First Thoughts on the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.
The Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. promises to tighten your patterns and extend your range with your 20-gauge Remington shotgun. This choke tube, manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, claims to deliver consistent and dense patterns, crucial for waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, or any situation requiring maximum pellet density at longer distances. At a modest price of $16.99, it’s an affordable upgrade that could significantly improve your shotgun’s performance.
I picked up the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. because I was consistently missing longer shots on ducks during late-season hunts. The stock modified choke in my Remington 870 simply wasn’t cutting it; I needed something that could reliably put more pellets on the target at 40+ yards. I was hoping this choke would offer a tighter pattern and a noticeable increase in effective range without breaking the bank.
Upon unboxing, the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. appeared to be well-made, with a clean, smooth finish. The steel construction felt solid and durable, giving me confidence that it could withstand repeated use. It was heavier than my factory choke, which initially seemed like a good sign, suggesting denser material and better constriction.
Compared to a Briley extended choke (which costs significantly more) and a factory full choke, the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. presented a more budget-friendly option. I chose the Carlson choke because I wanted to improve my shot patterns without investing a large sum. I was looking for an effective, reliable choke at a reasonable price, and Carlson’s reputation suggested this would fit the bill.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The choke looked the part, and the price was right. However, the real test would be on the range and in the field, seeing how it performed under actual hunting conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. at my local shooting range and during a duck hunt in the flooded timber. The range session involved patterning the choke at 30, 40, and 50 yards with various 20-gauge loads. I used both lead and steel shot to assess its versatility.
In slightly drizzly conditions at the range, the choke was easy to install using a standard choke wrench. The patterns at 30 yards were impressively tight with lead shot, almost too tight for close-range flushing birds. The steel shot patterns were denser than I expected at 40 yards, providing a noticeable improvement over my previous modified choke.
The initial range results were promising, but I had one issue after the first five shots. The choke tube started to slightly loosen and required tightening with the wrench.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple duck hunts and range sessions, the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the finish remains intact.
The choke continues to deliver consistent patterns, although the slight loosening issue persists, requiring periodic tightening. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a choke tube brush and solvent removes any residue. I’ve noticed very slight wear on the internal threading of the choke, but nothing significant.
Compared to previous experiences with higher-end chokes, the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. offers decent performance at a fraction of the cost. While it may not have the same level of precision or pattern consistency as premium brands, it provides a noticeable improvement over factory chokes for the price.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.
Specifications
The Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. is designed for Remington 20-gauge shotguns. Its internal diameter is .585, which provides the extra-full constriction needed for tight patterns.
It’s made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, which is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. This ensures that the choke can withstand repeated use and exposure to the elements.
The choke is designed to extend the effective range of your 20-gauge shotgun. The tighter constriction allows for more pellets to hit the target at longer distances, improving your chances of a clean kill.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. performs its primary job well: tightening shot patterns. With lead shot, it produces very dense patterns, making it ideal for turkey hunting or waterfowl at longer ranges.
However, it may be too tight for close-range upland bird hunting, potentially leading to missed shots at closer distances.
Its strength lies in its ability to extend the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun. The main weakness is the tendency to loosen during use, requiring frequent checks and tightening.
The Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. meets my expectations for a budget-friendly choke that offers improved pattern density. While it doesn’t outperform premium chokes, it provides a tangible improvement over factory options at a reasonable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. features a simple, functional design with a smooth, non-reflective finish. The weight is slightly heavier than factory chokes, lending a sense of durability.
Installation is easy with a choke tube wrench, and the knurled end provides a good grip for tightening. There is a slight learning curve in understanding how different loads perform with the choke at various distances.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction suggests the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. will last for many seasons with proper care. Periodic cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth installation and removal.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a choke tube brush, solvent, and light oil. Regular inspection for wear and tear can extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Remington shotguns. There are no additional accessories included with the product.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, you can experiment with different brands and types of 20-gauge ammunition to fine-tune your patterns. It’s worth noting that it is not recommended for use with steel shot larger than BB.
Pros and Cons of Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.
Pros
- Provides noticeably tighter shot patterns compared to factory chokes.
- Extends the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun, improving long-range accuracy.
- Affordable price makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures longevity.
- Easy to install and maintain with basic tools.
Cons
- Tends to loosen during use, requiring frequent tightening.
- Patterns may be too tight for close-range upland bird hunting.
- Limited to smaller steel shot sizes (BB or smaller).
Who Should Buy Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.?
The Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. is perfect for hunters who need tighter patterns at longer ranges, such as waterfowl hunters targeting ducks or geese at 40+ yards. It is also well-suited for turkey hunters seeking maximum pellet density in a tight circle for ethical and effective shots.
Hunters who primarily engage in close-range upland bird hunting (quail, grouse, woodcock) should skip this product due to the excessively tight patterns. Shooters who prefer the convenience and consistency of premium, extended, ported chokes might also find this choke lacking.
A must-have accessory is a reliable choke tube wrench for tightening the choke during use. Experimenting with different 20-gauge loads to find the optimal pattern is also highly recommended.
Conclusion on Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.
The Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. is a solid, budget-friendly option for shooters seeking tighter patterns with their 20-gauge Remington shotgun. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the tendency to loosen, its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for the price.
At $16.99, the price is definitely justified, especially considering the noticeable improvement in pattern density and effective range. This choke offers a tangible performance boost without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend the Carlson Rem-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. to anyone looking to enhance their 20-gauge shotgun’s long-range capabilities on a budget. Tighten those patterns, extend your range, and bring home more birds!