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In the year 2000 Beretta
introduced the 12-gauge Optima barrel design into some of their
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. The Optima-Choke design also featured a longer internal
taper, just ahead of the choke constriction, making the overall length
of this tube longer than the original Mobilchoke tube. A key fact is
that Optima-Choke tubes will only be found on 12 gauge competition
Optima shotguns.
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. A key fact is that Optima-Choke Plus tubes
will only be found on 12 gauge field Optima shotguns (*except 471
Silver Hawk).
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)
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 Beretta offers two finishes. Since the extended chokes
are exposed past the shotgun muzzle they 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. |