First Thoughts on the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY promises tighter patterns for 20-gauge shotguns chambered with the Winchester/Win-Choke thread pattern. Carlson’s Choke Tubes has a solid reputation for producing quality, affordable chokes, and this one aims to deliver optimal performance for turkey hunters. After years of tweaking my setup, it’s time to finally find a dedicated choke tube for my 20-gauge and pattern test it.
My aging factory choke was leaving something to be desired. Patterns were inconsistent, and I suspected I wasn’t getting the most out of my TSS loads. The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY seemed like a simple, cost-effective solution to tighten those patterns and extend my effective range.
Unboxing was straightforward, the choke tube arriving in simple, functional packaging. The stainless steel construction felt solid and durable, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand repeated use and exposure to the elements. It was noticeably heavier than my factory choke, a difference that initially gave me pause, but hopefully would translate into enhanced performance downrange.
I considered a Primos Jelly Head choke and a Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder, both reputable names in the turkey choke world. Ultimately, the price point and Carlson’s reputation swayed me. I was also interested in trying a non-ported choke tube, hoping for slightly reduced noise.
My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could a $35.99 choke tube really make a significant difference? Only time and pattern testing would tell, but I was eager to find out if the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY could tighten my patterns and boost my confidence in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY at my local outdoor shooting range, focusing on pattern density at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was clear and calm, perfect conditions for evaluating the choke’s performance. I used a variety of turkey loads, including both lead and TSS shot, to see how the choke performed with different ammunition.
Installation was simple: I lubed the threads, screwed it in hand-tight, and gave it a final snug with a choke tube wrench. The patterns were immediately tighter than with my factory choke, particularly with the TSS loads. I was also happy to find a noticeable decrease in felt recoil compared to my ported choke.
There were no immediate issues. The choke threaded in smoothly, and the patterns were consistent across multiple shots with the same load. My first impression was positive, but I needed more extensive testing to determine long-term reliability and performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a full turkey season, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY continues to perform admirably. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the stainless steel finish still looks new. Cleaning is simple: I just run a brush through it after each use and apply a light coat of oil.
Durability has proven to be excellent. After experiencing heavy rain, mud and being knocked against trees on a run and gun turkey hunt it still functions flawlessly. The choke shows no signs of rust or corrosion, testament to the quality of the stainless steel.
Maintenance is incredibly easy. The smooth internal finish makes cleaning quick, and the durable construction means I don’t have to worry about damaging it during cleaning. Compared to my experiences with other, more expensive chokes, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY
Specifications
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY is designed for 20-gauge shotguns with Winchester/Win-Choke, Browning Invector, Mossberg Accu-Choke, and Weatherby Multi-Choke thread patterns. It features a constriction of .575″, optimized for tight turkey patterns. The Carlson’s choke is constructed from corrosion-resistant 17-4 PH stainless steel for enhanced durability.
The choke tube is not ported, offering a potentially quieter shot and reduced recoil. It’s designed for use with lead or copper-plated lead shot. It is explicitly stated that steel shot should NOT be used in any turkey choke tube, due to the potential for damage and unsafe pressures. The extended design allows for easy installation and removal.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The .575″ constriction is specifically designed to produce dense, consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to the elements. The non-ported design is appealing to hunters who prioritize a quieter shot and reduced recoil.
Performance & Functionality
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY excels at producing tight, consistent patterns with both lead and TSS turkey loads. At 30 yards, I consistently achieved patterns with over 90% of the pellets inside a 10-inch circle. At 40 yards, the patterns remained dense enough for ethical and effective shots on turkey.
The choke’s primary strength is its ability to deliver consistent, tight patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. The main weakness is that it might be too tight for closer shots in heavy cover. It definitely meets my expectations, and I would rate it highly for its consistency and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY is excellent, thanks to the 17-4 PH stainless steel construction. The choke feels solid and well-made. The extended design makes installation and removal easy, even with gloved hands.
It is easy to use, with no real learning curve. Simply screw it in, tighten it with a wrench, and you’re ready to go. The simple design and solid construction inspire confidence in its reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, this choke tube should last for many years. The stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion, even in harsh environments. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a brush and a light coat of oil.
Maintaining and repairing the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY is simple. Replacement is as easy as removing the old and installing a new one. However, with the durable stainless steel construction, you’re unlikely to need to replace it anytime soon.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY doesn’t come with any specific accessories. The main customization option is experimenting with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun. It’s designed to be compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that accepts Winchester/Win-Choke, Browning Invector, Mossberg Accu-Choke, and Weatherby Multi-Choke thread patterns.
You can always pair it with a quality choke tube wrench for easier installation and removal. Also, consider investing in a bore snake to keep your shotgun barrel clean. Ultimately, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY is a simple, effective product that doesn’t require a lot of additional accessories to perform well.
Pros and Cons of CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY
Pros
- Consistently tight patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges (30-40 yards).
- Durable stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price point compared to other premium turkey chokes.
- Easy to install and maintain with minimal effort.
- Non-ported design offers a potentially quieter shot.
Cons
- Patterns may be too tight for very close-range shots.
- Specifically designed only for lead and copper-plated lead shot.
Who Should Buy CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY?
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY is perfect for turkey hunters looking for a simple, affordable way to improve their shotgun patterns. It’s also a good option for those who prefer a non-ported choke for a potentially quieter shot. If you hunt in areas where longer shots are common, this choke tube can help extend your effective range.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who frequently encounter turkeys at very close range (inside of 20 yards), as the tight patterns could result in missed shots. Hunters who primarily use steel shot should also avoid this choke tube. Instead, they should seek a choke specifically designed and rated for steel shot.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for proper installation and removal. It might also be useful to keep a record of which loads perform best with this choke tube in your particular shotgun. This will allow you to quickly and easily choose the right ammunition for each hunt.
Conclusion on CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY is a fantastic value for the money. It delivers consistent, tight patterns, is built to last, and is incredibly affordable. It’s a noticeable improvement over factory chokes and a solid performer compared to some of the more expensive options on the market.
The price is definitely justified. You’re getting a durable, well-made choke tube that significantly improves pattern density without breaking the bank. If you are on a budget, you can buy the CARL CHOKE TUBE 20GA WIN EXTENDED TURKEY.
I would absolutely recommend it to any turkey hunter looking to improve their 20-gauge shotgun’s performance. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make!