First Thoughts on the Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga.
The Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. choke tube promises to enhance the skeet shooting experience with Beretta and Benelli shotguns chambered in 20 gauge. This choke, manufactured by Carlson’s, aims to provide the optimal spread for consistently breaking clays at skeet distances. The promise of improved shot patterns and tighter groupings is what initially piqued my interest, after years of using factory chokes with varying degrees of success.
My quest for a consistent, reliable skeet choke started after several frustrating rounds at my local club. I was struggling with inconsistent breaks, often dusting clays instead of shattering them. I had hoped that the Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. would offer a more forgiving pattern and improve my scores.
Upon receiving the Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. choke tube, my initial impression was positive. The blued finish appeared well-done and durable. The weight felt appropriate, suggesting solid construction. Compared to the factory chokes that came with my Benelli Montefeltro, the Carlson choke seemed better built and more precisely machined. While I considered other brands like Briley and Patternmaster, the Carlson choke’s affordable price point and positive online reviews swayed my decision. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype and transformed my skeet shooting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. was at my usual skeet range on a relatively calm Saturday morning. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with only a slight breeze. I used a Benelli Montefeltro 20 gauge and Winchester AA target loads (2 3/4 dram, 7/8 oz, #8 shot).
Installation was straightforward; the Carlson choke threaded smoothly into my Benelli’s barrel. I immediately noticed a difference in the way the gun handled. The breaks were noticeably cleaner and more consistent than with the factory improved cylinder choke I previously used. I managed to shoot a 23, which was a personal best for me at the time. There were no malfunctions or issues of any kind.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. has continued to perform admirably. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it in various conditions. From sunny days to slightly drizzly afternoons, the choke has shown no signs of diminished performance.
The blued finish has held up well, with only minor wear marks from cleaning and handling. I’ve cleaned the choke after each shooting session with a standard choke tube brush and solvent. The choke continues to thread smoothly, and there’s been no sign of rust or corrosion. Compared to my past experiences with cheaper aftermarket chokes, the Carlson choke tube feels significantly more durable and reliable. It has exceeded my expectations, proving to be a worthwhile investment for improving my skeet scores.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga.
Specifications
The Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. is a choke tube designed specifically for Beretta and Benelli shotguns that utilize the Mobilchoke system in 20 gauge. The choke constriction is optimized for skeet shooting, providing a wide and even pattern at close ranges. It is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel and features a blued finish for corrosion resistance. The choke tube is designed to be used with lead shot, steel shot, and other non-toxic shot types.
The choke tube’s specific constriction promotes an ideal pattern for breaking clays at typical skeet distances of around 21 yards. The use of 17-4 stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand repeated use and exposure to the elements without significant wear or corrosion. The compatibility with various shot types allows for flexibility depending on range regulations and personal preferences.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. excels in its primary function: delivering consistent and effective shot patterns for skeet shooting. I’ve found that it consistently produces wide, even patterns that reliably break clays. The improvement in my scores since switching to this choke is undeniable.
The choke’s strengths lie in its consistent performance and ease of use. The only slight weakness I’ve observed is that it is specifically designed for skeet and might not be ideal for other shooting disciplines like trap or sporting clays. It definitely meets and even exceeds my expectations for a skeet choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. boasts a simple yet effective design. The blued finish looks good and provides a degree of corrosion resistance. The choke is lightweight and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.
The installation is user-friendly; it threads easily into the barrel without requiring special tools. There’s practically no learning curve involved, and the choke is immediately ready for use once installed.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. is constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel, promising a long lifespan with proper care. The blued finish helps to prevent rust and corrosion. With regular cleaning and lubrication, this choke should last for many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. After each shooting session, I clean the choke with a choke tube brush and solvent to remove any residue. I then apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust. This simple routine is all that’s needed to keep the choke in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. choke tube doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone product designed to directly replace the factory chokes in compatible shotguns. While there are no customization options for the choke itself, users can experiment with different shot sizes and loads to fine-tune their patterns.
The Carlson choke is fully compatible with any Beretta or Benelli 20 gauge shotgun that utilizes the Mobilchoke system. This widespread compatibility ensures that users can easily install and use the choke without needing to modify their shotguns.
Pros and Cons of Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga.
Pros
- Consistently produces wide, even shot patterns ideal for skeet.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long life.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no special tools.
- Affordable price point offers excellent value.
- Noticeably improves skeet scores compared to factory chokes.
Cons
- Specifically designed for skeet; not ideal for other shooting disciplines.
- Blued finish can show wear marks over time with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga.?
The Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. is perfect for skeet shooters looking for a cost-effective way to improve their scores. It is also ideal for those who own a Beretta or Benelli 20 gauge shotgun with a Mobilchoke system and want a dedicated skeet choke. This is a great choke for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Those who primarily shoot trap or sporting clays should consider other choke options with tighter constrictions. Also, if you prefer a ported choke or one with a different finish, this might not be the choke for you. A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for installing and removing the Carlson choke.
Conclusion on Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga.
The Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. choke tube is a fantastic addition to any skeet shooter’s arsenal. Its consistent performance, durable construction, and affordable price make it a winning combination. The choke’s ability to produce wide, even patterns at skeet distances has significantly improved my scores and overall shooting experience.
The price is definitely justified considering the improved performance and durability compared to stock chokes. I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson Beretta/Benelli, Skeet, 20 ga. to anyone looking to elevate their skeet game. Don’t hesitate; upgrade your choke and watch your scores climb!