Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder is a seemingly simple, yet critical component for any serious shotgun shooter. This choke tube, manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, is designed to provide a more open pattern than a modified or full choke, making it ideal for close-range shooting scenarios. It promises enhanced shot distribution for various applications, from upland bird hunting to clay target sports.
I needed a choke tube that would give me a wider pattern for quail hunting in thick cover, where shots are often quick and at close range. After missing several birds due to tight patterns with my modified choke, I started looking for a solution. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder seemed like the perfect fit based on its description and the positive reviews I’d seen from other hunters.
Upon receiving the choke tube, I was immediately impressed by its clean, stainless steel finish and solid construction. The threads were smooth, and it felt substantial in my hand, suggesting a high level of quality. This immediately set it apart from some of the cheaper, more generic choke tubes I’ve handled in the past, which often feel flimsy and poorly made.
I considered a Briley choke and a Patternmaster choke, but I chose the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder because of its reputation for quality and consistent performance at a more accessible price point. The other brands, while excellent, were a significant investment, and I wanted to see if the Carlson’s could deliver the performance I needed without breaking the bank. It also perfectly fit my Tru-Choke system.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it would actually improve my hit ratio in the field, but also a bit skeptical, as choke tubes can be finicky and results often vary depending on the gun and ammunition. Only real-world testing would tell if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder at my local shooting range, patterning it with several different loads of #7.5 and #8 shot. I then took it out on a quail hunt in the Texas brush country.
The Texas brush country offered a challenging environment with dense foliage and unpredictable bird flushes. The improved cylinder choke performed admirably, providing a noticeably wider and more forgiving pattern at close ranges (15-25 yards). I immediately noticed an increase in my hit percentage on those quick, instinctive shots.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder was easy to install and required no special tools. Even after firing several boxes of shells, it remained securely in place without loosening. There were no issues with cycling or ejection.
Initially, I was surprised by how consistently the pattern held up with different ammunition brands. Some choke tubes are very sensitive to the type of shell used, but the Carlson’s seemed to perform well regardless. This consistency was a major plus.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple hunting trips and range sessions, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder continues to perform flawlessly. There has been no degradation in pattern quality or any other performance issues.
The stainless steel construction has proven to be very durable, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to harsh weather conditions. After cleaning, it still looks and performs like new.
Cleaning the choke tube is straightforward; a simple bore brush and solvent are all that’s needed to remove any powder residue. It requires minimal maintenance.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket chokes, the Carlson’s has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability. It has become an indispensable part of my hunting setup. It has outperformed cheaper chokes that I’ve tried in the past and has held its own against more expensive brands.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder
Specifications
- The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder is designed for 12-gauge shotguns that utilize the Tru-Choke system. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of popular shotgun models.
- It is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. This material choice ensures longevity and reliability, even under harsh environmental conditions.
- The choke tube has a diameter of 0.72 inches. This diameter produces a wider shot pattern than tighter chokes, making it ideal for close-range shooting.
- It is a non-ported choke tube. This means there are no holes or slots cut into the tube to reduce recoil, keeping the design simple and robust.
- It is manufactured in the USA. This signifies adherence to strict quality control standards and supports American manufacturing.
These specifications are critical because they directly influence the choke tube’s performance and lifespan. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the improved cylinder constriction provides the desired shot pattern for specific hunting and shooting scenarios. The fact that it’s non-ported makes it easier to clean and less prone to clogging.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder excels in providing a consistent and effective pattern at close ranges. This makes it perfect for flushing game birds in thick cover or engaging targets on a sporting clays course at shorter distances.
The primary strength lies in its ability to deliver a more open pattern than tighter chokes, increasing the likelihood of hitting moving targets at close range. A minor weakness is that it’s not ideal for longer-range shots, where a tighter pattern is needed.
It absolutely meets and exceeds my expectations for close-range shooting. It has significantly improved my hit rate on quail and other game birds in dense cover, making it a valuable tool in my hunting arsenal.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder features a simple and functional design. The stainless steel construction feels robust and well-made.
The flush design ensures that it does not extend beyond the end of the barrel, maintaining the shotgun’s balance and maneuverability. There is no learning curve involved; it’s a simple, screw-in choke tube that is easy to install and use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder is built to last. It is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear.
Maintaining the choke tube is simple, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use to remove any powder residue or debris. Proper cleaning ensures its continued performance and longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder does not come with any specific accessories, as it is a standalone product. However, it is compatible with any shotgun that accepts Tru-Choke style choke tubes.
While there are no specific customization options for this particular choke tube, users can experiment with different ammunition types and shot sizes to fine-tune their patterns. This allows for a personalized shooting experience tailored to specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder
Pros
- Improved Close-Range Accuracy: Provides a wider, more forgiving pattern for close-range shots, increasing hit probability.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
- Easy Installation and Use: Simple, screw-in design that requires no special tools.
- Consistent Performance: Delivers reliable and consistent patterns with various ammunition types.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent performance and durability at a competitive price point.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Long-Range Shooting: The wider pattern is not suitable for shots beyond 30-40 yards.
- Non-Ported Design: Does not offer recoil reduction benefits found in ported choke tubes.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder?
Perfect for: Upland bird hunters who frequently encounter close-range shots in dense cover will greatly benefit from the improved pattern of this choke. Sporting clays shooters looking for a more forgiving pattern on close-range stations will also find it useful. Those who want to improve their hit ratios without investing in expensive custom chokes can use it.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who primarily engage targets at longer ranges should opt for a tighter choke, such as a modified or full choke. Those specifically seeking recoil reduction features should consider a ported choke tube instead.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A good choke tube wrench will make installation and removal easier. Experimenting with different ammunition brands and shot sizes is also recommended to optimize pattern performance.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder is an excellent investment for any shotgun shooter seeking improved performance at close ranges. Its durable construction, consistent patterns, and affordable price make it a standout product in its category.
The price is absolutely justified by the improved hit ratios and the choke’s durability. At $29.99, it’s a small price to pay for a significant increase in shooting performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter Improved Cylinder to any hunter or shooter looking to enhance their close-range accuracy. Don’t let missed opportunities get you down; invest in this choke tube and start hitting your targets with confidence!