The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT Made a Bold First Impression
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT is a shotgun choke tube designed to deliver a cylinder bore pattern with a 1-inch extension. From Beretta, a name synonymous with quality in the firearms world, this choke promises to enhance the versatility of your 20-gauge shotgun. I was immediately intrigued by the possibility of optimizing my shotgun for close-quarters scenarios.
For years, I’ve relied on a modified choke for most of my hunting, but close-range bird flushes often resulted in overly tight patterns. I decided it was time to acquire a cylinder choke. I wanted to improve my effectiveness on those fast, close-in shots without sacrificing my shotgun’s longer-range capabilities.
Upon receiving the Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT, I was immediately impressed with its sturdy construction and clean finish. The blued steel felt substantial in my hand. It inspired confidence that it would withstand the rigors of the field.
Compared to a flush-mounted cylinder choke I’d previously used, the extended 1-inch design of the Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT seemed like it would offer easier installation and removal. The knurled end also suggested more convenient adjustments in the field. I chose it over another non-extended cylinder choke, hoping the extended portion would offer added barrel protection.
My initial excitement was definitely justified. The build quality and design suggested that this simple choke could make a tangible difference in my shotgun’s performance. It seemed like it would offer enhanced close-range accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT was at a local sporting clays range. I wanted to pattern it with a variety of birdshot loads. I patterned the choke at 15 yards to see how open the pattern truly was.
I tested the choke under partly cloudy skies with a slight breeze. It allowed for relatively consistent conditions. The installation was effortless, and the knurled extension made tightening by hand easy, even with gloved hands. After a few rounds of clays, the choke tube didn’t loosen at all.
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT delivered a noticeably wider pattern than my improved cylinder choke at close range. This was especially helpful on those quick crossing shots. After the first few uses, I realized that I needed to slightly adjust my lead due to the more open pattern.
There were no immediate issues. The choke performed as expected and held up well to the repeated firing. The ease of installation and removal impressed me and the shot patterns were consistent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT has proven to be a reliable addition to my shotgun setup. It’s been subjected to regular use on both the sporting clays range and during upland bird hunts. It has performed admirably.
The choke has held up well with no signs of rust or corrosion, despite regular exposure to moisture and cleaning solvents. I cleaned the choke after each use with standard shotgun cleaning supplies. It shows minimal wear around the threads and extension.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. Compared to past experiences with cheaper aftermarket chokes that quickly corroded, the Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT continues to exceed expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT
Specifications
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT is a 20-gauge shotgun choke tube. It’s designed to deliver a cylinder bore pattern.
This choke tube has an extended length of 1 inch beyond the end of the barrel. This aids in easy installation and removal. The added length also slightly protects the muzzle.
The choke is constructed from blued steel. This offers durability and resistance to corrosion. The material is fairly standard, but Beretta’s quality control ensures it is properly treated and finished.
The choke is designed for use with Beretta shotguns that accept Mobilchoke or similar interchangeable choke systems. This allows for use in a wide variety of firearms. The choke can be installed without specialized tools.
Performance & Functionality
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT functions as advertised. It consistently delivers a wide, even pattern at close ranges, making it ideal for close-quarters shooting. It’s perfectly suited for scenarios where a tight shot pattern would be detrimental, such as upland bird hunting in dense cover.
The main strength is its ability to provide a very open pattern. This improves the chance of hitting a moving target at close range. However, the wide pattern means that it lacks the range of tighter chokes, so long shots are not recommended.
The choke meets expectations for close range performance. It helps improve the versatility of a shotgun for multiple hunting scenarios. I think it’s a practical and effective solution for those needing a cylinder bore option.
Design & Ergonomics
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT features a simple, functional design. Its blued steel construction is durable and blends seamlessly with the shotgun’s barrel. The matte finish reduces glare.
The knurled extension is well-designed. It allows for easy hand tightening and removal without the need for a choke wrench in most cases. The choke is simple to install and use, with no real learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT is built to last, constructed from quality steel with a protective blued finish. Regular cleaning and light lubrication should ensure years of reliable performance. It is a Beretta product after all.
The choke’s simple design makes it easy to maintain and clean. There are no intricate parts or mechanisms that require special attention.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT itself doesn’t require additional accessories. However, its compatibility with Beretta shotguns allows for use with a wide range of aftermarket choke wrenches and storage cases. A dedicated choke tube case can help keep it protected when not in use.
While the choke’s pattern cannot be further modified, different shot loads can slightly alter the effective range and density of the pattern. Using different shot sizes can effectively customize the load for different game. No other special modifications are necessary for this simple, yet effective, product.
Pros and Cons of Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT
Pros
- Delivers a wide, even cylinder bore pattern. This is ideal for close-range shooting and improves hit probability on fast-moving targets.
- Extended 1-inch design allows for easy hand installation and removal. No tools are needed for most installations.
- Durable blued steel construction resists corrosion and ensures long-lasting performance. The Beretta quality is evident in the construction.
- Compatible with Beretta Mobilchoke systems, making it versatile for various shotgun models. This ensures wide compatibility.
- Affordable price makes it an accessible upgrade for any shotgun owner. It is a budget-friendly option to enhance performance.
Cons
- Limited effective range compared to tighter chokes. Not suitable for long-distance shots.
- Pattern may be too open for some hunting or shooting applications. It is very specialized for close ranges.
Who Should Buy Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT?
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT is perfect for upland bird hunters who frequently encounter close-flushing birds in dense cover. It is also a good choice for those participating in close-quarters clay shooting sports. It can significantly improve hit ratios in these scenarios.
Those who primarily hunt waterfowl at longer ranges or engage in shooting disciplines requiring tight patterns should skip this product. The open pattern will be detrimental in these applications. Those who primarily shoot trap may want a tighter choke.
A simple choke tube case to protect the choke during storage is a must-have accessory. Consider experimenting with different shot sizes to fine-tune the pattern for specific game.
Conclusion on Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT
The Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT is a well-made and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of a consistent cylinder bore pattern. Its durable construction, ease of use, and affordable price make it an excellent addition to any shotgunner’s toolkit. It is great for specialized scenarios.
At $35.99, the price is absolutely justified given the quality of construction and the improvement in close-range performance it provides. It’s a small investment that can make a noticeable difference in the field.
I would definitely recommend the Beretta VICTORY CT 20 CYL EXT to anyone looking to optimize their 20-gauge shotgun for close-quarters shooting. It helps to improve your effectiveness. Don’t hesitate, upgrade your shotgun today!