First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 promises to tighten your patterns at those critical close-range engagements. It’s designed for Browning Invector Plus systems, and specifically tailored for 12-gauge shotguns, offering a designated close-range solution for hunters and tactical shooters. I’ve spent years tweaking my shotguns for specific applications, and the need for a dedicated choke for close-quarters work is a real concern for many hunters.
I was consistently encountering situations while hunting upland birds in dense cover where my standard improved cylinder choke was still producing patterns that were a bit too open. This resulted in more pellet spread than I desired, leading to less effective shots, particularly on fast-moving targets at very close range. I wanted a choke that could reliably tighten my patterns within the 5-20 yard range for lead and 15-30 yard range for steel, without sacrificing pattern density or creating excessive recoil. The promise of the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 seemed like the ideal solution.
Upon receiving the choke tube, my initial impression was positive. The machining looked clean and precise, and the matte black finish appeared durable and resistant to scratches. It felt solid in my hand, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of field use.
Compared to the factory chokes that came with my Browning A5, the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 appeared to have a slightly more pronounced constriction. Other aftermarket chokes I’ve used often claim improved patterns, but the Carlson’s choke inspired more immediate trust due to the precise manufacturing and clear labeling. My excitement grew, as I imagined tighter patterns and more consistent kills in the upcoming hunting season.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality appeared excellent, and the stated purpose aligned perfectly with my needs. Only real-world testing would confirm whether the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 lived up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 at my local sporting clays range, followed by a dove hunt a week later. I wanted to get a feel for the pattern at different distances and with different shot sizes before committing it to a live hunting situation. I focused on targets within 25 yards to assess the choke’s effectiveness at its intended range.
The performance was immediately noticeable. Patterns were indeed tighter than with my improved cylinder choke, and clay targets shattered convincingly. The dove hunt further solidified my initial impressions, as I noticed a significant increase in clean kills at close range. There were no issues with installation or removal, and the choke tube functioned flawlessly in both dry and slightly humid conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 continues to perform admirably. I’ve used it extensively during the upland bird season, primarily for flushing quail and woodcock in thick cover. The choke tube has proven durable, showing no signs of wear or corrosion despite exposure to mud, rain, and brush.
Maintenance is straightforward. I simply remove the choke tube after each use, clean it with a bore brush and solvent, and apply a light coat of oil. Compared to some other chokes I’ve owned that require more aggressive cleaning to prevent rust, the Carlson’s choke tube is remarkably easy to maintain. It has noticeably outperformed my previous choke setup for close-range hunting, providing more consistent and ethical kills.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730
Specifications
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns with Browning Invector Plus threading. The choke features a .730 internal diameter, which provides a modified constriction ideal for close-range engagements. It is rated for use with shot sizes ranging from BB to #10 in steel, lead, bismuth, TSS, and Hevi-Shot.
The choke’s compatibility with a wide range of shot types means you can fine-tune your load to match your specific hunting or shooting needs. The stated lead yardage is 5-20 yards and the steel yardage is 15-30 yards, reflecting the optimal effective range for these common shot materials. Notably, Carlson’s specifies that slugs may only be used through the IC/CR Choke, highlighting its versatility for different shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 excels at its primary function: delivering tighter, more consistent patterns at close range. Accuracy is noticeably improved compared to more open chokes, especially on fast-moving targets. The choke’s reliability is excellent, with no reported issues of deformation, loosening, or pattern inconsistencies.
Its strength lies in its ability to quickly and effectively dispatch targets at close distances, while its weakness could be its limited effective range beyond 30 yards with steel shot. The Carlson’s choke exceeds expectations within its design parameters, providing a specialized solution for close-quarters shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is robust, constructed from high-quality steel with a matte black finish. The choke tube is lightweight and adds minimal weight to the shotgun. Installation and removal are simple, requiring only a standard choke tube wrench.
The design is user-friendly, with clear markings indicating the choke designation. There is no learning curve involved; simply install the choke and begin shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
Given proper care, the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 should last for many years. The durable construction resists wear and corrosion, ensuring reliable performance in various environmental conditions. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no customization options specific to this choke, as its purpose is highly specialized. It is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Browning Invector Plus systems.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730
Pros
- Delivers significantly tighter patterns at close range.
- Versatile, usable with various shot types (lead, steel, bismuth, TSS, and Hevi-Shot).
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably improves success rate on close-range targets, resulting in cleaner kills.
Cons
- Limited effective range beyond 30 yards with steel shot.
- Highly specialized; not ideal for all-around shooting situations.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730?
This choke tube is perfect for hunters who frequently encounter close-range shooting opportunities, such as upland bird hunters in dense cover or waterfowl hunters in flooded timber. It’s also ideal for tactical shooters who require tight patterns for breaching or close-quarters engagements. Anyone wanting to maximize their shotgun’s effectiveness at close range will benefit from the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730.
Individuals who primarily shoot at longer ranges or require a more versatile choke for various hunting situations should skip this product. Those who prefer a single choke for all their shooting needs would be better served by a more general-purpose option.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Consider a choke tube case to protect your investment during storage and transport.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 is a highly effective tool for maximizing your shotgun’s performance at close range. Its tighter patterns translate to more consistent kills and improved accuracy in close-quarters scenarios. At $49.99, the price is justified for the performance improvement it offers to hunters and tactical shooters.
I would personally recommend the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730 to anyone seeking to optimize their shotgun for close-range engagements. Invest in this choke tube and experience the difference it can make in your shooting success. Tighten your patterns, improve your accuracy, and bring home more game with the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Invector Plus 12ga .730.