Enhance Your Shotgun Performance: The Carlson's 12 Gauge Improved Modified Flush Choke Tube (SKU 56615)

For shotgun enthusiasts, hunters, and competitive shooters, optimizing firearm performance is paramount. The right choke tube can dramatically influence shot patterns, effective range, and overall shooting success. If you're looking to elevate your 12 gauge Beretta or Benelli Mobil system shotgun's capabilities, the Carlson's Choke Tubes 56615 Replacement Improved Modified Flush choke is an indispensable upgrade. This American-made choke tube is engineered to deliver precision and durability, making it a go-to choice for a wide array of shooting disciplines and hunting scenarios.

What is a Shotgun Choke Tube and Why is it Essential?

A shotgun choke tube is a removable constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel. Its primary purpose is to control the spread of the shot pattern as it exits the barrel. Without a choke, shot would disperse rapidly, limiting effective range. Choke tubes allow shooters to tailor their shotgun's performance to specific targets, distances, and ammunition types. By selecting the appropriate choke, you can achieve tighter, more dense patterns for longer shots or wider, more open patterns for closer targets. This versatility is crucial for everything from wing shooting to clay target sports.

Common Choke Constrictions (from widest to tightest):

• Cylinder (CYL): Minimal constriction, widest spread, ideal for very close range or large, slow-moving targets.
• Skeet (SK): Slightly more constriction than cylinder, designed for skeet shooting.
• Improved Cylinder (IC): Good all-around choke for closer ranges, popular for upland birds.
• Modified (MOD): A versatile middle-ground choke, effective for medium distances, often used for doves or some waterfowl.
• Improved Modified (IM): The focus of this description, offering a tighter pattern than Modified but less dense than Full.
• Full (F): Significant constriction, tight pattern, excellent for longer range shots, often used for turkey or geese.
• Extra Full (XF) / Turkey: Even tighter than Full, specifically designed for dense patterns at extended ranges for turkey hunting.

Each choke type is designed to optimize a specific shooting scenario, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right one for your needs.

Unpacking the Improved Modified (IM) Constriction: Precision and Versatility

The Carlson's Choke Tube 56615 features an Improved Modified (IM) constriction. This particular choke represents a sweet spot for many shooters, offering a tighter pattern than a Modified choke but a slightly more open pattern than a Full choke.

When to Choose an Improved Modified Choke:

• Upland Bird Hunting: For species like pheasants, grouse, or chukar, which can present challenging shots at varying distances, an IM choke provides the perfect balance. It delivers enough pattern density to reach birds at mid-to-longer ranges without being so tight that it makes hitting fast-flushing birds overly difficult.
• Waterfowl Hunting: While often dependent on regulations and specific conditions, an IM choke can be highly effective for duck hunting, especially when birds are decoyed or flying at moderate ranges. It allows for a more forgiving shot spread than a Full choke while still delivering ample pellet energy.
• Sporting Clays: Many sporting clays shooters find the IM choke to be exceptionally versatile. It can handle a wide array of presentations, from quartering targets to crossing shots, making it a reliable choice for different stations on a course. It offers a good blend of density for breaking targets cleanly without requiring pinpoint precision.
• Trap Shooting (Second Shot): While Modified or Full are common for the first shot in trap, some shooters prefer an IM for their second shot, particularly if they anticipate a slightly closer target presentation or desire a bit more pattern forgiveness.
• Turkey Hunting (Specific Scenarios): While many turkey hunters opt for Extra Full or Turkey chokes, an IM can be a viable option for close-range gobblers or in situations where a slightly more open pattern might be advantageous to account for movement or variable distances. Always pattern your shotgun with your chosen turkey load and choke before hunting.

Understanding the Pattern: An Improved Modified choke typically delivers approximately 60-65% of the shot pellets within a 30-inch circle at 40 yards. This provides a dense enough pattern for reliable breaks and ethical kills at common hunting distances, while still allowing for some margin of error. It strikes an excellent balance, giving you the confidence to take shots that might be too far for an Improved Cylinder or Modified, but without the extreme tightness that could lead to missed shots if your aim isn't absolutely perfect, as might be the case with a Full choke.

The Strength of 17-4 Heat-Treated Stainless Steel

The choice of material for a choke tube is critical for its performance, longevity, and resistance to environmental factors. The Carlson's 56615 choke tube is meticulously crafted from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. This premium material is a game-changer for durability and reliability.

Benefits of 17-4 Stainless Steel:

• Exceptional Strength: 17-4 stainless steel is renowned for its high strength-to-weight ratio. This means the choke can withstand the immense pressures and stresses generated during firing, even with heavy loads, without deforming or cracking.
• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Shotguns are often exposed to harsh elements—rain, moisture, and even saltwater environments during waterfowl hunts. Stainless steel inherently offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring your choke tube remains in pristine condition, shot after shot, season after season. This also makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
• Heat Resistance: The "heat-treated" aspect of 17-4 stainless steel further enhances its properties, particularly its ability to maintain integrity under fluctuating temperatures, which is a common occurrence during prolonged shooting sessions.
• Longevity: Due to its inherent toughness and resistance to wear and tear, a choke tube made from 17-4 stainless steel will outlast chokes made from lesser materials, providing consistent performance for years. This makes it a sound investment for any serious shooter.
• Precision Machining: The properties of 17-4 stainless steel allow for extremely precise machining, which is essential for consistent constriction and optimal shot patterns. Carlson's utilizes this material to ensure every choke meets their exacting standards.

This robust material ensures that your Carlson's choke tube will maintain its integrity and deliver consistent patterns, shot after shot, even under demanding conditions.

Seamless Compatibility: Designed for Beretta/Benelli Mobil Systems

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a choke tube is ensuring proper compatibility with your shotgun. The Carlson's 56615 choke tube is specifically designed for Beretta/Benelli Mobil system shotguns.

What are Mobil Chokes?

The Mobil choke system is a widely adopted internal choke design used by Beretta and Benelli in many of their popular shotgun models. This standardization means that if your shotgun utilizes the Mobil system, this Carlson's choke tube will screw in perfectly, providing a secure and precise fit.

Common Shotguns Using the Mobil Choke System Include (but are not limited to):

• Beretta A300 Outlander, A300 Ultima
• Beretta 390, 3901, 391 series (e.g., Urika, Teknys)
• Beretta A400 series (some models)
• Benelli Nova, SuperNova
• Benelli M1, M2 (some models)
• Benelli Montefeltro, Legacy, Sport II, Super Sport
• Stoeger 2000, P-350, M3000, M3500 (check specific models)
• Franchi Affinity, I-12, Intensity (check specific models)

Before purchasing, always consult your shotgun's manual or check the existing choke tubes to confirm it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system. This precise fit is vital for both safety and optimal performance, ensuring the choke tube aligns perfectly with the barrel bore.

The Advantage of a Flush Design

The Carlson's 56615 is a flush-style choke tube. This means that when installed, the choke tube sits flush with the end of the shotgun barrel, with no portion extending beyond the muzzle.

Benefits of Flush Choke Tubes:

• Sleek Profile: A flush design maintains the original, clean lines of your shotgun. This is aesthetically pleasing to many shooters.
• Snag-Free Operation: Without any extension, there's nothing to snag on brush, clothing, or gun cases, making handling and maneuverability easier, especially in dense cover.
• Compactness: Flush chokes do not add any extra length to your barrel, which can be beneficial in tight spaces or for shooters who prefer a shorter overall length for their firearm.
• Weight Distribution: Since there's no added length or weight at the muzzle, the balance of your shotgun remains largely unchanged, preserving the factory-intended feel and swing.
• Competitive Compliance: In some shooting competitions or hunting scenarios, rules may specify or favor flush-mounted chokes for safety or standardization reasons.

While extended chokes offer advantages like easier changing and barrel protection, the flush design of the Carlson's 56615 is ideal for shooters who prioritize a sleek look, compact feel, and snag-free handling without compromising pattern performance.

Ammunition Versatility and Critical Safety Guidelines

One of the standout features of the Carlson's 56615 Improved Modified choke is its versatility with ammunition types. It is designed to be compatible with Steel, Lead, and Hevi-Shot ammunition. This broad compatibility ensures you can use your preferred load for various hunting and shooting applications.

