Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder is a simple yet essential accessory for any 20-gauge shotgun owner who enjoys sporting clays or close-range hunting scenarios. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this choke tube is designed to deliver a wide, even pattern, making it ideal for targets or game at shorter distances. Its stainless steel construction promises durability, and its cylinder bore ensures consistent performance without complex adjustments.
I was looking for a choke tube that would give me a wider shot pattern for close-range sporting clays. I often found myself missing close-in birds with tighter chokes. I needed something that would open up the pattern and increase my chances of hitting those quick, nearby targets.
Upon unboxing, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder feels solid and well-made. The stainless steel has a clean, smooth finish, and the threads appear precisely cut. Its weight is negligible, adding virtually nothing to the overall balance of the shotgun.
I considered Briley’s diffusion choke and a couple of aftermarket extended chokes. However, I ultimately chose the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder for its reputation for quality and its non-ported design, which I prefer for ease of cleaning. The price point also factored into my decision.
My initial impression was positive. It seemed like a straightforward, well-engineered product that would deliver the desired results. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it lived up to my expectations.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder at my local sporting clays range. The weather was dry with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for shooting. I used standard 7/8 oz. #8 shot loads, a common choice for sporting clays.
The choke performed exactly as expected. The shot pattern was noticeably wider than with my improved cylinder choke. This made hitting the close-range “rabbit” targets significantly easier.
Installation was simple and straightforward, requiring only a choke wrench. I experienced no issues with it loosening during use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder has held up perfectly. There are no signs of rust or corrosion despite regular exposure to the elements. The threads still engage smoothly and securely.
Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the stainless steel construction and non-ported design. A quick scrub with a brush and some solvent removes any residue. This is much easier than cleaning ported chokes.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, generic choke tubes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder is a clear step up in terms of both performance and durability. It consistently delivers the wide pattern I need without any issues.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder
Specifications
- The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder is manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes. It’s a name synonymous with quality and performance in the shotgun choke world.
- The color is a clean, professional stainless steel. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and a sleek aesthetic.
- The choke is constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This provides exceptional strength and resistance to wear and tear from repeated use and cleaning.
- It is designed for use with 20-gauge shotguns. This is a very common gauge, used in a variety of shooting sports and hunting applications.
- It is part of the Tru-Choke system. This is a common choke thread pattern making it compatible with many shotguns.
- The Choke Type is Cylinder. This provides no constriction of the shot pattern, resulting in the widest possible spread.
- The Diameter is 0.62 inches. This represents a true cylinder bore in a 20 gauge shotgun.
- The quantity included is one choke tube. This is standard.
- The choke is Non-Ported. This eliminates ports, which can complicate cleaning.
- The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder is proudly made in the USA. This means high-quality manufacturing and materials.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the choke’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the cylinder bore provides a consistent, wide pattern for close-range shooting. The non-ported design simplifies cleaning, and the Tru-Choke system offers compatibility with a wide range of shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder excels at its intended job: providing a wide, even shot pattern at close ranges. It consistently breaks clay targets and is effective for upland bird hunting in thick cover. I have used it for grouse and woodcock with excellent results.
The primary strength is its ability to deliver a consistent pattern without any tight spots or holes. Its primary weakness is that it is not suited for longer-range shots.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder meets and exceeds my expectations for a cylinder bore choke. Its performance and reliability are outstanding.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder is a simple, functional design. The stainless steel construction feels solid and durable. Its weight is negligible, so it does not alter the balance of the shotgun.
It is extremely user-friendly. No learning curve is required.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder should last for many years with proper care. I expect to get a lifetime of use out of it.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning after each use is all that is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder does not come with any additional accessories. The only real customization option is to choose a different choke tube from Carlson’s Choke Tubes or another manufacturer with a different constriction for varying ranges and shooting conditions.
The choke is compatible with any shotgun that uses the Tru-Choke thread pattern. This opens up a wide range of aftermarket choke tubes from different brands.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder
Pros
- Delivers a wide, even shot pattern for close-range targets.
- Durable 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
- Simple, non-ported design for easy cleaning.
- Affordable price point compared to some competitors.
Cons
- Not suitable for long-range shooting.
- No included choke wrench.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder is perfect for sporting clays enthusiasts who frequently encounter close-range targets. It is also excellent for upland bird hunters who hunt in dense cover where shots are typically very close. It is a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable, affordable cylinder choke for their 20-gauge shotgun.
Those who primarily shoot at longer ranges or require tighter patterns should skip this product. This choke is designed for close-in work, and a tighter choke would be more appropriate for longer shots.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. A choke tube case is also recommended for safe storage.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder is an excellent value for the money. It delivers consistent performance, is built to last, and is incredibly easy to maintain. For under $50, it’s hard to beat the quality and functionality this choke provides.
The price is definitely justified. It’s a small investment that can significantly improve your shooting performance at close ranges.
I would absolutely recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 20ga Sporting Clay Cylinder to anyone looking for a quality cylinder choke for their 20-gauge shotgun. If you’re tired of missing those close-in targets, give this choke a try. You won’t be disappointed. Upgrade your shotgun today and start breaking more clays!