Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube is a specialized shotgun accessory designed to deliver tight, consistent patterns for turkey hunting. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, it is crafted from heat-treated stainless steel and extends slightly beyond the barrel to optimize shot performance. This choke tube promises to enhance accuracy and power, making it a valuable tool for serious turkey hunters looking to improve their success in the field.
My relentless pursuit of a tighter, more reliable pattern led me to the Carlson’s choke tube. I was consistently frustrated by the inconsistent spread of my factory choke, resulting in missed opportunities during crucial hunting moments. I needed a solution that would confidently deliver the majority of my shot payload within a smaller, more lethal area at typical turkey hunting distances.
The packaging was straightforward, with the choke tube securely encased. Upon unboxing, the Carlson’s choke tube felt solid and well-machined, with a reassuring weight that spoke to its 17-4 stainless steel construction. The black finish was clean and professional, and the extended design hinted at its pattern-enhancing capabilities.
I considered the Briley X2 and the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey choke tubes, both highly regarded in the turkey hunting community. Ultimately, the Carlson’s choke tube won me over because of its positive reviews regarding pattern density and the fact that it’s specifically designed for FABARM shotguns, ensuring a better fit and performance. It offered a balance of performance and price that resonated with my needs.
Initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube appeared to be a robust, purpose-built accessory designed to deliver on its promise of tighter patterns, and I was eager to test its performance in the field. I felt a surge of optimism that this would be the key to filling my freezer with wild turkey this season.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube took place at my local shooting range, where I patterned it with a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads. I tested the choke tube with Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend, all popular choices for turkey hunting. The weather was clear and cool, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The Carlson’s choke tube dramatically improved pattern consistency and density compared to my factory choke. At 40 yards, the majority of the shot consistently stayed within a 12-inch circle, providing a lethal pattern that inspired confidence. The choke tube was easy to install and remove using a choke tube wrench, making the process seamless.
I didn’t experience any immediate issues, but I did notice the extended portion of the choke tube accumulated powder residue more quickly than the flush-mounted chokes I was used to. This required slightly more frequent cleaning to maintain peak performance. The increased recoil, although manageable, was slightly more pronounced than with looser chokes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube has proven to be a reliable and durable accessory. It has held up well to repeated use in various weather conditions, including rain, mud, and extreme temperatures. The stainless-steel construction has shown no signs of rust or corrosion.
Despite numerous hunts and range sessions, the Carlson’s choke tube shows only minor cosmetic wear, primarily some slight discoloration from powder residue. Maintenance is simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. I have also used a choke tube lubricant to prevent seizing.
The Carlson’s choke tube has significantly outperformed my previous experiences with factory chokes. I’ve experienced cleaner, more ethical kills due to the tighter, more consistent patterns it delivers. This translates to more successful hunts and greater confidence in my equipment.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube is specifically designed for 12-gauge FABARM shotguns. The choke features a .650-inch diameter constriction, optimized for tight turkey patterns. It’s constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, ensuring resistance to corrosion and wear.
This choke tube is designated as a “Turkey” choke, signifying its intended use for turkey hunting with specialized turkey loads. The extended design, protruding approximately 1 inch beyond the barrel, helps to further tighten shot patterns. It is specifically designed for use with copper-plated and buffered lead turkey loads, providing optimal performance.
The choice of 17-4 stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand the pressures of heavy turkey loads and repeated use. The .650-inch constriction provides a significant reduction in bore diameter, forcing the shot payload into a tighter cluster for increased range and impact. The extended design allows for a longer transition zone, further refining the shot pattern.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube excels in its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting distances. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to more open chokes, increasing the hunter’s effective range and lethality. The choke tube is incredibly reliable and functions flawlessly with a variety of turkey loads.
Its strength lies in its ability to consistently place a high percentage of the shot payload within a small area, ensuring a clean and ethical kill. A minor weakness is the restriction against using steel shot larger than #4, which could limit its versatility for other hunting applications. The Carlson’s choke tube has exceeded my expectations in pattern density and overall performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube features a robust build quality with a durable, black finish. The 17-4 stainless steel provides significant weight, lending a feeling of quality and durability. The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal with a choke tube wrench.
The choke tube is user-friendly, requiring no specialized tools or skills for installation. The exterior is smooth and easy to clean, making maintenance straightforward. The choke tube is specifically designed for FABARM shotguns, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance.
Durability & Maintenance
Crafted from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube is built to withstand years of use. With proper care, it should last for many hunting seasons. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain its performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube itself is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with standard choke tube wrenches designed for 12-gauge shotguns. No further customization is available or necessary for this choke tube.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns: Delivers a significantly denser shot pattern compared to factory chokes, increasing effective range and lethality.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction: Ensures longevity and resistance to corrosion in harsh hunting conditions.
- Easy installation and removal: Compatible with standard choke tube wrenches for hassle-free changes.
- Specifically designed for FABARM shotguns: Guarantees a perfect fit and optimal performance.
- Improved ethical kills: Increases the likelihood of clean, humane kills due to denser patterns.
Cons
- Not compatible with steel shot larger than #4: Limits its versatility for other hunting applications.
- Extended design can accumulate powder residue: Requires more frequent cleaning to maintain peak performance.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube?
This choke tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a FABARM shotgun and are looking to maximize their pattern density and effective range. Experienced hunters who demand precision and reliability from their equipment will greatly benefit from the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube. It is also suitable for those who hunt in areas with challenging terrain or unpredictable weather conditions.
Hunters who primarily use steel shot for waterfowl or other game should skip this product due to its restriction on steel shot larger than #4. Those who are content with the performance of their factory chokes and prioritize versatility over specialized turkey hunting performance may not find this choke tube necessary. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube is a well-designed, durable, and highly effective accessory for turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance from their FABARM shotgun. Its ability to consistently deliver tight, dense patterns makes it an invaluable tool for increasing ethical kills and overall hunting success. At $58.49, the price is justified considering the enhanced performance and peace of mind it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Fararm HP 12 Gauge .650 Turkey Choke Tube to any serious turkey hunter looking to upgrade their shotgun’s performance. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities, this choke tube is a game-changer. Invest in your hunting success and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make.