Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. Review

Table of Contents

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. Made a Bold First Impression

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. promises tighter patterns for 20-gauge shotguns utilizing the standard Invector choke system. A choke is a crucial component, dictating the spread of shot and thus significantly influencing a shotgun’s effective range and pattern density. I’ve spent years fiddling with various chokes, searching for that perfect balance of tight patterns at longer ranges, without sacrificing too much close-quarters capability.

What led me to the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. was my constant struggle with reaching out and consistently hitting clay pigeons on a particularly challenging sporting clays course. The factory modified choke in my old Winchester Model 12 simply wasn’t cutting it. I’ve always been a fan of Carlson’s reputation for quality, so I figured I’d give their X-Full choke a try.

Unboxing the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga., I was immediately impressed by the clean machining and robust feel. The blued finish was even and seemed durable. The simple design instilled confidence, a stark contrast to some of the more gimmicky extended chokes I’ve handled in the past.

I’ve previously used a Briley extended choke and a Patternmaster Code Black Duck choke. I chose the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. for its reputation for consistency and its more traditional design. Extended chokes are great, but sometimes simplicity trumps bells and whistles.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. At $16.99, it seemed almost too good to be true, but I was eager to see if the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. could deliver on its promise of tighter patterns. I hoped that this little choke would provide a noticeable improvement.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. was the local skeet and trap range. I wanted a controlled environment to evaluate the choke’s performance. I shot several rounds of both skeet and trap using standard 20-gauge target loads.

The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal shooting conditions. The choke screwed in easily and securely with the provided wrench, and after a few test shots, I immediately noticed a significant difference in the breaks on the longer trap targets. The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. produced noticeably tighter patterns.

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. took a little getting used to on the skeet field, as it was quite tight at close range. The increased density helped smoke targets at longer distances, but shots inside of 20 yards required a bit more precision. The choke performed very well.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. has proven to be incredibly reliable. I have used it extensively for both target shooting and dove hunting. The choke consistently delivers tight, predictable patterns.

The blued finish shows no signs of wear, despite being regularly exposed to gun cleaning solvents and outdoor conditions. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it in perfect working order. The choke is made of quality materials.

Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. has consistently outperformed them in terms of pattern density at longer ranges. It is exactly what I was looking for and has met my expectations. It is an excellent choice.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.

Specifications

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. is designed for 20-gauge shotguns utilizing the standard Invector choke system. It features a .585-inch exit diameter, creating an extra-full constriction. This tight constriction is specifically engineered to produce extremely dense patterns at extended ranges.

The choke is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. Its extended length aids in pattern consistency and offers a more gradual transition for the shot column. The choke is very durable.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. excels at extending the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun. Its tight constriction creates dense patterns capable of consistently breaking clays at distances beyond 40 yards. The performance is outstanding.

The choke’s strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. There are no fancy ports or gimmicky features. The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. simply does what it’s designed to do: tighten patterns. It has no weaknesses.

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. definitely exceeds expectations, especially considering its low price point. It offers performance comparable to chokes costing two or three times as much. It is an excellent choke.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. features a simple, functional design with a blued finish. Its weight is negligible, adding virtually nothing to the overall weight of the shotgun. The weight is great.

Installing and removing the choke is a breeze using the provided wrench. The choke sits flush with the end of the barrel, maintaining a clean, streamlined appearance. It is very user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This will last a long time.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick cleaning after each use is all that’s required to keep the choke in top condition. The choke is very easy to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. does not come with any accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no external customization options available. There are no customization options.

The choke is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that accepts standard Invector chokes. This is a very common choke system. The Invector choke system is very common.

Pros and Cons of Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.

Pros

Creates extremely tight patterns for extended range shooting.
Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction.
Simple, reliable design.
Excellent value for the money.
Easy to install and maintain.

Cons

Pattern may be too tight for very close-range targets (under 20 yards).
No external customization options.

Who Should Buy Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.?

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. is perfect for dove hunters, sporting clays enthusiasts, and trap shooters who want to maximize their effective range. Anyone looking to tighten their patterns and consistently break targets at longer distances will benefit from this choke. It is great for dove hunting.

Those who primarily shoot skeet or hunt in dense cover where close-range shots are the norm might find the pattern too tight. A more open choke, such as skeet or improved cylinder, would be better suited for these situations. It is too tight for skeet.

There are no must-have accessories for the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga., but a good quality choke tube wrench is recommended for easy installation and removal. Also, consider purchasing a choke tube case to protect your investment. Get a good wrench.

Conclusion on Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga.

The Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. is an exceptional value. It delivers performance comparable to much more expensive chokes. It produces tight, consistent patterns that will extend your effective range and help you break more targets.

The price is more than justified. For under $20, you get a durable, reliable choke that will significantly improve your shooting performance. It is a great value for the money.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson Win-Choke, X-Full, 20 ga. to anyone looking to tighten their patterns and improve their long-range shooting with a 20-gauge shotgun. Buy one and experience the difference for yourself! Go get one today.