Let’s Dive into Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268
The Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268 promises to deliver extra tight patterns for turkey hunting. Mossberg, a trusted name in firearms, aims to help hunters make that crucial shot count with this choke tube.
For years, I’ve struggled with achieving consistently tight patterns with my Mossberg 535 when turkey hunting. I’ve tried various loads and even experimented with different aiming techniques, but I wanted a choke tube that could truly maximize the potential of my shotgun. The promise of an XX-Full choke with ported design to tighten patterns beyond factory options was a strong draw.
Upon receiving the choke tube, I immediately noticed the solid construction and the aggressive porting. The black finish gave it a tactical look that complemented my shotgun. My initial impression was that it was a well-made, serious piece of equipment.
Compared to the factory choke tube that came with my Mossberg 535, this X-Factor choke was noticeably longer and featured the aforementioned porting. I also considered a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a Patternmaster Code Black Turkey choke. I chose the Mossberg primarily because of its brand reputation and the specific promise of exceptional pattern density at longer ranges, and a slightly lower price point.
My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism, born from previous experiences with aftermarket choke tubes that didn’t always live up to the hype. I was eager to test it and see if it could truly deliver the tight, consistent patterns that I needed for successful turkey hunts.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at my local shooting range, specifically targeting turkey patterns at 30 and 40 yards. I used a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and Remington Nitro Turkey. The weather was clear and sunny, with a slight breeze.
The Mossberg X-Factor choke tube was easy to install, threading smoothly into my Mossberg 535. After the first few shots, however, I was surprised and somewhat disappointed with the resulting patterns. They were not significantly tighter than what I had achieved with my factory full choke.
There weren’t any immediate malfunctions, but the pattern spread at 30 yards was wider than I expected for an XX-Full choke. At 40 yards, the pattern became even more sparse, with several pellets missing the vital head and neck region of the turkey target.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Mossberg X-Factor choke tube in different conditions, including a wet and muddy turkey hunt, my initial impressions remained largely unchanged. The choke tube itself showed no signs of wear and tear, and the stainless steel construction appeared robust. Cleaning was relatively simple, involving a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent.
Despite trying numerous load combinations, I couldn’t achieve the consistently tight patterns that I had hoped for. The choke tube held up fine physically, but the pattern performance didn’t inspire confidence. My previous experiences with other choke tubes, though not always perfect, had generally yielded tighter patterns with specific load combinations.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268
Specifications
The Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268 is designed for Mossberg 500, 535, and 930 series 12-gauge shotguns. Its XX-Full choke designation indicates an extremely tight constriction intended for maximizing pattern density at longer ranges.
The tube is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel with a black finish for corrosion resistance and a tactical aesthetic. It features three rows of specially angled ports designed to reduce recoil and potentially improve pattern consistency. The choke is advertised to effectively extend range to 45+ yards.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the choke tube’s ability to deliver on its core promise: extremely tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the extended and ported design is intended to improve both recoil management and pattern performance.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of functionality, the Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268 is straightforward and easy to install. The tube threads smoothly into compatible Mossberg shotguns, and the extended length provides a convenient gripping surface for tightening and removal.
However, its performance in delivering extremely tight patterns was underwhelming, especially when compared to expectations set by the “XX-Full” designation. While the choke tube functioned mechanically without issue, the pattern density and consistency did not consistently outperform a standard full choke, let alone live up to the promises of longer-range effectiveness.
The choke tube’s strength lies in its robust construction and ease of installation, while the primary weakness is its inconsistent pattern performance. It simply did not meet my expectations for an XX-Full turkey choke, and the advertised range of 45+ yards proved optimistic in my testing.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268 boasts a functional and visually appealing design. The black finish and extended, ported construction give it a tactical look that complements most shotguns.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides a robust feel, and the extended length makes installation and removal easy. The tube does add a bit of weight to the muzzle, but it isn’t significant enough to negatively impact handling. It’s a user-friendly design with no steep learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 stainless steel construction, the Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268 is expected to last for many seasons with proper care. After weeks of use in varying conditions, there were no signs of rust or corrosion.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a thorough cleaning after each use to remove powder residue and plastic wad buildup. The smooth bore and corrosion-resistant finish make cleaning easy, and no specialized tools are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268 itself doesn’t have any directly related accessories, but it’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Mossberg shotguns. The choke tube does not directly influence compatibility with optics or other shotgun accessories.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268
Pros
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Easy installation and removal thanks to extended design.
- Tactical appearance with black finish.
- Compatible with Mossberg 500, 535, and 930 series shotguns.
- Ported design potentially reduces recoil.
Cons
- Inconsistent pattern performance; did not consistently produce tight patterns expected of an XX-Full choke.
- Overstated effective range of 45+ yards in my testing.
- May not be a significant improvement over a standard full choke.
Who Should Buy Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268?
This choke tube might be suitable for hunters looking for a durable, easy-to-install choke tube for their Mossberg 500, 535, or 930 series shotgun, with the hope of achieving tighter patterns. However, they should be prepared to experiment with different loads to find a combination that performs well.
Turkey hunters seeking truly consistent and exceptionally tight patterns at longer ranges might want to consider other choke tube options. Those who rely on consistent performance in challenging hunting conditions might also find the results too variable for comfort.
There aren’t any must-have accessories, but a good quality choke tube wrench and a bore cleaning kit are essential for maintaining the choke tube and your shotgun.
Conclusion on Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268
The Mossberg X-Factor Extended Ported Turkey Choke Tube XX-Full 12 Gauge 500/535/930 95268 is a well-made and durable choke tube. Unfortunately, it fell short of its primary promise: delivering extremely tight and consistent patterns for turkey hunting.
At $83.99, the price may not be justified if the desired outcome is significantly tighter patterns, as similar results can be achieved with less expensive options. While the build quality is undeniable, the performance did not live up to the expectations set by its XX-Full designation.
I would only cautiously recommend it, advising potential buyers to thoroughly test it with various loads to determine if it provides a noticeable improvement over their existing choke tubes. The search for the ultimate turkey choke continues.