targets. The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL truly shined. The patterns were noticeably tighter than my factory choke, allowing me to consistently break targets that I would have previously missed. I noticed no issues or surprises after the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear, and the black oxide finish still looks as good as new.

Maintenance is a breeze. The smooth bore and minimum gap geometry make it easy to clean with a standard choke tube brush and solvent. Compared to some of my older choke tubes, which required extensive scrubbing, the Browning is a dream to maintain. The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL definitely outperforms my previous choke tube, providing tighter patterns, easier cleaning, and improved overall consistency.

Breaking Down the Features of Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL

Specifications

• Extend beyond the end of the barrel for easy removal and installation: This feature eliminates the need for a choke tube wrench, making it quick and convenient to change chokes in the field. This is especially useful in dynamic shooting situations where you might need to adjust your pattern on the fly.
• Stainless steel with black oxide finish: The stainless steel construction provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability, ensuring that the choke tube will withstand years of use. The black oxide finish adds an extra layer of protection and reduces glare, which can be beneficial in hunting situations.
• Laser-etched gold accent band: This adds a touch of class and makes it easy to identify the choke tube at a glance. While purely aesthetic, it reflects the quality and attention to detail that Browning puts into its products.
• Minimum gap geometry plus high-resolution “RMS” finish reduce buildup of plastics in the shotgun bore: This design feature minimizes plastic wad buildup, making cleaning easier and preventing pattern distortion. This is a significant advantage for high-volume shooters who use plastic wads.
• Invector-Plus™ long taper choke tube technology: This technology creates a more gradual constriction, resulting in tighter and more consistent patterns with less pellet deformation. This is the core of what makes this choke tube so effective at improving pattern density.
• Browning Midas™ Grade choke tubes produce tighter patterns than Browning Invector-Plus™ choke tubes: This is the key selling point of the MIDAS grade choke tubes. This allows for longer shots and tighter groupings on the target.

Performance & Functionality

The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL excels at its primary function: tightening shot patterns. This improvement allows you to reliably hit targets at longer ranges. This is especially valuable for sporting clays, trap, and waterfowl hunting.

The choke tube is exceptionally reliable and delivers consistent performance, shot after shot. The only potential weakness is that very tight patterns may not be ideal for extremely close-range shots, where a more open choke would be preferable. It more than meets my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL is well-designed and built with high-quality materials. It feels solid and durable in hand. The extended design makes it easy to grip and change without tools. There is virtually no learning curve. Installation is simple and intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction and black oxide finish ensure that the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL is built to last. Regular cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. I expect this choke tube to last for many years with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s a standalone product. However, it’s compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that accepts Browning Invector-Plus choke tubes. You can customize your shotgun with different MIDAS grade chokes for various shooting applications.

Pros and Cons of Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL

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Who Should Buy Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL?

The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL is perfect for sporting clay shooters, trap shooters, and waterfowl hunters who are looking to improve their accuracy at longer ranges. It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants a durable and easy-to-maintain choke tube.

This product may not be the best choice for shooters who primarily engage in close-range shooting, such as upland bird hunting in dense cover. In such situations, a more open choke would be more suitable.

A choke tube wrench (though not strictly necessary), a choke tube case for storage, and a high-quality gun cleaning kit.

Conclusion on Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL

Overall, the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. The tighter patterns, ease of use, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.

The price of $42.49 is justified by the improved performance and long-lasting quality of the choke tube. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to improve their accuracy and consistency with a shotgun.

If you’re ready to take your shooting to the next level, the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT ICL is a must-have accessory. Upgrade your shotgun today!

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