First Thoughts on the Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey
The Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey choke tube isn’t the sexiest piece of gear, but for a turkey hunter chasing that long beard, it’s a critical component. Carlson’s promises tighter patterns specifically optimized for Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads, and in the turkey woods, tight patterns equal filled tags. This choke tube is designed for Invector style choke systems.
I needed a reliable choke tube that would help me maximize the effective range of my 20 gauge, specifically for turkey hunting. The Carlsons name carries weight, and their lifetime warranty provides peace of mind. I was seeking that confidence boost of knowing I was using a quality product designed to perform under pressure.
Out of the box, the Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey choke is a simple, unassuming piece. The black finish is clean and functional, and the threads appear well-machined. Its weight is negligible, as expected, and the overall build quality feels solid; this isn’t a flimsy piece of metal.
I considered a few other options, including extended ported chokes from other manufacturers. I chose the Carlsons primarily because of its specific design for Winchester Long Beard loads, and its reputation for producing exceptionally tight patterns. The price point was also attractive; I wasn’t looking to break the bank on a choke tube.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It didn’t blow me away with fancy features, but I was eager to see if it lived up to the claims of improved pattern density in the field. The lifetime warranty from Carlson’s added to my excitement.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey was during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Kansas. The morning was damp, with a light fog hanging in the air, typical turkey hunting weather. I patterned the choke at 30 and 40 yards using Winchester Long Beard XR 20 gauge shells.
The performance was immediately noticeable; the pattern was significantly tighter and more consistent than with the factory full choke that I had previously used. The vast majority of the pellets were concentrated within a 12-inch circle at 40 yards. The improved pattern density gave me the confidence to take a shot at a gobbler that hung up just outside my previous effective range.
The choke tube was easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench. There were no issues with threading or fitment. There were no unexpected issues and my confidence soared after seeing the pattern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After two full turkey seasons and numerous trips to the range, the Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite being exposed to various weather conditions. The black finish shows some minor wear, but it’s purely cosmetic.
Maintenance is simple; I clean the choke tube after each use with a bore brush and solvent to remove any plastic wad residue. The choke continues to thread smoothly and securely into my shotgun. It consistently produces tight, reliable patterns.
Compared to my previous experiences with generic full chokes, the Carlsons choke dramatically improved my pattern density and effective range. The difference is not subtle, and it has translated directly into more successful hunts. It definitely outperforms my expectations for a choke in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey
Specifications
Type: Choke Tube. This is a constriction device designed to tighten the shot pattern of a shotgun.
Gauge: 20 Gauge. The choke is specifically designed for 20 gauge shotguns.
Choke Size: Turkey. This indicates the choke is designed for turkey hunting, producing extremely tight patterns at longer ranges.
Model: Invector. This designates the choke as compatible with shotguns using the Invector choke tube system.
Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a low-profile look.
These specifications are important because they ensure compatibility with your 20-gauge shotgun (provided it uses the Invector system) and optimizes performance for turkey hunting. The “Turkey” designation means it’s designed for maximum pattern density at typical turkey hunting distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey choke tube performs exceptionally well in its intended role: tightening shot patterns for turkey hunting. It achieves this by constricting the shot column as it exits the barrel. This reduces pellet spread and increases the number of pellets hitting the target.
The primary strength is its ability to consistently produce very tight patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. A potential weakness could be over-constriction; extremely tight patterns may be less forgiving at close range, but this is rarely an issue in turkey hunting. This choke exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid. The choke tube is constructed from what appears to be high-quality steel, and the threads are precisely machined. The Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey is not particularly user-friendly; it’s a simple screw-in choke tube.
There’s virtually no learning curve. You only need to apply some choke tube grease upon installation.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey choke tube should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining its performance and preventing corrosion. The Carlson’s lifetime warranty provides further reassurance about its longevity.
Maintenance involves simple cleaning after each use. I apply a light coat of choke tube grease to the threads.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey choke tube doesn’t come with any accessories beyond basic packaging. It can be used with different brands of 20-gauge ammunition, but it is specifically designed for optimum performance with Winchester Long Beard XR loads. Choke tube wrenches are necessary for installation and removal and are sold separately.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey
Pros
- Produces exceptionally tight and consistent patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
- Significantly increases effective range for turkey hunting.
- Durable construction and corrosion-resistant finish.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Backed by Carlson’s Lifetime Warranty.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight for very close-range shots (although rare in turkey hunting).
- Specifically optimized for Winchester Long Beard XR; performance with other loads may vary.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey?
Perfect for turkey hunters using a 20-gauge shotgun with the Invector choke system, seeking to maximize their effective range and pattern density with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. This product is also great for those hunters seeking a tight pattern, and increased confidence when hunting.
Hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at very close range (inside of 20 yards) might find the pattern too tight. Hunters who use other brands of ammunition extensively might want to pattern test with the Carlsons choke before relying on it in the field. It could also be a miss for those that don’t own a 20 gauge.
A must-have accessory is a choke tube wrench. You’ll also want to consider choke tube grease.
Conclusion on Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey
The Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey choke tube is a simple but effective upgrade for any serious turkey hunter using a 20-gauge shotgun with the Invector choke system. Its ability to produce incredibly tight patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition, provides a significant advantage in the field. The lifetime warranty from Carlson’s adds to the value proposition.
At a price of $48.70, the price is justified, given the improved performance and increased confidence it provides. The Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey is a worthwhile investment.
I would personally recommend the Carlsons 70105 Winchester 20 Gauge Turkey choke to any turkey hunter looking to improve their pattern density and effective range. If you’re tired of missed opportunities due to poor patterns, give this choke a try. You may just find yourself tagging more long beards than ever before. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to maximize the performance of your 20 gauge this turkey season – get yourself a Carlsons choke and get ready to fill your tag!