Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre

When it comes to shotgun patterns, especially with buckshot, consistency and predictability are paramount. That’s why the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre immediately caught my attention. Carlson’s Choke Tubes boasts tighter patterns and reduced recoil, a claim I was eager to verify through rigorous testing.

My quest for a reliable buckshot choke stemmed from years of frustration with inconsistent patterns during hunting seasons and tactical training scenarios. Standard chokes often resulted in unacceptable spreads, leading to missed opportunities and reduced effectiveness at varying distances. I needed a solution that could tighten those patterns and deliver consistent results with both 00 and 000 buckshot.

Upon unboxing, the Carlsons choke tube immediately impressed with its solid construction and sleek black finish. The weight felt substantial, instilling confidence in its durability, and the extended design with integrated ports hinted at its recoil-reducing capabilities. Compared to a standard flush-mounted choke, the Carlsons felt like a significant upgrade.

I considered other ported buckshot chokes from competing brands like Briley and Patternmaster, but the Carlsons choke stood out due to its reputation for consistent patterns and its reasonable price point. It seemed like the best balance of performance and value. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see if the Carlsons choke could live up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre was at my local shooting range. I mounted it on my Benelli M2 and cycled through various 00 and 000 buckshot loads from Federal, Winchester, and Hornady, testing patterns at distances from 15 to 30 yards. The weather was clear and mild, perfect for accurate shot placement.

The choke performed remarkably well, producing significantly tighter patterns compared to the factory-supplied modified choke. At 25 yards, the 00 buckshot formed a consistently tight group within a 12-inch circle, far surpassing the typical 20-24 inch spread I was accustomed to. The felt recoil was also noticeably reduced, making follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable. There were no installation issues, and the choke threaded smoothly into the barrel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Carlsons choke has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun. I’ve used it during multiple hunting trips in varying weather conditions, from damp, foggy mornings to dry, dusty afternoons. It has consistently delivered tight patterns without any noticeable degradation in performance.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, with only slight discoloration on the exterior finish from repeated firing. Cleaning the choke is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any powder residue. Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the Carlsons choke provides a noticeable improvement in pattern consistency and recoil reduction. It has become an integral part of my shotgun setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre

Specifications

• Type: Extended. This extended design provides a longer constriction, which helps to tighten patterns.
• Gauge: 12 Gauge. It is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns using the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system.
• Choke size: Designed specifically for buckshot. This dedicated design optimizes performance with larger projectiles.
• Model: Benelli/Beretta Mobil. This denotes compatibility with Benelli and Beretta shotguns that utilize the Mobilchoke system.
• Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface.
• Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This ensures strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
• Construction: Ported. The ports help to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, improving control and follow-up shots.
• Extension: Extends approximately 1 inch beyond the barrel. The added length contributes to pattern tightening.
• Load Compatibility: Lead, Steel, and Hevi-Shot. This allows for versatility across various hunting and shooting applications.
• Steel Shot Restrictions: Cannot be used with steel shot larger than BB or with steel shot faster than 1550 FPS. Exceeding these limits can damage the choke or the shotgun.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke’s performance and longevity. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand the pressures of buckshot loads, while the ported design enhances shooting comfort and control.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre excels in its primary function: delivering tight and consistent buckshot patterns. At typical engagement distances of 15-30 yards, it consistently produces groups within a manageable area, significantly increasing hit probability. This is especially important for hunting applications and tactical scenarios where accuracy is critical.

The choke’s greatest strength lies in its ability to tighten patterns without sacrificing reliability. Recoil reduction, thanks to the ported design, is another significant advantage. One area for potential improvement is the restriction on larger or faster steel shot loads. It could limit versatility for some users. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a dedicated buckshot choke.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlsons choke is designed with functionality and durability in mind. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel ensures it can withstand the rigors of repeated use, and the black finish provides a sleek, professional look. The choke’s weight is substantial without being cumbersome, adding to the overall feeling of quality.

There is virtually no learning curve associated with its use. Installation is straightforward, and the extended design makes it easy to identify which choke is installed in the shotgun.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its robust construction and use of high-quality materials, the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, further extending its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre itself doesn’t have any direct accessories, but it is designed to integrate seamlessly with any Benelli or Beretta shotgun that uses the Mobilchoke system. Users can further customize their shotgun with different sights, slings, and other accessories, but the choke itself is a self-contained performance upgrade. Its compatibility with various buckshot loads is a form of customization. It allows users to fine-tune their patterns with different ammunition.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre