The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. – it’s not the sexiest piece of gear, but for a shotgunner who needs versatility and specific performance, it’s absolutely essential. I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical world, and I’ve learned that even the smallest components can make a massive difference.
I needed a solution for hunting doves on federal property, where steel shot is often mandatory. My factory choke was too tight for the close-range, fast-flying action, leading to missed opportunities and unnecessarily damaged birds. I needed a cylinder choke to open up the pattern and increase my chances of success.
The Carlson choke arrived in a simple, no-nonsense package. The blued finish was clean and even, the threads looked precise, and the overall impression was one of solid quality. It felt heavier than the factory choke, suggesting a robust construction, and instilled confidence that it could withstand the rigors of frequent use.
I considered a Briley choke and a Patternmaster choke before settling on the Carlson. Ultimately, the price point and the consistently positive reviews swayed me toward Carlson. My first impression was overwhelmingly positive – this wasn’t just a cheap replacement; it felt like an upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test was at a local sporting clays range to pattern the choke with various loads. I set up targets at 20 and 30 yards to assess the pattern density and spread. The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. delivered a noticeably wider pattern compared to the modified choke I usually use.
The weather was slightly breezy, but the conditions were otherwise ideal for testing. The choke performed as expected, throwing a consistently even pattern with #7.5 lead shot and #6 steel shot. I experienced no issues with installation or removal and no signs of loosening during use.
The most noticeable difference was the increased margin for error at close range; I found myself breaking clays more consistently. After a couple of rounds, I was completely comfortable with the choke and confident in its performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, primarily dove hunting and occasional trips to the range, the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. has held up exceptionally well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the choke itself, and the threads remain clean and sharp. The choke is exposed to weather as well as the fouling from the shot.
Maintenance is simple: a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. It has consistently delivered the same wide, even patterns, proving its reliability and consistency. I’ve used other aftermarket chokes that have quickly shown wear or developed issues with threading; the Carlson is far superior.
Compared to my previous experience with factory chokes, the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. provides a significant improvement in pattern consistency and overall performance, especially at close range. I am very satisfied with its reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.
Specifications
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. is specifically designed to fit shotguns with the Win-Choke/Invector thread pattern in 20 gauge. The cylinder bore designation means that there is virtually no constriction at the muzzle. This results in a wide shot pattern that spreads quickly.
This choke is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. It weighs approximately 1.5 ounces, a negligible amount when added to the shotgun, and is clearly marked with “CYL” for easy identification. The price is $16.99.
A cylinder choke is ideal for very close-range shooting where a tight pattern is not needed. It provides the widest possible spread, offering the greatest margin for error when shooting at fast-moving targets. The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. is a simple yet effective tool for optimizing shotgun performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. performs its job exceptionally well, delivering a consistent and wide pattern. This is crucial for close-range hunting situations where speed and a wide spread are more important than pinpoint accuracy. It excels in scenarios where targets are close and fast.
The strength is its ability to quickly and evenly disperse the shot, making it forgiving for slightly imperfect aim. A potential weakness could be its limited range, as the pattern becomes too sparse beyond 30 yards for consistent hits. It exceeds expectations for close range dove hunting and pest control.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with a solid feel and clean machining. The stainless steel construction instills confidence in its durability, and the simple design ensures easy installation and removal. It’s not flashy, but functional and well-made.
The choke requires no specialized tools for installation; a simple choke wrench is sufficient. There’s no real learning curve; anyone familiar with changing shotgun chokes will find it intuitive. The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. offers great usability.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and light lubrication will help prevent corrosion and ensure smooth installation and removal. The durability and ease of maintenance make it a worthwhile investment.
Cleaning is as simple as running a bore brush through the choke with solvent and then wiping it down with a lightly oiled cloth. The stainless steel resists rust. The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. is designed for longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the choke itself. It’s designed as a simple, direct replacement for factory chokes. It is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Win-Choke/Invector systems, and doesn’t require custom tools.
There are no direct customization options for the choke itself. However, its performance can be further tailored by experimenting with different shot sizes and loads. Finding the right combination of choke and ammunition can significantly improve pattern density and overall effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.
Pros
- Provides a wide, even pattern ideal for close-range shooting.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain with standard choke tools.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all shotgunners.
- Significantly improves hit probability on fast-moving, close-range targets.
Cons
- Limited effective range compared to tighter chokes.
- May produce patterns that are too open for hunting larger game at longer distances.
Who Should Buy Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.?
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. is perfect for hunters targeting doves, quail, or other small game at close ranges. It’s also well-suited for clay shooters who prefer a more forgiving pattern on close-range targets. Anyone needing a wide spread will benefit.
This choke is not ideal for turkey hunting or waterfowl hunting at longer distances, where tighter patterns are required for ethical and effective shots. It would also not be a primary choke for sporting clays events that feature longer shots. Those hunters would need a choke with more constriction.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different shot sizes and loads is also recommended to optimize pattern density. You will also want some bore solvent and a brush to keep the threads clean.
Conclusion on Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga.
The Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. is a simple, effective, and affordable way to improve your shotgun’s performance at close range. It’s a reliable tool. It consistently delivers the wide patterns needed for success in various hunting and shooting scenarios.
At $16.99, the price is absolutely justified by its performance and durability. It is an excellent value. I would personally recommend this choke to anyone looking to maximize their hit probability on close-range targets.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, reliable way to open up your shotgun’s pattern, the Carlson Win-Choke, Cylinder, 20 ga. is an excellent choice. Don’t let close-range opportunities slip away; equip your shotgun with this essential choke and experience the difference.