First Thoughts on the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, and shotguns have always held a special place. I’ve seen trends come and go, but the need for reliable and effective chokes remains constant, especially when you’re trying to dial in your patterns for that perfect shot. That’s why when the opportunity to test the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA, specifically the X-Full .690 offering, came up, I jumped at the chance.
I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tight patterns at extended ranges for turkey hunting. I’d been struggling with my factory choke, seeing inconsistent patterns beyond 30 yards. A friend recommended Carlson’s, praising their quality and affordability. I was intrigued.
Upon receiving the choke, I immediately noticed the robust construction. It felt solid, well-machined, and ready to withstand the rigors of the field. Compared to a Briley choke I own, the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA felt equally well-made, albeit at a fraction of the price. It certainly felt like a step up from the basic, flush-mounted choke that came with my Remington 870.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype and improve my turkey hunting success, but I also knew that not all chokes are created equal. The Carlson’s name holds weight, but the proof is always in the pattern.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA was at my local shooting range. I wanted to pattern it with a variety of turkey loads to see which performed best. The weather was fairly typical for spring in my area – overcast and slightly damp.
Installing the choke was straightforward. It threaded smoothly into my 12-gauge Remington 870. Immediately, I noticed a difference in recoil compared to the factory choke. The tighter pattern translated to slightly increased felt recoil, which was expected. After about 10 shots, I could definitely feel it. However, what really caught my attention was the pattern consistency. At 40 yards, the difference was night and day compared to my old choke. The pellets were tightly clustered around the point of aim.
No issues arose during this initial testing. Everything functioned flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two turkey hunting trips and numerous range sessions, the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA has continued to impress me. There are no signs of wear and tear despite consistent use and cleaning.
Cleaning the choke is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. After cleaning, I add a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Compared to some other chokes I’ve used, this one seems to resist fouling better.
It has outperformed my expectations in every way. Previously, I was hesitant to take shots beyond 30 yards with my old choke. Now, with the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA, I have the confidence to ethically take shots out to 45 yards, knowing that I’ll have a tight, consistent pattern.
Breaking Down the Features of CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA
Specifications
Caliber: 12 Gauge. This ensures compatibility with the most common shotgun platform.
Choke Style: Tru-Choke. This indicates it’s designed for shotguns with the Tru-Choke system, a widely used interchangeable choke system.
Constriction: X-Full (.690). This extra-full constriction is designed for extremely tight patterns, ideal for turkey hunting or other applications where long-range accuracy is paramount. The .690 diameter reflects the internal diameter of the choke at its narrowest point, controlling the shot spread.
Material: Typically made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel. This provides excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
Purpose: Designed for tight patterns at long ranges.
These specifications are crucial for hunters seeking maximum range and pattern density. The X-Full constriction ensures a concentrated shot pattern. This makes it perfect for specific hunting applications.
Performance & Functionality
The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA excels at its primary job: delivering extremely tight patterns at extended ranges. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to more open chokes. It makes it a must-have for turkey hunters.
Its main strength is its ability to consistently produce dense, even patterns. One potential weakness is that it may not be suitable for close-range shooting. For closer shots, the pattern may be too tight.
It has exceeded my expectations. I was hoping for tighter patterns, but I was surprised by how consistent the patterns were across different loads.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials used feel durable and the machining is precise. The choke has a decent weight. This adds a sense of quality without being cumbersome.
The design is simple and functional. There’s no learning curve. Installation is easy with a standard choke wrench.
Durability & Maintenance
The choke is made from high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting performance. Stainless steel makes it resistant to rust and corrosion.
Maintenance is straightforward. It can be cleaned with standard gun cleaning supplies. Regular cleaning will ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. However, Carlson’s offers a variety of choke wrenches and cases for convenient storage.
It’s compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that uses the Tru-Choke system. This is a very common choke system, so compatibility is rarely an issue.
Pros and Cons of CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA
Pros
- Extremely tight patterns at long ranges.
- Durable construction from high-quality materials.
- Affordable price point compared to premium chokes.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun using the Tru-Choke system.
Cons
- May produce patterns that are too tight for close-range shooting.
- Increased recoil may be noticeable.
Who Should Buy CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA?
The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA is perfect for turkey hunters seeking maximum range and pattern density. It’s also a good choice for anyone who needs tight patterns for other hunting applications, such as predator hunting.
This product is not ideal for skeet shooters or hunters who primarily shoot at close range. Open chokes would be better suited for those applications.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. It’s also a good idea to invest in a choke tube case to protect your chokes when they’re not in use.
Conclusion on CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA
The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA is a fantastic choke tube that delivers on its promise of extremely tight patterns at long ranges. It’s well-made, easy to use, and surprisingly affordable.
At a price of $19.49, the value is exceptional. You’re getting performance that rivals much more expensive chokes.
I wholeheartedly recommend the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA to any hunter who needs to tighten their patterns and extend their range. If you’re a turkey hunter looking to improve your success, this is a must-have addition to your shotgun. Tighten those patterns and put more birds on the table!