The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve patterned a lot of shotguns. When it comes to buckshot, achieving tight, consistent patterns is crucial, especially in tactical or home defense scenarios. That’s why I was eager to get my hands on the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre.
I was consistently struggling with inconsistent buckshot patterns using the factory choke on my Beretta. This led to unacceptable spread at distances beyond 15 yards, making it unsuitable for my intended purpose: reliable home defense. I needed a choke specifically designed for buckshot to tighten those patterns and extend my effective range.
Upon unboxing, the Carlsons choke exuded quality. The matte black finish looked durable, and the weight felt substantial, suggesting robust construction. The ports were cleanly machined, a testament to the attention to detail.
I considered other buckshot chokes from Patternmaster and Kicks Industries, but I ultimately chose the Carlsons for its reputation for quality, its specific design for buckshot, and its more affordable price point. The others seemed overkill for my needs. I was excited to see if it would live up to the hype.
I was impressed by the solid feel and clean machining, hopeful that it would translate into improved performance on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre at my local outdoor range. The weather was clear and dry, perfect for patterning. I used a Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun and various 12-gauge buckshot loads, including 00 and 000 buck, at distances ranging from 10 to 25 yards.
The choke performed admirably, consistently producing tighter patterns than the factory choke. Recoil felt noticeably reduced, likely due to the ported design. The choke screwed in easily and remained secure throughout the testing.
The only slight issue I encountered was a little extra cleaning required due to the increased fouling from the ported design.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlsons choke continues to perform reliably. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the finish is holding up well. Cleaning requires a little more effort because of the ports, but it’s a small price to pay for the improved performance.
The choke has consistently delivered tighter patterns than my previous setup, even with different brands and types of buckshot. The improved patterns gave me increased confidence in my home defense capabilities. It significantly outperforms the factory choke that came with my shotgun.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge. This is a 12-gauge choke tube, designed for use with 12-gauge shotguns.
- Choke System: Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of Beretta and Benelli shotguns that use the Mobilchoke system.
- Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. 17-4 stainless steel provides excellent strength and corrosion resistance for longevity.
- Construction: Ported. The ports are designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, enhancing control during rapid fire.
- Constriction: Optimized for Buckshot. Specifically engineered to tighten patterns with 00 and 000 buckshot loads.
- Extension: Extends Approximately 1″ Beyond Barrel. The extension helps to further refine the shot pattern.
- Compatibility: Lead, Steel, and Hevi-Shot Loads. Versatile, suitable for a wide range of shotgun ammunition types.
- Steel Shot Restriction: Cannot be used with Steel Shot Larger than BB or faster than 1550 FPS. This is a critical safety warning to prevent damage to the choke or shotgun barrel.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke’s performance and durability. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand the pressures of heavy buckshot loads, while the ported design and optimized constriction contribute to tighter, more consistent patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently tightens buckshot patterns, making it significantly more effective at longer ranges. The reduced recoil and muzzle jump provide improved control and faster follow-up shots.
The main strength is the dramatically improved pattern consistency. The only minor weakness is the slightly increased cleaning effort required due to the ports. It exceeded my expectations by turning my shotgun into a truly effective home defense tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with a robust and durable feel. The added weight is negligible. It screws in easily and securely, and the matte black finish blends seamlessly with most shotguns.
The choke is very user-friendly; simply screw it in like any other choke tube. There’s no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, this choke is built to last. Regular cleaning is essential, especially around the ports, to prevent fouling buildup. It should last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the choke itself, but it is compatible with any shotgun that accepts Beretta/Benelli Mobilchokes. No customization options are available for the choke itself, but it opens up possibilities in load selection for your shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre
Pros
- Dramatically tighter and more consistent buckshot patterns.
- Noticeably reduced recoil and muzzle jump.
- Durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction.
- Versatile; compatible with lead, steel, and Hevi-Shot loads (with limitations).
- Easy to install and use.
Cons
- Requires slightly more thorough cleaning due to the ported design.
- Cannot be used with steel shot larger than BB or faster than 1550 FPS.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre?
This choke is perfect for home defense enthusiasts, tactical shooters, and hunters who rely on buckshot. Anyone looking to improve the consistency and effectiveness of their buckshot patterns will benefit significantly.
This choke might not be ideal for competitive clay shooters or those who primarily use birdshot. They would be better served by a choke designed for those specific applications. A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge Buckshot Mobilchoke 17-4 Heat Tre is a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about buckshot performance. Its ability to tighten patterns and reduce recoil makes it a valuable upgrade for home defense or tactical applications. At $52.49, the price is justified by the improved performance and durability.
I would highly recommend this choke to anyone looking to enhance their shotgun’s buckshot capabilities. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a significant difference in performance. Upgrade your shotgun today!