First Thoughts on the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY promises tighter patterns and improved performance for turkey hunters using 20-gauge Remington shotguns. This aftermarket choke tube from Carlson’s Choke Tubes aims to enhance the effective range and lethality of your shots. It does this by constricting the shot cloud more tightly. As an experienced hunter and gear specialist, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
I’ve been chasing gobblers for over a decade now, and I’ve always tinkered with my shotguns to get the most out of them. A few years back, I missed a beautiful tom at what I thought was a reasonable distance, and that spurred me to explore different choke options. I wanted a choke that provided consistent, dense patterns at longer ranges without sacrificing close-range performance. The promise of the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY seemed like it might be the answer.
Upon receiving the choke tube, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel and clean finish. The stainless steel construction felt robust, and the extended design gave it a purposeful look. The Carlson’s name is well-regarded in the shotgun world, and the tube itself appeared well-machined.
I’ve used other turkey chokes in the past, including a competitor’s ported model and a factory full choke. The ported model was a pain to clean, and the factory choke didn’t provide the tight patterns I was after. This CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY, with its promise of a .575 constriction and durable build, seemed like a step up.
My initial excitement was tempered with cautious optimism. After all, marketing hype can be deceiving. I was eager to get to the range and pattern the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY with different loads to see if it lived up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY was at my local shooting range. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards. I wanted to see how the patterns held together at different distances.
The weather was slightly overcast, but dry. I brought a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads, including Hevi-Shot, lead, and copper-plated lead. Installing the choke was simple, requiring only a choke wrench to tighten it securely into my Remington 870.
The most noticeable thing was the pattern density at 30 and 40 yards. With the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY, the number of pellets within a 10-inch circle was significantly higher compared to my previous choke. There were no obvious holes or gaps in the pattern, indicating a consistent and lethal spread.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a spring turkey season and numerous practice sessions, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY has proven to be a reliable performer. It consistently delivers tight, dense patterns with various turkey loads. The stainless steel construction has held up well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion.
Cleaning the choke is straightforward. A quick scrub with a solvent and bore brush keeps it in good working order. I appreciate the lack of ports, which simplifies the cleaning process compared to other chokes I’ve used.
Compared to my previous experiences with other turkey chokes, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY offers a noticeable improvement in pattern density and effective range. It has given me the confidence to take ethical shots at longer distances, knowing that I have a higher probability of a clean kill. It outperforms my factory choke considerably and is easier to maintain than ported options.
Breaking Down the Features of CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY
Specifications
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY is designed specifically for 20-gauge Remington shotguns with Rem Choke threads. It boasts a .575 constriction, optimized for turkey hunting. The tube is constructed from corrosion-resistant 17-4 PH Stainless Steel.
The stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity, even in harsh hunting conditions. The .575 constriction creates extremely tight patterns, crucial for consistent and ethical kills on wary turkeys. The Rem Choke thread pattern makes it compatible with a wide range of Remington 20-gauge shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY excels at its primary function: delivering extremely tight and dense patterns. This results in greater effective range and improved lethality on turkeys. It provides consistent patterns with different loads. This helps hunters dial in their setup with confidence.
The choke’s strength lies in its ability to maintain tight patterns at longer distances, giving hunters an edge in challenging hunting situations. A minor weakness might be that the extremely tight pattern could be unforgiving at very close ranges, requiring precise aiming. Overall, it exceeds expectations for a turkey choke in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY features a simple yet effective design. The stainless steel construction provides a solid and durable feel. Installation is straightforward, requiring only a choke wrench.
The extended design makes it easy to identify and remove the choke. It protrudes slightly beyond the end of the barrel. The lack of ports contributes to easier cleaning and maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction of the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY ensures excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. With proper care, this choke should last for many hunting seasons.
Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning with a solvent and bore brush is all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition. The absence of complex parts or ports minimizes the risk of damage or malfunction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond basic packaging. The primary customization option is selecting the appropriate load for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
This choke is compatible with any 20-gauge Remington shotgun that uses the Rem Choke thread pattern. The lack of specialized accessories is a testament to its focused design and ease of use. This choke tube’s simplicity is a strength.
Pros and Cons of CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY
Pros
- Extremely tight and dense patterns for increased effective range.
- Durable 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Compatible with a wide range of 20-gauge Remington shotguns.
- Noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to factory chokes.
Cons
- Pattern might be too tight for very close-range shots, requiring precise aiming.
- Not suitable for steel shot (specifically stated by the manufacturer).
Who Should Buy CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY?
This CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY is perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize the effective range of their 20-gauge Remington shotgun. It’s also ideal for hunters who appreciate durable and reliable gear that requires minimal maintenance. It will benefit any hunter who is frustrated with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very thick cover, where shots are typically at extremely close range, might want to consider a more open choke. Also, hunters who frequently use steel shot should avoid this choke, as it is not designed for that purpose. A must-have accessory would be a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY is an excellent upgrade for any turkey hunter looking to improve the performance of their 20-gauge Remington shotgun. The tight patterns and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment. It is priced affordably at $35.99.
The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern density and effective range. This choke provides hunters with the confidence to take ethical shots at longer distances.
I would highly recommend the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA REM EXTENDED TURKEY to any serious turkey hunter seeking to optimize their shotgun’s performance. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!