Franchi I-12 Extended Range Choke Tubes

[duckht183]

I was on the Franchi website the other day and I noticed that they sell extended range choke tubes. Has anyone used these extended chokes and if so are they different from the Patternmaster chokes? And is there a noticable difference from the regular chokes that Franchi supplies.

[Red Pill]

They're not extended range tubes, but extended tubes. They extend beyond the end of the barrel. I haven't used the Franchi tubes, but extended tubes are easier to change, and usually give a more consistent pattern. Your mileage may vary.

[duckht183]

If you look on the Franchi or Benelli website, there are chokes tubes that hold your shot together at further distances. They make chokes for "pass shooting" and "decoying" birds.
I've talked to some guys around here and some people like them and others dont.
If you get a chance, go out and pattern your shotgun at 40 yards. I did this and I had 8 BB's hit the kill zone of the target using a modified choke. Thats pretty sad if you ask me.
My choke should be here any day now, so Ill let you know if theres any difference

[Red Pill]

A modified choke isn't terribly tight. If you are shooting at 40 yards, you should be using a full or extra full choke, at least for lead shot. Franchi recommends a more open choke for steel shot, but you're right that you should check your pattern with the load you'll be shooting.