Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full
The world of shotgun chokes can be a rabbit hole of technical jargon and subtle performance differences. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full aims to bring focused performance to sporting clays shooters looking for that extra edge. Carlson’s Choke Tubes are a reputable brand, known for their quality and precision.
For years, I’ve chased tighter patterns for longer shots in sporting clays, constantly tweaking my setup. I was looking for a choke tube that could consistently deliver dense, even patterns at extended ranges, helping me break those frustrating edge-of-pattern birds. The promise of extra full constriction and Carlson’s reputation drew me to this choke.
Upon unboxing, the choke tube felt solid and well-machined. The black finish was smooth and even, suggesting good corrosion resistance. It had a reassuring weight, hinting at the quality 17-4 stainless steel construction.
Compared to my previous Briley and Patternmaster chokes, this Carlson’s choke had a noticeably tighter constriction, visually confirming its “Extra Full” designation. I chose this over a ported choke, valuing a cleaner shot without the added muzzle jump some porting can cause. I was eager to see how it would perform on the range.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. While I trusted Carlson’s reputation, I knew that choke performance can be highly subjective and dependent on the specific shotgun and ammunition. I hoped it would live up to its promise of tighter, longer-range patterns.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at my local sporting clays course, known for its challenging long-range presentations. I used my Beretta A400 Xcel Sporting, a common pairing for Optima chokes. I patterned the choke with several different brands of 12ga target loads at 40 yards to establish a baseline.
The weather was clear and mild, ideal for shooting. The choke installed easily with the provided wrench, fitting snugly in my Beretta’s barrel. I immediately noticed the denser pattern compared to my modified choke, with fewer flyers.
I did not experience any issues with installation or cycling, making it a welcome change from chokes requiring excessive force to install or remove. However, I did observe that due to the tighter constriction, recoil felt slightly increased compared to more open chokes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use (shooting approximately 500 rounds), the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full has proven its worth. The black finish shows no signs of wear, even with frequent cleaning. It’s a testament to the durability of the stainless steel.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick scrub with a brass brush and solvent keeps it pristine. It consistently delivers tight, consistent patterns, especially effective on those distant crossing and teal targets. It is important to remember to use choke tube grease, as specified by the manufacturer, to prevent seizing and maintain ease of removal.
This choke has consistently outperformed my previous modified choke for shots beyond 35 yards. While it may not turn me into a professional, it has noticeably improved my confidence and scores on longer shots. The improvement of pattern consistency means I can make minor adjustments to my shooting rather than attributing missed shots to pattern variance.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes. This provides reassurance of a quality, US-made product.
- Color: Black. The black finish helps to reduce glare and complements most shotgun finishes.
- Fabric/Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. The use of 17-4 stainless steel ensures exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- Gauge: 12. This choke is designed exclusively for 12-gauge shotguns.
- Choke Tube System: Beretta Optima. This designation ensures compatibility with Beretta shotguns utilizing the Optima choke system.
- Choke Type: Extra Full. The extra full constriction creates very tight patterns for long-range shooting.
- Diameter: 0.693 in. This diameter dictates the extreme tightness of the shot pattern.
- Gun Make: Beretta. Designed explicitly for Beretta shotguns with the Optima choke system.
- Quantity: 1. The product includes a single choke tube.
- Additional Features: Non-Ported. The non-ported design ensures a clean shot without the added muzzle jump sometimes associated with ported chokes.
- Included Accessories: Choke Wrench. The included wrench makes installation and removal simple.
- Country of Origin: USA. Proudly made in the USA, supporting American manufacturing.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose: delivering incredibly tight patterns at extended ranges. It’s a specialist tool for breaking those long-distance clays that can be frustrating with more open chokes. It enhances a shooter’s capacity to make long-distance shots.
The choke excels in producing consistent and dense patterns. The downside is that it’s not very forgiving at close range. It demands precise aiming, as the tight pattern leaves little room for error.
It exceeds expectations in terms of pattern density and consistency at 40 yards and beyond. However, its narrow pattern makes it unsuitable for closer targets, requiring a choke swap in many situations. This choke is not ideal for beginners.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels robust and durable. The choke tube installs flush with the barrel, maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
The simple design is easy to use. Installation and removal are straightforward with the included choke wrench. No special tools or gunsmithing are required.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction suggests it will last for years, even with regular use and cleaning. The black finish provides an additional layer of corrosion resistance. The heat treating of the stainless steel reinforces its durability.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and choke tube solvent is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. The use of choke tube grease is a must.
Accessories and Customization Options
The choke comes with a basic choke wrench. No other accessories are included.
This is a fairly standard choke tube design, so there aren’t many customization options beyond the finish. However, it’s compatible with most standard choke wrenches designed for Beretta Optima chokes.
The black coating is intended to stand up to the environmental factors it may face.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns at long range, improving hit probability on distant targets.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
- Affordable price point compared to some high-end choke options.
- Made in the USA, supporting American manufacturing.
Cons
- Extremely tight pattern makes it unsuitable for close-range targets.
- Reduced forgiveness requires precise aiming; not ideal for beginners.
- Increased recoil compared to more open chokes.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full?
Perfect for: Experienced sporting clays shooters looking to maximize their long-range performance. Also beneficial for trap shooters who consistently engage targets at longer distances. Those confident in their aiming ability and seeking to consistently break distant clays.
Who should skip this product? Beginners who are still developing their fundamental shooting skills. Also, those who primarily shoot close-range disciplines like skeet or close-in hunting situations. Shooters who prefer a more forgiving pattern for varied target distances.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality choke tube grease is essential for easy installation and removal. A full set of choke tubes for varying distances is recommended for well-rounded sporting clays performance. A reliable cleaning kit to maintain the choke’s condition is vital.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a specialized tool that excels at one thing: delivering incredibly tight patterns at long range. It’s not a versatile choke for all situations, but for experienced shooters needing extra reach, it’s a game-changer. With its rugged construction and made in the USA pedigree, it will likely last a lifetime.
At $58.49, the price is reasonable for the performance offered. It’s a worthwhile investment for competitive shooters who value every advantage. The value is especially obvious when compared to the more expensive chokes from competitors.
I would definitely recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full to experienced shooters who understand its limitations and can appreciate its strengths. If you’re tired of chipping away at distant clays, give this choke a try—you might be surprised at the results. Take your Beretta and Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full to your local range to experience it for yourself!