Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700 Review

First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700

The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700 promises to extend the effective range of your 12-gauge Remington shotgun. Carlson’s is a well-respected name in choke tubes, and this particular model aims for that sweet spot between improved distance and consistent patterns. My first impression is that this could be a game-changer for waterfowlers and turkey hunters looking to reach out a little further.

For years, I’ve struggled with finding the perfect balance between pattern density and effective range when hunting waterfowl. Factory chokes often left me wanting more at those longer, less-than-ideal shots. I needed a choke tube that could tighten my patterns without sacrificing consistent pellet distribution, and the Carlson’s Long Range #3 seemed to fit the bill.

Upon unboxing, the Carlson’s Long Range #3 feels solid and well-made, with a clean, black finish. The construction feels robust, promising durability in the field. Its weight is negligible, as expected with a choke tube; it adds no noticeable heft to the shotgun.

I considered the Briley extended choke and a similar offering from Trulock, but Carlson’s reputation for quality and the attractive price point of $49.99 ultimately swayed me. It seemed like the best value for a choke tube specifically designed for long-range performance with a variety of shot types. This choke also appeared to be less constrictive than a full choke, which I wanted to avoid.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to get to the range and see if the Carlson’s Long Range #3 could live up to its claims. The real test would be its pattern consistency at extended distances, and how it handled different types of shot, something I’d be diving into shortly.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700 at my local shooting range, focusing on patterning at 40 yards – a distance where I’ve often found factory chokes lacking. I used a variety of loads, including both lead and steel shot in sizes ranging from #4 to BB. Weather conditions were clear and calm, providing an ideal environment for testing.

The choke tube performed admirably with both lead and steel shot. The patterns were noticeably tighter than with my factory modified choke, and the pellet distribution was surprisingly even across the target. Recoil felt comparable to the modified choke I typically use, which was a welcome surprise.

The only issue I encountered was with some cheaper steel loads; they seemed to produce slightly more erratic patterns. This wasn’t entirely unexpected, as cheaper loads often suffer from inconsistent pellet quality, but it was something to note. Overall, though, the first-time use was very positive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a few waterfowl hunts and multiple range sessions, the Carlson’s Long Range #3 has proven to be a reliable performer. There are no signs of wear and tear on the choke tube itself. It still threads in and out of my Remington 870 smoothly.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to remove any residue. So far, it has outperformed my expectations, providing consistent patterns and extended range capabilities that I’ve come to rely on. I haven’t experienced any significant changes in pattern performance over time.

Compared to previous experiences with tighter chokes, the Carlson’s offers a more forgiving pattern, meaning that even with slight imperfections in my shooting technique, I’m still getting consistent hits. This has translated to cleaner kills in the field and improved confidence in my shotgun setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700

Specifications

The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700 is designed to fit most Remington shotguns chambered in 12-gauge. It features a constriction of .700 inches, optimized for long-range shooting. The tube is specifically designed for use with shot sizes BB-10 in steel, lead, bismuth, TSS, and Hevi-Shot.

The choke is designated as “#3 LR/Full – Long Range,” suggesting a constriction that falls between a modified and full choke. Carlson’s recommends this choke for lead shot at distances of 30-45 yards and steel shot at 40+ yards. This extended range capability enhances the shotgun’s versatility in various hunting and shooting applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Long Range #3 excels at tightening shot patterns for longer shots without creating the excessively dense center patterns that some full chokes produce. The consistent pattern density is crucial for ethical hunting. This allows for clean kills even at the outer edges of the recommended ranges.

The main strength of this choke lies in its versatility with different shot types. It performs well with both lead and steel shot. The only weakness observed was some pattern inconsistency with very inexpensive steel loads. Overall, the choke tube has exceeded my expectations by providing consistent and effective long-range performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Long Range #3 is constructed from high-quality steel with a durable black finish. Its weight is negligible. The choke is easy to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench.

The design is straightforward and functional. The smooth threads allow for easy installation without any binding or cross-threading issues. The choke’s simple design translates to ease of use. There is no learning curve associated with installation or removal.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlson’s Long Range #3 appears to be built to last. The steel construction is resistant to wear and corrosion. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient to maintain its performance.

Based on my experience thus far, I expect this choke tube to last for many years with proper care. There are no signs of potential weaknesses in the construction. The simple design also means there are no complex parts that could potentially fail.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700 does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Remington shotguns. The choke can be paired with various aftermarket sights and optics to further enhance long-range accuracy.
It also offers versatility with a wide range of ammunition types. This is a key customization in itself.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .700