Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full is a vital accessory for any Ruger 12-gauge shotgun owner looking to maximize their range and pattern density. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a renowned name in the shotgun accessory market, this choke tube is designed for tight, consistent patterns at longer distances, making it ideal for hunting specific game or excelling in certain shooting disciplines. This choke promises to deliver tighter patterns, enhancing the shotgun’s effective range and increasing the odds of a successful shot.
I was struggling with consistent shot patterns when hunting turkey in thick woods, where longer shots were often necessary. My factory choke wasn’t providing the density needed for clean kills beyond 30 yards, leading to frustrating misses and wounded birds. I was looking for a choke tube that could tighten my pattern significantly at extended ranges, specifically for turkey hunting and possibly waterfowling with steel shot.
Upon unboxing, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full felt solid and well-made. The stainless steel construction gave it a robust feel, and the flush design was a nice touch, keeping the overall length of the shotgun manageable. My initial impression was that the tube was durable and aesthetically pleasing, promising long-lasting performance.
I considered the Briley Extended Choke and the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey Choke, both highly regarded in the shotgun world. Ultimately, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full won me over due to its reputation for consistent patterns, its flush-mounted design, and its more budget-friendly price point. I was also drawn to the Carlson’s name.
Initially, I was excited to see if the choke would live up to its promise of tighter patterns. There was also a small part of me that was cautious, hoping installation would be straightforward and that it wouldn’t negatively impact the shotgun’s balance or handling. I was definitely eager to get to the range and see what this choke could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full at my local shooting range and then during a turkey hunting trip in the Allegheny National Forest. I set up targets at 30, 40, and 50 yards to assess pattern density with different loads. The Pennsylvania backcountry provided a real-world hunting scenario.
The choke performed admirably in both dry and slightly damp conditions at the range. During the turkey hunt, a light drizzle didn’t seem to affect the pattern’s consistency. The stainless steel construction proved resistant to minor moisture.
Installation was simple, thanks to the included choke wrench, and the tube seated perfectly flush with the barrel. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full required minimal effort to install.
I was immediately impressed with the tighter patterns I was getting at longer ranges compared to the factory choke. With my preferred turkey load, I achieved significantly more pellets in the kill zone at 40 yards, a noticeable improvement. The initial results were very promising, instilling confidence for the upcoming hunt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the threads remain in perfect condition despite frequent removal and reinstallation for cleaning. The durable stainless steel construction has proven its worth.
After cleaning after each use, I have noticed zero signs of wear and tear. Even with a decent amount of shooting, the choke looks as good as new.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick scrub with a choke tube brush and solvent removes any residue. Regular light oiling of the threads keeps everything smooth. This choke is as easy to maintain as any other.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full definitely outperforms in terms of pattern consistency and ease of maintenance. It has exceeded my expectations. My success in the field this past turkey season has been a testament to its effectiveness.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full boasts several key specifications:
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel
- Gauge: 12
- Choke Tube System: Ruger Choke
- Choke Type: Extra Full
- Diameter: 0.7 inches
- Gun Make: Ruger
- Quantity: 1
- Additional Features: Non-Ported
- Included Accessories: Choke Wrench
- Country of Origin: USA
These specifications translate directly to improved performance and user experience. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, essential for withstanding harsh outdoor conditions. The Extra Full choke designation means tighter patterns, resulting in greater effective range, which is ideal for turkey hunting and waterfowling.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full excels in its primary function: producing tight, consistent shot patterns at extended ranges. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to a standard factory choke, increasing the chances of clean, ethical kills. Its reliability is excellent, with consistent performance across multiple shooting sessions.
The choke’s strengths lie in its ability to deliver dense patterns at longer distances, particularly effective for turkey and waterfowl. The primary area for potential improvement would be offering different constriction options within the same series. This would allow hunters to fine-tune patterns for specific distances.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full significantly exceeds expectations for pattern density. It provides confidence in making ethical shots at distances that would be questionable with a factory choke. This enhanced range directly translates to greater success in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full features a simple yet effective design. The stainless steel construction feels robust and durable, while the flush-mounted design keeps the shotgun sleek and maneuverable. The choke feels well-balanced.
The choke is exceptionally user-friendly. Installation is straightforward. The included choke wrench makes swapping chokes easy. There is no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full is built to last. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability. Regular cleaning and light lubrication of the threads are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Maintaining the choke is a simple process involving basic cleaning tools. The choke threads are durable. Replacement shouldn’t be necessary with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full includes a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. While there are no direct customization options for this specific choke, users can experiment with different loads to achieve optimal patterns.
The choke is fully compatible with any Ruger 12-gauge shotgun that uses the Ruger choke system. It pairs well with aftermarket shell carriers and slings, enhancing overall functionality.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full
Pros
- Exceptional pattern density at longer ranges, greatly improving effective range.
- Durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Flush-mounted design maintains the shotgun’s sleek profile and maneuverability.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal effort and simple tools.
- Noticeably improved accuracy translates to more ethical and successful hunts.
Cons
- The Extra Full choke may produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (less than 20 yards).
- May require experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern for a specific shotgun.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full is perfect for turkey hunters, waterfowl hunters engaging in longer-range shots, and competitive shooters looking for tight, consistent patterns. It is an ideal choice for those seeking to maximize the effective range of their Ruger 12-gauge shotgun.
Those primarily hunting upland birds at close ranges should skip this product due to the overly tight patterns it produces. It would be less suitable for scenarios requiring a wider spread of shot.
A quality boresnake for cleaning the barrel and a dedicated choke tube grease are must-have accessories. Experimenting with different shot sizes and loads is highly recommended to fine-tune the pattern to your specific shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full is a worthwhile investment for Ruger 12-gauge owners seeking to enhance their shotgun’s performance at longer ranges. The price is justified by the significant improvement in pattern density.
I would personally recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full to anyone looking for a reliable, durable, and effective choke tube for turkey or waterfowl hunting. It’s an outstanding product.
If you’re ready to extend your shotgun’s range and improve your success in the field, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extra Full is a fantastic choice. Don’t settle for less – invest in a choke that delivers consistent performance when it matters most.