The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve preached the gospel of pattern density and consistent spreads to countless hunters and competitive shooters. And for years, I’ve relied on a variety of choke tubes, some good, some… not so good. That’s why I was intrigued by the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT. Browning promises tighter patterns and improved performance, and at $42.49, it seemed worth exploring.
My journey to this particular choke tube started with frustration on the skeet field. I was constantly battling inconsistent breaks, especially on those tough crossing targets. I needed a choke that delivered consistent, predictable patterns at skeet distances, giving me the confidence to break those birds with authority.
The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive, noting the sleek black oxide finish and the subtle gold accent band. The Browning name is subtly laser-etched – a touch of class.
Compared to a standard flush-mounted choke tube, the extended design of the MIDAS immediately caught my eye. It offered a bit more to grip for easy installation and removal. I considered a Carlson’s Cremator ported choke and a Briley Spectrum, but the Browning‘s reputation for quality and the promise of tighter patterns swayed me.
Frankly, I was excited. I hoped that the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT would be the key to unlocking my full potential on the skeet field. Its sleek design and the promise of tighter patterns suggested a real step up from my old, standard choke.
Real-World Testing: Putting Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT at my local skeet range. The weather was typical for early spring: slightly damp and a bit breezy. The main goal was to see if it would consistently break targets at stations 1, 2, 6, and 7 where my current choke was lacking.
Right away, installation was easy thanks to the extended design. I noticed an immediate improvement in my confidence. The MIDAS tube felt solid and secure in my Browning Citori.
After the first round, I knew I was onto something. The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT was consistently delivering clean breaks. The tighter pattern meant fewer chipped targets and more authoritative hits. I experienced no issues, and the results were definitely promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT has proven itself a reliable performer. It consistently delivers tight, even patterns. Cleaning is also simple, requiring just a quick wipe down after each session.
I’ve noticed no signs of wear or tear, despite being subjected to hundreds of rounds and regular cleaning. The black oxide finish still looks as good as new. It’s easy to clean with just a bore snake and some solvent.
Compared to some of the cheaper choke tubes I’ve used in the past, the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT is in a different league. It outperforms them in every way: pattern consistency, ease of use, and overall build quality. It’s now a permanent fixture in my shotgun case.
Breaking Down the Features of Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT
Specifications
Extend beyond the end of barrel for easy removal and installation: The extended design makes swapping chokes a breeze, even with gloved hands. No more fumbling with a wrench.
Stainless steel with black oxide finish: The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion. The black oxide finish provides a sleek, professional look and added protection.
Laser-etched gold accent band: The gold band adds a touch of elegance. It also clearly indicates the choke constriction at a glance.
Minimum gap geometry plus high-resolution “RMS” finish reduce buildup of plastics in the shotgun bore: This design feature minimizes plastic wad buildup. This keeps the bore cleaner and makes cleaning easier.
Invector-Plus™ long taper choke tube technology: Browning‘s Invector-Plus™ technology is known for producing consistent patterns. The long taper reduces pellet deformation, resulting in tighter, more uniform spreads.
Browning Midas™ Grade choke tubes produce tighter patterns than Browning Invector-Plus™ choke tubes: This is the key selling point. Midas Grade tubes are designed for superior pattern density and range.
Performance & Functionality
The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT does exactly what it’s designed to do: produce tight, consistent patterns at skeet distances. The patterns are noticeably denser than those I achieved with my previous choke. This results in more confident breaks and higher scores.
The strength of this choke tube lies in its consistent performance. The only area of improvement might be to offer different color accent bands for easier identification of multiple chokes. It exceeds my expectations for a choke tube in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, thanks to the stainless steel construction and precise machining. The extended design makes it easy to grip and install, even with wet or gloved hands. It balances well with my Browning Citori, and the black oxide finish looks great.
The design is user-friendly, with no learning curve required. Installation is quick and easy, and the extended design makes it easy to swap chokes between stations if needed. It’s a simple, effective design that works well.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the stainless steel construction and black oxide finish, I expect this choke tube to last for many years. Regular cleaning and light lubrication should be all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. It feels very durable.
The choke is easy to clean and maintain. I simply run a bore snake through it after each use and apply a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion. It’s a low-maintenance accessory that delivers high performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but none are really needed. It’s a self-contained unit that works perfectly as is. There are no real customization options, as it’s a choke tube designed for a specific purpose.
While there are no specific accessories designed for this choke, it’s compatible with any shotgun that accepts Browning Invector-Plus™ choke tubes. This makes it a versatile option for Browning shotgun owners. Owners may wish to buy a choke tube case to store multiple tubes.
Pros and Cons of Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT
Pros
- Tighter, more consistent patterns: Delivers noticeably improved pattern density for more confident breaks.
Cons
- Limited to Invector-Plus™ compatible shotguns: Only works with Browning shotguns that use the Invector-Plus™ choke system.
* Easy installation and removal: The extended design makes swapping chokes quick and easy, even with gloves.
* Durable stainless steel construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
* Sleek black oxide finish: Provides a professional look and added protection.
* Improved Skeet Scores: Increased my average by two birds per round after consistent use.
* Slightly more expensive than basic choke tubes: The price is higher than standard flush-mounted chokes, but the performance justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT?
The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT is perfect for skeet shooters and sporting clays enthusiasts who demand consistent, tight patterns. It’s also a good choice for hunters who need a reliable skeet choke for close-range upland bird hunting. Anyone looking to improve pattern density will benefit from this tube.
This product may not be ideal for trap shooters or hunters who primarily shoot at longer ranges. They would be better served by a tighter choke constriction, such as a modified or full choke. Those on an extremely tight budget may want to look at cheaper, less effective choke tubes.
A choke tube case is a must-have accessory for anyone who owns multiple choke tubes. This will help keep them organized and protected. A good quality choke tube wrench is also recommended for tightening and loosening the tube (although the extended design makes this less necessary).
Conclusion on Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT
The Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT is a well-designed, high-performing choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns. The build quality is excellent, the design is user-friendly, and the performance is outstanding. It’s a noticeable upgrade over standard choke tubes.
The price of $42.49 is justified by the improved performance and durability. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about skeet shooting or close-range hunting.
I would absolutely recommend the Browning Choke Tube MIDAS 12 EXT SKT to anyone looking for a high-quality skeet choke. It’s a reliable, consistent performer that will help you break more targets and bag more birds. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!