Achieving Optimal Shotgun Performance: An In-Depth Guide to the Browning Invector-Plus Midas 12 Gauge Cylinder Extended Choke

For serious shotgun enthusiasts, hunters, and competitive shooters, maximizing the effectiveness of every shot is paramount. The Browning Invector-Plus Midas 12 Gauge Cylinder Extended Choke, identified by its product code 1130113, stands as a premier accessory designed to elevate your shotgun's capabilities, particularly for situations demanding the widest possible shot pattern at close ranges. This comprehensive guide explores why this specific choke tube is a critical component for various shooting disciplines and how it addresses common challenges faced by shotgun owners.

What is a Shotgun Choke Tube and Why Does it Matter?

A shotgun choke tube is a removable device threaded into the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel. Its primary function is to control the spread of shot pellets as they exit the barrel, influencing the pattern density and effective range. Different choke constrictions are designed for various shooting scenarios, from tight patterns for long-range targets to wide patterns for close-quarters engagements. Selecting the correct choke is fundamental to improving your accuracy and ensuring ethical, effective hits on targets or game.

Many new shotgunners often ask, "How do I choose the right choke for my shotgun?" The answer depends entirely on your intended use. For instance, if you're pursuing fast-flushing upland game at close distances or engaging multiple clay targets at very short ranges, a choke that allows for a rapid, wide pattern spread is essential. This is precisely where the Browning Invector-Plus Midas Cylinder choke excels.

Unpacking the Browning Invector-Plus Midas 12 Gauge Cylinder Extended Choke

This specific choke tube is engineered by Browning, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in firearms. The product code 1130113 represents a choke tube built for the Browning Invector-Plus system, specifically for 12 gauge shotguns.

Key Features and Their Benefits:

1. Invector-Plus System Compatibility: Browning's Invector-Plus choke tube system is designed for shotguns with back-bored barrels. Back-boring is a process that slightly increases the internal diameter of the barrel, reducing friction on the shot column and minimizing pellet deformation. When paired with an Invector-Plus choke like the Midas Cylinder, this system works synergistically to deliver more uniform, consistent patterns and reduce felt recoil, leading to a more comfortable shooting experience and better shot placement. This integrated design is a hallmark of Browning's commitment to performance.
2. Midas Grade Precision: The "Midas" designation signifies a premium line of Browning choke tubes. Midas chokes are crafted with exceptional precision and attention to detail. This results in superior concentricity and a more consistent bore diameter, which translates directly into more reliable and predictable patterns downrange. For shooters who demand the utmost in performance and consistency, the Midas series provides a clear advantage over standard choke tubes. The use of advanced manufacturing processes ensures that each Midas choke meets stringent quality controls, offering a level of reliability that discerning shooters appreciate.
3. Cylinder Constriction: The Widest Pattern: A Cylinder choke offers the least amount of constriction among all choke types. Essentially, it provides little to no tapering at the muzzle, allowing the shot pellets to begin spreading immediately upon exiting the barrel.
   • Ideal Pattern: This results in the widest possible shot pattern at very close ranges.
   • Effective Range: Typically most effective for targets within 20-25 yards.
   • Common Applications: This choke is invaluable for:
     • Skeet Shooting: Where targets are presented at incredibly close ranges and often require rapid follow-up shots.
     • Close-Range Upland Bird Hunting: For birds like quail or flushing pheasants that jump directly underfoot in dense cover.
     • Brush Hunting: Navigating thick woods where shots are fleeting and at very short distances.
     • Home Defense: When using buckshot, a cylinder choke ensures the widest spread to increase the chances of hitting a moving target in close quarters.
     • Slug Shooting: For optimal accuracy with shotgun slugs, a cylinder choke is generally recommended as it allows the projectile to pass through unimpeded, preventing deformation and preserving its inherent accuracy.
     • Turkey Hunting (Patterning Slugs): While not for shot, a cylinder choke is essential for patterning slugs for deer or hog hunting with a shotgun.
4. Extended Design for Convenience and Performance: Unlike flush-mounted chokes that sit even with the barrel muzzle, extended chokes protrude beyond it. The Browning Invector-Plus Midas Cylinder choke features this extended design for several practical reasons:
   • Easy Identification: It's simple to see at a glance which choke is installed without looking down the barrel.
   • Tool-Free Installation/Removal: The knurled grip on the extended portion allows for quick and easy hand-tightening and removal, eliminating the need for a separate choke wrench in the field. This is particularly useful when rapid choke changes are needed based on changing hunting conditions or target presentations.
   • Barrel Protection: The extended choke acts as a sacrificial buffer, potentially protecting the barrel's crown from dings and damage if the muzzle accidentally bumps against an obstacle.
   • Improved Patterns (Minor): While subtle, the longer parallel section often found in extended chokes can sometimes lead to slightly more consistent and uniform patterns compared to flush chokes of the same constriction.
5. 17-4 Stainless Steel Construction: The choice of material is critical for choke tube durability and performance. This choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel, a high-grade alloy known for its exceptional properties:
   • High Strength and Hardness: It can withstand the significant pressures and forces generated by modern shotgun loads, including those containing steel shot.
   • Superior Corrosion Resistance: Essential for outdoor use in varying weather conditions, preventing rust and degradation over time. This ensures the choke maintains its integrity and performance for years of service.
   • Longevity: The robust nature of 17-4 stainless steel means the choke will maintain its precise dimensions and perform reliably even after thousands of rounds.
6. Black Oxide Finish: The black oxide coating serves both aesthetic and functional purposes:
   • Reduced Glare: Minimizes reflections that could potentially spook game or distract the shooter.
   • Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Adds an extra layer of protection against rust and environmental elements.
   • Durable Surface: Provides a tough, scratch-resistant surface that stands up to the rigors of field use.

