CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN Review

First Thoughts on the CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN

The CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN choke tube from Carlson’s promises to be a turkey hunter’s best friend, especially when paired with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads. It’s designed to maximize the effectiveness of the Shot-Lok technology, delivering tight patterns at extended ranges. I was immediately intrigued, as my annual turkey hunt with my grandfather had become increasingly challenging due to wary birds and longer distances.

I was searching for a choke that could consistently produce tight, dense patterns, allowing me to ethically and effectively harvest a gobbler at a reasonable distance. Tired of missed opportunities and blown patterns with more generic chokes, I decided to give this specialized choke a try. The package arrived promptly. My initial impression was positive, the black finish looked durable, and the porting appeared well-machined.

Compared to a standard full choke and an extended range turkey choke from another manufacturer that I’ve used in the past, the CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN appeared more precisely engineered for a specific load. I had been debating between this choke and a similar model from Briley, but the positive user reviews specifically referencing the Winchester Long Beard loads swayed my decision. Excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism filled me as I held it in my hand. Would it truly live up to the hype, or would it be another piece of gear collecting dust in my gun cabinet?

Real-World Testing: Putting CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN was at my local shooting range, patterning it with Winchester Long Beard XR shells. The weather was typical for early spring: damp and breezy. The choke screwed in easily and felt secure.

The difference compared to my previous choke was immediately noticeable. The patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent at 40 yards. There were no noticeable gaps or flyers in the pattern, just a dense core of pellets where it mattered most. Recoil was manageable, and the porting seemed to effectively reduce muzzle jump, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, should they be needed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full turkey season with the CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN, I can confidently say it’s become an indispensable part of my setup. It performed flawlessly in various conditions, from drizzly mornings to dry, windy afternoons. The black finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear despite being subjected to brush and the occasional accidental bump.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a choke tube brush and some solvent keeps it in top condition. The performance has been consistently excellent. Compared to previous years where I struggled to get consistent patterns beyond 30 yards, this choke gave me confidence at 40+ yards.

Breaking Down the Features of CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN

Specifications

• Type: Choke Tube. This specifies its function as a device to constrict the shot pattern.
• Gauge: 12 Gauge. This dictates compatibility with 12-gauge shotguns.
• Choke size: Turkey. This indicates it is specifically designed for turkey hunting.
• Model: Invector. This refers to the Browning Invector choke system, specifying compatibility with certain Browning, Winchester, and Mossberg shotguns.
• Finish: Black. The black finish offers some corrosion resistance and a non-reflective appearance.

The 12-gauge designation ensures compatibility with a wide range of popular shotguns, and the Invector model further narrows down the compatible brands. The “Turkey” choke size indicates a very tight constriction, designed to hold the shot pattern together at longer ranges for more effective turkey hunting. The black finish aids in concealment, an important factor when hunting wary game.

Performance & Functionality

The CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN is designed to maximize the performance of Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads. It delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns at extended ranges, significantly increasing the hunter’s effective range. The porting helps to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.

The primary strength lies in its pattern density and consistency with the intended ammunition. It does exactly what it promises, turning your shotgun into a serious gobbler-getter. A minor weakness might be its specialization; it’s optimized for Long Beard loads, and while it may perform acceptably with other loads, it won’t be optimal. It exceeds expectations when used as intended, turning a marginal setup into a confident long-range performer.

Design & Ergonomics

The CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN boasts a simple, functional design. The build quality is excellent, with precise machining and a durable black finish. It threads smoothly into compatible shotguns and feels secure.

The choke’s porting is strategically placed to effectively reduce recoil and muzzle jump. The design is inherently user-friendly; simply screw it in like any other choke tube. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN is constructed from high-quality steel and finished with a durable coating. It should last for many seasons with proper care. Maintenance is simple: clean it regularly with a choke tube brush and solvent to remove powder residue and plastic wad buildup.

Occasional light lubrication will prevent corrosion and ensure smooth threading. With reasonable care, this choke should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the choke tube itself. Customization is limited, as it’s a standalone component. However, you can pair it with various shotgun accessories such as slings, optics, and shell carriers to enhance your overall hunting setup.

While specifically designed for Winchester Long Beard loads, it is compatible with other brands of 12-gauge ammunition, although pattern performance may vary. It is not compatible with choke tubes from other systems such as TruLock or Rem Choke.

Pros and Cons of CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN

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Who Should Buy CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN?

The CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance from their shotgun and Winchester Long Beard ammunition. It’s ideal for those hunting in areas where birds are wary and shots are often longer. It is also a good choice for hunters who appreciate the benefits of reduced recoil.

This product should be skipped by hunters who primarily use other brands or types of turkey loads, or who own shotguns with different choke tube systems. It is also not necessary for hunting situations where shots are consistently close range (under 20 yards). A must-have accessory is a choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal, and a bore snake for regular cleaning.

Conclusion on CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN

The CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN is a specialized tool that delivers exceptional performance when paired with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads. Its ability to produce extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges makes it a game-changer for serious turkey hunters. The recoil reduction is a welcome bonus.

At $49.75, the price is justified by the significant increase in effective range and overall hunting confidence it provides. I would personally highly recommend it to any turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of their shotgun and Winchester Long Beard ammunition. If you’re serious about putting more gobblers on the ground, the CARL LB PORTED TKY 12G WIN is a worthy investment. Go forth and fill your freezer!

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