Let’s Talk About Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube
The pursuit of the perfect turkey pattern can be a frustrating, expensive, and ultimately unfulfilling endeavor, leaving seasoned hunters with a mixed bag of results and a lingering sense of doubt. Enter the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube, a precision-engineered aftermarket choke designed to wring every ounce of performance from Winchester’s Long Beard turkey loads. The promise is simple: tighter patterns, greater penetration, and ethical kills at extended ranges.
I’ve spent countless hours tweaking my 20-gauge Browning, searching for the magic combination that delivers consistent results. My quarry is the Eastern wild turkey, a notoriously wary bird, and I needed a choke that could extend my effective range while maintaining pattern density. I was looking for a choke that would reliably put a high number of pellets in the kill zone at 40 yards and beyond.
Upon receiving the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube, I was immediately impressed by its robust construction. Machined from 17-4 stainless steel with a black finish, it felt solid and well-made, definitely not a cheap add-on. Compared to the factory choke and a couple of extended ported chokes I’ve used, the Carlson’s had a noticeable heft and an air of precision about it.
I considered other options, including chokes from Trulock and Indian Creek Shooting Systems, but the Carlson’s, with its specific design for the Long Beard load and its reputation for consistent patterns, won me over. It promised to solve a very specific problem. My initial excitement was tempered with cautious optimism; could this choke truly live up to the hype and deliver the tight patterns I desperately needed?
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at the local shooting range, a controlled environment where I could meticulously pattern the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube with different loads. I tested it with Winchester Long Beard #5 and #6 shot, along with a couple of other 20 gauge turkey loads for comparison. The weather was clear and cool, perfect for shooting.
The Carlson’s choke performed admirably, delivering noticeably tighter patterns with the Winchester Long Beard loads compared to the factory choke. At 40 yards, the Long Beard #6 produced a dense, even pattern with a high concentration of pellets in a 10-inch circle. I was genuinely impressed. There were no apparent issues, and the choke threaded smoothly into my Browning Invector Plus barrel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range session, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube accompanied me on several turkey hunts throughout the spring season. It withstood a variety of conditions, from drizzly mornings in the hardwood bottoms to dry, dusty afternoons in the open fields. Over several weeks it proved to be a reliable performer.
The choke held up beautifully, showing no signs of wear or corrosion despite repeated use and cleaning. Cleaning was straightforward, requiring only a quick scrub with a brush and solvent after each use. The Carlson’s noticeably outperformed my previous setup, consistently delivering tighter patterns and more ethical kills at extended ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns with the Browning Invector Plus choke system. It features a constriction of .568 inches, optimized for Winchester Long Beard turkey ammunition. The choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance, and finished in a non-reflective black.
These specifications are critical for achieving the choke’s intended purpose: maximizing pattern density and penetration with Long Beard loads. The tight constriction ensures that the shot column remains compact for longer, while the stainless steel construction guarantees longevity and resistance to the elements. The ported design helps to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube excels at its primary function: delivering dense, consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard turkey loads. It dramatically increases the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting. The choke performs exceptionally well, consistently placing a high percentage of pellets in the vital area of a turkey target at 40+ yards.
While the Carlson’s shines with Long Beard ammunition, its performance with other turkey loads is adequate but not exceptional. The choke’s main strength is the optimized design for a very specific purpose. I found that the recoil reduction from the ported design was noticeable, but not dramatic.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube boasts a simple, functional design with a focus on durability and performance. The black finish is non-reflective, ideal for hunting situations. The choke is easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
The choke’s weight is noticeable but not excessive, and it balances well with most 20-gauge shotguns. There is no learning curve associated with using this choke. The choke is simply installed like any other Invector Plus choke.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. Its robust construction ensures that it can handle repeated use and exposure to the elements. The choke is easy to maintain, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use to prevent the buildup of powder residue.
With proper care, this choke should last for many seasons of hard hunting. I anticipate that this choke tube will last longer than my shotgun.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. There are no other included accessories or customization options. The choke is designed to work with standard 20-gauge Browning Invector Plus barrels and is compatible with most aftermarket choke wrenches.
There aren’t many customization options for a choke tube, but you could certainly experiment with different ammunition types, even though this choke is specifically designed for Winchester Long Beard loads. You could also add a choke tube case to your kit for protection.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns with Winchester Long Beard turkey loads.
- Increased effective range for 20-gauge turkey hunting.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Noticeable recoil reduction from ported design.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Optimized specifically for Winchester Long Beard ammunition; performance with other loads may vary.
- Relatively tight constriction; may not be suitable for close-range shots.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube is perfect for turkey hunters who use a 20-gauge Browning Invector Plus shotgun and Winchester Long Beard ammunition, and are seeking to maximize their effective range. This choke is also ideal for hunters who value tight patterns, greater penetration, and ethical kills at extended ranges. This choke would be a welcome addition to any serious turkey hunter’s kit.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick cover where close-range shots are the norm might want to consider a more open choke. Hunters who don’t use Winchester Long Beard ammunition might find better performance with a choke specifically designed for their preferred load.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Browning Invector Plus Turkey Choke Tube is a highly effective and well-made choke that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and increased range with Winchester Long Beard ammunition. At $65.49, the price is justified by the performance gains and the durable construction. The Carlson’s is an investment that will pay dividends in the turkey woods.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any turkey hunter who fits the target demographic. If you’re a 20-gauge shooter using Long Beard loads, this choke is a game-changer. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference a quality choke can make!