First Thoughts on the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY promises to be a game-changer for turkey hunters seeking consistently tight patterns at varying distances. Carlson’s Choke Tubes has a reputation for quality, and this choke tube specifically targets the demands of turkey hunting, offering both optimized patterns and recoil reduction. The claim of a lifetime warranty provides confidence and is a strong selling point.
I’ve spent years tweaking my shotgun setups for turkey season, always chasing that perfect pattern. I’ve longed for a choke tube that delivers consistent performance, minimizing the guesswork involved in choosing the right load and distance. This model seemed like a good choice.
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY arrived in a simple, functional package. The initial impression was of solid, well-machined steel with a non-reflective blue finish, suggesting durability and a focus on practical use. The porting was clean and well-executed, giving me confidence that it would effectively reduce recoil and muzzle jump.
I’ve used other aftermarket turkey chokes, including a popular extended choke from Patternmaster and a more budget-friendly option from TruLock. I chose the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY because of the balance it seemed to strike between pattern optimization, recoil reduction, and the reassurance of a Carlson’s lifetime warranty. The others lacked a balance of all that this offers.
My first impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. I was eager to get it to the range and see if it lived up to the claims, but also aware that the proof would be in the pattern. This choke has a lot to prove but it looks like it might do the trick.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY at my local shooting range, using a Mossberg 500 12 gauge and a variety of turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and some heavier buffered loads from Hevi-Shot. The weather was typical for spring turkey season – damp and slightly chilly. Installation was easy.
The immediate difference was a noticeable reduction in felt recoil, which I attribute to the porting. The Mossberg 500 can be a bit punishing with heavy turkey loads, but the choke seemed to tame it somewhat. No issues were apparent after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing and hunting with the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY, it has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The blue finish has held up well, with only minor signs of wear from being inserted and removed from the shotgun. Cleaning is easy; I simply run a bore brush through it after each range session or hunt.
The patterns have remained consistently tight and even, and the recoil reduction continues to be appreciated, especially during longer practice sessions. Compared to previous chokes I’ve used, this one offers a more forgiving pattern, reducing the risk of blown patterns at closer ranges while still maintaining lethal density at longer distances. This offers me more confidence while in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY
Specifications
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY is designed for 12-gauge shotguns chambered for Browning Invector/Winchester/Mossberg 500/Weatherby threads. It is specifically bored for optimal turkey patterns, achieving a super full constriction. The choke tube is manufactured from aircraft-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion.
The ports around the muzzle are designed to allow gases to escape quickly, reducing recoil and muzzle jump. These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke’s ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns, reduce recoil for quicker follow-up shots, and withstand the harsh conditions often encountered during turkey hunting. The specifications are a selling point.
Performance & Functionality
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY performs exceptionally well in delivering tight, dense patterns at both short and long ranges. I consistently achieved lethal patterns out to 40 yards with Winchester Long Beard XR, and even further with some of the Hevi-Shot loads. A potential weakness is that very short ranges could produce too tight of a pattern, so this must be accounted for.
The choke tube more than met my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in pattern density and recoil reduction compared to other chokes I’ve used. The results speak for themselves.
Design & Ergonomics
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY has a robust, no-nonsense design. The stainless steel construction feels solid and durable, while the blue non-reflective finish is a practical touch for hunting situations. The choke tube is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench, and the porting is cleanly executed.
The design is very functional and practical with no learning curve. Its all good to go out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction and the Carlson’s lifetime warranty, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY should last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is simple: clean it after each use with a bore brush and solvent, and lightly oil the threads before reinstalling.
With proper care and maintenance this choke will last for years. It’s as tough as it looks.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a standalone product. However, it’s compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Browning Invector/Winchester/Mossberg 500/Weatherby threads. There aren’t any ways to customize it, but there’s no need to.
Pros and Cons of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight and dense turkey patterns at various ranges.
- Porting effectively reduces recoil and muzzle jump, enhancing shooting comfort and follow-up shot speed.
- Durable stainless steel construction with a non-reflective blue finish.
- Backed by a Carlson’s lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication.
Cons
- The very tight constriction could potentially lead to patterns that are too tight at extremely close ranges, requiring careful load selection and distance estimation.
- The non-extended design may not appeal to hunters who prefer the aesthetic and perceived pattern benefits of extended chokes.
Who Should Buy CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY?
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand consistent, lethal patterns from their 12-gauge shotguns. It’s also a good choice for hunters who are sensitive to recoil or who want to improve their follow-up shot speed. This choke is a great choice.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very thick cover where extremely close shots are the norm might want to consider a choke with a slightly more open constriction. A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY is an excellent value for serious turkey hunters. The choke delivers on its promises of tight patterns and reduced recoil, backed by Carlson’s reputable name and lifetime warranty. The price of $44.49 is more than justified by the performance and durability.
I would definitely recommend the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BRO WIN MOSS WBY to anyone looking to optimize their shotgun for turkey hunting. If you’re ready to put more birds on the ground, give it a try!