First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3
For over a decade, I’ve lived and breathed the world of outdoor and tactical gear. From frigid mornings in duck blinds to sweltering days on the range, my experience has taught me the value of reliable equipment. Today, I’m diving deep into the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3, a choke designed for those seeking tighter patterns at extended distances.
My need arose during a challenging goose hunting season. The geese were consistently hanging up just outside my usual effective range with my factory modified choke. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver more pellets on target at those distances, thus prompting my search for a long-range option.
Unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3, I was immediately struck by the solid construction. The choke feels robust and well-machined, inspiring confidence. Compared to some other aftermarket chokes I’ve used (Trulock and Patternmaster), the Carlson’s seemed to offer a balance between price and build quality.
My first impression was positive; this choke tube appeared to be a serious piece of equipment designed to enhance shotgun performance at long ranges. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 was a local sporting clays course. I wanted to evaluate its performance on a variety of challenging shots before taking it into the field. The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, offering decent, though not ideal, conditions.
The choke installed easily into my Benelli Nova, and I immediately noticed a difference in pattern density at longer distances. Targets that were previously chipped or missed were now consistently broken. There was no need to get used to it; the performance increase was immediately apparent.
My only surprise was how much tighter the pattern was compared to my modified choke at 40+ yards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use across multiple hunting seasons (waterfowl and upland game), the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no visible signs of wear, and the finish remains intact despite exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick cleaning with solvent and a brush keeps it in excellent condition. Comparing it to my experiences with other choke tubes, the Carlson’s outperforms many in terms of consistent pattern density and ease of maintenance. It has become a staple in my shotgunning arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns. The choke’s constriction is optimized for long-range shooting. It’s made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion.
This robust construction is critical for withstanding the pressures of repeated shots. The “Long Range” designation indicates a tighter constriction than modified or improved cylinder chokes, resulting in denser patterns at longer distances. The Carlson’s choke is designed to extend your effective range.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. This translates to more pellets on target, increasing the likelihood of clean kills on game or breaking challenging clays targets. Its strength lies in its ability to maintain pattern integrity at distances beyond 40 yards.
A potential weakness is that the tighter pattern may be too constrictive for closer-range shots (under 25 yards), where a more open choke would be preferable. It definitely meets my expectations for a dedicated long-range choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with a smooth, clean finish. The choke installs easily and securely into compatible shotguns. Its weight is negligible, adding no noticeable bulk to the firearm.
The external knurling facilitates easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands. There is no learning curve; the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 is ready to perform straight out of the package.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3, made from 17-4 stainless steel, is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning involves removing the choke, applying solvent, brushing away any residue, and lightly lubricating before re-installation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone choke tube. However, Carlson’s offers a choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal, sold separately. This choke tube is compatible with any shotgun that accepts Carlson’s brand 12-gauge chokes.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at long ranges.
- Durable construction from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably increases effective range for hunting and sporting clays.
- Provides excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight for close-range shooting (under 25 yards).
- No included choke tube wrench (must be purchased separately).
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 is perfect for hunters who frequently encounter shots at extended ranges, such as waterfowl hunters targeting geese or ducks that hang up outside of typical shotgun ranges. It’s also well-suited for sporting clays shooters looking to improve their performance on longer, more challenging targets. Anyone seeking to maximize their shotgun’s effective range will benefit from this choke.
Those who primarily hunt or shoot at close ranges should skip this product. An improved cylinder or modified choke would be more appropriate for those scenarios. A must-have accessory is a choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal, if one isn’t already owned.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 is a well-built, high-performing choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns at extended ranges. The price of $49.99 is more than justified, given the significant improvement in performance. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to extend their effective range with a 12-gauge shotgun.
If you’re tired of missing those long shots and want to put more pellets on target, give the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA Long Range #3 a try. You won’t be disappointed!