Let’s Dive into Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes
Turkey hunting. It’s more than just a sport; it’s a deeply ingrained tradition for many of us. Decades of experience has taught me the critical importance of precision, and that starts with your choke tube. That’s why I decided to thoroughly test and review the Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes.
For years, I struggled with inconsistent patterns from factory choke tubes. I needed something that would tighten my groupings and extend my effective range without punishing my shoulder. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes brand promised exactly that, and the “ported” design intrigued me with its potential recoil reduction.
Upon receiving the choke tube, I was immediately impressed with the heft and the finish. It felt solid, well-machined, and ready for some serious action. The deep black finish was clean and professional looking. Unlike some competitors using cheaper metals, this felt like it could withstand years of heavy use.
Compared to a few other turkey chokes I’ve used – notably the Primos Jelly Head and a basic factory full choke – the Carlson’s stood out due to its ported design and the apparent quality of the steel. I chose this particular model because I valued recoil reduction and a consistently tight pattern over sheer affordability. The other options did not offer this feature.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this choke tube really deliver on its promises of reduced recoil and tighter patterns? Only real-world testing would tell the truth.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at my local shooting range. I set up targets at 30, 40, and 50 yards to gauge the pattern density at various distances. The weather was slightly overcast, but visibility was good, and I used a Remington 870 with 3-inch, #5 turkey loads.
The immediate difference compared to my old full choke was noticeable. The recoil felt noticeably reduced, and the muzzle jump was significantly less. The shot patterns at 30 and 40 yards were impressively tight, with a dense core and very few flyers.
I did experience a minor issue with the included choke wrench. It seemed a little loose and didn’t provide a very confident grip on the tube during installation. I quickly switched to a different wrench, which solved the problem, but it’s still something to consider.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes during practice and actual turkey hunts, I can confidently say that it has held up remarkably well. The stainless steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion, despite being exposed to rain and mud. Cleaning is also straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use.
The choke tube continues to deliver consistent performance, even after hundreds of rounds. The porting remains effective in mitigating recoil, and the shot patterns have remained tight and predictable. This is a significant improvement over my previous experiences with less durable and less consistent choke tubes.
Compared to my older, non-ported choke tubes, the Carlson’s offers a clear advantage in terms of recoil management and pattern consistency. The tighter patterns have allowed me to ethically extend my shooting range, resulting in cleaner, more effective kills. The previous setups often had too many shot flyers at longer distances.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes
Specifications
The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes are specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns and turkey hunting. They are constructed from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel for exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This is crucial for withstanding harsh outdoor conditions.
The choke tubes are ported. Porting allows gases to escape, reducing both recoil and muzzle jump. This results in a more comfortable shooting experience and faster follow-up shots. The black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and adds a layer of protection.
This model is explicitly designed as a “Turkey” choke, meaning it produces a very tight pattern ideal for the precise shot placement required for turkey hunting. It is designed and manufactured in the USA. Quality control standards are much more stringent, contributing to a higher-quality product.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes is to tighten shot patterns for increased accuracy and range when turkey hunting. In my testing, it excelled in this regard. Patterns were consistently dense and uniform out to 50 yards when using quality turkey loads.
The ported design works as advertised, noticeably reducing recoil and muzzle climb. This is particularly beneficial when shooting heavier turkey loads. These loads are essential for ethical and effective hunting.
One minor improvement could be clearer markings indicating the specific constriction. However, once you’ve patterned the choke with your preferred load, this becomes less of an issue. It exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern density and recoil reduction.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes are built with a focus on durability and functionality. The stainless steel construction is robust and feels solid in hand. The ports are cleanly machined and evenly spaced around the circumference of the tube.
The choke tube is designed to be easily installed and removed using a standard choke wrench. As mentioned previously, the included wrench isn’t the best, but the choke itself is well-designed. There is no learning curve involved. It’s a simple “screw in and shoot” design.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, the Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes are expected to last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning with a solvent and a light coat of oil will help prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance. So far, I have had zero issues with rust, even after using the choke tube in wet environments.
Maintenance is simple. It does not require any specialized tools or knowledge. This is a huge bonus for hunters who value simplicity and reliability in their gear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes are compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that accepts screw-in choke tubes. There are no specific accessories required for use, although a quality choke wrench is highly recommended (especially given the limitations of the included wrench).
While there aren’t many customization options directly related to the choke tube itself, the ability to experiment with different turkey loads to find the optimal pattern is a form of customization. Some shooters may also choose to add aftermarket choke wrenches for a more secure grip. I would love to see Carlson’s offer different finishes or coatings in the future.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes
Pros
- Significantly reduces recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots and increased comfort.
- Consistently delivers tight, dense shot patterns at extended ranges, increasing the effective range for turkey hunting.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no specialized tools or knowledge.
- Manufactured in the USA, ensuring high quality control standards.
Cons
- The included choke wrench is not the best fit and may require using a different tool.
- The tight pattern may be too restrictive for very close-range shots (under 20 yards).
Who Should Buy Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes?
The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes are perfect for serious turkey hunters who prioritize tight patterns, extended range, and reduced recoil. They are also ideal for shooters who use magnum turkey loads and want to mitigate the associated recoil.
Hunters who primarily hunt in dense forests with very short-range shots might find this choke tube too restrictive. This choke tube is not ideal for this environment. Novice hunters who are still developing their shooting skills might also benefit from a more forgiving choke tube with a wider pattern.
A quality choke wrench (beyond the one included) is a must-have accessory. Experimenting with different turkey loads to find the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun is also highly recommended. A quality optic would be an advantage too.
Conclusion on Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes
The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes are a well-engineered and highly effective accessory for any serious turkey hunter. The recoil reduction is noticeable, and the tight, consistent patterns provide a significant advantage in the field. Despite the minor issue with the included wrench, the overall quality and performance of this choke tube are outstanding.
At a price of $58.49, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes offer excellent value for the money. They deliver performance comparable to more expensive choke tubes, making them a smart investment for any hunter looking to improve their success rate.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s 12 Gauge Ported Turkey Choke Tubes to anyone serious about turkey hunting. It’s a game-changer that will help you bag more birds and enjoy a more comfortable shooting experience. Upgrade your shotgun today, and experience the difference for yourself!