Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Winchester 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Winchester 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes promise tighter patterns and longer range when hunting turkeys. Carlson’s Choke Tubes are well-regarded for their quality and performance, and the Long Beard series aims to deliver devastating results with specific ammunition. It’s a choke tube designed to maximize the effectiveness of modern turkey loads, particularly those using shot-lok technology.
I was looking for a choke tube that could extend my effective range and increase my confidence in making clean, ethical shots on turkeys. My previous experiences with factory chokes left me wanting more consistent patterns at longer distances. I needed something that could truly maximize the potential of my shotgun and chosen ammunition.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard arrived in a simple, functional package. The choke tube itself felt solid and well-machined. The black finish was clean and seemed durable, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of the hunt.
I considered other options like the Briley X2 and the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey choke. However, the Carlson’s had overwhelmingly positive reviews specifically for its performance with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. This, combined with Carlson’s Choke Tubes reputation for quality and customer service, swayed my decision.
I was genuinely excited to test the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard. The promise of tighter patterns and extended range had me eager to see if it could live up to the hype. I hoped it would be the key to consistently bagging gobblers at distances that previously felt like a gamble.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Winchester 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard was at my local shooting range, patterning it with Winchester Long Beard XR 3″ #5 shot. The weather was clear and calm, ideal for evaluating pattern density and consistency. I shot at targets placed at 20, 40, and 50 yards.
The performance was immediately noticeable. At 40 yards, the pattern was incredibly tight and dense, far superior to anything I’d achieved with my factory choke. The improved pattern consistency inspired confidence in making ethical shots at extended ranges.
Installation was straightforward. The choke tube screwed in smoothly and seated properly with the provided wrench. No issues were encountered during installation or removal.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard, it has held up remarkably well. The finish shows no signs of wear, despite being exposed to various weather conditions. It has become an essential part of my turkey hunting setup.
Durability has not been a concern. The 17-4 stainless steel construction inspires confidence in its long-term reliability. Even after multiple cleanings and exposure to the elements, the choke tube looks and performs like new.
Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. I apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent corrosion. The maintenance is minimal, which is a definite plus.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard has significantly improved my success rate. It delivers tighter patterns and longer effective range, giving me the confidence to take shots that were previously out of reach. It is a worthwhile upgrade for any serious turkey hunter.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Winchester 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes makes this choke tube. Carlson’s Choke Tubes is known for quality and performance.
- Color: It features a black finish. This finish provides corrosion resistance and a tactical look.
- Fabric/Material: Constructed from 17-4 Stainless Steel. This material offers exceptional strength and durability.
- Gauge: Designed for 12 gauge shotguns. The 12 gauge is a popular choice for turkey hunting due to its versatility.
- Choke Tube System: Compatible with Mossberg Accu-Choke, Winchester Choke, and Browning Invector (Standard) systems. This ensures broad compatibility with various shotgun models.
- Choke Type: Specifically designed for turkey hunting. It is optimized for tight patterns at extended ranges.
- Diameter: Has a diameter of 0.66 inches. This tight constriction helps to concentrate the shot pattern.
- Gun Make: Suitable for Winchester, Mossberg, and Browning shotguns. It ensures compatibility with various popular shotgun brands.
- Quantity: Sold as a single choke tube. Only one choke tube is included in the package.
- Additional Features: It is non-ported. This design reduces recoil without the noise and debris associated with ported chokes.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a choke wrench. The wrench simplifies installation and removal.
- Condition: New condition when purchased. You are guaranteed a brand new item.
- Country of Origin: Made in the USA. The choke tube is proudly made in the United States.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and reliability of the choke tube. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures durability, while the 0.66-inch diameter provides a tight pattern for long-range shots. The compatibility with various shotgun brands makes it a versatile choice for many hunters.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard performs exceptionally well at extending the effective range of a 12-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting. Its primary function is to deliver extremely tight and consistent patterns at distances beyond what is typically achievable with factory choke tubes. It accomplishes this through its optimized constriction and design, which is specifically tailored to maximize the performance of modern turkey loads like Winchester Long Beard XR.
Its strengths lie in its ability to produce dense and uniform patterns, ensuring a high pellet count in the vital kill zone, even at 40-50 yards. Some users might find that it requires experimentation with different loads to achieve optimal patterns.
It exceeds expectations. I had read reviews of amazing patterns, and it delivered.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard features a simple and robust design. The black finish provides a non-reflective surface, which is beneficial in hunting situations. Its weight is negligible, adding no noticeable burden to the shotgun.
It is user-friendly. No special tools or skills are required for installation. It is a simple screw-in design.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard is built to last. It can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting, resisting corrosion and wear from repeated use. With proper cleaning and lubrication, it should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed. A light coat of gun oil will help prevent corrosion and ensure smooth installation and removal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. No further customization is possible with this product beyond selecting the correct thread pattern for your shotgun.
It is compatible with any standard 12-gauge shotgun that accepts Mossberg Accu-Choke, Winchester Choke, or Browning Invector (Standard) choke tubes. Beyond that, there aren’t any modification options.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Winchester 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns at long range.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
- Noticeably improves pattern density compared to factory chokes.
- Significantly extends effective range for turkey hunting.
Cons
- May require experimentation with different loads to achieve optimal patterns.
- Non-ported design may result in slightly more felt recoil.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Winchester 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize the range and effectiveness of their 12-gauge shotgun. This is an excellent choice for anyone using Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It is well suited for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are common.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick brush or at very close ranges might not see as much benefit from this choke. Those who are recoil-sensitive may prefer a ported choke tube, although the non-ported design of the Carlson’s helps maintain pattern density.
A quality set of shooting sticks or a tripod can help stabilize the shot and maximize accuracy at longer ranges. A good cleaning kit is essential for maintaining the choke tube and ensuring long-lasting performance.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Winchester 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Winchester 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes is a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter looking to extend their range and improve their pattern density. The choke tube delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns, particularly when paired with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. The solid stainless steel construction and easy installation make it a reliable and user-friendly addition to any shotgun.
The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the increased confidence it provides in the field. It transforms your shotgun into a turkey-killing machine.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard to any turkey hunter seeking a competitive edge. If you want to put more gobblers on the ground, you need this choke tube. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference.