Choosing the right choke for clay targets is about shaping shot patterns for consistency across skeet and sporting clays. The following five choke tubes from Carlson’s and Winchester offer extended parallel sections and durable construction designed for popular clay-target platforms. Each option targets common clay-target disciplines and fits widely used shotguns, including Beretta Benelli Mobil, Browning Invector Plus, and Benelli Crio Plus. Review the quick specs in the table below, then read concise notes on how each choke influences patterning and performance in the field or range.
| Product | Constriction | Diameter | Material/Finish | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winchester Moss 500 Cylinder Choke | Cylinder | 0.730″ | Blue finish; unspecified alloy | Sporting Clays |
| Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli Skeet 0.720 | Skeet | 0.720″ | Blued stainless | Sporting Clays & Skeet |
| Carlson’s Browning Invector Plus Skeet 0.735 | Skeet | 0.735″ | 17-4 stainless; gold ported | Skeet & Sporting Clays |
| Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus Skeet 0.620 | Skeet | 0.620″ | 17-4 stainless | Sporting Clays |
| Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli Modified 0.705 | Modified | 0.705″ | 17-4 stainless | Sporting Clays |
Notes: The table reflects the constriction and diameters listed in the product data. All items are designed to fit common 12- and 20-gauge platforms and emphasize durability and consistent patterning for clay targets. The focus is on chokes optimized for sporting clays and skeet disciplines, with attention to multi-shot compatibility and reliable manufacturing quality.
Winchester Moss 500 Cylinder Choke 0.730
The Winchester Mossberg 500-compatible choke tube features a 0.730 inch cylinder constriction with a noticeably longer parallel section to improve pattern consistency compared with standard tubes. The design facilitates easier removal and insertion, aiding quick target transitions during a round. The tube is described as suitable for a variety of shells, including lead, steel, copper-plated, nickel, Hevi-Shot, and buckshot. It cautions against steel shot larger than BB when used with constrictions tighter than full. This makes it a versatile option for sporting clays on compatible shotguns.
Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli Skeet 0.720
This Carlson’s 12-gauge choke is designed for Beretta/Benelli Mobil platforms with a Skeet constriction of 0.720 inches. It features a 25% longer parallel section to help deliver more uniform patterns across loads used in sporting clays and skeet disciplines. The build emphasizes high-quality stainless steel construction (with blue finish in the listing) to withstand frequent use. The choke is designed to pair with long-pattern data from Carlson’s testing program, supporting consistent skeet performance on varied clay targets and field scenarios.
Carlson’s Browning Invector Plus Skeet 0.735
This Carlson’s choke for Browning Invector Plus 12-gauge features a 0.735 inch skeet constriction crafted from 17-4 stainless steel, with a gold competition ported design intended to reduce recoil and improve patterning. The product emphasizes a long history of patterning data—over 30 years—used to optimize aim for clay-target shooting. Its construction aims to provide a tighter, more uniform skeet pattern than standard flush-mount chokes, while maintaining compatibility with Browning Invector Plus receivers for sporting clays and skeet rounds.
Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus Skeet 0.620
This Carlson’s choke is designed for Benelli Crio Plus in 20 gauge, offering a Skeet constriction of 0.620 inches. It is built from 17-4 stainless steel to deliver durable performance and patterning improvements over standard chokes. The design reflects Carlson’s long-running patterning program, providing dependable skeet and sporting clays performance on compatible Benelli Crio Plus receivers. The choke is positioned to help shooters achieve consistent skeet patterns across a variety of loads in clay-target rounds.
Carlson’s Beretta/Benelli Modified 0.705
This Carlson’s 12-gauge choke for Beretta/Benelli Mobil platforms offers a Modified constriction at 0.705 inches. Built from 17-4 stainless steel, it leverages Carlson’s extensive pattern data to produce a reliable, moderate pattern spread suitable for sporting clays. The design emphasizes durability and consistent performance across loads used in clay-target rounds, providing a balance between pattern density and recoil control for field and range use on Beretta/Benelli Mobil receivers.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when selecting a clay-target choke tube:
- Choke constriction and intended discipline: Skeet chokes (roughly 0.720–0.735 inches) create tighter patterns for close-range targets, while Modified (around 0.705) and Skeet/Open Class options are better for mid-range targets in sporting clays. Choose based on target distance and gun platform.
- Shotgun compatibility: Confirm the choke’s compatibility with your shotgun model (Beretta Benelli Mobil, Browning Invector Plus, Crio Plus, Mossberg 500, etc.). Match the choke to the receiver and gauge to avoid fitment issues.
- Material and durability: Stainless steel chokes (often 17-4) resist corrosion and last longer under frequent shooting. Finishes (bluеd vs stainless) can affect maintenance needs and appearance.
- Pattern consistency and tooling: Chokes with extended parallel sections tend to deliver more uniform patterns by extending the main section of the choke. This can reduce wild fluctuations across different loads.
- Load compatibility: Some chokes are recommended for lead, copper-plated, nickel, or Hevi-Shot, and may have cautions about steel shot in tighter constrictions. Always verify load compatibility with your local range rules and shotgun manufacturer guidelines.
- Maintenance and replacement: Regular cleaning after clay-target sessions helps maintain choke performance. If you use non-standard loads or switch among multiple gauges, keep track of which choke matches which platform.
- Price vs value: Durable stainless designs with long-pattern data may offer better long-term value despite higher upfront cost, particularly for shooters who practice regularly.
- Availability and model compatibility: Some chokes are specific to certain models or brands. Double-check model numbers and diameters to ensure a proper fit before purchasing.
In practice, patterning data and personal shooting preferences will guide the best choice. For close-range skeet, a Skeet constriction around 0.720–0.735 inches typically yields consistent results, while sporting clays often benefit from Modified or Skeet patterns that balance pattern density with target distance. Durability and corrosion resistance are important for frequent range use, and longer parallel sections can help stabilize patterns across a variety of sporting loads. Consider starting with a versatile Skeet or Modified choke and adjust based on your shotgun, loads, and target presentations.