First Thoughts on the Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises tighter patterns and increased range for turkey hunters. Carlsons is a well-known name in the choke tube industry, and this model is specifically designed for Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads, a game-changer in turkey hunting.
My journey to this choke tube started with frustration. Standard full chokes simply weren’t delivering the consistent, tight patterns I needed for ethical and successful turkey harvests. I was losing birds due to spotty patterns and ineffective pellet density at longer ranges. I needed a solution that would maximize the potential of TSS shot and extend my effective range.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. The black finish on the 17-4 stainless steel gives it a tactical look, but more importantly, it feels incredibly solid and well-made. It exudes quality; you immediately know you’re holding a serious piece of gear.
I compared this choke tube to a couple of other popular turkey chokes, namely a Primos Jelly Head Max and a TruLock Precision Hunter. I chose the Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black because of its reputation for TSS compatibility, the tight .640 constriction, and the Carlsons brand’s overall quality. Many other chokes claim TSS compatibility, but I needed a product with a proven track record.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a little apprehension. I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype, but also a bit apprehensive about whether such a tight constriction would pattern well with my specific shotgun and TSS load. Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, using a Winchester SXP 12 gauge pump shotgun. I patterned the choke tube at 30, 40, and 50 yards with Federal TSS #9 shot. The conditions were mild, with a slight breeze.
The difference compared to my old full choke was immediately noticeable. The patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent, especially at 40 and 50 yards. Pellets were consistently within a 20-inch circle, a marked improvement over my previous patterns.
The choke tube installed easily and securely. There were no issues with fitment, and it tightened down firmly with a standard choke tube wrench. After the first few shots, I retightened the tube to ensure it was still secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season, the Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven to be exceptionally durable. I hunted in various conditions, from pouring rain to dusty fields, and the choke tube showed no signs of rust or corrosion. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue.
There is minimal wear and tear. The black finish has held up well, with only a few minor scratches from handling. The choke tube remains as effective as it was on day one.
Compared to my previous experiences with other turkey chokes, this one is a clear winner. The improved patterns and extended range have noticeably increased my confidence and success in the field. It consistently delivers tight, dense patterns, making ethical shots at longer distances possible.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a 12-gauge extended choke tube. It is designed for Winchester, Browning Invector, and Mossberg 500 series shotguns that utilize the Invector choke system. The choke constriction is .640 inches.
It is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel with a black finish. It’s designated as a Turkey choke tube, optimizing for tight patterns at longer ranges. It is an extended choke tube, meaning it protrudes slightly beyond the end of the shotgun barrel.
These specifications matter because they contribute directly to the choke tube’s performance. The .640 constriction is specifically designed for TSS shot, ensuring optimal pattern density and range. The 17-4 stainless steel provides exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black excels at its primary job: delivering extremely tight and consistent patterns with TSS shot. Accuracy is dramatically improved compared to standard full chokes.
The choke tube’s strength lies in its ability to maintain a dense pattern at longer ranges. This allows for ethical and effective shots on turkeys at distances that would be impossible with less specialized chokes. One potential weakness could be over-constriction with non-TSS loads, potentially leading to pattern blow-out.
It absolutely exceeds my expectations. I’ve achieved consistent 20-inch patterns at 50 yards with Federal TSS #9s, a feat I couldn’t accomplish with any other choke tube I’ve tried.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is well-built. The materials used are top-notch, and the construction feels solid and reliable. The weight is negligible, adding no noticeable heft to the shotgun.
The choke tube is user-friendly. Installation is straightforward with a standard choke tube wrench. There is no learning curve involved; simply install it, pattern it, and you’re ready to hunt.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 stainless steel construction, the Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black should last for many seasons with proper care. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity.
Maintenance is simple. After each use, I clean the choke tube with a bore brush and solvent to remove any powder residue or plastic wad fouling. A light coat of gun oil helps prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black does not come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no customization options available for the choke tube.
It is compatible with any Winchester, Browning Invector, or Mossberg 500 series shotgun that utilizes the Invector choke system. It works exceptionally well with Federal TSS ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with TSS shot.
- Extends effective range for turkey hunting, allowing for ethical shots at longer distances.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably improves pattern density compared to standard full chokes.
Cons
- The tight .640 constriction may not be ideal for non-TSS loads, potentially leading to over-constriction and blown patterns.
- Limited to shotguns with Winchester/Invector style choke systems.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
This choke tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who are using TSS ammunition and want to maximize their effective range. It’s also a great option for hunters who are struggling to achieve consistent patterns with standard full chokes.
Hunters using lead or other non-TSS ammunition might want to skip this product, as the tight constriction could lead to less than optimal patterns. Hunters using shotguns with choke systems other than Winchester/Invector will also need to find a compatible choke tube.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Federal TSS ammunition is highly recommended to take full advantage of the choke tube’s capabilities.
Conclusion on Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a top-performing choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight patterns and extended range for turkey hunters using TSS ammunition. Its durable construction and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any serious turkey hunter’s gear.
At $41.35, the price is justified by the significant improvement in pattern performance and the increased confidence it provides in the field. It’s an investment that pays off with cleaner, more ethical kills.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of TSS shot and extend their effective range. If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want the best possible performance from your shotgun, the Carlsons 38005 TSS Turkey Winchester 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is an excellent choice. Upgrade your setup and experience the difference for yourself!