The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 Made a Bold First Impression
There’s something about the crisp morning air of turkey season that gets under your skin. After a few years of less-than-stellar patterns with my factory choke on my trusty Browning, I knew it was time for an upgrade, something that would truly tighten up my shot and give me the confidence to take those longer shots. Enter the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655.
I was searching for consistent patterns, even with the ever-changing variety of turkey loads on the market today. My frustration stemmed from blown patterns at anything beyond 30 yards; it was unacceptable, leaving me with too many wounded birds. This hunt for tighter patterns and better downrange energy brought me to Carlson’s Choke Tubes.
The Carlson’s choke arrived in simple but effective packaging. My initial impression was of a well-machined piece of steel with a clean, matte blue finish. Its weight felt reassuring, not too heavy to throw off the balance of my shotgun, but substantial enough to know it was built to last.
I considered several other extended turkey chokes from competitors like Trulock and Kick’s, but the price point and reputation of Carlson’s made it an easy decision. I needed reliability and performance, and at $35.99, the Carlson’s offered the best bang for my buck. This product felt like a significant upgrade compared to the factory choke that came with my Browning, offering a promise of a more consistent and lethal pattern.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test with the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 was at my local shooting range, patterning various turkey loads on paper targets. The weather was typical for early spring – damp and a bit chilly. The goal was simple: find the load that patterned best with the new choke and determine its effective range.
The results were immediately noticeable. Where my factory choke had produced inconsistent patterns with noticeable holes, the Carlson’s tube delivered significantly tighter and more uniform patterns. I was genuinely impressed by how the shot held together, especially at the 30-40 yard mark. There were no issues using the included choke wrench for quick installation.
After the range, I took the Browning out for a late-season youth hunt, guiding my nephew. The confidence in my pattern allowed him to make a clean, ethical shot on a mature tom at 35 yards. This first experience proved the value of the Carlson’s Choke Tube.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of turkey hunting in various conditions, the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 has held up remarkably well. From drizzly mornings in the oak bottoms to dry, dusty afternoons on the ridge tops, the choke has consistently delivered tight patterns. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the matte blue finish has proven surprisingly durable.
Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it performing like new. This is a significant improvement over some aftermarket chokes I’ve used in the past, which required constant attention and were prone to rust. The extended choke design even helps to protect the muzzle from damage in thick brush.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes and other aftermarket options, the Carlson’s choke has exceeded my expectations. The consistent patterns and durability make it a reliable tool for any serious turkey hunter. It instilled confidence to take ethical shots, meaning fewer wounded birds and more successful hunts.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655
Specifications
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 is designed specifically for 12-gauge Browning shotguns that utilize the Invector Plus choke system. It extends approximately 1″ beyond the end of the barrel, offering added protection and a visual cue that it’s properly installed. The .655 constriction is optimized for tight patterns with a variety of turkey loads.
The choke tube is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, ensuring strength and corrosion resistance. This material is critical for durability, especially in harsh hunting environments. The matte blue finish helps to reduce glare and prevent spooking wary birds. The 1.050” parallel section is engineered to produce optimum patterns with different ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 performs its primary function – tightening patterns – exceptionally well. It consistently delivers dense, even patterns with both lead and non-toxic turkey loads out to 40 yards. This choke held patterns true to where I aimed with minimal flyers.
The biggest strength is the improved pattern density and consistency compared to the factory choke. A minor weakness is that, like all tight-patterning turkey chokes, it’s less forgiving at very close ranges (inside 20 yards). Overall, the Carlson’s choke exceeds expectations by providing a significant increase in effective range and pattern density.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 is excellent. The stainless steel construction feels robust and the threads are precisely cut for a smooth and secure fit. The extended design makes it easy to identify which choke is installed, even in low-light conditions.
The choke is user-friendly, requiring only the included choke tube wrench for installation and removal. There is virtually no learning curve; simply screw it in, tighten it down, and head to the range to pattern your shotgun. This is a no-nonsense design focused on function and durability.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures that the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 will last for many seasons of hard use. Proper cleaning and light lubrication after each use will prevent corrosion and ensure smooth installation and removal. With reasonable care, this choke should outlast the shotgun itself.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a bore brush, solvent, and a light oil or grease for the threads. Regular maintenance will keep the choke in perfect condition, ready for the next hunt. This ease of care is a significant advantage for hunters who prioritize reliability and longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 comes with a “Free” choke tube wrench, which is a nice addition and ensures proper installation. There are no additional accessories or customization options directly associated with the choke itself. It’s a straightforward, purpose-built product.
It is compatible with most lead, copperplated, nickel, Hevi-Shot, or Bismuth turkey loads designed for 12-gauge shotguns. This versatility allows hunters to experiment with different loads to find the optimal pattern for their specific hunting conditions. This is a great advantage as some chokes are limited to certain types of ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes, extending effective range.
- Durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Simple installation and removal with the included choke tube wrench.
- Affordable price makes it an accessible upgrade for any turkey hunter.
- Versatile – Compatible with a wide range of lead and non-toxic turkey loads.
Cons
- May produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards).
- Extended design adds a small amount of weight to the end of the barrel.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655?
This choke is perfect for turkey hunters who own a 12-gauge Browning shotgun with the Invector Plus choke system and are looking to improve their pattern density and effective range. It’s also ideal for hunters who want a durable and reliable choke that can withstand harsh hunting conditions. Those who hunt larger properties, where longer shots are common, will see the most benefit.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very thick cover where shots are consistently close (inside 20 yards) might want to consider a more open choke. Someone who wants a more specialized choke for specific ammo types might not find this to be what they are looking for either. A quality bore cleaner and choke tube grease are must-have accessories to keep this choke performing optimally.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 is an excellent value for the money. It delivers a noticeable improvement in pattern density and consistency compared to factory chokes, enhancing a hunter’s effective range. Its durable construction and simple design make it a reliable tool for any serious turkey hunter.
The $35.99 price tag is easily justified by the improved performance and increased confidence it provides in the field. I would absolutely recommend this choke to any Browning shotgun owner looking to up their turkey hunting game. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make!