A Legacy of Excellence: The Browning Story
The crisp autumn air, a symphony of rustling leaves, and the distant call of a migrating flock – these are the moments that etch themselves into the memory of a hunter. These moments, the anticipation, and the ultimate success, often hinge on the performance of your shotgun. And at the heart of a shotgun’s accuracy and effectiveness lies the choke tube. For many, especially those favoring the legendary Browning brand, the name “Invector Plus 12g” resonates with quality, precision, and the promise of a successful hunt. This article delves into the world of the Browning Invector Plus 12g choke tube system, exploring its history, design, benefits, and how to unlock its full potential.
Engineering a Better Shot: Development of the Invector Plus System
Before we dive into the specifics of the Invector Plus, it’s essential to understand the company behind it. Browning, a name synonymous with quality firearms, has a long and illustrious history. From its inception, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of gun design and manufacturing. Their commitment to innovation and meticulous craftsmanship has solidified their reputation as a leader in the industry. This commitment is evident in every Browning product, including the Invector Plus system. For generations of hunters and shooters, owning a Browning has meant owning a piece of firearms history, a weapon built to last, and a tool designed to perform flawlessly in the field or on the range.
The Invector Plus system didn’t spring into existence overnight. It’s the culmination of years of research, testing, and a dedication to improving shotgun performance. The impetus for its development was clear: to create a choke system that would offer superior shot patterns and enhance versatility. The original Invector choke system, while an improvement over previous designs, had limitations. The Invector Plus was designed to overcome these limitations, offering significant advantages. This involved a careful consideration of factors like bore diameter and the geometry of the choke constriction itself.
The goal was to achieve tighter, more consistent patterns, extending the effective range of the shotgun and increasing the probability of a clean, ethical kill for hunters. For sport shooters, it meant improving scores and gaining a competitive edge. The Invector Plus system achieved this by employing a slightly over-bored barrel. This overbore design, combined with the specially designed choke tubes, allows for a more gradual transition of the shot column, reducing pellet deformation and improving the overall pattern density. This results in a more uniform distribution of shot, leading to better downrange performance.
The Invector Plus system also addressed the issue of recoil. By optimizing the choke tube design, engineers aimed to minimize felt recoil, making the shooting experience more comfortable and allowing for faster follow-up shots. This was especially important for heavier loads commonly used in hunting situations. The result of these innovations was a choke system that was markedly superior to its predecessors, and quickly established itself as a benchmark of quality and performance.
Unveiling the Design: Construction and Features
The brilliance of the Invector Plus system lies in its seemingly simple yet highly effective design. The tubes themselves are precision-machined, typically constructed from high-quality steel, and often coated with a finish designed to resist corrosion and wear. The precise dimensions of these tubes are critical to the system’s performance. The over-bored design allows for a larger internal diameter at the muzzle compared to the bore of the barrel.
The specific dimensions, the gradual taper of the constriction, and the precise angles of the choke are all meticulously engineered to shape the shot column. Some Invector Plus tubes incorporate additional features, like porting, which refers to small holes or vents near the muzzle. These ports are designed to redirect escaping gases, further reducing recoil and muzzle rise. These design choices contribute to the overall performance of the shotgun, creating a more comfortable shooting experience and enabling faster follow-up shots.
Crucial to understanding the Invector Plus is knowing the markings on the choke tubes. These markings denote the degree of constriction. Common markings indicate the size of the choke, using words like “cylinder”, “improved cylinder”, “modified”, “improved modified”, and “full”. Each of these represents a different degree of constriction, determining the density and spread of the shot pattern.
Unlock Your Potential: Benefits of Browning Invector Plus
The benefits of using the Browning Invector Plus are numerous, extending beyond simply achieving better shot patterns. One of the most significant advantages is the improved pattern density. The design of the Invector Plus allows for a more even distribution of shot pellets, resulting in fewer flyers and a higher percentage of pellets within the effective range. This translates to more consistent hits and a greater likelihood of successful shots.
Versatility is another key advantage. The Invector Plus system offers a wide range of choke tube options, allowing shooters to tailor their shotgun to specific applications. This versatility is a significant asset for hunters, as it enables them to effectively hunt different game species using the same shotgun. By switching chokes, a hunter can optimize their firearm for everything from fast-moving upland birds to long-range waterfowl.
