First Thoughts on the Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises to deliver tighter patterns and extended range for turkey hunters using 20-gauge Remington shotguns. This aftermarket choke is designed specifically for Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads, which are known for their incredible density and downrange energy. The promise of maximizing the effectiveness of TSS in my 20-gauge, a setup I often prefer for its lighter weight and maneuverability, immediately piqued my interest.
My usual turkey setup involves a factory full choke, which, while effective, sometimes produces patterns that are too tight at close range, leading to missed birds. I was looking for a choke that could provide consistently dense patterns at varying distances, particularly when using TSS loads, giving me confidence in every shot. This Carlsons choke seemed like the perfect solution to refine my patterns and extend my effective range.
The choke arrived in simple, no-frills packaging, which is perfectly fine by me as long as the product performs. My initial impression was positive; the black finish was clean and even, and the stainless steel construction felt robust and durable. Compared to the factory choke, this Carlsons model appeared to be of higher quality, with a more precise and intentional design.
Initially, I was excited to get this choke out into the field. The potential to improve my 20-gauge turkey hunting experience with a dedicated TSS choke was very appealing. My anticipation centered on seeing if this Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black would truly deliver on its promises of tighter patterns and enhanced range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black was at my local shooting range, patterning various TSS loads with my Remington 870 20-gauge. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards to assess the pattern density and consistency at different ranges. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal conditions for patterning.
I immediately noticed a significant improvement in pattern density compared to my old full choke, particularly at 30 and 40 yards. The TSS pellets were consistently distributed within a tight, lethal circle, providing much better confidence for longer shots. There were no immediate issues, and the choke performed as expected right out of the gate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two turkey hunting trips in varying weather conditions (one dry and cool, the other damp and mild), the Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the black finish remains intact. The stainless steel construction inspires confidence in its long-term durability.
Cleaning the choke is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. This choke has definitely outperformed my previous factory choke in terms of pattern density and consistency. I now have much greater confidence taking longer shots in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is specifically designed for 20-gauge Remington shotguns. The choke is extended, and features a .555 constriction, optimized for Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads. It is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength and corrosion resistance, and features a black finish for added durability and a sleek appearance.
These specifications are critical for optimizing turkey hunting performance. The .555 constriction is ideal for creating tight, dense patterns with TSS, maximizing the number of pellets within the kill zone at extended ranges. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the choke can withstand the high pressures associated with TSS loads and resist corrosion from harsh weather conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black performs its job exceptionally well, delivering consistently tight and dense patterns with TSS loads. The choke significantly extends the effective range of my 20-gauge, providing ethical and lethal shots at distances beyond what my previous choke allowed. Its strength is its ability to consistently deliver tight patterns, however, it may pattern too tightly with non-TSS loads at close range.
The choke meets and exceeds my expectations, turning my 20-gauge into a specialized turkey-hunting machine. Its performance inspires confidence in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black features a robust design made from high-quality materials. Its weight is negligible. There is no learning curve, as it installs just like any other Remington choke.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures this choke is built to last. Its corrosion resistance is top-notch. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a bore brush and solvent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black does not come with any additional accessories. The choke is compatible with any 20-gauge Remington shotgun that accepts Rem Chokes. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself, but you can adjust the overall performance by experimenting with different TSS loads from various manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Significantly improves pattern density with TSS loads.
- Extends the effective range of 20-gauge Remington shotguns for turkey hunting.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Provides ethical and lethal shots at longer distances.
Cons
- May produce patterns that are too tight at close range with TSS loads, requiring careful range estimation.
- Optimized specifically for TSS, may not perform as well with other types of ammunition.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
This choke is perfect for turkey hunters who use 20-gauge Remington shotguns and prefer to hunt with TSS loads. It is also great for hunters who are looking to extend their effective range and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns. This is a great choice for those who want to maximize the performance of their 20-gauge.
Hunters who primarily use lead or other non-TSS ammunition or who typically hunt at very close ranges (inside of 20 yards) might not see as much benefit from this specialized choke. Those who prioritize versatility over maximum TSS performance may want to explore other choke options.
Conclusion on Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38003 TSS Turkey Remington 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a highly effective choke tube designed specifically for optimizing the performance of TSS loads in 20-gauge Remington shotguns. Its ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges makes it an invaluable tool for serious turkey hunters. The price is certainly justified.
I would absolutely recommend this choke to anyone looking to maximize their 20-gauge turkey hunting setup with TSS. It has significantly improved my confidence in the field. If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want to get the most out of your 20-gauge and TSS loads, this choke is a must-have.