Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke

The Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke promises tighter patterns and increased range for turkey hunting with a 20 gauge shotgun. Carlson’s is a well-respected name in the choke tube industry, known for producing quality products at reasonable prices. This particular choke is specifically designed to work optimally with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads, a popular choice among turkey hunters.

My own turkey hunting experience had plateaued. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver tight patterns at longer distances, beyond the typical 30-yard mark. The promise of improved performance with a trusted load caught my attention, making the Carlsons 70125 a compelling choice.

The choke tube arrived in simple, functional packaging. My initial impression was positive; the black finish was even and appeared durable, and the threads were clean and precise. The overall build quality seemed solid, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of turkey season.

I was considering a Trulock Precision Hunter choke and a Briley Extended Turkey choke at the time. The Carlsons 70125 won out because of its reputation for performing well with Long Beard loads and its more attractive price point. I hoped to get similar performance without breaking the bank.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The choke looked and felt well-made, and I was eager to test its performance in the field. Could this simple accessory finally help me bag that elusive longbeard?

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke at my local shooting range, patterning it with Winchester Long Beard XR shells at 30 and 40 yards. The range provided a safe and controlled environment to assess its effectiveness before hitting the woods. The weather was clear and mild, ideal for accurate shot placement.

The choke screwed in easily and securely to my Remington 870 20 gauge. Recoil was manageable and comparable to other turkey chokes I’ve used. The patterns at 30 yards were noticeably tighter than with my factory full choke.

There were no immediate issues. I was pleased with the initial results and eager to see how it performed in a hunting scenario.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full turkey season of use, the Carlsons 70125 has proven to be a reliable and effective choke. It has held up well to repeated use and cleaning. It has been subjected to damp conditions in the spring woods without any visible rust or corrosion.

There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite having fired dozens of rounds through it. I’ve found that a simple cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each range session or hunt keeps it in good condition. The choke is easy to remove and reinstall, even after extended use.

The Carlsons 70125 significantly outperforms my previous factory choke. It allows for more confident shots at extended ranges, leading to cleaner kills and fewer missed opportunities. The difference in pattern density is noticeable, especially beyond 30 yards.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke

Specifications

  • This Carlsons choke tube is designed for 20 gauge shotguns chambered for the Remington Rem Choke system. It is specifically optimized for turkey hunting.
  • The choke is designated as a “Turkey” choke, indicating a very tight constriction for dense patterns. Its black finish provides corrosion resistance.
  • It is designed for use with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads, maximizing their potential. The Carlsons 70125 is manufactured in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty.

These specifications are critical for turkey hunters seeking a specialized choke that enhances pattern density and extends effective range. The compatibility with the Remington Rem Choke system and the Long Beard loads is important for achieving optimal results. The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that Carlsons stands behind their product.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke performs exceptionally well in delivering tight, dense patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to using a standard full choke. The choke is easy to install and remove, making it user-friendly.

The choke’s primary strength lies in its ability to create consistently tight patterns with Winchester Long Beard shells. Its weakness might be that it is optimized for one specific load, possibly requiring testing with other loads to find optimal performance. It meets expectations for a dedicated turkey choke, offering a noticeable improvement in pattern density.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlsons 70125 features a simple, functional design. The black finish is durable and helps to prevent rust. Its weight is negligible, adding no noticeable bulk to the shotgun.

The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench. There is no learning curve; even a novice can quickly and easily use it.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlsons 70125 is constructed from high-quality steel. It appears capable of withstanding years of use with proper care. Minimal maintenance is required: simply cleaning it after use will prevent rust and buildup.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke does not come with any included accessories. The primary “customization” is choosing the correct ammunition to optimize performance. While no physical modifications can be made to the choke itself, experimenting with different shell brands and shot sizes is essential.

The choke is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Remington Rem Choke systems.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke

Pros

  • Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR shells.
  • Noticeably extends effective range for turkey hunting.
  • Durable construction and corrosion-resistant finish.
  • Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty from Carlson’s.

Cons

  • Optimized for Winchester Long Beard XR shells, potentially limiting performance with other loads.
  • No included choke wrench.


Who Should Buy Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke?

The Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke is perfect for turkey hunters who use a 20 gauge shotgun with the Remington Rem Choke system and prefer Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Those seeking to improve their pattern density and extend their effective range will benefit the most. This choke is a great option for both experienced turkey hunters and those just starting out.

Hunters who prefer to experiment with a wide variety of ammunition brands and types, or those who don’t use Winchester Long Beard XR shells, might want to consider other choke options. Someone needing a choke wrench will also have to purchase one separately.

A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory. Experimenting with different shot sizes within the Long Beard XR line can also further fine-tune patterns.

Conclusion on Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke

The Carlsons 70125 Remington 20 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke is a well-made, effective choke tube designed to optimize the performance of Winchester Long Beard XR shells in 20 gauge shotguns. It delivers tight, dense patterns that significantly extend effective range, making it a valuable tool for turkey hunters. The choke is durable, easy to use, and backed by a lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind.

The price of $48.70 is certainly justified, considering the performance improvements it offers. Compared to other premium choke tubes, the Carlsons 70125 provides excellent value.

I would personally recommend the Carlsons 70125 to any turkey hunter using a 20 gauge Remington shotgun and Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. If you are looking to improve your pattern density and extend your range, this choke is a must-have. Tighten those patterns, extend your range, and put more gobblers on the ground!


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