Choke tube markings are a series of lines, notches, letters, or numbers that help identify the size of a choke tube. The letter C is usually written on the outside walls of the choke tube, and it can be confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
C stands for CYLINDER. It designates the choke tube constriction size and in this case C is between the bore diameter and Skeet with regards to tightness. It measures 0.729” in diameter in fixed 12 gauges.
Cylinder chokes are used for sporting clays, upland hunting, and with buckshot. They help provide open patterns at distances between 15 and 25 yards. If you see “C”, ‘CYL”, or “CL” written on a choke tube, you can be sure it’s a Cylinder choke.
What does C mean on a choke tube?
Choke tube letters designate what diameter a choke tube is and C is included in these designations. C stands for Cylinder Choke and is the most open choke other than the bore diameter of the shotgun itself.
Some chokes can be labeled as CL and this means Cylinder as well. This designation is brand specific and isn’t related to the standard naming scheme. Cylinder will be listed as C, CL, or CYL. Cylinder chokes should not be confused with skeet or improved cylinder choke tubes.
What is the diameter of Cylinder chokes?
Cylinder diameters differ based on shotgun brand and choke system. Below is a chart showing the diameter of C chokes by brand.
| Type | CYL Diameter (inch) |
| Beretta/Benelli Mobil | 0.726 |
| Benelli Crio | 0.727 |
| Beretta Optima Plus | 0.732 |
| Benelli Super Sport | 0.727 |
| Beretta Optima | 0.732 |
| Browning Invector | 0.727 |
| Invector Plus | 0.740 |
| Remington | 0.727 |
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 C choke tubes used for?
Cylinder choke tubes pattern wider at the closer ranges. They are ideal for shots on dove and upland game out to 25 yards. They work best with smaller steel and lead shot on fast flying birds that are hard to hit. They can also be used safely with most buckshot loads.
Cylinder chokes aren’t a popular choke size outside of the sporting clay ranges and usually aren’t included when you purchase a new shotgun. However, the performance of Cylinder chokes between 15 and 25 yards is worth the investment.
Are C choke tubes open chokes?
Cylinder choke tubes are the least constrictive choke tube available, which is essentially the size of the bore diameter itself. They are considered an open choke tube and they are designed for close shots. 25 yards is usually the max distance with small lead shot on doves with these chokes.
Cylinder chokes excel with lead shot, especially smaller shot in #6 though #8 range. They also can be used with TSS shot which delivers devastating downrange patterns for waterfowl and turkeys.
Bottom Line: C Means Cylinder Choke
C stands for Cylinder. The letter C or CYL will be written on the side of the choke tube. Cylinder chokes perform in between that of the bore diameter and a Skeet choke.
Cylinder chokes are great for dove, quail, and other upland game as the open pattern is more forgiving for fast moving birds. It’s one of the preferred chokes for sporting clays and buckshot.
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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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