Let’s Dive into Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube
The Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube promises to revolutionize shot patterns, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. This choke tube, manufactured by Briley, uses unique angled lateral ports designed to impart spin on the shot charge. The concept is that this spin forces core pellets outward, resulting in a more even and consistent pattern across the board.
As a shotgun enthusiast with over a decade of experience in tactical and competitive shooting, I’m always searching for that extra edge. I was consistently battling inconsistent patterns with my Perazzi MX8, especially when switching between different shot sizes for various clays disciplines. The promise of a more evenly distributed pattern from the Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix was exactly what I needed.
The choke tube arrived in a simple, functional package. My initial impression was positive; the 17-4 Stainless Steel felt solid and well-machined. The Briley Spectrum colorband was a nice touch for quick identification, and the overall build quality seemed excellent.
I considered other aftermarket chokes, including some from Carlson’s and Patternmaster, but the Helix’s unique porting design intrigued me. I chose the Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix due to its claim of improved pattern consistency, specifically its ability to address core density issues I was experiencing. I was excited and cautiously optimistic, hoping this choke would finally solve my patterning problems.
Real-World Testing: Putting Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix at my local sporting clays range. The weather was mild and dry, perfect for an initial evaluation of the choke’s performance. I primarily used 1 1/8 oz. loads of #7.5 and #8 shot, typical for clays shooting.
The choke tube screwed in smoothly and easily, requiring no special tools. My initial shots revealed a noticeable difference in perceived recoil compared to my standard choke. The pattern appeared wider and more evenly distributed on the patterning board at 30 yards.
I didn’t experience any immediate issues, but I did notice a slight increase in muzzle jump. This was expected, given the porting, but it required a slight adjustment in my shooting technique. I was pleasantly surprised by the immediate improvement in pattern consistency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix continues to impress. It has proven reliable across various weather conditions, including some damp, foggy mornings at the range. The finish shows no signs of wear, and the threads remain clean and smooth.
The choke tube is holding up exceptionally well, with no signs of damage or degradation. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in excellent condition. The tube hasn’t loosened during firing, maintaining consistent performance.
The Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix has significantly outperformed my previous chokes in terms of pattern consistency. I am confident that this choke will continue to improve my scores in sporting clays and provide a more even pattern for upland bird hunting. Its performance far exceeds my previous experiences with standard aftermarket chokes.
Breaking Down the Features of Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube
Specifications
The Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube is crafted from 17-4 Stainless Steel, known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. It is specifically designed for 12 gauge shotguns with an 18.7 bore, particularly Perazzi models, especially the Perazzi MX series. The choke tube features special angled lateral ports intended to impart spin on the shot charge.
The specifications are crucial because they ensure compatibility with specific shotgun models and provide the physical properties necessary for consistent performance. The Stainless Steel construction guarantees longevity and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. The angled ports are the key to the choke’s unique ability to improve pattern distribution.
Performance & Functionality
The Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube excels at producing more even and consistent shot patterns. The lateral ports impart spin, causing the core pellets to migrate towards the outer edges of the pattern. This eliminates hot spots in the center and creates a more uniform spread, increasing the chances of hitting the target.
Its greatest strength lies in its ability to improve pattern consistency, which translates directly to better scores on the clays course and more ethical kills in the field. A slight weakness is the increased muzzle jump due to the porting, which requires adjustment. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for pattern improvement.
Design & Ergonomics
The Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix is well-designed, featuring a robust construction and a user-friendly installation process. The 17-4 Stainless Steel gives it a solid feel, and the Briley Spectrum colorband makes choke identification easy. The weight is negligible, and it doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.
Installation is simple, requiring only hand tightening. The choke tube feels secure and well-made. There’s no learning curve; anyone familiar with changing choke tubes will find this process straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its Stainless Steel construction, the Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and lubrication will prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
Maintenance is simple; a bore brush, solvent, and a light coat of oil after each use are sufficient. The threads are well-machined and should withstand repeated installation and removal. Its robust design and high-quality materials suggest that it will last a very long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube comes with the Briley Spectrum colorband identification system. There are no specific customization options for this particular choke tube model. It is compatible with any 12-gauge Perazzi MX series shotgun designed for screw-in chokes.
While there are no direct accessories, using a quality choke tube wrench for installation and removal is always a good idea. The choke tube is generally compatible with any cleaning supplies designed for shotgun barrels and chokes. The lack of specific accessories isn’t a major drawback, as the choke is designed for straightforward functionality.
Pros and Cons of Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube
Pros
- Improved Pattern Consistency: The angled lateral ports create more even pellet distribution.
- High-Quality Materials: Constructed from durable 17-4 Stainless Steel.
- Easy Identification: Briley’s Spectrum colorband system simplifies choke selection.
- Simple Installation: Screws in easily with no special tools required.
- Specifically designed for Perazzi MX series shotguns for perfect fit.
Cons
- Slight Increase in Muzzle Jump due to porting.
- Lead Shot Only: Limited to lead shot ammunition.
Who Should Buy Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube?
This choke tube is perfect for competitive clay shooters looking to improve pattern consistency and scores. It is also well-suited for upland bird hunters seeking a more even spread for ethical kills. Perazzi MX series shotgun owners who want to optimize their gun’s performance will greatly benefit from this choke.
Those who primarily shoot steel shot or require chokes for other shotgun models should skip this product. Shooters highly sensitive to muzzle jump might also find it less appealing. A good choke tube wrench and high-quality gun cleaning supplies are must-have accessories.
Conclusion on Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube
The Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix 12 Gauge 18.7 Bore Choke Tube is a worthwhile investment for Perazzi MX owners seeking improved pattern consistency. The price of $94.95 is justified by the noticeable performance gains and high-quality construction. The Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix choke tube is a product I would highly recommend to those looking to elevate their shooting performance.
If you’re serious about improving your shot patterns and optimizing your Perazzi MX, this choke tube is a game-changer. Don’t hesitate – invest in the Briley Gen 4 Perazzi Helix and experience the difference firsthand.