First Impressions of Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube
Turkey season is a sacred time for me. It’s a yearly ritual, a chance to reconnect with nature, test my skills, and hopefully, bring home a bird for the table. My trusty Remington 870 has been a steadfast companion on these hunts for years, but its factory choke always felt like a compromise. This year, I decided to up my game with the Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube, hoping to finally achieve those tight, consistent patterns I’ve always dreamed of.
My quest for a better choke started with frustrating patterns at extended ranges. I was consistently missing birds that should have been within comfortable shotgun distance. The allure of the Avian X choke was its promise of tighter, more uniform patterns, maximizing kinetic energy at those crucial distances.
The Avian X choke arrived in a simple, no-nonsense package. Pulling it out, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel and the smooth, black PVD finish. It felt like a quality piece of equipment, built to withstand the rigors of the hunt. Compared to my factory choke, the Avian X felt noticeably more robust and well-engineered. I considered other chokes from brands like Carlson’s and TruLock, but the positive reviews specifically highlighting the Avian X’s pattern density swayed my decision.
My initial reaction was definitely excitement. The Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube felt like a serious piece of gear, and I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype. I couldn’t wait to get it to the range and pattern it with my preferred turkey loads.
Real-World Testing: Putting Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube was at my local shooting range. I set up targets at 30 and 40 yards, using a variety of turkey loads from Winchester and Federal. The weather was mild and dry, perfect conditions for patterning a shotgun.
Installation was a breeze, the choke screwing in smoothly and securely with my choke wrench. Right away, I noticed a significant difference in pattern density compared to my old choke. The Avian X seemed to hold the pattern tighter, with fewer flyers and a more consistent spread. There were no immediate issues, and the choke performed exactly as I’d hoped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, both at the range and on a few unsuccessful (turkey-wise!) hunts, the Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube has continued to impress. It’s held up exceptionally well, with no signs of wear or tear. The PVD finish has proven to be durable and easy to clean, resisting rust and scratches.
Maintaining the choke is simple: just a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with looser patterns and inconsistent performance, the Avian X has been a game-changer. I now have significantly more confidence in my shotgun’s ability to deliver a lethal pattern at extended ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube
Specifications
The Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube is specifically designed for 12-gauge Remington 870, 11-87, and 1100 shotguns, as well as Mossberg Pro-Factor PF3 models. It features a diameter of 0.665 inches. This choke is constructed from high-strength tempered steel.
The 0.665-inch diameter provides an extra-full constriction for exceptionally tight patterns. The high-strength steel ensures durability with high-powered turkey loads. It also has a black PVD finish.
Performance & Functionality
The Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube excels at its primary function: delivering dense, even patterns at extended ranges. The unique internal groove technology effectively separates pellets from the wad. The straight rifling prevents wad spinning, focusing more pellets on the target.
Its only real weakness is that it might be too tight for very close-range shots. It meets and exceeds expectations for long-range turkey hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Avian X choke is well-built and feels solid in hand. The PVD coating is smooth and durable. The choke is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
There is no learning curve involved. The design is straightforward and functional.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from high-strength tempered steel, the Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube is built to last. The PVD finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. Maintenance is simple, requiring only basic cleaning after each use.
The Avian X choke should provide years of reliable service with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Remington RemChoke systems. There are no specific customization options available for the choke itself.
However, the improved patterns may allow for more confidence in pairing it with various red dot sights or scopes designed for turkey hunting.
Pros and Cons of Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally dense and even patterns at extended ranges.
- Durable construction with a high-strength tempered steel build.
- PVD finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and easy cleaning.
- Features unique internal groove technology and straight rifling for improved pellet separation and pattern density.
- Rated for steel, tungsten, bismuth, and lead shot, offering versatility in ammunition choices.
Cons
- May produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots.
- No included accessories.
Who Should Buy Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube?
This choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who prioritize long-range accuracy and consistent patterns. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking to improve the performance of their Remington 870 or 11-87 shotgun. The Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube will make a fantastic addition to any avid turkey hunter’s gear.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick brush or wooded areas where shots are typically taken at very close range might want to consider a choke with a slightly more open constriction. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for installing and removing the Avian X.
Conclusion on Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube
The Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube is a well-built, high-performing choke that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns. At $59.99, the price is more than justified by the improved accuracy and confidence it provides. The Avian X choke represents excellent value for money.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Avian X Remington 870/11-87 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube to any turkey hunter looking to maximize the performance of their Remington shotgun. Invest in an Avian X and experience the difference for yourself this turkey season – you won’t be disappointed!