The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel choke tube is designed for one specific purpose: to deliver devastatingly tight patterns for turkey hunting with Retay shotguns. This isn’t a universal, jack-of-all-trades choke; it’s a specialized tool built for a singular, demanding task. My initial draw to this choke came from a frustrating experience last spring, where my patterns were too open at typical turkey hunting distances, resulting in missed opportunities on some truly magnificent toms.
My first impression upon receiving the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel choke was positive, based purely on its heft and appearance. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gives it a robust feel, and the extended design hinted at the pattern tightening I desperately needed. It felt like a serious piece of gear.
I’d been considering a similar choke from Trulock, another reputable manufacturer, but ultimately chose the Carlsons due to its slightly more aggressive constriction diameter (.665 compared to Trulock’s .670 in my research) and the positive reviews specifically mentioning its performance with Retay shotguns. I wanted a choke specifically designed for my gun. My first reaction was excitement; finally, I had something that seemed purpose-built for my needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel was at my local shooting range, specifically the patterning board. The weather was relatively mild, with a slight breeze – typical conditions for spring turkey season in my area. I primarily used Federal Premium TSS #9 shot, the load I’d be hunting with. The point was to see if it held up.
The difference was immediately noticeable compared to my factory choke. Patterns at 40 yards were significantly tighter, with a dense core and fewer stray pellets. The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel definitely lived up to its name. There was no excessive recoil or unusual report.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous trips to the range and a full turkey season, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel has proven to be a reliable and durable performer. There are no signs of wear or corrosion despite being exposed to various weather conditions. The stainless steel construction seems to be doing its job.
Maintaining the choke is incredibly simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each range session or hunt is all it takes to keep it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with less specialized chokes, the Carlsons has significantly improved my confidence and effectiveness in the field. It’s a definite step up.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
- Brand: Carlsons.
- Category: Choke Tubes.
- Model: Extended Turkey.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. The 17-4 stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability, crucial for withstanding the harsh environments often encountered during turkey hunting.
- Constriction Type: Turkey. This indicates the choke is specifically designed for extremely tight patterns at longer ranges, optimizing performance for turkey hunting scenarios.
- Constriction Diameter: .665. A .665 constriction diameter results in a very tight pattern. This is ideal for maximizing pellet density at distances where turkeys are most often engaged.
- Chokes Included: 1. The product includes a single choke tube, pre-configured for optimal turkey hunting performance.
- Configuration: Retay. This choke tube is designed to be compatible exclusively with Retay shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel choke tube performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It delivers consistently tight and dense patterns at distances of 30-50 yards, significantly increasing the likelihood of a clean and ethical harvest. The only potential downside is that the extremely tight pattern may be less forgiving at shorter ranges (inside 20 yards).
The strength of this choke lies in its ability to maintain a lethal pattern at distances where turkeys often hang up, just out of range for less specialized chokes. Improvement is always possible, but I’m happy with the result. The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The 17-4 stainless steel construction is robust and inspires confidence. The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal. The weight is negligible and doesn’t affect the balance of the shotgun.
The choke tube is user-friendly, requiring no special tools for installation or removal. The simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain. No special skills needed.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability and corrosion resistance. With proper care, this choke tube should last for many seasons of turkey hunting. Cleaning is straightforward.
A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain the choke tube in optimal condition. The durable material resists corrosion, minimizing the need for intensive maintenance. No concerns at this time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel choke tube comes as a standalone product. It is not compatible with aftermarket extensions or ported sections. However, its compatibility with Retay shotguns ensures it functions seamlessly with factory components. You can tune to taste with different shot shells.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Incredibly tight and dense patterns at extended ranges. Dramatically improves effective range for turkey hunting.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction. Ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Easy to install and maintain. Simple design allows for hassle-free use.
- Specifically designed for Retay shotguns. Guarantees optimal fit and performance.
- Noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to factory chokes. Offers a significant upgrade in hunting effectiveness.
Cons
- Extremely tight pattern may be too constrictive at very close ranges. Less forgiving for shots inside 20 yards.
- Specialized for turkey hunting only. Not suitable for other types of hunting or shooting.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel?
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a Retay shotgun and prioritize maximizing their effective range and pattern density. This is a must-have for those seeking consistent and ethical harvests at distances beyond what standard chokes can achieve.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who primarily hunt in thick cover where shots are typically very close, or for those who prefer a more versatile choke that can be used for various types of hunting. The one choke rule may not apply to you. Consider a more open choke if you only engage targets up close.
Essential accessories to complement this choke tube include a high-quality turkey-specific shotshell (such as Federal TSS or similar) and a reliable rangefinder to accurately estimate distances in the field. Patterning your shotgun with your chosen load is also highly recommended to determine the optimal range for your setup.
Conclusion on Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel is a well-built, highly effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of extremely tight patterns for turkey hunting. At $42.50, the price is justified given the noticeable improvement in performance and the durable construction. Yes, this is worth the money.
I would absolutely recommend the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel to any serious turkey hunter using a Retay shotgun. It’s a game-changer that will undoubtedly increase your chances of success in the field. If you want to see your patterns absolutely decimate a turkey target, then purchase it now.