Choke tube markings are a series of lines, notches, letters, or numbers that help identify the size of a choke tube. The letters CR are usually written on the outside walls of the choke tube, and it can be confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
CR stands for CLOSE RANGE. It designates the choke tube constriction size and in this case CR is Improved Cylinder with regards to tightness. It measures 0.716” in diameter in fixed choke 12 gauges.
Close 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 “CR” written on a choke tube, you can be sure it’s an Improved Cylinder choke.
What does CR mean on a choke tube?
Choke tube letters designate the diameter of a choke tube and CR is included in these designations. CR stands for Close Range choke and is the fourth most open choke just behind Improved Skeet. One of the most popular Close Range choke tubes is the Carlson’s Cremator.
Some chokes can be labeled as “C. Range” and this means Improved Cylinder as well. This designation is brand specific and isn’t related to the standard naming scheme. Close Range will be listed as CR, C. Range, or Close Range. CR chokes should not be confused with Skeet or Cylinder choke tubes.
What is the diameter of Close Range chokes?
Improved Cylinder diameters differ based on shotgun brand and choke system. Below is a chart showing the diameter of CR chokes by brand.
| Type | CR 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 CR choke tubes used for?
CR choke tubes pattern wider at the closer ranges. They are ideal for sporting clays and 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 with choke sets for new shotguns. However, the performance of CR chokes between 15 and 30 yards is worth the investment.
Are CR choke tubes open chokes?
Close 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 close shots. 30 yards is usually the max distance with small lead shot on doves with these chokes.
CR chokes excel with lead shot, especially smaller pellet sizes in #6 though #8 range. They also can be used with TSS shot which delivers devastating downrange patterns for waterfowl and turkeys.
Bottom Line: CR Means Close Range
CR stands for Close Range. The diameter of a Close Range choke is Improved Cylinder. It will be written on the side of the choke tube. Improved Cylinder chokes perform in between that of Improved Skeet and Light Modified chokes.
Close 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 Close Range chokes is Carlson’s Cremator.
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Read More
- 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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