First Thoughts on the Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises tighter patterns and longer ranges for turkey hunting. It is manufactured by Carlsons, a name synonymous with quality choke tubes. The promise of increased performance with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads immediately piqued my interest, as I’m always looking for ways to improve my success rate in the turkey woods.
For years, I’ve struggled with achieving consistent, tight patterns past 30 yards with my Browning shotgun. The factory chokes worked adequately, but I knew there was room for improvement, especially when using the increasingly popular and highly effective TSS loads. I was searching for a choke tube specifically designed to handle the density and hardness of TSS shot, optimizing its performance for maximum range and lethality.
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black arrived in simple but effective packaging. The black finish on the 17-4 stainless steel gives it a durable and aesthetically pleasing look. It felt solid and well-made, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of the hunting season.
I considered other popular turkey chokes from brands like Briley and Kicks, but the Carlsons‘ reputation for precision and the specific design for TSS loads swayed my decision. Plus, the relatively affordable price point made it an easy choice to try out. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if this choke tube could truly live up to the hype and transform my turkey hunting setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black at my local shooting range. I was eager to see how it patterned with various TSS loads. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for testing.
I immediately noticed a significant tightening of the shot pattern at 40 yards compared to my factory full choke. The Carlsons choke produced a dense, even pattern that I was confident would be lethal on a gobbler at that range. There were no noticeable issues with installation or removal; the choke threaded smoothly into my Browning shotgun.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during turkey season, the Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven its worth. It has consistently delivered tight, reliable patterns with a variety of TSS loads. The black finish has held up well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite being exposed to mud, rain, and brush.
Cleaning the choke is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a bore brush and solvent after each use. Compared to my previous hunting experiences, this choke has provided a noticeable improvement in my effective range and confidence in taking longer shots. It has definitely outperformed my expectations, making it a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
- The Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is designed for 12-gauge shotguns with the Browning Invector Plus choke system. This ensures proper fit and compatibility with a wide range of Browning shotguns.
- It is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. This ensures the choke tube can withstand the pressures of heavy TSS loads and harsh environmental conditions.
- The choke has an extended design and a black finish. This offers easy installation and a sleek, non-reflective appearance.
- It features a constriction of .650. This constriction is specifically designed to optimize the performance of TSS turkey loads, delivering tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- Carlsons recommends this choke for use at 40 yards. This provides hunters with a clear guideline for effective range, ensuring ethical and lethal shots.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns with TSS loads. It has significantly improved my accuracy and effective range when turkey hunting. While it’s designed specifically for TSS, it can also be used with other lead and non-toxic shot, though the pattern might not be as optimized.
The primary strength of this choke is its ability to produce exceptionally dense patterns at longer ranges. The .650 constriction is optimized for the unique properties of TSS shot. One area for potential improvement could be offering different constriction options to cater to various preferences and load combinations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black features a simple, functional design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The extended design allows for easy installation and removal without tools, which is a significant advantage in the field.
The choke is user-friendly, with no learning curve required. The black finish reduces glare and helps to conceal the choke in the field. The weight is negligible and doesn’t affect the balance of the shotgun.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is built to last. It can withstand repeated use with heavy TSS loads and resist corrosion in harsh environments. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use to remove powder residue and prevent buildup.
With proper care, this choke should provide many years of reliable service. Its robust construction and corrosion-resistant properties ensure it can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting season after season.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black does not come with any accessories, as it is a standalone choke tube. Customization options are limited to selecting the appropriate choke constriction for your specific load and shotgun. However, it is compatible with any Browning shotgun that uses the Invector Plus choke system.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, hunters can experiment with different TSS loads to find the optimal pattern for their specific setup. The Invector Plus choke system is widely supported, so finding compatible choke wrenches and other accessories is easy.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns with TSS loads, extending effective range.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy installation and removal with extended design.
- Black finish reduces glare and provides a non-reflective appearance.
- Affordable price point compared to other premium turkey chokes.
Cons
- Constriction is specifically optimized for TSS loads; performance may vary with other shot types.
- Limited customization options; only available in one constriction (.650).
Who Should Buy Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
This choke is perfect for turkey hunters who use a Browning shotgun with the Invector Plus choke system and want to maximize the performance of TSS loads. It’s also ideal for hunters who are looking to extend their effective range and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns. This choke is a must-have for serious turkey hunters aiming for ethical and successful hunts.
Hunters who primarily use lead shot or other non-toxic alternatives might not see as significant an improvement in pattern density compared to using a choke specifically designed for those loads. Additionally, those who prefer to hunt at very close ranges (inside 20 yards) might find the tight constriction of this choke to be too restrictive. A different choke with a more open constriction might be more suitable for close-range hunting.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Different brands and grain weights of TSS ammunition are important to test to dial in the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and extended range with TSS loads. The durable construction, ease of use, and noticeable improvement in performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. The price is justified by the quality of materials and the significant increase in effective range and pattern density.
I would highly recommend this choke tube to any turkey hunter looking to upgrade their Browning shotgun and improve their success rate with TSS ammunition. It transformed my turkey hunting setup, giving me the confidence to take longer shots and harvest more gobblers ethically. Don’t head into the turkey woods without it! Get yours today and experience the Carlsons difference.