CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN Review

First Thoughts on the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN promises tighter patterns and reduced recoil, something every turkey hunter craves. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this choke aims to deliver optimal performance at both close and extended ranges while taming the punch of heavy turkey loads. This combination of features immediately piqued my interest, making it a candidate for replacing the factory choke in my trusty Benelli.

For years, I’ve chased gobblers through the dense forests of the Appalachian mountains, always searching for that extra edge. My factory choke did the job adequately, but I knew there was room for improvement in pattern density and recoil management, particularly with magnum loads. The promise of enhanced pattern consistency and muzzle control offered by the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN seemed like the perfect solution.

Upon unboxing, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN exuded quality. The non-reflective blue finish was evenly applied and the stainless steel construction felt robust. Compared to a couple of other extended turkey chokes I’ve used – a Primos Jelly Head and a Briley X2 – the Carlson’s choke had a more aggressive porting design.

My initial impression was positive. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN felt substantial, looked well-made, and boasted features specifically tailored for turkey hunting. I was eager to test its performance in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN on a public hunting land range, mimicking realistic hunting conditions. The weather was cool and slightly damp, typical of early spring turkey season. I used a Benelli Nova pump shotgun and a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, including 3-inch and 3.5-inch shells.

The first thing I noticed was the reduced recoil compared to my factory choke. The ported design seemed to effectively redirect gases, making the 3.5-inch loads noticeably more manageable. Patterning the choke at 20, 30, and 40 yards revealed significantly denser and more consistent patterns than I was accustomed to seeing with my factory choke.

Ease of use was straightforward. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN threaded smoothly into my Benelli Nova, requiring no special tools beyond a standard choke wrench. No unexpected issues arose during the initial testing; it performed precisely as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during both practice sessions and actual hunts, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or corrosion despite being exposed to moisture and the rigors of the field. The blue finish has remained intact.

Maintenance has been simple. After each range session or hunt, I clean the choke tube with a bore brush and solvent, then apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. This minimal upkeep has kept the choke tube in excellent condition.

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN outperforms my previous choke experiences considerably. The denser patterns at longer ranges instill confidence when taking shots at wary birds. The reduced recoil allows for faster follow-up shots, a crucial advantage when dealing with running turkeys.

Breaking Down the Features of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN

Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. This standard gauge is compatible with a wide range of shotguns, making it a versatile choice.
• Design: Super Full Turkey. Specifically designed to produce extremely tight patterns for turkey hunting.
• Construction: Aircraft-grade stainless steel. This material ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, even in harsh conditions.
• Finish: Blue non-reflective. The finish reduces glare, preventing spooking wary game.
• Ported Design: Yes. Porting helps vent gases, reducing recoil and muzzle jump.
• Compatibility: Benelli and Beretta Mobilchoke thread patterns. Ensures compatibility with popular shotgun models.
• Warranty: Lifetime. A lifetime warranty reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.

These specifications are crucial for performance. The tight constriction of the “Super Full Turkey” design ensures a dense, lethal pattern at extended ranges. The ported design minimizes recoil, enhancing shooter comfort and control.

Performance & Functionality

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It delivers consistently tight and dense patterns out to 40 yards, making it ideal for ethical and effective turkey hunting. The reduced recoil is a significant bonus, particularly when using heavy magnum loads.

The choke’s strengths lie in its pattern density and recoil reduction. However, its extremely tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range shots (inside 15 yards) where the pattern may be too small. It meets and even exceeds my expectations, making it a valuable addition to my turkey hunting setup.

Design & Ergonomics

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN boasts excellent build quality. The stainless steel construction feels robust and durable, and the blue finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The choke tube is well-balanced and adds minimal weight to the shotgun.

The choke is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal, beyond the standard choke wrench. There’s no learning curve involved; simply thread it in and start patterning.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its stainless steel construction, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN is built to last. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure years of reliable performance.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all that’s required to keep the choke tube in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN doesn’t require additional accessories for its primary function. However, a quality choke wrench is essential for proper installation and removal.

The choke tube is compatible with any Benelli or Beretta Mobilchoke-threaded shotgun. This wide compatibility makes it a versatile choice for hunters who own multiple shotguns with the same thread pattern. There are no further customizations available for choke tubes, the product is a ‘plug and play’ type product.

Pros and Cons of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BER BEN