Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ Review

First Thoughts on the Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″

The Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ choke tube promises enhanced performance and durability for Beretta 12-gauge shotgun users. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’m always eager to see how aftermarket accessories improve upon a firearm’s factory setup. The extended design and claim of withstanding steel shot immediately piqued my interest.

I recently found myself struggling with consistently tight patterns while duck hunting over decoys. Factory chokes were either too open, leading to missed opportunities on closer birds, or too tight, resulting in blown-out patterns at typical decoy distances. I needed a choke that could bridge this gap, offering a reliable and consistent pattern at moderate ranges, and the Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ seemed like it could be the solution.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the robust feel of the choke. The nickel-alloy coating appeared well-applied, suggesting good corrosion resistance, and the overall construction felt solid and well-machined. Its extended length gives a confident impression.

Compared to the factory flush-mounted chokes that came with my Beretta A400, the OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ offers a noticeable difference in design and presumed performance. I also considered a Carlson’s Cremator choke and a Briley Spectrum choke, but ultimately chose the Beretta for its perceived brand reliability and the specific “Modified” constriction, which seemed ideal for my intended use. Early impressions were positive. The choke looks and feels like a quality piece of equipment ready for the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ extensively during a week-long duck hunting trip in the Louisiana marsh. The environment was challenging, with constant exposure to saltwater, mud, and fluctuating temperatures. The choke was primarily used with 2 ¾-inch steel shot loads in size #2 and #4.

The OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ delivered consistent and effective patterns on ducks ranging from 20 to 40 yards. The “Modified” choke provided a noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to the factory “Improved Cylinder” choke I had been using. No time was needed to get used to it. The improved performance was immediate.

There were no malfunctions or unexpected issues. The choke threaded smoothly into my Beretta A400 barrel and remained securely in place throughout the day.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ has held up remarkably well. The nickel-alloy coating has resisted corrosion, despite frequent exposure to harsh conditions. The external finish remains resistant.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the choke tube itself. The threads remain sharp and clean, ensuring a secure fit.

Maintenance is simple. After each hunting trip, I thoroughly clean the choke with a bore brush and solvent, followed by a light coating of gun oil. This process takes only a few minutes and has kept the choke in excellent condition. The OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ has certainly outperformed my expectations for a choke in this price range. It provides a noticeable improvement in pattern performance and has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun.

Breaking Down the Features of Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″

Specifications

• Type: Extended. The extended design provides a longer forcing cone for potentially improved patterns and allows for easier choke identification.
• Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns.
• Choke size: Modified. Modified chokes offer a versatile balance between pattern density and spread, making them suitable for a wide range of shooting applications.
• Model: Optima HP. The Optima HP designation indicates compatibility with Beretta shotguns that utilize the Optima-Choke HP system, known for its high-performance capabilities.
• Finish: Silver w/Colored Band. The silver finish provides corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance, while the colored band allows for quick and easy choke identification.
• Material: High strength steel. This guarantees the choke tube will withstand the rigors of repeated shooting with both lead and steel shot.

These specifications are crucial for performance. The Modified choke size is a sweet spot for many hunting and sporting applications, and the Optima HP designation guarantees compatibility with a wide range of Beretta shotguns.

Performance & Functionality

The Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a consistent and reliable pattern that is noticeably tighter than an Improved Cylinder choke, yet not as restrictive as a Full choke. This makes it ideal for applications where a moderate pattern density is required at typical engagement distances.

Its strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver effective patterns. A potential area for improvement would be offering different colored bands for other choke constrictions in the OPTIMAHP line.

This choke meets and exceeds my expectations. It has become my go-to choke for duck hunting over decoys and has noticeably improved my hit ratio.

Design & Ergonomics

The Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ is constructed from high-quality materials. Its weight is negligible, and the extended design makes it easy to install and remove.

The choke is incredibly user-friendly. No special tools or adjustments are required.

Durability & Maintenance

The Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ is built to last. The high-strength steel and nickel-alloy coating provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that is required to keep the choke in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for the choke itself.

However, the choke is compatible with standard choke wrenches designed for Optima HP chokes. The Beretta choke wrench is a popular choice.

Pros and Cons of Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″

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Who Should Buy Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″?

The Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ is perfect for hunters who need a versatile and reliable choke for a variety of game birds. It’s also ideal for sporting clays shooters looking for a consistent pattern at moderate ranges.

Those who primarily shoot long-range waterfowl or require specialized choke constrictions may want to consider other options. Someone looking for more dramatic extended choke designs should look elsewhere.

A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Regular cleaning supplies are also essential for maintaining the choke’s performance and longevity.

Conclusion on Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″

The Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promises of improved performance and durability. Its consistent patterns, robust construction, and ease of use make it a worthwhile addition to any Beretta 12-gauge shotgun owner’s arsenal.

At $46.49, the price is justified. The OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ offers exceptional value for the level of performance it provides.

I would definitely recommend the Beretta OPTIMAHP CT 12 MD EXT 2″ to anyone looking for a reliable and effective “Modified” choke for their Beretta shotgun. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make!

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