First Thoughts on the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. might seem like a small and inexpensive shotgun accessory, but its impact on your shotgun’s performance can be significant. This unassuming choke tube, manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, promises to deliver consistent, even patterns at close ranges. My initial curiosity stemmed from needing a reliable and versatile choke for my 20-gauge pump, primarily for dove hunting on public land where steel shot is mandatory.
For years, I had been relying on the factory-installed modified choke that came with my shotgun. This setup worked reasonably well, but I often felt that my shot patterns were too tight for the close-range encounters common in dove hunting. A wider, more open pattern would provide a greater margin for error, especially when shooting at fast-moving targets.
Upon receiving the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga., my first impression was one of solid build quality. The choke tube is constructed from what appears to be durable, heat-treated steel with a black oxide finish. Its weight felt appropriate, not too light to suggest cheap materials, nor too heavy to feel cumbersome. Compared to a similar choke from TruLock, the Carlson felt slightly more robust. I ultimately chose the Carlson based on its reputation for consistent patterns and positive user reviews.
I was excited to test the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. and see if it lived up to its promise of improving my close-range shooting accuracy. My hope was that this simple choke tube would transform my 20-gauge into a more effective tool for pursuing doves and other small game.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. came during a dove hunting trip on a public hunting area in central Texas. This area is known for thick brush and fast-flying doves, requiring quick target acquisition and close-range shots. I was using #6 steel shot, as required by the regulations for that specific location.
The weather was hot and dry, with a slight breeze that occasionally shifted the flight paths of the doves. Installing the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. was simple and straightforward, requiring only a choke tube wrench. After a few practice shots at paper targets, I immediately noticed a wider, more open pattern than I was accustomed to with my modified choke. This gave me more confidence when swinging through targets at close range. The choke tube performed flawlessly, with no issues related to installation or extraction.
After the first day of hunting, I cleaned the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. easily using a standard choke tube cleaner and brush. No signs of excessive fouling or damage were observed.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past hunting season, I have used the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. extensively during multiple dove hunts, as well as for some informal clay shooting sessions. The choke tube has consistently delivered the wide, even patterns I was seeking, making it significantly easier to bag doves at close ranges.
After several weeks of use, the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the black oxide finish remains intact. The choke tube is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a quick scrub with a choke tube brush and a light coat of oil after each use. Compared to my previous experience with factory-installed chokes, the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and reliability. It truly optimized my shotgun for the type of hunting I do most frequently.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.
Specifications
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. is a simple, yet effective, shotgun choke tube designed for 20-gauge shotguns with Win-Choke threading. The key feature is its cylinder bore, which means there is virtually no constriction at the muzzle. This results in a very open shot pattern, ideal for close-range shooting. It is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel with a black oxide finish for corrosion resistance.
The choke is designed to be easily installed and removed using a standard choke tube wrench. The most important specification is the cylinder bore constriction, which provides the widest possible shot pattern.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. excels at its intended purpose: delivering wide, even shot patterns at close range. The open pattern increases the probability of hitting fast-moving targets. It dramatically improves the effective range of a 20ga loaded with #6, #7.5, and #8 shot at ranges less than 25 yards. The downside is its reduced effectiveness at longer distances, where the shot pattern becomes too dispersed.
It is easy to clean. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a close-range choke tube.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. features a straightforward, functional design. The build quality is excellent, with the choke tube exhibiting a robust feel and a durable finish. The black oxide coating offers good corrosion resistance and blends well with the overall aesthetics of most shotguns.
Installation and removal are simple, requiring minimal effort with a standard choke tube wrench. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The heat-treated stainless steel construction of the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. ensures excellent durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, this choke tube should last for many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use. Regular cleaning will prevent the buildup of residue and ensure consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. does not come with any specific accessories, as it is a self-contained unit. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Win-Choke threaded shotguns.
There are no inherent customization options for the choke itself, but the user can fine-tune their shotgun’s performance by experimenting with different shot sizes and loads. This allows for a tailored approach to different hunting scenarios and target types.
Pros and Cons of Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.
Pros
- Dramatically improves shot patterns at close range (under 25 yards).
- Solid construction using heat-treated stainless steel.
- Easy to install and remove with a choke tube wrench.
- Enhanced corrosion resistance with a black oxide finish.
- Very affordable price point.
Cons
- Not suitable for long-range shooting due to the wide shot pattern.
- Limited to shotguns with Win-Choke threading.
Who Should Buy Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.?
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. is perfect for hunters who frequently engage targets at close range, particularly dove and quail hunters. It also serves well for clay shooters practicing on close-range targets. This choke tube is well-suited for shooters looking to optimize their 20-gauge shotgun for scenarios where a wide, forgiving shot pattern is essential.
Hunters primarily pursuing waterfowl at longer distances should skip this product. Those shooters would benefit more from a modified or full choke.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory to facilitate installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. offers a simple and effective solution for improving close-range shotgun performance. The choke tube is well-built, durable, and easy to use. Its wide, even shot patterns make it an ideal choice for dove, quail, and other small game hunters who frequently encounter targets at close ranges.
At a price of $16.99, the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. represents an excellent value proposition. Its benefits justify the cost.
I would personally recommend the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. to any 20-gauge shotgun owner looking to enhance their close-range shooting accuracy. Don’t hesitate, upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference.