CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS Review

First Thoughts on the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS isn’t just another piece of metal; it’s a precision instrument designed to maximize the effectiveness of your shotgun for turkey hunting. Carlson’s Choke Tubes has built a reputation for quality and performance, and this particular model promises extra-tight patterns, ideal for ethically harvesting that wary tom at extended ranges. This choke tube extends approximately 1″ from the end of the barrel.

My pursuit of the perfect turkey hunting setup led me to this choke. I was consistently frustrated with inconsistent patterns from my factory choke, resulting in too many missed or wounded birds. I needed something that would deliver tight, reliable patterns at longer distances, ensuring a clean, ethical kill.

Upon unboxing, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS exudes quality. The matte blue finish is evenly applied, and the threads are precisely cut, promising a secure fit. The choke feels substantial in hand, giving me confidence in its ability to withstand the pressures of heavy turkey loads.

I considered other extended turkey chokes from manufacturers like Patternmaster and Primos, but ultimately chose the Carlson’s due to its reputation for consistent performance across a wide range of loads and its more reasonable price point. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS seemed like the best value for the performance it promised. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS at my local shooting range, using a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, including copper-plated and buffered lead options. The weather was typical for early spring turkey season – damp and chilly, with a light drizzle. I used my trusty Benelli Nova, known for its reliability, as the test platform.

The choke tube screwed in smoothly and securely. I patterned the gun at 20, 30, and 40 yards, and the results were immediately noticeable. The patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent compared to my factory choke, with a dense core of pellets centered on the target. Even in the slightly damp conditions, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS delivered excellent performance. There were no issues with installation or extraction, and the choke remained secure throughout the testing session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full turkey season, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my hunting gear. I’ve taken it through thick brush, mud, and rain, and it shows no signs of wear or corrosion. The matte blue finish has held up well.

Cleaning is simple – a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket chokes, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS has significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern density and consistency. It has instilled a new level of confidence in my turkey hunting. I’ve never patterned a more consistent choke tube.

Breaking Down the Features of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS

Specifications

  • The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS is designed for 12-gauge shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system. It’s crucial to verify compatibility with your specific shotgun model before purchasing.
  • It’s constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. This provides exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan, even with frequent use of heavy turkey loads.
  • The choke extends approximately 1″ from the end of the barrel. This extended design aids in pattern constriction and provides a more consistent shot string.
  • It’s specifically designed for use with copper-plated and buffered lead turkey shotshells. It is imperative to avoid using steel shot with this choke, as it can cause damage.
  • The Carlson’s choke has a .665″ constriction. This dimension is a sweet spot for many turkey loads, offering a balance between pattern density and effective range.
  • The choke incorporates a 1.050″ parallel section. This extended parallel section is designed to help further tighten and stabilize the shot pattern, increasing accuracy at longer distances.

Performance & Functionality

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns with turkey loads. The choke’s constriction and parallel section work together to minimize pellet deformation and maintain pattern integrity, resulting in denser patterns at longer ranges. With this choke tube, ethical shots at 40 yards are now possible.

The choke does exactly what it’s designed to do. It provides a significant improvement in pattern density compared to a factory choke.

Design & Ergonomics

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS features a simple, functional design. The matte blue finish reduces glare and provides a low-profile look.

The choke tube’s construction feels incredibly robust. It inspires confidence that it can withstand the rigors of hunting.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS is built to withstand the pressures of repeated use with heavy turkey loads.

Maintenance is straightforward. Routine cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will keep the choke in optimal condition for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS itself doesn’t offer much in the way of customization. The primary customization aspect involves selecting the optimal turkey load for your specific shotgun and choke combination.

While there are no direct accessories for the choke itself, proper choke tube wrenches designed for Invector Plus chokes are recommended for installation and removal to prevent damage. Some hunters may also choose to use a choke tube lubricant to prevent seizing.

Pros and Cons of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS

Pros

  • Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes, extending effective range.
  • Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
  • Easy Installation & Maintenance: Screws in smoothly and cleans easily.
  • Affordable Price: Provides excellent value for the performance it offers.
  • Increased Confidence: Improves the odds of a clean, ethical harvest.

Cons

  • Not for Steel Shot: Specifically designed for lead and copper-plated shot, limiting its versatility.
  • Can be too Tight for Close Range: The tight patterns may be less forgiving at extremely close ranges (inside 15 yards).


Who Should Buy CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS?

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters who prioritize pattern density and extended range. It is ideal for those using 12-gauge shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system and who primarily use copper-plated or buffered lead turkey loads. Experienced hunters looking to maximize their shotgun’s performance will greatly benefit from this choke.

This product may not be suitable for hunters who frequently use steel shot or who primarily hunt turkeys at very close ranges. Beginners might find the extra-tight patterns less forgiving than more open chokes. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal, and experimenting with different turkey loads is highly recommended to find the optimal combination for your shotgun.

Conclusion on CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS is an excellent investment for any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their shotgun’s performance. It delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns, extending the effective range and increasing the chances of a successful hunt. This is particularly effective out to 40 yards.

At $35.99, the price is certainly justified. The improvement in pattern density and the overall increase in confidence make this choke well worth the money.

I would absolutely recommend the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA EXT TURKEY BRO INV PLUS to anyone serious about turkey hunting. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities, give this choke a try – you won’t be disappointed. Add it to your cart today and experience the difference a quality choke can make!


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