Question: Shoot slugs from a modified choke on Benelli M4?

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Stoa

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Hi guys,

New to firearms, and got different results from searches, asking here to save me a trip to the gun shop.

Question Part A. I have the Benelli M4, and it came with the modified choke (3 dots)... Do I need a different choke for slugs?

Mixed answers, some say it’s best to get a cylinder choke (or at least Improved Cylinder), some say it’s fine, and other tells me as long as the ammo is lead.

I was at the range the other day and ended up not firing it, since the instructor doesn't recommend it, as slug shots might damage the gun.


Question Part B. If I need to get a cylinder (or IC) choke, does any brand work, or do I need the Benelli brand? Does it matter if it’s an extended choke or a flush choke?

Assuming this doesn’t break the forum rules, can anyone recommend/point where to get these?


Question Part C. For 00 buckshot, it is safe for all chokes?

Thank, and happy holidays!
 
Stoa said:
Hi guys,

New to firearms, and got different results from searches, asking here to save me a trip to the gun shop.

Question Part A. I have the Benelli M4, and it came with the modified choke (3 dots)... Do I need a different choke for slugs?

Mixed answers, some say it’s best to get a cylinder choke (or at least Improved Cylinder), some say it’s fine, and other tells me as long as the ammo is lead.

I was at the range the other day and ended up not firing it, since the instructor doesn't recommend it, as slug shots might damage the gun.


Question Part B. If I need to get a cylinder (or IC) choke, does any brand work, or do I need the Benelli brand? Does it matter if it’s an extended choke or a flush choke?

Assuming this doesn’t break the forum rules, can anyone recommend/point where to get these?


Question Part C. For 00 buckshot, it is safe for all chokes?

Thank, and happy holidays!
Click to expand...

Rifled lead slug: it won't matter much. I find that most times an Improved Cylinder choke works best. It seems like a 'slight' restriction at the barrel end will help the rifled slug to twist and gain stability (this is from experience and is in no way scientific). Best to just do some testing.

No, you need a specific Benelli brand choke that fits your gun. Each manufacturer has a different length, thread and thread locations in the end of their barrel for the choke, usually. It probably takes the Mobil choke system, but best to find out for sure.
 
Beretta and Benelli say no. Slugs through their choke tubes isn't recommended. However, you have to understand that this is a departure. Normally, a slug through a modified choke tube is not only fine, it's preferred as a goldielocks type restriction when using shot and slugs.

With your M4, the choke tube will be specific to that model of gun. Other choke tubes will not fit properly. Now whether flush or extended is just personal preference. An advantage with extended choke tubes is that they can be quickly checked for tightness by hand (make safe first, your hand at the muzzle on a loaded shotgun is a quick way of resulting in only having one hand anymore ;)).

I recommend you go down the choke tube rabbit hole; you're asking about 00 buck for all chokes...understand "all" chokes is a big ask. There are chokes designed for Turkey hunting and Skeet games that would most likely turn your M4 into a blunderbuss if you shot double ought buck through them.

Beretta and Benelli (same company) seem to have tighter restrictions in all of their recent choke tubes. It's not much, but a thou or more tighter than everyone else and it's why they don't recommend shooting slugs through any choke tube tighter than their improved cylinder.

Having said that, most guys just blast away with a mod. choke and no one has reported any ill effect. I'm running a 1301 with extended DLC coated modified choke tube. I shoot slugs all the time.
 
Painkillers said:
Having said that, most guys just blast away with a mod. choke and no one has reported any ill effect. I'm running a 1301 with extended DLC coated modified choke tube. I shoot slugs all the time.
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Son of a whore why didn’t you tell me that earlier brother;), I’ve been waiting for Stoeger for restock their DLC ext I/C but since you say modified will work. As soon as I’m done typing this I’ll order the same tube. On another note Merry Christmas to you and all you f-ers:cool:
 
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johnl said:
Son of a whore why didn’t you tell me that earlier brother;), I’ve been waiting for Stoeger for restock their DLC ext I/C but since you say modified will work. As soon as I’m done typing this I’ll order the same tube. On another note Merry Christmas to you and all you f-ers:cool:
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I used to shoot slugs with a full choke when I was younger...only had a gun with a fixed choke
 
J996 said:
I am.
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No, a
Benelli Mobil choke will NOT fit a Beretta Optima HP barrel; they use different thread patterns, and forcing the wrong choke can damage your barrel, as Mobil fits older guns like SBE I/Nova/M1, while Optima HP fits newer Beretta/Benelli models like A400s and SBE2/3. You need to match the choke system to your specific gun's markings (Mobil vs. Optima HP vs. Crio Plus) for proper fit and safety.
Key Differences:
  • Benelli Mobil: For older Benelli (SBE I, Nova, M1) and some Beretta barrels; marked 'PB' or 'ST'.
  • Beretta Optima HP: For newer, high-performance models (A400 Xplor, M1301, SBE 2/3); marked 'OB HP' on the barrel.
  • Optima Plus/Crio Plus: For models like Benelli SBE 2/3, Vinci; these have different internal dimensions and are not interchangeable with Mobil or Optima HP.
How to Check Your Barrel:
  • Look at the markings near the gauge number on your shotgun barrel. It will say "Mobil," "Optima HP," "Crio Plus," or have specific codes.
  • If you're unsure, check the manufacturer's website or contact them with your gun's model and serial number.
 
