Choke tube markings are a series of lines, notches, letters, or numbers that help identify the size of a choke tube. The letters MR are usually written on the outside walls of the choke tube, and it can be confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
MR stands for MEDIUM RANGE. It designates the choke tube constriction size and in this case MR is Improved Cylinder with regards to tightness. It measures 0.716” in diameter on fixed choke 12 gauges. MR is also referred to as “Mid-Range” by some choke manufacturers.
Medium Range chokes are used for sporting clays, upland hunting, and with buckshot. They help provide open patterns at distances between 15 and 30 yards. If you see “MR” written on a choke tube, you can be sure it’s an Improved Cylinder choke. One of the most popular mid range chokes is the Carlson’s Cremator.
What does MR mean on a choke tube?
Choke tube letters designate the diameter of a choke tube and MR is included in these designations. MR stands for Medium Range Choke and is the fourth most open choke just behind Improved Skeet. MR can also stand for “Mid-Range”.
Some chokes can be labeled as “M. Range” and this means it’s an Improved Cylinder choke as well. This designation is brand specific and isn’t related to the standard naming scheme. Medium Range will be listed as MR, M. Range, or Medium Range. MR chokes should not be confused with Skeet or Cylinder choke tubes.
What is the diameter of Medium Range chokes?
Medium Range diameters differ based on shotgun brand and choke system. Below is a chart showing the diameter of MR chokes by brand.
| Type | MR Diameter (inch) |
| Beretta/Benelli Mobil | 0.711 |
| Benelli Crio | 0.712 |
| Beretta Optima Plus | 0.717 |
| Benelli Super Sport | 0.712 |
| Beretta Optima | 0.717 |
| Browning Invector | 0.712 |
| Invector Plus | 0.725 |
| Remington | 0.712 |
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 MR choke tubes used for?
MR choke tubes pattern wider at the closer ranges. They are ideal for shots on dove and upland game out to 35 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.
Improved Cylinder chokes aren’t a popular choke size outside of the sporting clay ranges, but are usually included when you purchase a new shotgun. However, the performance of MR chokes between 15 and 30 yards is worth the investment.
Are MR choke tubes open chokes?
Medium Range choke tubes are the fourth least constrictive choke tube available, just behind Improved Skeet, Skeet, and Cylinder chokes. They are considered an open choke tube and they are designed for medium range shots. 30 yards is usually the max distance with small lead shot on doves with these chokes.
MR chokes excel with lead shot, especially smaller shot in the #6 though #8 range. They also can be used with TSS shot which delivers devastating downrange patterns for waterfowl and turkeys.
Mid Range Choke Tube FAQs
What is a mid range choke tube?
Mid range or sometimes written as “MR”, means middle range. It is the choke size between close range (CR) and extended range (ER). A mid range choke tube performs similar to a modified choke with steel shot.
Mid range chokes work best for shots inside 40 yards on decoying ducks and also for some passing shots. It’s a versatile choke tube that won’t limit you when conditions are constantly changing.
- CR – Close Range (20-30 yards)
- MR – Mid Range (30-40 yards)
- LR – Long Range (40 yards +)
What are the different types of Mid range choke tubes?
Carlson’s labels several of their chokes, such as the Cremator series, as close range (CR), mid range (MR), and long range (LR). The mid range choke tube for the Mobil system has a constriction of 0.710” and the long range 0.700”.
This makes the mid range choke tube consistent in diameter to a light modified. It’s a good choice for ducks and geese over decoys with smaller steel shot from #4 up to BB.
- Carlson’s Cremator Mid Range
- Sporting Clays chokes in Modified
- Briley Extended Chokes
How far can mid range chokes shoot?
With steel shot, mid range choke tubes can be effective out to 40 yards. Pellet distribution through mid range chokes is uniform and consistent on fast moving birds up close as well.
Additionally, mid range chokes allow you to extend the range on birds hanging up or skirting the decoys. If you have to choose between close range, mid range, or long range, always go with the mid range choke for hunting over decoys.
Mid range vs Modified
One glance at the choke tube constriction chart and it’s easy to see that it can get confusing really fast. Choke diameters change from brand to brand and it’s not easy to remember every measurement to a thousandth of an inch.
That’s why the naming scheme of close range, mid range, and long range was introduced. It’s designed to remove all the guess work from the most common choke sizes. You simply pick the range that fits your hunting situation and that is it. So if you see a mid range choke, you can assume that it will function similar to a modified choke with steel shot.
Bottom Line: MR Stands for Mid-Range
MR stands for Medium Range and the diameter is Improved Cylinder. The letters MR will be written on the side of the choke tube. Improved Cylinder chokes perform in between that of Improved Skeet and Light Modified chokes.
Medium Range 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. One of the most popular mid range chokes is Carlson’s Cremator.
Search Chokes by Gauge
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?
Latest Posts
