First Thoughts on the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 promises tighter, more consistent patterns for clay shooting. Coming from Carlsons, a respected name in choke tubes, it aims to improve performance over factory chokes. This particular choke, a Modified constriction, is designed to be a versatile option for various clay target distances.
I was chasing that extra edge in my sporting clays game. I was consistently breaking targets, but noticed frustrating inconsistencies in my patterns with my factory chokes. This Carlsons choke promised more consistent patterns, and that’s what I was after.
Upon opening the package, the choke tube felt solid and well-machined. The stainless steel construction gave it a reassuring weight and promised corrosion resistance. The knurled end was a thoughtful touch, hinting at easy installation and removal.
Compared to the flush-mounted factory chokes in my Benelli, the Carlsons extended choke offered a clear visual difference. I considered other brands, but Carlsons reputation for quality and their specific Sporting Clay design swayed me. I also researched Briley and Trulock, but chose Carlsons due to a slightly lower price point and readily available user reviews praising their pattern consistency.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality looked excellent, but the proof would be in the patterns downrange. I was hoping for tighter, more consistent breaks on those challenging out-goers.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 was at my local sporting clays range. I shot several rounds on a course known for its challenging mix of long-range and close-in targets. The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze – typical conditions for spring in my area.
The choke installed easily with the knurled end providing a good grip. I immediately noticed improved breaks on mid-range targets (around 30-40 yards). The breaks were much more consistent compared to my previous sessions with the factory choke.
There were no immediate issues, but I did find myself adjusting my hold point slightly on some of the closer targets. The Modified constriction seemed to be holding the pattern together a bit tighter than I was used to at very close ranges.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlsons choke has proven to be a reliable performer. It still installs and removes easily, and the stainless steel finish shows no signs of rust or corrosion despite regular cleaning. I typically shoot two to three rounds of sporting clays per week.
The choke has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear despite frequent use. I religiously clean it after each session with choke tube solvent and a bore brush. The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 still looks as good as new.
The Carlsons choke has consistently outperformed my factory choke, providing noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns. This has translated into higher scores and more confident shooting on the sporting clays course. The consistent pattern is the key improvement I was hoping for.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600
Specifications
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 is specifically designed for 20-gauge Beretta and Benelli shotguns. It is constructed from 17-04 stainless steel for excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The Modified constriction measures .600 inches, offering a balance between pattern density and range.
The choke features a 25% larger parallel section compared to standard chokes. This is significant because it allows the shot column to stabilize more effectively. The result is claimed to be more uniform and consistent patterns downrange. The knurled end allows for easy hand installation and removal.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 significantly improves pattern consistency at mid-range distances. It delivers reliably tighter patterns than the factory-supplied Modified choke in my Benelli Montefeltro. The difference is most noticeable on targets between 30 and 40 yards.
The primary strength of this choke lies in its ability to consistently deliver tight, even patterns. A potential weakness is that it might be too tight for very close-range targets (under 20 yards). The patterns can be too dense at close range, resulting in broken targets that disintegrate rather than chip.
The Carlsons choke absolutely meets my expectations. The more consistent patterns I experience translate to higher scores, which makes it a solid improvement.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke is made from high-quality stainless steel and is precisely machined. The weight is negligible and doesn’t noticeably affect the balance of the shotgun. The extended design provides a clear visual indicator of the choke installed.
The knurled end makes it incredibly user-friendly; no tools are needed for installation or removal. There is virtually no learning curve. You simply screw it in until it’s snug.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the stainless steel construction, this choke should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and light oiling will prevent corrosion and ensure smooth installation and removal. The durable stainless steel should withstand thousands of shotshells.
Maintenance is simple: clean with choke tube solvent and a bore brush after each use. A light coat of gun oil on the threads will prevent seizing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 itself doesn’t require any additional accessories. However, choke tube cases are useful for storing and transporting multiple chokes. The extended design means it doesn’t fit inside a flush-mounted choke tube case.
While the choke itself doesn’t offer customization, other Carlsons chokes in different constrictions can be purchased to fine-tune performance for specific target presentations. It’s fully compatible with any Beretta or Benelli Mobilchoke-compatible 20-gauge shotgun. This includes popular models like the Benelli Montefeltro, M2, and Beretta A400.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600
Pros
- Delivers significantly more consistent patterns than factory chokes.
- Easy to install and remove thanks to the knurled end.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Improved breaks on mid-range sporting clay targets.
- Offers a noticeable upgrade over factory chokes for competitive shooters.
Cons
- Might be too tight for very close-range targets.
- Extended design requires a special choke tube case.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600?
This choke is perfect for sporting clay shooters seeking more consistent patterns and higher scores. It is ideal for those who primarily shoot mid-range targets. This choke is also a good choice for hunters who want a versatile choke for various game birds at moderate distances.
This choke might not be suitable for shooters who primarily engage targets at very close range (under 20 yards). Those shooters may find a more open choke (Skeet or Cylinder) to be more effective. A must-have accessory is a good choke tube case to protect and organize multiple chokes.
Conclusion on Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600
The Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 is a well-made and effective upgrade for Beretta and Benelli 20-gauge shotguns. The stainless steel construction and knurled end provide durability and ease of use. Most importantly, it delivers on its promise of more consistent patterns, leading to improved scores on the sporting clays course.
At a price of $37.99, this choke represents excellent value for money. The increase in consistent breaks makes the investment worthwhile. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any sporting clays shooter looking to gain a competitive edge.
Upgrade your game today! Invest in a Carlsons Beretta/Benelli Sporting Clay Choke Tube 20 Gauge Modified, .600 and experience the difference for yourself.