Choke tube markings are a series of lines, notches, letters, or numbers that help identify the size of a choke tube. The letters XF are usually written on the outside walls of the choke tube, and it can be confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
XF stands for EXTRA FULL CHOKE. It designates the choke tube constriction size and in this case XF is between Full and turkey with regards to tightness. It measures 0.680” in diameter on fixed choke 12 gauges.
Extra Full chokes are used for waterfowl hunting and upland game such as turkeys. They help provide tight patterns at long ranges that exceed 60 yards. If you see “XF”, “XFULL” or “EF” written on a choke tube, you can be sure it’s an Extra Full choke.
What does XF mean on a choke tube?
Choke tube letters designate the diameter of a choke tube and XF is included in these designations. XF stands for Extra Full Choke and is consider one of the tightest of all choke diameters.
Some chokes can be labeled as “EF” and this means Extra Full Choke as well. This designation is brand specific and isn’t related to the standard naming scheme. Extra Full chokes will be listed as XF, EF, or XFULL on most tubes. XF chokes should not be confused with light full or full choke tubes.
What is the diameter of an Extra Full choke?
Extra Full choke diameters differ based on shotgun brand and choke system. Below is a chart showing the diameter of XF chokes by brand.
| Type | XF Diameter (inch) |
| Beretta/Benelli Mobil | 0.681 |
| Benelli Crio | 0.682 |
| Beretta Optima Plus | 0.687 |
| Benelli Super Sport | 0.682 |
| Beretta Optima | 0.687 |
| Browning Invector | 0.682 |
| Invector Plus | 0.695 |
| Remington | 0.682 |
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 Extra Full choke tubes used for?
Extra Full choke tubes pattern tighter at medium to long ranges. They are ideal for shots on waterfowl and upland game such as turkeys out to 60 yards. They work best with small to medium size steel and lead shot on slow moving birds. They can also be used with most magnum turkey loads.
Extra Full chokes are one of the most popular choke sizes for turkey hunting, and they are usually included when you purchase a new shotgun. The long-range performance of extra full chokes between 40 and 60 yards can be worth the investment.
Are Extra Full choke tubes open chokes?
XF choke tubes are not open chokes and are one of the tightest of all choke sizes available. Extra Full chokes are tighter than full, but more open than turkey. They are considered a long-range choke tube and are designed for turkey hunting and pass shooting ducks and geese. 60 yards is usually the max distance with steel shot with these chokes.
Extra 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.
Bottom Line: XF means Extra Full Choke
XF stands for Extra Full Choke. It will be written on the side of the choke tube. Extra Full chokes perform in between that of a Full choke and turkey choke.
Extra Full chokes are great for waterfowl and turkey hunting as the tight pattern can mean added range and knock down power on larger birds, especially using Tungsten Super Shot. It’s one of the preferred chokes for turkey hunting each season.
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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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