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How can I tell which choke
tubes fit in my shotgun
X = Shipped w/ shotgun from
factory / O = Optional Pro Shop / < = Prior to listed year / > = After year
listed = Current Model

X = Shipped w/ shotgun from factory / O = Optional Pro Shop /
< = Prior to listed year / > = After year listed = Current Model
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Question |
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How can I identify which screw in choke
tubes I should use in my Beretta shotgun, Mobilechoke, Optima-Choke,
Optima-Choke Plus, or Optima-Choke HP? What choke tube sets typically
come with a field gun or competition gun and how can I tell what the
constriction or choke of each tube is? |
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Answer |
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| Mobilchoke System |
| Introduced in the mid 1980's the
Mobilchoke tube system was first available for the model S687L
over and under and later carried through virtually every model
of fixed breech and semi-automatic shotgun. At this time the
Mobilechoke is the only choke tube system adapted by
Beretta to 12, 20, 28 gauge and .410. The Mobilchoke system
continues to be the mainstay of the 680 series field grade over
and under shotguns. The conical parallel design of the Beretta
choke tubes creates a more gradual taper inside the choke
tube which gently transitions into a parallel section that runs
to the muzzle end of the tube. The conical parallel design
results in reduced shot deformation, improved pattern uniformity
and increased pattern density.
Identifying Characteristics:
The following pertains specifically to 12 gauge
Mobilchoke tubes. While the dimensions noted will very
for the 20, 28 gauge and .410 tubes, identification is very much
self evident.
Barrels that use the Mobilchoke will
typically be marked only with the gauge marking.
Mobilchoke choke tubes will be marked
PB and the degree
of choke. If the choke tube is steel shot compatible it will
also be marked SP .
The start of the threaded portion of the 12 gauge
Mobilchoke tube is located a nominal 41.5 mm (1.63
inch) from the breech end of the choke tube.
The length of the threaded portion is a nominal 9.15 mm
(..360 inch).
The major diameter of the choke tube thread is 20.62 mm (.811
inch). |
| Optima-Choke |
| In the year 2000 Beretta
introduced the 12-gauge Optima Bore barrel design into some of
our competition shotguns. This new barrel utilized a larger
internal bore dimension known to some as “back-boring” and
required a new choke tube design to give the proper
constrictions. The Optima barrels can be identified by
locating the letters “OB” stamped next to the barrel gauge
stamp. Barrels marked with the "OB" stamp will use the
Optima-Choke system. This design features a longer internal
transition taper into the choke constriction, making the overall
length of this tube longer than the original Mobilchoke tube.
Identifying Characteristics:
Barrels that use the Optima-Choke will
typically be marked OB immediately
adjacent to the gauge marking.
Optima-Choke choke tubes will be marked
Optima-Choke.
The start of the threaded portion of the Optima-Choke
tube is located a nominal 50.78 mm (2.00 inch) from the breech
end of the choke tube.
The length of the threaded portion is a nominal 15.9 mm (.625
inch).
The major diameter of the choke tube thread is 20 mm (.787
inch).
At this time the Optima-Bore/Optima-Choke
system is typically used on competition 391 series
semi-automatic and 680 series over and under shotguns
and Teknys Gold series only in the 391 Urika2 field guns.
Important Note: The
Optima-Choke choke tubes are not interchangeable nor usable
with barrels designed for the Optima-Choke HP system. Use of
Optima-Choke choke tubes in barrels designed for use with
Optima-Choke HP tubes may result in catastrophic damage to your
barrel and personal injury or death to the shooter or persons in
the immediate vicinity! |
| Optima-Choke Plus |
|
With the introduction of the model 391 Xtrema shotguns in 2003
the Optima barrel configuration was added into the 391 12-gauge
line of field shotguns. In order to handle a higher volume of
steel shot shells used in field hunting, the Optima-Choke tube
was revised and manufactured with a thicker wall size. This
revised choke tube was named the Optima-Choke Plus
and featured the same Optima-Choke internal dimensions and
performance but has a larger outside diameter and revised thread
location.
Identifying Characteristics:
Barrels that use the
Optima-Choke Plus will typically be marked 12 gauge 3
1/2" with no other identifying code mark in the immediate area
of the gauge marking
Optima-Choke Plus choke tubes will be
marked Optima-Choke-Plus.
