Let’s Dive into Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes
For years, I’ve sought the perfect choke tube for my Remington 1100, something that could tighten patterns for sporting clays without kicking like a mule. Enter the Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes, promising reduced recoil and improved accuracy, claims that immediately piqued my interest. These chokes from Carlson’s Choke Tubes boast 17-04 stainless steel construction, extended design, and ported design.
I’d grown tired of flinching after a long day at the range, my shoulder throbbing from the constant recoil. My old, standard chokes felt inconsistent, leaving frustrating gaps in my patterns, costing me points. I needed something that could provide tighter, more consistent patterns without sacrificing comfort.
The Carlson’s Choke Tube arrived in simple packaging, the black oxide finish looking sharp and professional. The weight felt substantial, hinting at solid construction, and the extended design with the ported section immediately gave it a more aggressive look than the flush-mounted chokes I was used to. My initial impression was positive, definitely seeming more robust than the factory choke.
I considered other brands like Briley and Trulock, known for their premium chokes. However, the Carlson’s promised similar performance at a more accessible price point, and the ported design specifically appealed to my desire for reduced recoil. I chose this hoping to get the benefits of more expensive chokes without the premium price.
Initial excitement was high. I was eager to test the claims of reduced recoil and tighter patterns. I hoped to find a choke that could improve my sporting clays scores and make shooting more comfortable.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Choke Tube was at my local sporting clays range. The weather was mild, but a slight breeze drifted across the fields. I installed the choke using the included wrench and headed to the first station.
The first thing I noticed was a slight reduction in muzzle jump compared to my standard choke. The claim of minimized recoil seemed valid, although the difference wasn’t dramatic. The pattern, however, was noticeably tighter at the station’s typical distance.
Installation was simple, although I did notice it took a bit more force to fully seat the choke compared to the factory tubes. After about 25 shots, I checked tightness and discovered it had loosened slightly, requiring a quick retightening. This was a concern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including roughly 500 rounds fired, the Carlson’s Choke Tube has held up reasonably well. The finish shows some minor wear marks from the choke wrench, but no signs of corrosion or damage. The ports haven’t clogged with residue excessively.
Durability appears decent, the stainless steel construction showing no signs of cracking or deformation. Cleaning is straightforward with a standard choke tube brush and solvent. I’ve found that regular cleaning prevents any significant buildup of plastic wad residue in the ports.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory Remington chokes, the Carlson’s provides a noticeably tighter and more consistent pattern at longer ranges. Recoil reduction, while present, is less pronounced than advertised. However, the loosening issue persists. I find myself frequently checking and tightening the choke between stations, which is a significant annoyance.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes
Specifications
The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes are designed for 12-gauge shotguns with a Remington choke thread pattern. They are constructed from 17-4 stainless steel for durability.
These choke tubes feature a black finish, extended length for easy removal, and ported design to reduce recoil. The extended design allows for quick and easy changes at the range.
These chokes weigh approximately 2.5 ounces. This is a typical weight for an extended choke of this type.
The chokes are designed for use with lead, copperplated, nickel, Hevi-shot, Bismuth, and Tungsten shot. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of shooting applications.
The parallel section in the choke is 25% longer than standard models. This is to guarantee tighter, denser patterns.
The included accessories are a choke wrench. A choke wrench is needed to easily tighten and remove the choke tube.
The country of origin is the USA. This indicates potentially higher manufacturing quality control standards.
The choke tube system is Remington Choke. This compatibility is very important for Remington shotgun owners.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tube performs admirably in tightening shot patterns at distances suitable for sporting clays. The extended parallel section contributes to more consistent pellet distribution.
The reduction in recoil is noticeable, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, though it isn’t as drastic as some might hope.
The biggest strength is the improved pattern density, resulting in more broken clays at longer distances. The recurring weakness is the tendency to loosen during use.
The choke meets expectations in terms of pattern performance, but falls short in retaining tightness.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tube features a robust construction with a durable black finish. The stainless steel material gives confidence in its longevity.
The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal.
The slightly added weight is not a major factor.
The black finish looks good and resists corrosion well.
Using the choke is straightforward, but you must frequently monitor tightness.
There is a slight learning curve to ensure proper seating and tightening.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction suggests good long-term durability.
The finish resists wear but can scratch with repeated wrench use.
Cleaning is straightforward with a standard choke tube brush.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning and light lubrication, is recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tube includes a basic choke wrench.
No other accessories or customization options are included.
The Carlson’s Choke Tube is compatible with any Remington 12-gauge shotgun that accepts Remington chokes.
There are no additional brand-specific accessories.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes
Pros
- Noticeably tighter and more consistent shot patterns at sporting clays distances.
- Slight reduction in felt recoil and muzzle jump, aiding in quicker follow-up shots.
- Durable stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Extended design allows for easy installation and removal without special tools (beyond the included wrench).
- Versatile compatibility with various shot types including lead, steel, and tungsten.
Cons
- The choke tube loosens frequently during use, requiring constant monitoring and tightening.
- Recoil reduction, while present, is not as significant as some may expect.
- Basic choke wrench included; a higher-quality wrench might be a worthwhile investment.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes?
Perfect for sporting clays enthusiasts and recreational shooters looking to improve their pattern density and consistency with Remington 12-gauge shotguns.
Suitable for those who want a choke that can reduce recoil and muzzle jump to get faster follow-up shots.
Those who prioritize a choke that remains firmly in place without requiring constant monitoring and tightening should seek alternatives.
Those expecting a dramatic reduction in recoil might be disappointed.
A high-quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory.
Choke tube lubricant will aid in smooth installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes
The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes offer a compelling upgrade for Remington 12-gauge shotgun owners seeking improved pattern density and slightly reduced recoil for sporting clays. The stainless steel construction feels durable, and the extended design makes installation and removal simple. However, the persistent issue of the choke loosening during use is a significant drawback that requires constant attention.
At $62.99, the price is justified if pattern improvement is your primary goal. The recoil reduction is a nice bonus, but the loosening issue diminishes the overall experience.
Would I personally recommend it? With reservations. If you are comfortable frequently checking and tightening the choke, the tighter patterns are worth it. However, if you want a hassle-free choke that stays put, explore other options.
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly choke tube to improve patterns in your Remington 12-gauge, give the Carlson’s a try. Just be prepared to keep that wrench handy!