The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel Made a Bold First Impression
The world of shotgun chokes can seem bewildering. You have everything from cylinder bore to extra full, each promising a different pattern and performance. When I stumbled upon the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel, I was intrigued by its promise of consistent, reliable performance and the reputation of Carlson’s.
I’ve been an avid hunter and tactical shooting enthusiast for over a decade. I’ve faced everything from dense brush while chasing quail to tight courses demanding rapid target acquisition. The need for a choke that offered versatility and consistent patterns at moderate ranges became apparent, pushing me to seek out a reliable improved cylinder option.
The packaging was simple and functional. Upon opening it, the choke tube exuded quality. The 17-4 stainless steel construction felt robust and well-machined, a far cry from some of the cheaper, plated chokes I’ve encountered.
I considered chokes from Briley and Trulock, both reputable names in the industry. However, the Carlsons offered a compelling combination of price, materials, and a flush-mounted design that appealed to my aesthetic sensibilities. It promised to be a durable and effective option for both hunting and tactical applications.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked and felt the part, but the real test would come at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel was at my local shooting range. I was eager to see how it patterned with various loads. I tested it using a Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus.
I shot a variety of 12-gauge loads, from light target loads to heavier field loads, in both dry and slightly damp conditions. The choke performed admirably. Recoil felt manageable, and the patterns appeared consistent and even at distances between 20 and 30 yards. I was targeting paper and steel plates at various distances.
Installation was straightforward; the choke screwed in smoothly and seated flush with the barrel. There were no issues with binding or cross-threading. After about 50 rounds, I noticed a slight improvement in my groupings compared to the factory cylinder choke.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel has become a staple in my shotgun setup. It’s proven to be a reliable performer across various hunting scenarios and tactical drills.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite exposure to rain, mud, and the occasional harsh cleaning solvent. Maintenance is a breeze; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to keep it clean.
Compared to the factory chokes that came with my Beretta, the Carlsons choke offers a noticeable improvement in pattern density and consistency. This translates to tighter groupings and more ethical, cleaner kills in the field, particularly when upland bird hunting. It is also more consistent than some aftermarket chokes I’ve used in the past that were not properly manufactured.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel choke is designed specifically for Beretta and Benelli 12-gauge shotguns that utilize the Mobilchoke system. It’s constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. This particular choke is an improved cylinder constriction, offering a balance between pattern density and spread at moderate ranges.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Configuration: Benelli / Beretta (Mobilchoke)
- Constriction Type: Improved Cylinder
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
- Finish: Stainless Steel
- Chokes Included: 1
The 17-4 stainless steel construction is essential for long-term durability and resistance to the corrosive effects of powder residue and environmental factors. The improved cylinder constriction is ideal for situations where a moderate spread is desired, such as close-range upland bird hunting or tactical shooting scenarios. It is this balance that makes the Carlsons offering so versatile.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel choke performs its intended function exceptionally well. It delivers consistent and predictable patterns at ranges between 20 and 30 yards. This makes it a superb choice for both hunting and tactical applications where precision is key.
Its strengths lie in its consistent patterning, durable construction, and ease of use. If I could suggest an improvement, perhaps offering it with a knurled exterior for easier hand tightening/removal would be beneficial. The performance consistently exceeded my expectations, providing improved accuracy and tighter groupings compared to the factory choke options.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke features a simple and effective design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability. The flush-mounted design blends seamlessly with the shotgun barrel, providing a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Installation and removal are straightforward, requiring only a choke wrench. There is virtually no learning curve; it’s a simple screw-in replacement for your existing choke. The materials used speak to the Carlsons commitment to quality.
Durability & Maintenance
Thanks to the 17-4 stainless steel construction, the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel choke is built to last. It’s resistant to rust, corrosion, and the wear and tear associated with regular use. A little cleaning goes a long way.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will keep it in optimal condition for years to come. The robust materials mean repairs are seldom, if ever, needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel choke itself doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke systems.
It’s worth noting that Carlsons offers a wide range of other choke constrictions within the same series. This allows users to fine-tune their shotgun’s performance for specific applications.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to corrosion.
- Improved cylinder constriction provides versatile performance for hunting and tactical applications.
- Consistent and predictable patterns at moderate ranges enhance accuracy.
- Flush-mounted design offers a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Easy to install and maintain, making it user-friendly for both novice and experienced shooters.
Cons
- Lacks knurled exterior for hand tightening (choke wrench required).
- Constriction is limited to improved cylinder, may not suit all shooting scenarios.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel?
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel choke is perfect for hunters who primarily engage in upland bird hunting at close to moderate ranges. It also suits tactical shooters who need a versatile choke for drills and training exercises.
This choke is also a great option for clay target enthusiasts who enjoy skeet or sporting clays. Anyone looking for improved pattern density and consistency compared to a cylinder bore will appreciate this choke.
Someone who primarily hunts waterfowl at long ranges or engages in precision shooting at extreme distances might want to consider a tighter choke constriction (modified, improved modified, or full). Those requiring specialized chokes for specific loads (steel, bismuth, etc.) might want to explore other options, although this choke performs well with a variety of loads.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Consider a choke tube case to protect your investment.
Conclusion on Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel
Overall, the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel choke offers outstanding value for its price. Its durable construction, consistent performance, and ease of use make it a worthwhile upgrade for any Beretta or Benelli 12-gauge shotgun owner.
The price is more than justified by the improved performance and long-term durability. I would not hesitate to recommend it to fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile improved cylinder choke that will enhance your shotgun’s performance, the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Improved Cylinder 17-4 Stainless Steel is an excellent choice. Upgrade your shotgun and experience the difference!