The start of the threaded portion of
the Optima-Choke Plus tube is located
a nominal 41.9mm (1.64 inch) from the breech end of the choke
tube.
The length of the threaded portion is
a nominal 10 mm (..394 inch).
The major diameter of the choke tube
thread is 20.58 mm (.810 inch).
At this time the Optima-Choke
Plus system is typically used on the Xtrema, Xtrema2
semi-automatic field guns and 471 Silver Hawk side by side
shotguns (12 Ga.).
Important Note:
The Optima-Choke Plus choke tubes are not
interchangeable nor usable with barrels designed for use with
any other Optima-Choke/Optima-Choke HP system. Use of
Optima-Choke Plus choke tubes in barrels designed for use with
any other Optima-Choke/Optima-Choke HP tubes may result in
catastrophic damage to your barrel and personal injury or death
to the shooter or persons in the immediate vicinity! |
| Optima-Choke High Performance (Optima-Choke HP) |
| With the introduction of the SV-10
Perenina and Prevail series over and under shotguns in 2008 a
third Optima-Bore choke configuration was added, the
Optima-Choke HP. As noted above under the Optima-Choke
Plus section, the extended use of high performance steel and
metal alloy non-toxic shot imparts considerable stresses. In the
case of the Optima-Choke Plus part of the solution was to use a
choke tube design offering a thicker choke tube wall to better
resist these forces. This in turn results in a heavier, larger
diameter barrel. One of the principal objectives in designing
the Optima-Choke HP (OB HP)system was to
develop a choke tube system that would withstand the rigors of
the extended use of heavy payloads of steel/metal alloy shot
while being able to retain the weight saving and handling
characteristics of the lighter Optima-Choke barrel contour. To
accomplish this Beretta engineers designed a choke
system locating the threaded portion of tube a nominal 10 mm
(.394 inch) further to the rear of the muzzle end of the tube
then found on the Optima-Choke system. This effectively created
an increase in wall thickness at the muzzle end of the choke
tube where the greatest degree of choke constriction typically
occurs and stresses are the highest without having to use the
larger barrel contour.
Identifying Characteristics:
Barrels that use the Optima-Choke HP will be
marked OB HP immediately adjacent to
the gauge marking.
Optima-Choke HP choke tubes will be marked
Optima-Choke-HP.
The start of the threaded portion of the
Optima-Choke-HP tube is located a nominal 40 mm
(1.57 inch) from the breech end of the choke tube.
The length of the threaded portion is a nominal 19 mm (.748
inch).
The major diameter of the choke tube thread is 20 mm (.787
inch).
At this time the Optima-Choke HP system is typically used on
the SV-10 Perennia and Prevail series over and under and the UGB
25 Gold Sporting semi-automatic shotgun.
Important Note: The
Optima-Choke HP choke tubes are not interchangeable nor usable
with barrels designed for the Optima-Choke system. Use of
Optima-Choke HP choke tubes in barrels designed for use with
Optima-Choke Tubes may result in catastrophic damage to your
barrel and personal injury or death to the shooter or persons in
the immediate vicinity! |
| Other Specifics |
|
Each of the above choke tube types is designed for use with a
specific type barrel and as such features different thread
locations and external measurements, none can be interchanged
with the other Beretta choke types. Every Beretta choke tube has
information engraved on the tube to identifying the manufacturer
(PB), the constriction (F, IM, M, IC, CYL), the approval for
steel shot use (SP) and the choke type (Optima-Choke,
Optima-Choke Plus, Optima-Choke HP)
Within each of the three choke types we offer different
variations of length and finish. The length variations available
for each type is flush fit or extended choke tubes. Most field
shotguns are equipped with flush chokes. Sporting and skeet
shotguns will be equipped with extended tubes. The Beretta
factory may supply trap guns with either choke variation as
determined. Within the extended choke variations we offer two
finishes. Since the extended chokes are exposed past the shotgun
muzzle we offer choke tubes with a black non-reflective finish
for hunters. A bright finish tube with colored bands is offered
for competitive shooters, this band allows easy identification
of the tube constriction.
