Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black

Turkey hunting is a dance of patience, precision, and a little bit of luck. For years, I’ve chased gobblers across state lines, relying on shotguns and chokes that were… adequate. That all changed when I stumbled upon the Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black choke tube.

What drew me to this particular choke was the promise of tighter patterns with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads. My old setup was scattering shot more than I liked, leading to frustrating misses and wounded birds. I needed something that could consistently deliver a dense pattern at longer ranges.

Upon receiving the choke, I was immediately impressed by the robust construction. It felt solid and well-machined, a far cry from some of the cheaper aftermarket chokes I’d encountered. The black finish was even and durable, suggesting it would hold up well to the rigors of the hunt.

I considered other chokes from Patternmaster and Jebs Chokes, but Carlson’s reputation for quality and the specific recommendation for TSS loads swayed me. The price point of $41.35 also made it an attractive option compared to some of the higher-end, more specialized chokes.

My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism. Could this relatively affordable choke really deliver the performance boost I was hoping for? Only time and testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black was at my local shooting range, patterning various turkey loads at 40 yards. I tested both the Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS Turkey Loads as the Choke tube was optimized for and some Winchester Long Beard XR loads. The conditions were clear and calm, ideal for assessing pattern density and consistency.

I immediately noticed a significant improvement in pattern tightness compared to my old choke. The Federal TSS loads, in particular, produced incredibly dense and consistent patterns, with a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. There was no need for me to take as much time getting used to the new equipment as the patterns were exactly what I was looking for.

The Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black did exactly what I had hoped and performed flawlessly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full turkey season of use, the Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black has proven to be incredibly durable. The black finish shows no signs of wear, despite being subjected to mud, rain, and the occasional accidental bump against trees. Cleaning has been straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to keep it in top condition.

Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black is in a different league. It has consistently delivered tighter patterns and improved my confidence in the field. I have taken 3 birds this season and have not wounded any, allowing for ethical hunting.

The Carlsons choke has consistently improved my success rate and provides the performance I need to enjoy turkey hunting.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black

Specifications

• Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is a standard gauge for turkey hunting, offering a good balance of power and manageable recoil.
• Choke Size: Turkey. The “Turkey” designation indicates that this choke is designed for tight patterns at longer ranges, optimal for turkey hunting.
• Model: Retay. Specifically designed to fit Retay shotguns, ensuring a proper and secure fit.
• Finish: Black. A durable black finish that resists corrosion and blends well with most shotgun finishes.

These specifications are critical for turkey hunting. The tight choke size maximizes pattern density at typical turkey hunting ranges (30-50 yards), increasing the odds of a clean kill. Designed specifically for the Retay shotgun, ensuring optimal fit and performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black excels at its primary job: delivering tight, consistent patterns with turkey loads. With Federal TSS, it produces exceptionally dense patterns. The choke’s consistent performance instills confidence in the field.

The only minor weakness I’ve observed is that it may produce slightly tighter patterns than needed at very close ranges (inside 20 yards). For the vast majority of hunting situations, it’s a non-issue. It definitely meets and exceeds all of my expectations for a quality choke tube.

Design & Ergonomics

The choke is constructed from high-quality steel, giving it a solid and durable feel. While it adds a slight amount of weight to the muzzle, it’s negligible and doesn’t affect the gun’s balance. Installation is simple, requiring only a choke wrench.

There is virtually no learning curve with the Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black. The choke is easy to install and use and performs great right away.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its robust steel construction and durable finish, the Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black should last for many seasons of use with proper care. Maintenance is simple, requiring only routine cleaning after each use. The material is also rust-resistant as long as it is properly cared for.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black doesn’t come with any accessories, but it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for 12-gauge shotguns. There are no real customization options for the choke itself, as its design is optimized for a specific purpose. You could look at adding choke tube cases to protect them when they are not in use.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black

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Who Should Buy Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black?

This choke is perfect for turkey hunters who own a Retay 12-gauge shotgun and are looking to maximize their pattern density, particularly with TSS loads. It’s an excellent choice for hunters who want to extend their effective range and improve their chances of a clean kill. This choke is also very helpful for hunters who are ethical and want to make sure they harvest their animal as ethically as possible.

Hunters who primarily hunt in thick woods at very close ranges (inside 20 yards) may want to consider a more open choke. If you do not own a Retay shotgun, you will need to look at other choke tubes that will fit your specific model.

A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Consider purchasing a choke tube case to protect your investment when the choke is not in use.

Conclusion on Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black

The Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black is an outstanding choke tube that delivers exceptional performance at a reasonable price. Its ability to produce incredibly tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads makes it a game-changer for turkey hunters using Retay shotguns. The price is definitely justified given the increase in success rate.

I would absolutely recommend the Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black to any Retay shotgun owner looking to improve their turkey hunting performance. If you’re tired of scattered patterns and missed opportunities, this choke is a must-have. Get yourself a Carlsons TSS Turkey Retay 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black and get ready to put more gobblers on the ground!

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