Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush Review

First Thoughts on the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush

The Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush choke tube represents a simple, yet potentially significant upgrade for any Winchester shotgun owner. Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a well-respected name in the shotgunning world, offers this replacement choke tube as a means to enhance the performance and versatility of your firearm. At a remarkably accessible price point of $16.99, it begs the question: can such an affordable accessory truly make a difference?

My journey to explore the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush began with a persistent frustration. The factory choke in my trusty old Winchester 1300 was showing its age, patterns were becoming less consistent, and I yearned for a tighter, more reliable spread for upland bird hunting. I’d heard whispers online about the improvements a quality aftermarket choke could offer. This led me down the rabbit hole of choke tube research and I landed on the Carlson’s offering.

Upon receiving the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush, my initial impression was positive. The stainless steel construction felt solid and well-machined, far surpassing the somewhat flimsy feel of the original. It appeared to be a straightforward replacement, promising easy installation. Compared to Briley or Patternmaster chokes, the Carlson’s option was significantly more budget-friendly. The other premium chokes made me hesitate due to their cost versus potential gains, so the Carlson’s was the perfect entry point.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the price was appealing, I was eager to see if the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush would truly deliver on its promise of improved performance. It’s inexpensive, but can it hold its own?

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush came at the local sporting clays range. The weather was typical for early spring: overcast, with a slight drizzle threatening to turn into a full-blown downpour. I primarily used 12-gauge, 1 1/8 oz. loads of #7.5 shot.

Installation was a breeze; the choke screwed in smoothly and securely with a standard choke wrench. The first few shots revealed a noticeable difference in pattern density compared to the factory choke. The clay targets seemed to break more consistently, even on the longer shots. There wasn’t any learning curve because the choke is nearly identical to the factory choke and the only adjustment was purely mental: “I’ve got an upgraded choke.”

No immediate issues arose, other than a slight increase in felt recoil which I attribute to the tighter pattern. I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement in performance. It seems like the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush would be a great addition to my shotgun.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, spanning numerous range sessions and a few early-season dove hunts, the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush has proven to be a reliable performer. It has maintained its tight, consistent patterns. The stainless steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion despite being exposed to a variety of weather conditions.

Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a nylon brush and some solvent keeps it in top condition. Compared to the original factory choke, the Carlson’s choke definitely provides tighter, more consistent patterns. While it might not offer the same level of refinement as some of the higher-end chokes, it certainly exceeded my expectations for a sub-$20 accessory. The minimal maintenance and obvious improvement in performance over the factory choke has made the Carlson’s my go-to choke.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush

Specifications

The Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush is a replacement choke tube designed specifically for Winchester shotguns that accept the Winchester, Browning Invector, or Mossberg 500 series choke systems. The flush-mounted design means it doesn’t extend beyond the end of the barrel, maintaining the original shotgun profile. It is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel for enhanced durability and resistance to corrosion.

• Caliber: 12 gauge (specific to 12-gauge Winchester, Browning Invector, or Mossberg 500 series shotguns).
• Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This is extremely important for longevity and resistance to the elements.
• Mount Type: Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Series. Ensures proper fit and function.
• Price: $16.99. An accessible price for a tangible upgrade.
• Design: Flush Mount. Maintains the factory appearance.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and longevity of the choke. The stainless steel construction ensures that the choke can withstand the rigors of frequent use and exposure to harsh environments. The flush-mounted design is purely aesthetic, but many shooters appreciate the clean, factory look.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush is to constrict the shot pattern, allowing for tighter, more consistent groupings at various distances. In my experience, it performs admirably in this regard, delivering noticeable improvements over the factory choke. While the degree of constriction will depend on the specific choke designation (e.g., Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), the Carlson’s choke provides a reliable and predictable pattern.

The strength of this choke lies in its simplicity and reliability. It does its job without any fancy bells or whistles. The main area for improvement could be a wider range of available constrictions. It certainly exceeded expectations by improving my shooting and by outperforming the factory choke.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush is intentionally minimalistic. It’s a simple cylinder of stainless steel with threads for easy installation. The build quality is excellent; the machining is precise, and the threads are clean and well-defined.

It is incredibly user-friendly and requires no real adjustment for those familiar with changing choke tubes. There is no learning curve, as it simply replaces the factory choke. The flush design ensures that it doesn’t snag on brush or clothing.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability. This choke is designed to last for many years of regular use with proper care.

Maintenance is straightforward: clean and lightly lubricate the threads periodically. It’s very easy to maintain and should withstand lots of use. The stainless steel resists rust, even in wet conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited to choosing the appropriate constriction for your specific needs. It will fit and work with any standard choke wrench designed for Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 series chokes.

There are no specific accessories or modifications necessary to use the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush. It’s a simple, drop-in replacement that enhances the performance of your existing shotgun. Using a quality choke wrench is highly recommended.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush

Who Should Buy Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush?

The Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush is perfect for hunters and sporting clays enthusiasts looking for an affordable way to improve the performance of their Winchester, Browning Invector, or Mossberg 500 series shotgun. It’s also a great option for anyone whose factory choke is damaged or worn.

Those seeking highly specialized choke designs or those requiring extreme long-range performance may want to consider higher-end options. Shooters who change chokes frequently may prefer an extended choke for easier access.

Must-have accessories include a quality choke wrench. Consider using choke tube grease to prevent seizing.

Conclusion on Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush

The Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush choke tube is a simple, affordable, and effective upgrade for any Winchester shotgun owner. It delivers a tangible improvement in pattern density and consistency, enhancing the overall shooting experience. At a price of only $16.99, the value proposition is undeniable.

I would absolutely recommend the Carlson’s 12216 Winchester Flush to anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to improve the performance of their shotgun. Don’t let the low price fool you – this choke delivers impressive results! Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!