It should be mentioned that two other choke types saw
a limited use. Supplied with some 302 and 303
models shotguns was an early version of the Mobilchoke where the
tube body was not threaded but smooth. This type tube was
dropped into the muzzle end of the barrel and secured by collar
threaded onto the barrel muzzle. This tube type is no longer
available from Beretta. The second type was offered on an early
version of the DT-10 shotgun made specifically for trap, this
shotgun was known as the Vandalia model. These tubes are similar
in size to the Optima choke flush tube but are not
interchangeable with them. We still carry replacement tubes for
this specific model. |
| Identifying Which Choke Comes with Our Shotguns: |
| The following summary is used to decode the listings
supplied in our product catalog specification charts: |
|
CHOKE CODE |
CHOKES INCLUDED |
CHOKE TUBE SYSTEM |
|
MC |
F-IM-M-IC-CYL |
MOBILCHOKE |
| MC2 |
M-IC |
MOBILCHOKE |
|
MC3 |
F-M-IC |
MOBILCHOKE |
|
MCS (SPORTING) |
F-IM-M-IC-SK |
MOBILCHOKE |
| MCS2 (SPORTING) |
IM-M-IC-C-SK |
MOBILCHOKE |
|
MCF (FIELD) |
F-IM-M-IC-CYL |
MOBILCHOKE |
|
MC6 (SPORTING) |
F-IM-M-IC-SK-SK |
MOBILCHOKE |
|
IC |
IC only |
MOBILCHOKE |
| OBF (FIELD) |
F-IM-M-IC-C |
OPTIMA CHOKE AND PLUS |
| OBS (SPORTING) |
F-IM-M-IC-C |
OPTIMA CHOKE |
| OBSK (SKEET) |
IM-M-IC-SK-SK |
OPTIMA CHOKE |
| OBSP (SPORTING) |
IM-M-IC-C-SK |
OPTIMA CHOKE |
|
OCF (417 SILVER HAWK) |
F-IM-M-IC-CYL |
OPTIMA CHOKE PLUS |
|
OFAS (SPORTING) |
F-IM-M-IC-SK |
OPTIMA CHOKE |
| OBTR (TRAP) |
F-IM-M-IC |
OPTIMA CHOKE |
| OBTS (TRAP) |
F-IM-M |
OPTIMA CHOKE |
| OBF-HP (FIELD, FLUSH)
NOTE : SUBJECT TO CHANGE, CHOKE SELECTION AND
NUMBER OF TUBES NOT FINALIZED AT TIME OF PUBLISHING.
CONFIRM WITH YOUR DEALER PRIOR TO PURCHASE. |
F-IM-M-IC-C |
OPTIMA-HP |
|
OBSP-HP (SPORT )
NOTE : SUBJECT TO CHANGE, CHOKE SELECTION AND NUMBER OF
TUBES NOT FINALIZED AT TIME OF PUBLISHING.
CONFIRM WITH YOUR DEALER PRIOR TO PURCHASE. |
IM-M-IC-C-SK |
OPTIMA-HP |
|
Please note that the OBF code is used for both
Optima-Choke and Optima-Choke Plus tubes. *OCF is the
exception to the rule previously listed under the
Optima-Choke Plus heading, the 471 Silver Hawk shotguns
are considered field models but utilize the Optima-Choke
tube. These codes do not indicate if the supplied choke
is flush or extended. If the listing is shown as IC/IM
this indicates that the choke constriction is fixed at
these values, the barrel does not use choke tubes. |
| Identifying the Constriction |
|
The following is a listing of identification marks and
color bands used on the Beretta Mobil and Optima choke
tube systems: Stars and Alpha code will be engraved on
the side of the tube body. The serrations or notch's may
be found on the muzzle end of flush choke tubes for easy
identification of the tube when it is installed in the
barrel. Color bands are used for identification on the
outside of extended choke tubes. For information on the
suggested field use of each constriction click
here. |
|
Identification |
* / Stars |
Alpha Code |
Serrations |
Color Bands |
|
Xtra Full |
|
XFULL
TURKEY |
|
No Color |
|
Full |
* |
F |
1 |
White |
|
Light Full |
|
LF |
|
Gray |
|
Improved
Modified |
** |
IM |
2 |
Black |
|
Modified |
*** |
M |
3 |
Green |
|
Light
Modified |
|
LM |
|
Orange |
|
Improved
Cylinder |
**** |
IC |
4 |
Yellow |
|
Skeet USA |
|
SK USA |
|
Purple |
|
Skeet |
|
SK |
|
Red |
|
Cylinder |
***** |
CYL |
5 |
Blue |
| SP - ALL STEEL SHOT COMPATIBLE
CHOKE TUBES |
|
|
NOTE:
Markings may vary based on type of choke tube |
|
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| Revision Date: 2009-12 |
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Can I use
Steel Shot with my Beretta Choke Tubes? |
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Answer |
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We suggest that - when
using Steel Shot - you only use choke tubes marked with the SP (Steel
Proof) identification on the side and that you use the most open choke
system possible – i.e. Cylinder / Improved Cylinder / or Modified. We
DO NOT recommend use of Steel Shot in the X-Tra Full Turkey / Full / or
Improved Modified choke tube.
