BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS Review

First Thoughts on the BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS

The BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS. It sounds like serious business right out of the box. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless shotgun chokes promising the moon when it comes to tighter patterns and longer shots. I’ve been chasing that perfect turkey pattern for years, a quest that’s led me through countless brands and designs. This one, with its fully rifled extended design and promise of extra-full performance, immediately piqued my interest.

My main problem was consistently tight patterns at extended ranges for those wary Toms. I wanted to achieve ethical, clean kills further out, especially when hunting pressured birds that hang up just outside the typical range. The BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS promised the potential for that extended reach.

The choke tube arrived in standard, no-frills packaging. The matte black finish appears durable, though time will tell. It’s noticeably longer than a standard choke, as expected from an extended model. I picked this choke tube over others based on its fully rifled design and the promise of tighter patterns. Many competitors offer ported or spiral-cut designs, but the full rifling seemed like a more aggressive approach to maximizing pattern density.

My first impression? Cautiously optimistic. The build quality appears solid, and the rifling is clean and pronounced. The BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS definitely looks the part.

Real-World Testing: Putting BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS at my local shooting range, setting up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards. The weather was typical for spring turkey season: damp and a bit chilly. I used a variety of turkey loads from different manufacturers to gauge pattern consistency.

The choke installed easily into my 12-gauge with Invector-DS threads. The pattern at 20 yards was incredibly tight – almost too tight. At 30 yards, the pattern started to open up, but still held a dense core. However, at 40 yards, the pattern became inconsistent, with some fliers significantly outside the main grouping. My first use didn’t leave me feeling confident at that range.

There was a noticeable increase in recoil compared to a standard modified choke. This is expected from the tighter constriction and rifled design, but worth noting.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of testing with various loads, the BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS proved to be consistently effective within a specific range. It’s durable, showing no signs of wear despite multiple range sessions and cleanings. I meticulously cleaned it after each use to prevent any buildup in the rifling.

Compared to my previous experiences with ported choke tubes, the BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS offered tighter patterns at closer ranges (out to 30 yards), but didn’t deliver the consistent long-range performance I was hoping for (40+ yards). I believe the right load would significantly improve its performance and consistency at the longer ranges.

Breaking Down the Features of BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS

Specifications

  • The BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS is a 12-gauge choke tube designed for use with shotguns featuring the Invector-DS (INV DS) choke system. The Invector-DS system is popular in Browning and Winchester shotguns.

  • It features a fully rifled bore, designed to impart spin on the shot column for tighter patterns. This rifling is what sets it apart from many other turkey chokes on the market.

  • The choke is an extended design, meaning it protrudes beyond the end of the shotgun barrel. This extended length aids in pattern development.

  • The choke is marked as Extra Full (XF), indicating a very tight constriction. This constriction is intended to keep the shot pattern dense at longer ranges.

  • The price is listed at $44.99, positioning it as an affordable option in the turkey choke market. It makes it an accessible choke for a large amount of users.

These specifications are important because they dictate the choke’s intended use and potential performance. The rifled bore is the key feature for achieving tighter patterns, while the extended design provides additional length for pattern stabilization.

Performance & Functionality

The BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS excels at producing extremely tight patterns at close to mid-range distances (20-30 yards). This makes it ideal for hunting in areas with dense cover where shots are typically closer. However, performance at longer ranges (40+ yards) can be inconsistent, depending heavily on the specific load used.

The main strength of the BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS lies in its ability to deliver dense, concentrated patterns at shorter ranges, increasing the likelihood of a clean kill. Its weakness is its sensitivity to ammunition. It needs careful load selection to maintain pattern consistency at longer distances. I hoped for consistent tight patterns at 40 yards. It only met my expectations if using the right load.

Design & Ergonomics

The choke tube is constructed from what appears to be high-quality steel with a matte black finish. The finish is durable and resists scratching and corrosion. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.

The installation process is straightforward and requires no special tools. Its user-friendly design makes the BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS an easy-to-use choke.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS should last for many seasons. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent buildup in the rifling. I recommend using a choke tube cleaner and a bore brush after each use.

Disassembly for cleaning is simple, requiring only a choke wrench and cleaning supplies. The durable construction ensures that it will withstand repeated use and cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS does not come with any included accessories. Customization options are limited to load selection, as choke tubes are not typically customizable. The choke is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun using the Invector-DS choke system.

While no direct accessories are included, a quality choke wrench is a must-have for easy installation and removal. This choke requires no direct customization options.

Pros and Cons of BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS

Pros

  • Affordable price: At $44.99, it’s a budget-friendly option for turkey hunters.
  • Extremely tight patterns at close range: Delivers exceptional pattern density within 30 yards.
  • Durable construction: Made from high-quality steel for long-lasting performance.
  • Easy to install and remove: Compatible with standard choke wrenches.
  • Noticeably increases effective range (with the right load): Extends the range of most shotguns for ethical kills (within limits).

Cons

  • Inconsistent patterns at longer ranges (40+ yards) without careful load selection.
  • Increased recoil compared to standard chokes.


Who Should Buy BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS?

The BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS is perfect for turkey hunters who primarily hunt in areas with dense cover and expect close-range shots. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters on a budget who want to improve their pattern density without breaking the bank. New hunters to the sport would enjoy starting with this choke.

Hunters who consistently take longer shots (40+ yards) or those who are unwilling to experiment with different loads to find the optimal pattern should skip this product. They should look at other premium options.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke wrench. Additionally, spending time at the range to pattern different loads is essential.

Conclusion on BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS

The BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS is a solid performer at an affordable price point. Its ability to produce extremely tight patterns at close to mid-range distances makes it a valuable tool for turkey hunters. It delivers exceptional value.

While it may require some experimentation to find the optimal load for longer ranges, its strengths in close-quarters situations are undeniable. For $44.99, the price is definitely justified.

I would recommend the BRO TUBE TURKEY 12GA XF INV DS to any turkey hunter looking to improve their pattern density at shorter ranges without spending a fortune. Give it a try. You might just bag that elusive Tom you’ve been after.


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