First Thoughts on the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665
The CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 choke tube. It’s a name that promises tight patterns and long-range turkey takedowns, especially when paired with Winchester’s Long Beard ammo. As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with a decade under my belt, I’ve seen a lot of turkey chokes come and go, each claiming to be the ultimate gobbler-getter. But the hype surrounding this particular choke, combined with Carlson’s reputation for quality, piqued my interest.
My hunting buddies and I have been wrestling with pattern density issues at longer ranges for years. We’ve tried various loads and chokes, never quite finding the perfect combo to consistently drop birds past 40 yards. The promise of tighter patterns and increased penetration at 50+ yards with the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 was exactly what I was looking for.
Unboxing the choke, I immediately noticed the solid construction and clean machining. It felt substantial and well-made, inspiring confidence that it could withstand the rigors of a tough turkey season. Compared to some cheaper, less reputable chokes I’ve used in the past, the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 exuded quality.
I had been considering a competitor’s extended choke with similar claims, but the specifically designed pairing of the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 with Winchester Long Beard ammo swayed me. The optimized performance for that load seemed like a significant advantage. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if it lived up to the claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 to the test at my local shooting range, a well-maintained outdoor facility with dedicated pattern boards. The weather was typical for early spring: slightly damp with a mild breeze. I used my Remington 870, as the “REM” in the product name indicates compatibility with Remington shotguns, and Winchester Long Beard #5 shot.
The first few shots at 40 yards revealed a noticeably tighter pattern than my previous choke. There were fewer flyers and a more concentrated core, instilling immediate confidence. I didn’t encounter any issues with installation or extraction; the choke threaded smoothly into the barrel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two turkey hunting trips in varying weather conditions (from dry and sunny to damp and foggy), the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 continues to impress. The choke shows no signs of wear or corrosion. Cleaning is straightforward; I simply wipe it down with a gun cleaning solvent after each use and apply a light coat of oil.
Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 has significantly improved my confidence at longer ranges. I harvested a mature tom at 47 yards during the second hunting trip, a shot I wouldn’t have attempted with my old setup. It has definitely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665
Specifications
The CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 is specifically designed for 12-gauge Remington shotguns. The .665 constriction is optimized for Winchester Long Beard Turkey Loads, aiming to produce tight, consistent patterns. This choke is not recommended for steel shot.
This constriction helps to keep the shot string together for a longer distance, extending the effective range and increasing the chances of a clean kill. It leverages Winchester’s Shot-Lok Technology to its full potential, preventing shot deformation for increased downrange energy.
Performance & Functionality
The CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and increased penetration. At 40-50 yards, the patterns are dense and even, providing a significant advantage over standard chokes. The combination with Winchester Long Beard ammo is a game-changer, especially for hunters targeting wary birds at longer distances.
The only potential weakness I observed is that the extremely tight patterns may be less forgiving at closer ranges (under 25 yards). Hunters in dense cover, where shots are typically closer, might consider a more open choke. Overall, the performance far exceeds my expectations and makes longer shots ethical.
Design & Ergonomics
The CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench. It is a non-ported choke, so recoil is not reduced compared to some other models.
The extended design also helps to protect the muzzle of the shotgun. The build quality is excellent, with precise machining and a durable finish.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the solid steel construction, the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 is built to last for many seasons. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick cleaning and light oiling after use. The choke exhibits excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, even after exposure to damp conditions.
I anticipate that this choke will easily withstand years of use with proper care. Its robust design ensures it holds up to the repeated pressures and stresses of shotgun blasts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the standard packaging. It is designed specifically for Remington 12 gauge shotguns, so compatibility with other brands or gauges is not possible. The main customization option is choosing the right shotgun load to pair with the choke; Winchester Long Beard is highly recommended.
While it isn’t customizable in the traditional sense with different coatings or finishes, the choke’s performance is already optimized for its intended purpose. Using other brands of ammunition may or may not yield desirable results.
Pros and Cons of CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at 40-50+ yards.
- Significantly enhances the performance of Winchester Long Beard Turkey Loads.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting reliability.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably increases effective range for ethical turkey hunting.
Cons
- Extremely tight patterns may be less forgiving at close ranges (under 25 yards).
- Specifically designed for Remington 12 gauge shotguns; not compatible with other brands/gauges.
Who Should Buy CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665?
The CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 is perfect for turkey hunters who primarily hunt in open areas where longer shots are common. It’s also ideal for hunters using Remington 12 gauge shotguns and Winchester Long Beard ammunition. This choke is a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking to extend their effective range and improve their pattern density.
Hunters who frequently hunt in dense woods or areas where shots are typically within 25 yards might want to skip this product. The extremely tight pattern could result in missed opportunities at close range. A must-have accessory is a reliable choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665
The CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 is a highly effective choke tube that lives up to its claims of delivering tight patterns and increased range. When paired with Winchester Long Beard ammunition, it creates a deadly combination for turkey hunting. The price of $46.99 is absolutely justified considering the improved performance and increased confidence it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the CARL LONG BEARD TURKEY REM PRO BORE 12GA .665 to any serious turkey hunter using a Remington 12 gauge shotgun and Winchester Long Beard loads. If you’re tired of watching wary toms strut just out of range, this choke could be the game-changer you need. Upgrade your setup and experience the thrill of dropping those long-distance gobblers!