Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel is a specialized choke tube designed to optimize patterns when using Winchester’s Long Beard Turkey ammunition in a 20-gauge shotgun. This choke tube is crafted from durable 17-4 stainless steel and features a constriction specifically engineered to tighten shot patterns for longer-range shots, a must-have for serious turkey hunters. I’ve spent years chasing gobblers in the dense forests of the Ozarks, and I’ve seen firsthand how critical a tight pattern can be for a clean, ethical harvest.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a choke that consistently delivered tight patterns with my 20-gauge, especially when using the newer, advanced turkey loads. I was looking for a choke tube that could extend my effective range without sacrificing pattern density, giving me more confidence in those tough hunting scenarios. I chose this Carlson’s Choke Tubes model after reading several positive reviews and noting its specific design for Winchester Long Beard shells.
Upon receiving the choke tube, I was immediately impressed with its solid construction and clean finish. The 17-4 stainless steel gives it a reassuring weight and feel, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of the hunt. Compared to some of the cheaper, less precisely machined chokes I’ve used in the past, this one screamed quality right out of the box.
I considered a couple of other options, notably a Briley choke and a Patternmaster Code Black, but the Carlson’s Choke Tubes‘s specific design for Long Beard ammunition, combined with its more affordable price point, swayed my decision. I was excited to test its performance and see if it lived up to the hype. My initial impression was optimistic; this seemed like a well-made, purposeful tool that could genuinely improve my turkey hunting success.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at my local gun range, a controlled environment where I could focus on patterning the shotgun with the new choke. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards, using Winchester Long Beard XR shells as recommended by Carlson’s Choke Tubes. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the choke’s performance.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes performed admirably; the patterns at 30 yards were incredibly tight, with a dense core that would easily dispatch a turkey. Even at 40 yards, the pattern held together better than I expected, maintaining enough density for an ethical shot. I appreciated the immediate improvement in pattern consistency compared to my previous choke.
The choke was simple to install, screwing in smoothly without any binding or excessive force required. I experienced no issues with cycling or extraction, and the choke remained securely in place throughout the testing session. There were no unexpected surprises; it performed exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hunting trips in varying weather conditions, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. I’ve used it in everything from crisp, early-morning frosts to damp, drizzly afternoons without any noticeable change in performance. The 17-4 stainless steel shows no signs of rust or corrosion, even after being exposed to moisture and the occasional careless cleaning.
Maintenance is a breeze; a quick wipe-down with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it clean and functioning perfectly. I’ve noticed no signs of wear and tear, even after dozens of rounds fired. This choke outperforms any other 20-gauge turkey choke I’ve used in terms of pattern density and consistency at longer ranges.
Compared to previous chokes I’ve used, this one delivers noticeably tighter patterns and more consistent performance, particularly with the Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. I’ve gained a significant amount of confidence in my ability to make ethical shots at extended distances. It’s a clear upgrade over the factory choke that came with my shotgun.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel is designed specifically for 20-gauge shotguns. It’s constructed from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high pressures. This choke tube features a Turkey choke type, designed to produce extremely tight patterns at longer ranges.
The choke tube’s diameter is 0.568 inches, a constriction specifically engineered to maximize pattern density with Winchester Long Beard Turkey ammunition. The system is a Retay Choke, ensuring compatibility with shotguns that utilize this choke system. These specifications matter because they directly impact the choke’s ability to effectively tighten shot patterns and extend the shooter’s effective range.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes excels at its primary function: producing exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads. Its accuracy is impressive, delivering a dense core of pellets in the vital zone of a turkey target at distances exceeding 40 yards. This enhanced accuracy provides a significant advantage in the field, increasing the likelihood of a clean, ethical harvest.
The choke’s greatest strength is its ability to consistently deliver dense patterns at extended ranges, giving hunters the confidence to take longer shots when necessary. One potential weakness is that the tight constriction may produce overly dense patterns at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), potentially damaging the meat. The choke tube certainly meets, and even exceeds, expectations for performance with its intended ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes is built with a focus on durability and functionality. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to the elements. The choke’s weight is negligible, adding no noticeable burden to the shotgun.
The choke tube is incredibly user-friendly, screwing in and out of the shotgun’s barrel with ease. There is no learning curve involved; it performs as expected right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes is built to last, thanks to its rugged 17-4 stainless steel construction. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a bore brush and solvent to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion.
Minor scratches are easily buffed out, and the stainless steel resists rust and pitting. It’s a very durable and easy-to-maintain accessory.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond the standard choke tube wrench. However, its compatibility with the Retay choke system means that it can be used with a variety of aftermarket choke tube cases and wrenches. There are no readily available “customization” options beyond the choke itself, as its design is fixed for optimal performance with Long Beard ammunition.
While not a customization per se, experimenting with different brands and shot sizes within the 20-gauge Long Beard family can fine-tune performance to specific shotguns. The choke is designed to be a drop-in replacement for factory chokes, allowing for easy installation without any modifications to the shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard Turkey ammunition.
- 17-4 Stainless Steel construction offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Significantly extends the effective range for turkey hunting with a 20-gauge shotgun.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal effort for upkeep.
- Noticeably improves pattern density compared to factory chokes, increasing confidence in the field.
Cons
- The tight constriction may produce overly dense patterns at very close ranges (under 20 yards), potentially damaging meat.
- Specifically designed for Winchester Long Beard ammunition; performance with other loads may vary.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel?
This choke tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who use a 20-gauge shotgun and prefer Winchester Long Beard Turkey ammunition. Hunters seeking to extend their effective range and improve pattern density will find this choke invaluable. It’s also a great choice for those who value durable, reliable equipment that can withstand the rigors of the hunt.
This product may not be suitable for hunters who primarily hunt in very close-range environments (under 20 yards), or who prefer to use different brands or types of ammunition. Hunters who are unwilling to experiment with different loads to find the optimal combination for their shotgun may also not fully appreciate the benefits of this choke. A must-have accessory would be a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 70115 Long Beard Turkey 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel is a well-designed, durable, and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard ammunition. The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the peace of mind that comes with using a high-quality product. I would personally recommend this choke tube to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize the effectiveness of their 20-gauge shotgun.
If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities, give the Carlson’s Choke Tubes a try; it might just be the key to filling your tag this season. Invest in your hunt, improve your odds, and experience the satisfaction of a clean, ethical harvest.