First Thoughts on the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester promises to tighten patterns and extend range for turkey hunters. From Carlson’s, a well-respected name in choke tubes, this extended choke aims to deliver consistent performance. It features 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction and a constriction of .680, making it specifically designed for 12-gauge Winchester shotguns.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke started years ago. I wanted something that could consistently deliver tight, lethal patterns at reasonable distances. I was tired of crippled birds and the ethics of a clean kill are paramount for me.
Upon unboxing, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester feels solid and well-made. The matte blue finish is clean and understated, and the construction feels robust. The 1″ extension from the barrel offers a more streamlined look than some other extended chokes I’ve used.
Compared to a similar choke from Briley and a factory Winchester choke, the Carlsons choke immediately stands out in build quality. I picked this one because of the reputation of Carlson’s and the specific .680 constriction, a sweet spot I’ve found with my Winchester 1300 and preferred turkey loads. My first impression was positive; the choke looked like it meant business. I was excited to get out to the range and pattern it.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester at my local shooting range, which has a dedicated pattern board. The weather was clear and mild. I used a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and some older Winchester Supreme Elite loads to see how it performed with different shot sizes and materials.
The choke was easy to install using a choke tube wrench (sold separately). It threaded smoothly into my Winchester 1300 without any issues. After the first few shots, I could see a noticeable difference in pattern density compared to the factory choke. The patterns were tighter and more uniform at 30 and 40 yards. There were no obvious holes or flyers.
The .680 constriction delivered patterns consistent with my expectations, and thankfully, no surprises arose.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use during pre-season patterning and a full turkey season, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear. The matte blue finish has proven durable and resistant to scratches.
Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any fouling. I always apply a thin coat of gun oil to prevent rust. The choke tube continues to perform consistently. It provides tight, reliable patterns every time I take it to the field.
Compared to previous experiences with cheaper, less reputable choke tubes, the Carlsons choke has exceeded my expectations. It patterns consistently and reliably. I have greater confidence in making ethical shots at longer ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester
Specifications
Gauge: 12. This choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns.
Constriction: Turkey. The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester is optimized for tight patterns at turkey hunting ranges.
Diameter: .680. This constriction diameter is a key factor in achieving optimal pattern density and range.
Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This provides excellent strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, which is important in harsh hunting environments.
Extension: Extends approximately 1″ from the end of the barrel. The extension aids in pattern consistency and offers a slight aesthetic improvement.
These specifications are crucial for performance. The .680 constriction is known to perform well with many popular turkey loads, providing dense, even patterns. The stainless steel construction ensures the choke will withstand the rigors of hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester excels at its primary job: delivering tight, consistent patterns for turkey hunting. I have tested it with various loads. It consistently provides patterns that are lethal out to 40 yards.
The choke exhibits remarkable consistency. Its patterns are uniform and predictable. The only weakness I observed was that it might pattern a little too tightly with some loads, requiring careful selection of shells to optimize pattern size for the hunting situation.
The choke tube surpasses expectations. It elevates the performance of my shotgun and instills confidence in my shots.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester is well-designed and robust. The 17-4 stainless steel provides a feeling of quality and durability. The added 1″ extension offers a clean look.
The choke tube is user-friendly. It installs and removes easily with a choke tube wrench. The lack of any complex features makes it incredibly simple to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester, crafted from heat-treated stainless steel, promises exceptional longevity. Based on my experience, it should last for many seasons with proper care.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with solvent and a bore brush is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester doesn’t come with any accessories. It is what it is, a simple choke tube. You’ll need a choke tube wrench for installation and removal.
This choke tube is designed to fit Winchester shotguns using standard Winchester chokes. Compatibility with other brands’ choke systems is limited. The choke’s performance can be optimized by experimenting with different turkey loads to find the best match for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester
Pros
- Provides exceptionally tight and consistent patterns for turkey hunting.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain, with no complicated features.
- Noticeably extends effective range compared to factory chokes.
- The matte blue finish is durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Cons
- May pattern too tightly with some loads, requiring careful shell selection.
- Choke tube wrench is not included and must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester?
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters using Winchester shotguns who are looking to improve pattern density and extend their effective range. It is also suited for hunters seeking a durable and reliable choke tube that can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. Hunters with Winchester 1200 and 1300 models will find the most immediate benefit.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who prefer a more open pattern for closer shots, or those who frequently switch between different types of hunting. It is also not suitable for shotguns that use a different choke system, such as Browning Invector Plus.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench. Experimenting with different turkey loads is essential to find the optimal combination for your shotgun and the Carlsons choke.
Conclusion on Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester is a high-quality choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns. Its durable construction and easy maintenance make it a reliable choice for serious turkey hunters.
At $37.99, the price is definitely justified. It offers a significant performance boost over factory chokes without breaking the bank.
I would absolutely recommend the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .680 Winchester to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. If you own a Winchester shotgun and are serious about turkey hunting, this choke tube is a worthwhile investment. Get yours today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make.