Real-World Applications and Problem Solving

Consider these scenarios where the Browning Invector-Plus Midas 12 Gauge Cylinder Extended Choke (1130113) becomes an indispensable asset:

• "What's the best choke for hunting quail in thick brush?" For rapidly flushing quail at very close ranges, where a wide, forgiving pattern is crucial, the Cylinder choke is the top choice. It minimizes the need for pinpoint accuracy on fast-moving targets, increasing the probability of a clean hit.
• "How do I set up my shotgun for skeet shooting?" Skeet shooting demands an open pattern for close, crossing targets. The Cylinder choke is fundamental for Skeet stations 1, 2, 7, and 8, where targets are typically within 20 yards. Its wide spread ensures you can engage targets quickly and effectively.
• "Can I use steel shot with this choke?" Yes, the robust 17-4 stainless steel construction of the Browning Invector-Plus Midas choke is fully capable of handling modern steel shot loads. This is a crucial consideration for waterfowl hunters who are often required to use non-toxic shot.
• "I want to improve my shotgun's performance when shooting slugs for deer. What choke should I use?" For optimal accuracy with shotgun slugs, a Cylinder choke is generally recommended. It allows the slug to pass through the barrel unimpeded, preserving its integrity and enhancing its ballistic performance.

Maintaining Your Choke Tube for Longevity

To ensure your Browning Invector-Plus Midas choke tube continues to perform optimally, regular maintenance is key. After each shooting session, especially after using steel shot, remove the choke, clean it thoroughly with a bronze brush and solvent to remove any plastic fouling or residue, and apply a light coat of gun oil or choke tube grease to the threads before reinstallation. This prevents galling, makes future removal easier, and protects against corrosion. Periodically inspect the choke for any signs of wear or damage. Proper care significantly extends the lifespan of this precision accessory.

Why Choose Browning? A Legacy of Excellence

Browning has been at the forefront of firearm innovation for over a century. Their commitment to quality, performance, and user-centric design is evident in products like the Invector-Plus Midas choke system. When you choose a Browning accessory, you are investing in a product backed by a legacy of engineering excellence and trusted by generations of shooters worldwide. The Midas series, in particular, represents the pinnacle of their choke tube technology, offering shooters an edge in competition and in the field. This unwavering dedication to crafting superior components ensures that your shotgun performs exactly as intended, shot after shot.

For those looking to optimize their 12-gauge shotgun for close-range applications, the Browning Invector-Plus Midas 12 Gauge Cylinder Extended Choke (product code 1130113) is a definitive choice. Its superior materials, extended design, and precise cylinder constriction make it an invaluable tool for enhancing pattern performance, ensuring greater success, and adding versatility to your shooting endeavors. This specific Browning choke tube is available for purchase at DEGuns, a trusted source for high-quality firearm accessories.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Detail
Product Code	1130113
Gauge	12 Gauge
Choke Constriction	Cylinder
System	Invector-Plus
Grade	Midas (Premium)
Design	Extended (Protrudes from muzzle)
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel
Finish	Black Oxide
Compatibility	Browning shotguns with Invector-Plus back-bored barrels
Primary Use	Close-range shooting (Skeet, Upland, Brush, Slugs, Buckshot)
Shot Compatibility	Lead, Steel, and other non-toxic shot types
Installation	Tool-less (Hand-tightened)
Availability	Available at DEGuns