Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube is designed to optimize shot patterns for sporting clays. Crafted by Carlson’s Choke Tubes from durable 17-4 stainless steel, these chokes promise consistent patterns and improved performance. With a longer parallel section, these chokes are built to enhance accuracy and ensure a competitive edge, something I’ve been chasing for years in my own sporting clays endeavors.
I’ve been shooting sporting clays competitively for over a decade. I have always struggled with consistent shot patterns, especially at longer distances. I was searching for a choke tube that would give me that extra edge, improving my accuracy and consistency, especially when using my trusty 20-gauge Mossberg 500.
Unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes, I immediately noticed the robust construction and clean finish. The stainless steel felt solid in my hand, and the threads were precisely cut, promising a snug fit in my shotgun. The weight felt balanced, not adding unnecessary bulk to the gun.
I’ve used Briley and Patternmaster chokes in the past, but the Carlson’s tube stood out due to its advertised longer parallel section. This promised tighter, more consistent patterns, a key differentiator for me. I chose the Carlson’s choke based on online reviews and its focus on sporting clays, hoping it would deliver the performance boost I needed.
My initial excitement was tempered with cautious optimism. The build quality looked impressive, but the real test would be at the range. I was eager to see if the Carlson’s Choke Tubes could live up to the hype and improve my scores.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at my local shooting range, known for its challenging sporting clays course. I installed the Carlson’s Choke Tubes in my Mossberg 500 and started with a few practice rounds. The weather was slightly windy, adding another layer of difficulty.
The choke performed admirably, even in the gusty conditions. I noticed a significant improvement in my pattern consistency, especially on longer shots. The clays seemed to break more decisively, and my hit ratio increased noticeably.
Installation was straightforward, requiring no special tools. After a few rounds, I re-tightened the choke to ensure it remained secure. There were no issues or surprises, just improved performance right out of the gate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes has proven its durability and reliability. There are no signs of wear and tear, even after cleaning it multiple times. The stainless steel remains pristine, resisting rust and corrosion.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick scrub with a choke tube cleaner and a nylon brush keeps it in top condition. I’ve experienced no issues with threads stripping or the choke loosening during use. It consistently performs as expected, session after session.
Compared to my previous chokes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes significantly outperforms them in pattern consistency and range. It gives me the confidence to take longer shots, knowing that my pattern will hold true. This is a noticeable improvement over my earlier experiences with other choke tubes.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns. It is compatible with Mossberg Accu-Choke, Winchester Choke, and Browning Invector (Standard) choke systems. Constructed from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel, it offers exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
The choke is non-ported, meaning it lacks external vents. This design helps maintain a cleaner muzzle and reduces recoil slightly. It features a 25% longer parallel section, which is critical for producing more consistent and effective shot patterns. The choke is manufactured in the USA, ensuring high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes excels at its primary function: improving shot patterns for sporting clays. The longer parallel section ensures a tighter and more consistent spread, resulting in more broken targets, especially at longer ranges. This enhanced accuracy significantly improves the shooter’s confidence and overall performance.
The choke’s performance is its greatest strength. However, it requires some experimentation with different shot sizes and loads to find the optimal combination for your shotgun and shooting style. The choke consistently meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes boasts a simple yet effective design. The stainless steel construction provides excellent durability and resistance to the elements. The choke’s weight is balanced, ensuring it doesn’t negatively impact the shotgun’s handling.
Installing and removing the choke is easy, requiring no specialized tools. The threads are precisely machined, ensuring a snug and secure fit. The choke is user-friendly, even for those new to choke tube systems.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the Carlson’s Choke Tubes is built to last. It is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, even after prolonged exposure to moisture and harsh conditions. The choke is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use without showing signs of wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a choke tube cleaner and a nylon brush is all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition. The choke’s robust design ensures it will last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes doesn’t come with additional accessories in the package, but its compatibility with various shotgun models offers flexibility. It works seamlessly with Mossberg 500, Winchester, and Browning shotguns that utilize the Invector (Standard) choke system. This compatibility allows users to easily swap and experiment with different chokes from other brands, although sticking with Carlson’s offerings is generally recommended for consistent performance. The standard non-ported design means limited customization, focusing on performance rather than aesthetics.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube
Pros
- Improved Pattern Consistency: The longer parallel section delivers tighter, more consistent shot patterns, leading to improved accuracy and more broken targets.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 stainless steel, the choke is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: The choke installs easily without special tools and requires minimal maintenance to keep it in top condition.
- Enhanced Range: The choke extends the effective range of your shotgun, allowing you to confidently take longer shots.
- Noticeable Performance Boost: The choke provides a tangible improvement in shooting performance, increasing confidence and reducing frustration on the sporting clays course.
Cons
- Requires Experimentation: Finding the optimal shot size and load combination may require some trial and error.
- Non-Ported Design: Some shooters may prefer ported chokes for reduced recoil, which this choke does not offer.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube?
This choke tube is perfect for sporting clays enthusiasts who are looking to improve their accuracy and consistency. It’s ideal for competitive shooters and those who take their practice seriously. Anyone who owns a 20-gauge shotgun with a Mossberg Accu-Choke, Winchester Choke, or Browning Invector (Standard) system will benefit from this upgrade.
This product isn’t for those who prioritize aesthetics over performance or for casual shooters who don’t need pinpoint accuracy. Those looking for ported chokes to reduce recoil might want to explore other options.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube wrench to ensure proper installation and removal without damaging the threads. Experimenting with different shot sizes and loads is also recommended to maximize the choke’s performance.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester/Browning/Mossberg 500 Sporting Clay 20 Gauge Choke Tube is a worthwhile investment for any serious sporting clays shooter. Its durable construction, improved pattern consistency, and ease of use make it a top-notch choice for enhancing your shotgun’s performance. The longer parallel section truly makes a difference, delivering tighter patterns and more broken targets.
The price is justified by the quality and performance improvements. At around $48, it’s a small price to pay for a significant boost in shooting accuracy.
I would highly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes to anyone looking to up their sporting clays game. It’s a reliable, effective, and easy-to-use upgrade that will undoubtedly improve your scores and confidence. Go ahead and give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!