First Impressions of Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube
The Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube promises to tighten your patterns when using Federal’s Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads in a Retay shotgun. As an avid turkey hunter and someone who constantly tinkers with my shotgun setups, I was eager to see if this choke tube could truly deliver tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges. This choke tube, crafted by Trulock, aims to provide the optimal constriction for maximizing the effectiveness of TSS shot, which is known for its incredibly dense patterns and long-range capabilities.
My quest for this specific choke tube began last season. After missing a gobbler at what I thought was a reasonable distance, I started questioning my pattern density. I needed something that could consistently deliver tight, lethal patterns at distances beyond 40 yards. The promise of a Trulock choke specifically designed for Federal TSS in my Retay was too tempting to resist.
Upon receiving the Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube, my initial impression was positive. The matte black finish was clean and professional, and the steel construction felt robust. It wasn’t overly heavy, but it exuded a sense of quality. Compared to the factory-supplied chokes that came with my Retay, this Trulock offering immediately felt like a step up in terms of build quality and purpose.
I had been considering a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a Jeb’s Headhunter choke, both popular options for turkey hunting. Ultimately, I opted for the Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube because of its specific design for TSS loads and its compatibility with my Retay shotgun. The precision and targeted performance promised by Trulock swayed my decision. I was also curious to see how it would perform against the hype surrounding TSS loads.
My initial excitement stemmed from the potential to extend my effective range and improve my confidence in the field. I was also somewhat skeptical, as many aftermarket choke tubes promise similar results, and I’ve been burned before. I was hoping this Trulock choke would prove to be more than just marketing hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube was at my local shooting range, patterning it with Federal TSS #9 shot at 40 yards. The weather was cool and dry, which provided ideal conditions for testing. I wanted to see how tight the patterns were and if there were any noticeable holes or inconsistencies.
The installation was straightforward; the choke tube threaded smoothly into my Retay’s barrel using a choke tube wrench. After firing the first shot, I immediately noticed a difference compared to my previous choke. The pattern was noticeably tighter and more uniform. There was a significant reduction in flyers, and the majority of the pellets were concentrated in a dense, consistent core.
The ease of use was exceptional; no adjustments or modifications were needed. The choke tube fit perfectly, and the improved patterns were immediately apparent. I experienced no issues with cycling or extraction. However, I was slightly surprised by the recoil. The tighter constriction seemed to amplify it slightly compared to my more open chokes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and two turkey hunts, the Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube has consistently delivered impressive results. The durability has been excellent; there are no signs of wear and tear, even after being exposed to various weather conditions. The steel construction has held up well to repeated use and cleaning.
Maintenance is simple; I clean the choke tube after each use with a standard choke tube cleaner and a nylon brush. It’s a quick and easy process that ensures the choke remains in good condition. Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, the Trulock choke has significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern density and consistency. My confidence in taking longer shots has noticeably increased.
Breaking Down the Features of Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube
Specifications
The Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube is specifically designed for Retay 12-gauge shotguns and optimized for Federal TSS ammunition. The choke tube is constructed from Steel, providing durability and resistance to wear. It features a Retay Choke system, ensuring proper fit and function within Retay shotguns. The choke type is Turkey, indicating its intended use for tight patterns at extended ranges. The product quantity is 1, meaning one choke tube per package. The color is Black, providing a non-reflective finish. These specifications are critical for achieving optimal performance with TSS loads.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The steel construction ensures the choke can withstand the pressures generated by TSS loads, which are often higher than traditional lead or steel shot. The Retay Choke system guarantees proper threading and alignment, preventing damage to the barrel and ensuring consistent patterns. The Turkey choke designation indicates that the constriction is optimized for tight patterns, which is essential for ethical and effective turkey hunting at longer distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube excels at its primary job: delivering extremely tight and consistent patterns with Federal TSS ammunition. The accuracy at 40+ yards is remarkable, with a significant percentage of pellets consistently hitting within a 10-inch circle. The reliability has been flawless; I have experienced no issues with the choke loosening or causing malfunctions. The usability is straightforward; simply install the choke, pattern your shotgun, and you’re ready to hunt.
The Trulock choke’s strength lies in its specialized design for TSS loads and its precise constriction. One potential weakness is that it is not as versatile as more open chokes for other types of hunting or shooting. It definitively meets my expectations, drastically improving my effective range and confidence while turkey hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube features a robust steel construction with a matte black finish. The materials used are high-quality, providing a sense of durability and longevity. It adds minimal weight to the shotgun, maintaining a comfortable balance. The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills.
The Trulock choke is extremely user-friendly. There is no learning curve; simply thread it into your shotgun and tighten it with a choke tube wrench.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction, the Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube is expected to last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent rust and corrosion. Minor scratches or dings are unlikely to affect performance.
Maintenance is easy. Cleaning requires only a choke tube cleaner, a nylon brush, and a few minutes of time after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube does not come with any accessories. The primary customization option is selecting the appropriate choke constriction for your specific needs and preferences. While Trulock offers a variety of choke constrictions for different applications, this specific model is designed and optimized for Federal TSS loads.
It is important to note that while this choke tube is designed for Retay shotguns, it may not be compatible with choke tubes from other brands. Always verify compatibility before attempting to install a choke tube. You should only use choke tubes specifically designed for your shotgun model.
Pros and Cons of Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Consistently delivers extremely tight and uniform patterns with Federal TSS loads.
- Improved Effective Range: Extends the range at which you can ethically and effectively harvest game, particularly turkeys.
- Durable Steel Construction: Built to withstand the pressures of TSS loads and provide long-lasting performance.
- Easy to Install and Maintain: Simple to install with a choke tube wrench and easy to clean after each use.
- Specifically Designed for Retay Shotguns: Ensures a proper fit and optimal performance in Retay 12-gauge shotguns.
Cons
- Limited Versatility: Primarily designed for use with Federal TSS loads, making it less versatile for other types of hunting or shooting.
- Increased Recoil: The tighter constriction may result in slightly increased recoil compared to more open chokes.
Who Should Buy Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube?
The Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who use Retay 12-gauge shotguns and Federal TSS ammunition. It’s also beneficial for hunters who prioritize ethical and effective harvests at longer distances. This choke tube is also great for competitive shotgun shooters who want to achieve the tightest patterns possible.
This product is probably not the best choice for hunters who use a variety of ammunition types or prefer a more versatile choke tube for different hunting scenarios. It also may not be necessary for hunters who typically hunt at close ranges and don’t require extended range capabilities.
A must-have accessory for this choke tube is a high-quality choke tube wrench to ensure proper installation and removal. Additionally, investing in a boresnake or choke tube cleaning kit will help maintain the choke’s performance and longevity.
Conclusion on Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube
The Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube is a specialized and highly effective choke tube that delivers exceptional pattern density and extends the effective range of Retay 12-gauge shotguns when using Federal TSS ammunition. The Trulock choke is well worth the investment if you use TSS loads and demand the tightest patterns possible.
The price of $43.99 is justified given the performance improvement and durability of the Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube. It provides a significant advantage in the field, especially when hunting wary turkeys at longer distances.
I would definitely recommend the Trulock Retay 12 Ga Federal TSS Choke Tube to any serious turkey hunter who uses a Retay shotgun and Federal TSS ammunition. If you are ready to take your shotgun’s performance to the next level and experience the benefits of tighter, more consistent patterns, then give this choke tube a try!