First Thoughts on the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS
Turkey hunting is a passion, a calculated dance between predator and prey. And in that dance, the right choke tube can be the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day in the woods. That’s why the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS from Carlson’s Choke Tubes immediately caught my eye.
Years of chasing gobblers taught me that consistent patterns are paramount, and the promise of optimum performance at varying distances, coupled with recoil reduction, was incredibly appealing. I needed a choke tube that could deliver tight, consistent patterns, especially at those critical distances where most turkey encounters occur. My standard modified choke wasn’t cutting it anymore; the patterns were too open, and I was wounding birds. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS offered a potential solution.
Upon unboxing, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS feels solid and well-made. The aircraft-grade stainless steel exudes quality, and the non-reflective blue finish is a thoughtful touch for a piece of gear designed to disappear in the field. The porting is cleanly executed, hinting at the potential for reduced recoil and muzzle jump.
I considered the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey, known for its long-range performance, and the Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder, a popular choice for its extremely tight patterns. Ultimately, I chose the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS due to Carlson’s Choke Tubes reputation for quality and the ported design, which seemed ideal for my lightweight 12 gauge. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS looked the part, but the true test would be in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS was during the spring turkey season in the Missouri Ozarks. The weather was typical – damp and cool, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into a downpour. I tested the choke with both 3-inch and 3.5-inch shells loaded with #4 and #5 lead shot, focusing on ranges between 20 and 40 yards.
The immediate difference was noticeable in the felt recoil. The porting seemed to effectively dissipate some of the energy, making follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable. The pattern, at 30 yards with #5 shot, was impressively tight, with a dense core and even distribution.
Initially, I did have a slight issue with the tube loosening after several shots. This was quickly remedied by ensuring it was firmly tightened with a choke tube wrench before each hunting session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. There are no signs of significant wear and tear; the stainless steel construction has held up well to the elements. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition.
Compared to my previous modified choke, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS offers significantly tighter and more consistent patterns, especially at longer ranges. It has undoubtedly improved my success rate and reduced the number of wounded birds. This choke tube has definitely exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS
Specifications
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system. Carlson’s Choke Tubes crafts this choke from aircraft-grade stainless steel for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. The super full choke designation indicates its tight constriction, optimized for dense turkey patterns.
The ported design is intended to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. A non-reflective blue finish minimizes glare in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS excels at delivering extremely tight and consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges (20-40 yards). The recoil reduction is a noticeable benefit, particularly when using magnum loads. The pattern density is superb, ensuring sufficient pellet energy on target for clean kills.
However, the extremely tight pattern can be a drawback at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), where a more open pattern might be preferable to avoid a complete miss. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS meets its promise of improved patterns, but careful range estimation is crucial.
Design & Ergonomics
The stainless steel construction feels robust and reliable. The blue finish is a practical touch. Its weight is negligible.
The choke tube threads easily into the barrel. No learning curve exists.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability. Regular cleaning is recommended to prevent buildup and maintain optimal performance. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS is built to last.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS does not include any specific accessories, as it is a standalone product. However, its performance can be optimized by experimenting with different shot sizes and shell types to find the best combination for your specific shotgun. It’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Invector Plus chokes.
Pros and Cons of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns at 20-40 yards.
- Noticeable recoil reduction for faster follow-up shots.
- Durable aircraft-grade stainless steel construction.
- Non-reflective blue finish for concealment in the field.
- Improved success rate and cleaner kills on turkeys.
Cons
- Extremely tight pattern may be too restrictive at very close ranges (under 20 yards).
- May require occasional tightening during extended use.
Who Should Buy CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS?
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS is perfect for serious turkey hunters who prioritize tight, consistent patterns at medium ranges (20-40 yards). It’s also an excellent choice for hunters using lightweight shotguns or those sensitive to recoil. It offers improved downrange performance and confident shot placement.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick cover where shots are typically very close (under 20 yards) might find this choke too restrictive. Hunters who prefer more open patterns may need to consider a different choke tube. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS delivers on its promise of improved turkey hunting performance. The tighter patterns and reduced recoil make a tangible difference in the field. At a price of $46.49, the value proposition is excellent.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO INV PLUS to any serious turkey hunter looking to enhance their shotgun’s performance. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting game to the next level, this choke tube is a worthy investment. Go out there, pattern your gun, and fill your freezer!