Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full promises tighter patterns and enhanced performance for competitive clay shooting. It’s designed for SKB shotguns, a brand known for its quality, and the “Extra Full” designation suggests a very tight constriction for long-range shots. The Carlson’s name carries a reputation for quality aftermarket choke tubes, making this a product worth exploring.
I’d been struggling with consistent breaks on distant clays, a common problem in sporting clays. I was looking for a choke tube that could tighten my patterns and extend my effective range.
Upon unboxing, the Carlson’s choke tube felt solid and well-made. The black finish was even and appeared durable, promising resistance to corrosion. The included choke wrench was a nice touch, ensuring proper installation and removal.
I had considered Briley and Trulock choke tubes, both highly respected brands. However, the Carlson’s tube offered a competitive price point and a specific design for sporting clays with an SKB shotgun, making it an appealing choice.
My first impression was positive; the choke tube exuded quality and purpose. I was eager to get it to the range and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full at my local sporting clays range. The weather was clear and sunny, providing ideal conditions for evaluating its performance. I used 12-gauge shells with 7.5 shot, a common load for sporting clays.
The choke tube performed as expected, producing noticeably tighter patterns at longer distances. It allowed me to consistently break clays that I had previously struggled with. The dense pattern seemed to reach out and grab even the most distant targets.
The choke tube was easy to install and remove using the provided wrench. I did not experience any issues with it loosening during firing.
After the first session, I was impressed with the improved consistency in my breaks, especially on report pairs and long crossers.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or corrosion despite regular cleaning.
The black finish remains intact, and the threads show no signs of damage. I regularly clean the choke tube after each shooting session using a solvent and brush. The cleaning process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
Compared to my previous choke tube (a factory-supplied modified choke), the Carlson’s offering provides significantly tighter patterns and a noticeable increase in effective range. It has definitely boosted my confidence on challenging targets.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is specifically designed for 12-gauge SKB Competition shotguns. It is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The choke type is Extra Full, with a diameter of 0.695 inches, providing a very tight constriction.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction is crucial for withstanding the pressures and heat generated during repeated firing. The Extra Full constriction is ideal for long-range targets, providing dense patterns that increase the likelihood of breaking clays.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full performs exceptionally well in extending the effective range of an SKB shotgun. Its tight constriction delivers consistent and dense patterns at distances beyond what a modified or improved cylinder choke can achieve.
A significant strength is its ability to consistently break clays at 40 yards and beyond. A potential weakness is that it is too tight for closer range targets (inside of 25 yards), where it may produce patterns that are too small and unforgiving.
It meets and exceeds my expectations for a long-range choke tube.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full features a sleek, non-ported design with a durable black finish. The construction is solid, and the weight is negligible.
The smooth design and included wrench make it user-friendly. The choke tube is easy to install and remove.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction suggests that the Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
It is easy to clean and maintain with readily available solvents and brushes.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. It does not offer any additional customization options beyond the choke constriction itself.
It is compatible with standard SKB Competition choke tube systems.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra FullPros
- Provides extremely tight patterns for long-range clay targets.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel.
- Easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
- Black finish offers corrosion resistance.
- Noticeably improves consistency on distant targets.
Cons
- Pattern is too tight for close-range targets (under 25 yards).
- Limited to SKB Competition choke tube systems.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full?
Pros
- Provides extremely tight patterns for long-range clay targets.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel.
- Easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
- Black finish offers corrosion resistance.
- Noticeably improves consistency on distant targets.
Cons
- Pattern is too tight for close-range targets (under 25 yards).
- Limited to SKB Competition choke tube systems.
Perfect for competitive sporting clays shooters and recreational shooters who frequently encounter long-range targets. It is ideal for those seeking to improve their consistency on distant clays.
This choke tube is not recommended for those who primarily shoot close-range targets or hunt game birds at close distances. It is also not suitable for shotguns that do not use the SKB Competition choke tube system.
A must-have accessory is a choke tube case to protect the choke during storage and transport.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a well-made and effective choke tube designed for long-range clay target shooting. Its tight constriction delivers dense and consistent patterns, significantly improving the shooter’s ability to break distant targets.
The price is justified by the quality of construction and the noticeable improvement in performance. I would personally recommend it to any SKB shotgun owner looking to enhance their long-range shooting capabilities.
If you’re serious about sporting clays and need that extra edge on challenging targets, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes SKB Comp 12ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a solid investment. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your scores!