The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel choke tube promises enhanced patterns for skeet shooting with Beretta and Benelli Mobil choke systems. Made in the USA by Carlsons, it boasts 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction for durability and compatibility with various shot types. I’ve spent years tinkering with shotguns, always chasing that perfect spread for breaking clays, and this choke immediately caught my eye.
My journey towards this specific choke was born out of frustration. My factory choke simply wasn’t delivering consistent patterns at the skeet range. I was constantly adjusting my lead, trying to compensate for gaps in my shot string, and my scores suffered.
Upon receiving the Carlsons choke, I was immediately impressed with its solid feel. The stainless steel has a clean, almost industrial look, and the flush design is exactly what I was after – no extended tubes to snag on brush or add unnecessary weight. Comparing it to the factory choke and a competitor’s ported choke, the Carlsons felt noticeably more substantial and precisely machined.
My initial excitement was definitely justified. The build quality exuded confidence, and I was eager to see how it would perform on the range. It felt like a serious upgrade, a tool designed for serious shooters.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel was at my local skeet range. The weather was typical for early spring: a bit breezy with a slight drizzle in the air. I swapped out my factory choke, easily installed the Carlsons choke, and immediately felt a difference in the gun’s balance.
The Carlsons choke delivered noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns than my previous setup. Even in the less-than-ideal weather conditions, I felt confident in my shots, resulting in a significantly higher score. I noticed I didn’t have to work nearly as hard to stay on target.
There were no immediate issues; it performed exactly as expected. It was a smooth transition, and the improvement was immediately noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The choke has held up perfectly, with no signs of rust or wear. Cleaning is a breeze with a simple bore brush and solvent.
I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, and the pattern consistency remains impressive. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper chokes, this one truly shines in durability and performance. It has consistently outperformed my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
- Compatibility: Designed for Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke systems in 12 gauge shotguns. This ensures a perfect fit and easy installation in compatible firearms.
- Construction: Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. This provides exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, even with frequent use and exposure to the elements.
- Constriction: Skeet constriction. This is specifically engineered for optimal spread at skeet shooting distances.
- Shot Compatibility: Safe to use with Lead, Steel, and Hevi-Shot. However, steel shot larger than #BB or speeds exceeding 1550 fps should be avoided in chokes tighter than full.
- Flush Design: Sits flush with the end of the barrel. This minimizes snagging and offers a cleaner aesthetic.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the choke’s performance and longevity. The stainless-steel build ensures a long lifespan, and the skeet constriction provides the optimal pattern for breaking clays at close range.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel excels at its primary job: improving skeet shooting scores. Its consistent patterns deliver confidence and allow for precise shot placement. The enhanced patterns translate to more broken clays and higher scores.
The primary strength lies in its reliability and consistent performance. There are virtually no weaknesses with this product, aside from the possibility of not being suited for chokes outside of the specified shotgun models. It exceeds expectations by delivering on its promises and holding up to rigorous use.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, and the stainless steel construction feels robust. The flush design keeps the weight balanced and prevents any unnecessary bulk. The smooth finish makes it simple to install and remove.
The Carlsons choke is incredibly user-friendly. There is no learning curve; simply screw it in and start shooting. The intuitive design ensures that even novice shooters can benefit from its enhanced performance.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the 17-4 stainless steel construction, the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel is built to last. It’s resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear. Basic cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient to maintain its performance and appearance.
The minimal maintenance requirements add to its appeal. It is designed to withstand the rigors of regular shooting without requiring any special care or attention.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel comes as a standalone choke tube. While there aren’t specific customization options directly available, its compatibility with Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke systems means it works seamlessly with a wide range of shotguns. This offers indirect “customization” through different shotgun configurations.
It’s also compatible with standard choke wrenches, making installation and removal easy. The universal compatibility makes it a versatile addition to any shooter’s gear.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Provides consistently tighter and more effective patterns for skeet shooting.
- Built with durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for longevity.
- The flush-mounted design helps maintain shotgun balance and prevents snagging.
- Easy to install and maintain with minimal effort required.
- Compatible with lead, steel, and Hevi-Shot, offering versatility.
Cons
- Only compatible with Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke systems, limiting its use to specific shotguns.
- The skeet constriction is specifically designed for skeet shooting, not ideal for other shotgun sports or hunting applications.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel?
This choke tube is perfect for skeet shooters looking to improve their scores and achieve more consistent patterns. Competitive shooters and recreational enthusiasts alike will benefit from the enhanced performance and durability. Anyone with a Beretta or Benelli Mobil choke system shotgun wanting to optimize their skeet shooting will find this an invaluable tool.
If you’re primarily a hunter or participate in other shotgun sports like trap or sporting clays, a different choke constriction would be more suitable. Those without a Beretta or Benelli Mobil choke system shotgun should also skip this product, as it won’t be compatible. A good choke wrench for easy installation/removal is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel choke tube is a well-made, high-performing accessory that delivers on its promises. At a price of $23.38, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. The choke tube’s durability, performance, and ease of use justify the cost.
I would absolutely recommend this product to any skeet shooter looking to enhance their performance. It’s a simple, effective upgrade that will help you break more clays and enjoy your time on the range. Upgrade your skeet game today with the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli 12 Gauge Flush Skeet 17-4 Stainless Steel choke!