First Thoughts on the CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660
Turkey hunting is a passion that runs deep in my veins. Years of experience have taught me that success hinges on a blend of skill, patience, and, most importantly, the right gear. The CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660 choke tube promises to be a game-changer, especially when paired with Winchester’s Long Beard XR ammunition.
My quest for tighter patterns and longer-range accuracy is what drew me to this choke. Having missed a few toms just outside my comfort zone last season, I was determined to find an edge. I was eager to get my hands on a choke tube specifically designed to maximize the potential of modern turkey loads.
Out of the box, the CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660 exudes quality. It’s a solid, well-machined piece of steel with a clean, black finish. The porting is precisely done and gives it a tactical look. I immediately compared it to my existing chokes from Briley and Patternmaster. While those chokes are excellent in their own right, the Carlson’s offering seems purpose-built for a specific task: maximizing the performance of the Long Beard XR. Initial impression: I’m excited to see what this thing can do.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my local shooting range. The weather was typical for early spring: damp and a bit chilly. I mounted the CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660 in my Beretta Optima HP shotgun and loaded up with Winchester Long Beard XR shells.
The first few shots were promising. Patterns at 40 yards were noticeably tighter than with my previous choke. The ported design seemed to effectively reduce recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. After adjusting my aim based on the initial patterns, I achieved consistent headshots on a turkey target at 50 yards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season using the CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660, I can confidently say it’s a reliable piece of equipment. The choke held up well to repeated firing and cleaning. There were no signs of loosening or deformation after dozens of shots.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent after each hunt kept it in perfect condition. Compared to other chokes I’ve used, the Carlson’s choke feels more precisely engineered. It noticeably outperforms my previous setup at extended ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660
Specifications
Designed specifically for Winchester Long Beard XR Turkey Loads: This ensures optimal performance with this specific ammunition. This is a key factor for achieving tight patterns and long-range accuracy.
Compatible with Beretta Optima HP shotguns: This ensures a proper fit and safe operation. Improperly fitted chokes can be dangerous.
Ported design: The ports help reduce recoil and muzzle jump for faster follow-up shots. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining accuracy during rapid firing.
.660″ constriction: The tight constriction is designed to deliver extremely dense patterns at extended ranges. This is crucial for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
Constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel: This ensures durability and resistance to corrosion. It’s important to ensure the choke can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660 excels at its intended purpose. It delivers incredibly tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. This allows for ethical shots at distances beyond 40 yards.
The primary strength is its long-range performance. The only weakness is its limited compatibility, as it is designed specifically for Beretta Optima HP shotguns and Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It exceeds expectations in terms of pattern density and downrange energy.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke tube features a solid and robust build. The materials are high-quality and feel durable. It is easy to install and remove using a choke tube wrench.
The design is simple and functional, with the porting being a notable feature. There is no learning curve; just screw it in and go.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction suggests excellent long-term durability. The choke is easy to clean with standard gun cleaning supplies. With proper care, it should last for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The choke tube itself doesn’t come with any accessories, but requires a choke tube wrench for installation. There are no customization options available other than pairing it with different brands or sizes of ammunition, though performance is optimized for Winchester Long Beard XR. It is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Beretta Optima HP chokes.
Pros and Cons of CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR.
- Extends effective range for ethical turkey hunting.
- Ported design reduces recoil and muzzle jump.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Designed specifically for Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition (may not perform optimally with other loads).
- Limited to Beretta Optima HP shotguns.
Who Should Buy CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660?
This choke is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters who use a Beretta Optima HP shotgun and prefer Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It is an ideal choice for those seeking maximum range and pattern density.
Hunters who prefer using other ammunition types or those who don’t own a compatible shotgun should skip this product. A must-have accessory is a reliable choke tube wrench.
Conclusion on CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660
The CARL LONG BEARD PORTED TURKEY BER OPTIMA HP 660 is a specialized tool that delivers exceptional performance when used as intended. Its tight patterns and extended range make it a valuable asset for serious turkey hunters.
The price of $46.99 is more than justified given the performance boost it provides. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any turkey hunter looking to maximize their success with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition in a Beretta Optima HP shotgun. Equip yourself with this choke, pattern your gun, and get ready to put some gobblers in the freezer!