Thread pitch between the two are different



Benelli Mobil choke threads are a specific internal thread system, often called
square threads, with a major diameter around .810 inches (20.62 mm), designed to be flush with the barrel's muzzle end, differing from Crio/Crio Plus systems where threads are further inside; the pitch isn't a standard Imperial/Metric number but defined by its dimensions and location, fitting guns like early Benellis (M1, M4, Super Nova) and compatible Berettas.


vs



The Beretta Optima HP (High Performance) choke system has a major thread diameter of
20 mm (or approximately 0.787 inches).
Beretta specifies the following dimensions for the 12-gauge Optima HP choke system:
  • Major Thread Diameter: 20 mm (0.787 inches)
  • Threaded Portion Length: Nominal 19 mm (0.748 inches)
  • Thread Location: The threaded portion begins approximately 40 mm (1.57 inches) from the breech end of the choke tube.
It is critical to note that Beretta Optima HP choke tubes are not interchangeable with the original Optima-Choke or Optima-Choke Plus systems. Using the wrong choke tube can cause serious damage to your barrel and pose a safety risk. Barrels designed for Optima HP chokes will be marked "OB HP" near the gauge marking.
You can find more information and guides on the official Beretta Choke Tubes Guide or through aftermarket manufacturers like Carlson's Choke Tubes.
 
johnl said:
No, a
Benelli Mobil choke will NOT fit a Beretta Optima HP barrel; they use different thread patterns, and forcing the wrong choke can damage your barrel, as Mobil fits older guns like SBE I/Nova/M1, while Optima HP fits newer Beretta/Benelli models like A400s and SBE2/3. You need to match the choke system to your specific gun's markings (Mobil vs. Optima HP vs. Crio Plus) for proper fit and safety.
Key Differences:
  • Benelli Mobil: For older Benelli (SBE I, Nova, M1) and some Beretta barrels; marked 'PB' or 'ST'.
  • Beretta Optima HP: For newer, high-performance models (A400 Xplor, M1301, SBE 2/3); marked 'OB HP' on the barrel.
  • Optima Plus/Crio Plus: For models like Benelli SBE 2/3, Vinci; these have different internal dimensions and are not interchangeable with Mobil or Optima HP.
How to Check Your Barrel:
  • Look at the markings near the gauge number on your shotgun barrel. It will say "Mobil," "Optima HP," "Crio Plus," or have specific codes.
  • If you're unsure, check the manufacturer's website or contact them with your gun's model and serial number.
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The OP asked about the BENELLI M4 which uses Mobil chokes. Ive got about a dozen of them and have swapped them around in M4’s and Supernovas for years.
Not sure where you got beretta optima from.

Merry Christmas.
 
Can you shoot slugs and 00 buck out of a modified choke? Definitely.

Is it advantageous for your application is the real question.

For 00 buck it depends what range you want to be effective at... the more constriction you have the less spread at closer ranges. For 10-20 yards and closer C or IC is your go to. 20-40ish yards you may want to use the M.

For slugs just use what is most accurate. Test all the chokes you have and shoot groups. That will tell you which your gun likes for slugs.

I like to shoot both so I like to try and find a happy medium where I don't have to swap chokes all the time. Usually ends up IC or M depending on the gun. You've got to test both.
 
johnl said:
Son of a whore why didn’t you tell me that earlier brother;), I’ve been waiting for Stoeger for restock their DLC ext I/C but since you say modified will work. As soon as I’m done typing this I’ll order the same tube. On another note Merry Christmas to you and all you f-ers:cool:
Click to expand...
I'm just saying what I do bro. Anyone at Beretta would tell you I'm wrong.
 
J996 said:
I am.
Click to expand...
The newest type of choke system for modern Benelli M4s (post-2007/2008) is Crio Plus, designed for tighter tolerances and better performance, though many M4s still use the older Benelli Standard (Mobil Choke System); you must check your specific barrel's threads (inside the muzzle) to see if they are Mobil (threads at barrel end) or Crio Plus (threads recessed), as Crio Plus chokes fit in Crio Plus barrels, while Standard chokes fit in Mobil barrels. For shooting slugs, Benelli recommends an Improved Cylinder (IC) or Cylinder choke for safety and accuracy, not tighter chokes like Modified or Full.
How to Identify Your Benelli M4's Choke System:
  1. Unload your shotgun completely.
  2. Look inside the muzzle:
    • Benelli Standard (Mobil): Threads are flush or near the very end of the barrel.
    • Crio Plus: Threads are recessed about 3/4 inch inside the barrel.
Choke Recommendations for M4s:
  • For Slugs (Rifled): Cylinder or Improved Cylinder (IC).
  • For Buckshot/Birdshot: Improved Cylinder (IC), Modified (M), or Full (F), depending on distance and desired pattern tightness, but avoid anything tighter than Modified for steel shot.
Key Takeaway: Don't assume; always verify your M4's internal threading to get the correct Crio Plus or Standard choke.
 
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