Choke tube markings are a series of lines, notches, letters, or numbers that help identify the size of a choke tube. The letter M is usually written on the outside walls of the choke tube, and it can be confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
M stands for MODIFIED. It designates the choke tube constriction size and in this case “M” is modified and is tighter than light modified and more open than improved modified. It measures 0.705” in diameter on fixed choke 12 gauges.
Modified chokes are used for waterfowl hunting and upland game. They help provide tight patterns at medium ranges between 30 and 40 yards. If you see “M” or “MOD” written on a choke tube, you can be sure it’s a Modified choke.
What does M mean on a choke tube?
Choke tube letters designate the diameter of a choke tube and M is included in these designations. M stands for Modified Choke and is the middle ground of all choke diameters.
Some chokes can be labeled as “MOD” and this means Modified as well. This designation is brand specific and isn’t related to the standard naming scheme. Modified will be listed as M, MOD, or Modified. M chokes should not be confused with light modified or improved modified choke tubes.
What is the diameter of Modified chokes?
Modified diameters differ based on shotgun brand and choke system. Below is a chart showing the diameter of M chokes by brand.
| Type | M Diameter (inch) |
| Beretta/Benelli Mobil | 0.701 |
| Benelli Crio | 0.702 |
| Beretta Optima Plus | 0.707 |
| Benelli Super Sport | 0.702 |
| Beretta Optima | 0.707 |
| Browning Invector | 0.702 |
| Invector Plus | 0.715 |
| Remington | 0.702 |
More Choke Tube Markings
There are over 30 different choke tube markings used for choke identification. Below are the most common markings. Please click the links below to see what each choke tube marking means.
What are Modified choke tubes used for?
Modifed choke tubes pattern tighter at medium ranges. They are ideal for shots on waterfowl, dove, and upland game out to 40 yards. They work best with medium size steel and lead shot on fast flying birds that are hard to hit. They can also be used effectively with most turkey loads.
Modified chokes are one of the most popular choke sizes for hunting, and are usually included with choke sets for new shotguns. The all-around performance of modified chokes between 30 and 40 yards is worth the investment.
Are Modified choke tubes open chokes?
Modified choke tubes are not open chokes and are the middle ground of all choke sizes available. Chokes with the letter M are tighter than light modified, but more open than improved modified. They are considered a medium range choke tube and are designed for hunting ducks over decoys. 40 yards is usually the max distance with steel shot with these chokes.
Modified chokes excel with most ammo and shot types due to its forgiving diameter that doesn’t constrict the shot column too much, resulting in blown out patterns. It can also be used with TSS shot which delivers devastating downrange patterns for waterfowl and turkey hunting.
Bottom Line: M Means Modified Choke
The letter M on a choke tube means it’s a Modified Choke. It will be written on the side of the choke tube. Modified chokes perform in between that of light modified and improved modified chokes.
Modified chokes are great for waterfowl, dove, quail, and other upland game birds since the open pattern is more forgiving for fast moving shots. It’s also one of the preferred chokes for turkey hunting inside 40 yards.
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Related
- Complete Guide to Identifying Choke Tube Sizes
- Choke Tube Diameter and Constriction Table
- What do the numbers mean on a choke tube?
- Ultimate Guide to Shotgun Pellet Sizes
- What does 3 lines on a choke tube mean?
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