|
|
Where can I find the constrictions or
dimensions on my Beretta choke tubes? |
| Question |
| |
| Answer |
| Beretta 12 gauge. shotguns are offered
with either the Mobilchoke or Optima-Choke tube systems. 20, 28 and 410
gauges are only offered in Mobilchoke. The following chart lists the
nominal inside diameters for both types of 12 gauge chokes.
Please note that variations will exist due to engineering and machining
tolerances. There are many factors that determine how each choke will
pattern. The measured internal diameter is only one factor, we supply
these charts for a general comparison use only. It is always best to
pattern your firearm, with the choke and the type or brand of shot shell
you will actually use in order to determine the optimal combination.
These measurements are supplied only as a guide - Remember, it is not
the actual internal dimension that is important, but how well the choke
patterns for your particular needs.
|
CHOKE
DESIGNATION 12 GAUGE |
MOBILCHOKE |
OPTIMA-CHOKE |
|
Xfull Turkey |
0.665 |
0.675 |
|
Full |
0.695 |
0.694 |
|
Light Full |
N/A |
0.702 |
|
Improved Modified |
0.700 |
0.706 |
|
Modified |
0.705 |
0.716 |
|
Light Modified |
N/A |
0.718 |
|
Improved Cylinder |
0.715 |
0.724 |
|
Skeet USA |
0.718 |
0.727 |
|
Cylinder |
0.723 |
0.732 |
|
Skeet European |
0.730 |
0.759 |
|
Bore |
0.723 |
0.732 |
|
CHOKE
DESIGNATION 20 GAUGE |
FLUSH |
EXTENDED |
|
Extra Full |
N/A |
0.600 |
|
Full |
0.598 |
0.605 |
|
Light Full |
N/A |
0.607 |
|
Improved Modified |
0.604 |
0.610 |
|
Modified |
0.613 |
0.615 |
|
Light Modified |
N/A |
0.617 |
|
Improved Cylinder |
0.620 |
0.620 |
|
Skeet USA |
N/A |
0.624 |
|
Cylinder |
0.629 |
0.629 |
|
Skeet |
0.640 |
N/A |
|
Bore |
0.629 |
0.629 |
|
CHOKE
DESIGNATION 28 GAUGE |
FLUSH |
EXTENDED |
|
Extra Full |
N/A |
0.520 |
|
Full |
0.519 |
0.525 |
|
Light Full |
N/A |
0.528 |
|
Improved Modified |
0.527 |
0.530 |
|
Modified |
0.530 |
0.533 |
|
Light Modified |
N/A |
0.538 |
|
Improved Cylinder |
0.538 |
0.542 |
|
Skeet USA |
N/A |
0.548 |
|
Cylinder |
0.545 |
0.550 |
|
Skeet |
0.556 |
N/A |
|
Bore |
0.545 |
0.545 |
|
CHOKE
DESIGNATION 410 GAUGE |
FLUSH |
EXTENDED |
|
Extra Full |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Full |
0.384 |
N/A |
|
Light Full |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Improved Modified |
0.389 |
N/A |
|
Modified |
0.395 |
N/A |
|
Light Modified |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Improved Cylinder |
0.401 |
N/A |
|
Skeet USA |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Cylinder |
0.408 |
N/A |
|
Skeet |
0.420 |
N/A |
|
Bore |
0.408 |
0.408 |
|
Courtesy of Berettausa.com
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=======================
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All in matte or polished
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