However, it is crucial to adhere to specific safety guidelines, especially when using steel shot:

• Steel Shot Limitations: The manufacturer explicitly states that no Steel shot larger than #BB or speeds exceeding 1550 fps should be used in choke tubes tighter than Full.
• Why These Limitations? Steel shot is harder than lead. If large steel pellets or high-velocity steel loads are forced through a choke constriction that is too tight, it can cause excessive pressure, potentially damaging the choke tube or, more critically, the shotgun barrel itself. The IM constriction is tighter than Modified but less so than Full, which allows for safe use of common steel shot sizes and velocities for waterfowl, but with the specified precautions.
• Patterning is Key: Regardless of the choke or ammunition type, always pattern your shotgun with your chosen loads before heading to the field or range. This involves shooting at a large paper target at various distances (e.g., 25, 30, 40 yards) to see how your specific gun, choke, and ammunition combination performs. This will show you the pattern density, uniformity, and point of impact, ensuring you understand your effective range.
• Hevi-Shot and Other Non-Toxic Loads: Hevi-Shot and similar non-toxic alternatives are generally safe to use through this choke. These materials are often designed to be softer than steel but harder than lead, providing excellent pattern density without the same risk of barrel damage as oversized or high-velocity steel shot through tight constrictions. Always follow the ammunition manufacturer's guidelines as well.

Adhering to these ammunition guidelines not only protects your firearm and choke tube but also ensures consistent, reliable performance and optimal safety during your shooting activities.

American Craftsmanship: Made in the USA

The Carlson's Choke Tubes 56615 is proudly Made in the USA. This designation is a testament to the quality, precision, and robust manufacturing standards that Carlson's upholds.

Benefits of "Made in USA":

• Quality Control: American manufacturing often implies stringent quality control processes, leading to higher product consistency and reliability.
• Skilled Labor: It supports skilled labor and craftsmanship, contributing to the expertise embedded in each product.
• Innovation: Companies like Carlson's, committed to domestic production, often invest heavily in research and development, leading to innovative designs and materials.
• Support: Buying American-made products often means easier access to customer support and product servicing directly from the manufacturer.

Choosing a choke tube made in the USA means investing in a product built with dedication to performance and durability, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of serious shooters.

Maintenance and Care for Optimal Performance

To ensure your Carlson's Choke Tube 56615 continues to perform flawlessly, proper maintenance is essential.

Tips for Choke Tube Care:

• Regular Cleaning: After each shooting session, remove the choke tube and clean both the choke and the threads in the shotgun barrel. Carbon and plastic wad fouling can build up, potentially seizing the choke in place. Use a good quality solvent and a brush.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of anti-seize lubricant to the choke tube threads before reinstalling. This prevents the choke from seizing in the barrel due to heat and pressure, making future removal easy.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect your choke tube for any signs of wear, pitting, or damage, especially after extensive use of steel shot. While 17-4 stainless steel is highly durable, vigilance ensures long-term performance.
• Proper Installation: Always ensure the choke tube is tightened securely by hand or with a choke wrench until it's snug. Avoid overtightening, which can damage the threads. A properly installed choke will not loosen during firing.

Following these simple steps will significantly extend the life and consistent performance of your Carlson's choke tube.

Where to Find Your Carlson's Choke Tube

When you're ready to enhance your shotgun's performance with the Carlson's 12 Gauge Improved Modified Flush Choke Tube (SKU 56615, UPC 723189566159), you can find this premium accessory and a wide range of other high-quality shooting gear at trusted retailers like DEGuns.com. As a reputable source for firearms and accessories, DEGuns offers a convenient and reliable way to acquire the components you need to optimize your shooting experience.

Investing in a Carlson's Choke Tube is an investment in consistent patterns, increased versatility, and enhanced shooting enjoyment. Whether you're breaking clays, pursuing upland game, or waterfowl hunting, the Carlson's Improved Modified Flush choke tube for Beretta/Benelli Mobil systems is designed to help you achieve your best performance.

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Brand	Carlson's Choke Tubes	Trusted name in shotgun accessories
Gauge	12 Gauge	Standard for widespread shotgun models
Constriction	Improved Modified (IM)	Versatile pattern for mid-range hunting & clays
Style	Flush	Sleek, snag-free profile, maintains shotgun balance
Material	17-4 Heat-Treated Stainless	Exceptional durability, corrosion resistance
Compatibility	Beretta / Benelli Mobil	Precision fit for popular shotgun systems
Ammunition	Steel, Lead, & Hevi-Shot Safe	Versatile for various hunting & shooting loads
Made In	USA	Assured quality and manufacturing standards
SKU / MPN	56615	Easy identification and reordering
UPC	723189566159	Universal product code for inventory tracking