Choke tube markings are a series of lines, notches, letters, or numbers that help identify the size of a choke tube. The letters LM are usually written on the outside walls of the choke tube, and it can be confusing if you haven’t seen it before.
LM stands for LIGHT MODIFIED. It designates the choke tube constriction size and in this case LM is between an Improved Cylinder and Modified with regards to tightness. Light modified measures 0.710” in diameter.
Light Modified chokes are used for dove hunting and they help provide open patterns at distances between 20 and 35 yards. If you see “LM” written on a choke tube, you can be sure it’s tighter than an Improved Cylinder choke.
What does LM mean on a choke tube?
LM means Light Modified and is the second tightest choke other than those marked as turkey chokes. Choke tube letters designate what diameter a choke tube is and LM is included in these designations.
Some chokes can be labeled as LR and this means Long Range. This designation is brand specific and isn’t related to the standard naming scheme. Light Modified will be listed as LM, L. Modified, or Light Modified. LM chokes should not be confused with improved modified choke tubes.
What is the diameter of light modified chokes?
Light modified diameters can differ based on shotgun brand and choke system. Below is a chart showing the diameter of LM chokes by brand.
| Type | LM Diameter (inch) |
|---|---|
| Beretta/Benelli Mobil | 0.706 |
| Benelli Crio | 0.707 |
| Beretta Optima Plus | 0.712 |
| Benelli Super Sport | 0.707 |
| Beretta Optima | 0.712 |
| Browning Invector | 0.707 |
| Invector Plus | 0.720 |
| Remington | 0.707 |
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 LM choke tubes used for?
LM 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.
Light modified chokes aren’t a popular choke size and usually aren’t included when you purchase a new shotgun. However, the performance of light modified chokes between 20 and 35 yards is worth the investment.
Are LM choke tubes open chokes?
Light Modified choke tubes are tighter than Cylinder, Skeet, and Improved Cylinder. While they aren’t considered an open choke tube, they are designed for close shots. 35 yards is usually the max distance with small lead shot on doves with these chokes.
Light modified chokes excel with lead shot, especially smaller shot in #7.5 and #6. They can also be used with TSS shot which delivers devastating downrange patterns for waterfowl and turkeys.
Summary
LM stands for light modified. It will be written on the side of the choke tube. Light modified chokes perform in between that of an improved cylinder choke and a modified choke.
Light modified chokes are great for dove, quail, and other upland game birds as the open pattern is more forgiving for fast moving shots.
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