Choke tube markings are a series of lines, notches, letters, or numbers that help identify the size of a choke tube. The letter F is usually written on the outside walls of the choke tube, and it can be confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
F stands for FULL CHOKE. It designates the choke tube constriction size and in this case “F” means Full and is tighter than a Light Full and more open than Extra Full. It measures 0.685” in diameter on fixed choke 12 gauges.
Full chokes are used for waterfowl hunting and upland game such as turkeys. They help provide tight patterns at long ranges between 50 and 60 yards. If you see “F” or “FC” written on a choke tube, you can be sure it’s a Full choke.
What does F mean on a choke tube?
Choke tube letters designate the diameter of a choke tube and F is included in these designations. F stands for Full Choke and is consider one of the tightest of all choke diameters.
Some chokes can be labeled as “FC” and this means Full Choke as well. This designation is brand specific and isn’t related to the standard naming scheme. Full choke will be listed as F, FC, or Full Choke on most tubes. F chokes should not be confused with light full or extra full choke tubes.
What is the diameter of a Full choke?
Full choke diameters differ based on shotgun brand and choke system. Below is a chart showing the diameter of F chokes by brand.
| Type | F Diameter (inch) |
| Beretta/Benelli Mobil | 0.686 |
| Benelli Crio | 0.687 |
| Beretta Optima Plus | 0.692 |
| Benelli Super Sport | 0.687 |
| Beretta Optima | 0.692 |
| Browning Invector | 0.687 |
| Invector Plus | 0.700 |
| Remington | 0.687 |
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 Full choke tubes used for?
Full choke tubes pattern tighter at medium to long ranges. They are ideal for shots on waterfowl and upland game out to 60 yards. They work best with small to medium size steel and lead shot by creating tight patterns that keep pellets densely compact at extreme ranges. They can also be used with most turkey loads.
Full chokes are one of the most popular choke sizes for turkey hunting, and they are usually included with the factory choke set for new shotguns. The long-range performance of full chokes between 40 and 60 yards can be worth the investment.
Are Full choke tubes open chokes?
F choke tubes are not open chokes and are one of the tightest of all choke sizes available. Full chokes are tighter than light full, but more open than extra full. They are considered a long-range choke tube and they are designed for turkey hunting and pass shooting ducks and geese. 60 yards is usually the max distance for steel shot with these chokes.
Full chokes excel with most ammo and shot types due to its tight diameter that keeps the shot column compact at extreme ranges. It can also be used with TSS shot which delivers devastating downrange patterns for waterfowl and turkeys.
Botton Line: The Letter F Means Full Choke
F stands for Full Choke. These letters will be written on the side of the choke tube. Full chokes perform in between that of a Light Full and Extra Full choke.
Full chokes are great for waterfowl and turkey as the tight pattern can mean added range and knock down power on larger birds. It’s one of the preferred chokes long range shots that require dense patterns.
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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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