Furthermore, the design of the Invector Plus, particularly with the inclusion of features like porting, can contribute to reduced recoil. The result is a more comfortable shooting experience, allowing shooters to stay on target and maintain accuracy over extended periods. This can be especially important in situations where a rapid follow-up shot is required. The precision-engineered choke tubes help extend the effective range of the shotgun by focusing the shot pattern. This increases the likelihood of hitting targets at greater distances.
The user-friendly nature of the Invector Plus system is another benefit. Changing chokes is a simple process, requiring only the correct choke wrench. The easy interchangeability allows shooters to quickly adapt to changing conditions or target types. This flexibility can make the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity.
Finding the Right Fit: Choke Selection Strategies
Choosing the right choke tube is essential for maximizing the performance of your Browning shotgun. The selection process depends on the intended use of the shotgun, the type of ammunition being used, and the distance to the target. The degree of constriction dictates the pattern size at a given distance.
For hunting, the choice of choke is often dictated by the game being hunted. For fast-flying upland birds like quail and pheasant, an improved cylinder or modified choke may be ideal. These chokes provide a wider pattern, allowing for quicker target acquisition at closer ranges. For waterfowl, where shots are often taken at longer distances, a modified or full choke is frequently preferred. These chokes produce a tighter pattern, maximizing the chances of a clean kill at extended ranges.
Sport shooters will often choose chokes based on the specific discipline. For skeet shooting, where targets are close and fast, cylinder or improved cylinder chokes are commonly used. For trap shooting, where targets are typically further away, modified or full chokes are often the choice. Sporting clays presents a wider variety of targets and distances, so a range of choke constrictions may be required to meet the challenges of each station.
Several factors should be considered in addition to the intended use of the shotgun when selecting a choke. The type of ammunition, including the size of the shot and the type of wads, can affect the pattern. The distance to the target is another critical consideration. It is often helpful to pattern the shotgun using different chokes and ammunition to determine the best combination for a given application.
Keeping it in Top Condition: Maintenance and Care
Maintaining the Invector Plus choke tubes is crucial for ensuring their longevity and optimal performance. Regular cleaning is essential. After each shooting session or hunting trip, the choke tubes should be cleaned to remove any fouling or debris. A specialized choke tube cleaner or solvent can be used to remove powder residue and other contaminants.
The tubes should be regularly inspected for any signs of damage, such as dents, bulges, or erosion. Any damaged tubes should be replaced immediately. It is important to inspect the threads of both the choke tube and the barrel for any signs of wear or damage. Proper storage is also essential. When the choke tubes are not in use, they should be stored in a clean, dry place, such as a choke tube case. This helps prevent rust and corrosion, which can damage the tubes and affect their performance.
Finding the Right Ones: Compatibility and Availability
The Browning Invector Plus choke tube system is widely used in many Browning shotgun models, offering excellent compatibility. The Invector Plus is not compatible with all Browning shotguns. Most newer Browning shotguns in 12 gauge are made with the Invector Plus system, but it’s essential to confirm compatibility.
Aftermarket options for Invector Plus choke tubes are readily available. Many reputable companies produce quality choke tubes that are compatible with the system. These aftermarket options offer shooters the opportunity to customize their shotgun’s performance even further. Gun stores and online retailers are good places to find these.
Evaluating the System: Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of the Browning Invector Plus system are substantial. The system excels in providing superior shot patterns, and offers incredible versatility for different shooting and hunting applications. The system is durable and the chokes are relatively easy to use and change.
There are few disadvantages to the Invector Plus system. Some shooters might find that the cost of high-quality choke tubes is a factor. Also, Invector Plus is not compatible with some older shotgun models.
Final Thoughts
The Browning Invector Plus 12g choke tube system is a testament to Browning’s dedication to innovation and quality. Its combination of precision engineering, versatility, and ease of use has made it a favorite among hunters and sport shooters alike. Whether you are pursuing waterfowl in a marsh, chasing upland birds through a forest, or breaking clays on a sporting course, the Invector Plus system can help you achieve your goals. By understanding its design, selecting the right choke for the task at hand, and maintaining it properly, you can unlock the full potential of your Browning shotgun and elevate your shooting performance. The Browning Invector Plus is not just a choke system; it’s an investment in accuracy, reliability, and a more rewarding shooting experience.
