Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full Review

Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full

For serious sporting clays enthusiasts wielding a 20-gauge Beretta Optima HP shotgun, the right choke tube can make all the difference. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full promises tighter patterns and extended range, turning “almost” hits into satisfying breaks. With a reputation for quality and performance, Carlson’s Choke Tubes offers a compelling upgrade to factory chokes, and this particular model is designed specifically for the Beretta Optima HP system.

I was consistently finding that my factory modified choke wasn’t giving me the edge I needed for longer shots at the sporting clays course. I needed something that would reliably tighten my pattern without sacrificing consistency, and I was looking for that extra reach to reliably dust those far-off clays.

Upon receiving the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full, I immediately noticed the heft and quality of the stainless steel. The build quality felt solid and well-machined, reassuring me of its durability. Compared to a Briley or Muller choke, both respected brands, the Carlson’s offered a more economical price point, making it an appealing option for shooters on a budget.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The choke looked the part, but the proof would be in the pudding, or rather, in the shattered clays.


Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full was at my local sporting clays range on a crisp autumn morning. I focused on stations with longer crossing shots and challenging presentations. The weather was dry, with a slight breeze, offering ideal conditions to test the choke’s performance.

The improvement was immediately noticeable. Clays that were previously chipping or escaping with minimal damage were now consistently breaking into dust. The Extra Full choke produced noticeably tighter patterns, resulting in cleaner breaks at distances where my modified choke had struggled. There were no issues with installation or extraction; the choke fit perfectly and the included wrench made adjustments easy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full has proven its worth. It has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite being used in varying weather conditions. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a solvent-soaked cloth after each use keeps it in pristine condition.

This choke has significantly improved my scores on the sporting clays course. My confidence on longer shots has increased dramatically and this choke continues to deliver tight, consistent patterns. I previously used a full choke from a different manufacturer that was ported, but the Carlson’s outperformed it in pattern density and consistency.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full

Specifications

  • The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is specifically designed for 20-gauge Beretta shotguns utilizing the Optima HP choke system. Its compatibility is limited to this particular shotgun and gauge.
  • Constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, this choke tube offers exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. The use of this material ensures long-lasting performance, even under harsh conditions.
  • The choke has a diameter of 0.59 inches. This tight constriction is what provides the extra full pattern for long range shots.
  • This Carlson’s choke features a non-ported design. It maximizes pattern density and eliminates potential disruption to the shot string.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full excels at extending the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun. Its extra-full constriction tightens patterns significantly, allowing for consistent breaks on distant clays.

This choke tube delivers exceptional pattern consistency and reliability, especially at distances beyond 40 yards. The non-ported design ensures that the shot string remains uniform, reducing the likelihood of flyers. While it excels at longer ranges, it’s not ideal for closer shots due to the extremely tight pattern.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full boasts a simple, functional design with a stainless steel finish. The choke’s knurled end allows for easy hand tightening and removal.

The choke tube fits seamlessly into the Beretta Optima HP system, ensuring a secure and reliable fit. The included choke wrench makes installation and removal quick and easy, even in the field.

Durability & Maintenance

The robust construction of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full, using heat-treated stainless steel, ensures exceptional longevity. The choke tube is highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

Maintaining the choke is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore solvent and a choke tube brush will keep it in optimal condition for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full comes with a standard choke wrench. No other accessories are included.

As a choke tube, its primary customization lies in choosing the appropriate constriction for the specific shooting scenario. While no other direct modifications are possible, shooters may choose different brands of choke wrenches if desired.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full

Pros

  • Exceptional Pattern Density: Provides consistently tight patterns at extended ranges, resulting in cleaner breaks on distant targets.
  • Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
  • Easy Installation and Removal: The included choke wrench simplifies the process of changing chokes in the field.
  • Improved Shooting Performance: Increases confidence and improves scores on sporting clays courses by extending the effective range of the shotgun.
  • Cost-Effective Upgrade: Offers excellent performance at a more affordable price point compared to some premium choke brands.

Cons

  • Extra Full choke is Not Suitable for Close Range Shots: The extremely tight pattern makes it less effective on targets within 25 yards.
  • Limited to Beretta Optima HP 20ga Shotguns: Only compatible with shotguns using the Beretta Optima HP choke system in 20-gauge.


Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full?

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is perfect for sporting clays shooters and long-range bird hunters using a Beretta Optima HP 20ga shotgun. It is an especially great product for those who need to consistently break clays or birds at distances exceeding 40 yards.

This choke is not ideal for skeet shooters or hunters engaging targets at close range (inside of 25 yards). A more open choke constriction, such as Skeet, Improved Cylinder, or Modified would be much more effective at these distances.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke tube case to protect the threads when the choke is not installed in the shotgun. A bore snake will help with cleaning the barrel.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and extended range. Its durable construction, ease of use, and noticeable performance improvement make it a worthwhile upgrade for serious sporting clays enthusiasts.

At its price point, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full offers an excellent value proposition. The increased confidence and improved scores are worth the investment for shooters looking to gain a competitive edge.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima HP 20ga Sporting Clay Extra Full to any Beretta Optima HP 20ga shotgun owner seeking to maximize their shotgun’s potential at longer ranges. Upgrade your choke and watch those clays turn to dust!

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