Choke tube markings are a series of lines, notches, letters, or numbers that help identify the size of a choke tube. The letters XFT are usually written on the outside walls of the choke tube, and it can be confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
XFT means X-Full Turkey. Many Stoeger shotguns, like the M3500, come with four choke tubes (IC, M, F, and XFT). Extra full turkey chokes equal a constriction between 0.682” and 0.670”. Extra-Full Turkey chokes are the tightest choke tubes available and are designed to deliver dense downrange patterns with lead shot at max ranges for turkey hunting.
What does XFT mean on a choke tube?
Choke tube letters designate the diameter of a choke tube and XFT is included in these designations. XFT stands for X-Full Turkey and is the tightest of all choke diameters.
Some chokes can be labeled as “XF” and this means Extra Full Choke as well. This designation is brand specific and isn’t related to the standard naming scheme. Extra Full choke diameters, similar to Stoeger’s XFT, will be listed as XF, EF, or XFULL on most tubes. XFT chokes should not be confused with Light Full or Full choke tubes.
What is the diameter of an XFT choke?
Extra Full Turkey choke diameters differ based on shotgun brand and choke system. Below is a chart showing the diameter of XFT chokes by brand.
| Choke Type | XFT 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 XFT choke tubes used for?
XFT choke tubes pattern tighter at extremely long ranges. They are ideal for shots on turkeys out to 60 yards. They work best with small to medium sized lead shot on strutting toms at extended ranges. X-Full Turkey chokes pattern extremely tight with most heavy magnum turkey loads.
X-Full Turkey chokes are one of the most popular choke sizes for turkey hunting, and they are usually included when you purchase a new Stoeger shotgun (M3500). The long-range performance of XFT chokes between 40 and 60 yards can be worth the investment.
Are Extra Full choke tubes open chokes?
XFT choke tubes are not open chokes and are one of the tightest of all choke sizes available. Extra Full chokes are tighter than a Full choke, but more open than Turkey chokes. They are considered a long-range choke tube and they are designed for turkey hunting. 60 yards is usually the max distance with lead shot with these chokes.
X-Full Turkey chokes excel with most turkey ammo due to the 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 turkeys.
What if a choke tube has no markings?
If you don’t see XFT written on the choke tube it may not be compatible with Stoeger shotguns. Most factory Stoeger chokes will have either XFT written on them or “lead shot only”.
Aftermarket choke tubes such as Patternmaster and Carlson’s are designed to be used with many different shot types, so they won’t have XFT written on them, but instead will have the pellet type (i.e. steel, lead, hevishot, etc) they are compatible with.
Bottom Line: XFT means X-Full Turkey
XFT stands for Extra Full Tukey Choke. The letters XFT will be written on the side of the choke tube. Extra Full chokes perform in between that of a Full and Turkey choke.
Extra Full Turkey chokes are great for 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 choke sizes for turkey hunting each season.
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