First Thoughts on the Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises tighter patterns and improved performance when hunting turkeys with tungsten super shot (TSS). This extended choke, crafted from durable 17-4 stainless steel and finished with a sleek black coating, aims to maximize the potential of modern turkey loads in 12-gauge Remington shotguns. It’s designed for hunters demanding the utmost precision and lethality in their setups.
My quest for a more consistent and devastating turkey pattern led me to the Carlsons choke. I was specifically seeking a choke designed to handle the smaller shot sizes of TSS, known for their higher density and longer range capabilities, so my goal was to find something to maximize my lethal zone while increasing my effective range. I needed a choke that would reliably deliver tight, dense patterns consistently.
Upon unboxing, the choke tube felt substantial and well-made. The black finish was smooth and even, suggesting a high level of attention to detail. The extension beyond the barrel added a visual signal of enhanced performance.
Compared to a standard full choke or a ported turkey choke I’ve used in the past, the Carlsons choke immediately felt different. It looked more robust and ready to handle the recoil and demands of TSS loads, and other similar chokes I’ve considered from manufacturers like Briley are typically much more expensive. My initial excitement was high, anticipating improved patterns and successful hunts.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black was at the local shooting range, patterning various TSS loads. The goal was to determine the choke’s preferred load and pattern density at different distances. It was a sunny, slightly breezy day – good conditions for accurate testing.
The choke performed admirably, consistently producing denser patterns than my previous setup. The difference was noticeable, with a more concentrated core of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards, and the number of pellets on target was significantly increased over the standard choke that came with the gun. I didn’t need any time to get used to it; installation was easy, and the performance was immediately evident.
No issues arose during this initial session; the choke threaded smoothly into my Remington 870 and remained secure throughout testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of use, the Carlsons choke has proven its reliability and durability. It has weathered muddy fields, damp mornings, and several boxes of TSS loads without any signs of wear or degradation.
The choke tube still looks and functions as new. Cleaning is straightforward – a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. Compared to my previous experiences with less specialized chokes, the Carlsons 38000 has vastly outperformed expectations, consistently delivering lethal patterns and improving my confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
- Type: 12 Gauge Choke Tube. This means it is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, the most popular gauge for turkey hunting.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This specification confirms compatibility with 12-gauge shotguns.
- Choke size: Turkey. Denotes that this choke tube is specifically designed for turkey hunting, meaning a tight pattern at medium to long range for aiming at the head and neck.
- Model: Rem Choke. This indicates that the choke is compatible with Remington shotguns that utilize the Rem Choke system.
- Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface, crucial for concealment in hunting situations.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This material offers exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan even with frequent use in harsh conditions.
- Construction: Extended. Extended chokes typically offer better patterns and easier installation/removal.
- Constriction: .640. This is the internal diameter of the choke at its tightest point; a common constriction for turkey chokes, especially when used with TSS.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the choke’s performance and suitability for turkey hunting with TSS loads. The tight constriction and durable materials contribute to dense patterns and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black excels in its primary function: delivering exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads. This translates to greater effective range and increased confidence in making clean, ethical kills. The choke’s tight constriction maximizes pellet density, ensuring a lethal impact on the turkey’s vital areas.
The choke’s performance has exceeded my expectations. The only potential improvement would be offering different constrictions to allow for fine-tuning patterns with various TSS loads.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons choke tube’s design is simple and functional, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides a solid, durable feel, while the extended design facilitates easy installation and removal with a choke wrench. The weight is negligible, not noticeably affecting the balance of the shotgun.
The Carlsons 38000 is extremely user-friendly. It screws in and out of the barrel without any issues.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 stainless steel construction, the Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is built to last. Regular cleaning after each use is all that is required to keep it in optimal condition.
I foresee this choke tube lasting for many turkey seasons to come with proper care. The 17-4 stainless steel construction is resistant to rust and corrosion, and I expect it to last a very long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black does not come with any accessories beyond the choke tube itself. Aftermarket choke wrenches are recommended for easy installation and removal.
The choke is compatible with any Remington 870 (or other shotgun utilizing the Rem Choke system) and any commercially available 12-gauge TSS turkey loads. However, some loads will pattern better than others, necessitating range testing.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel BlackPros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and remove with a choke wrench.
- Noticeably increased effective range and pattern density compared to standard chokes.
- The price point of around $40 is amazing for the performance delivered.
Cons
- Fixed constriction may not be optimal for all TSS loads; some experimentation is needed.
- Does not include a choke wrench (sold separately).
Who Should Buy Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and remove with a choke wrench.
- Noticeably increased effective range and pattern density compared to standard chokes.
- The price point of around $40 is amazing for the performance delivered.
Cons
- Fixed constriction may not be optimal for all TSS loads; some experimentation is needed.
- Does not include a choke wrench (sold separately).
The Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is perfect for turkey hunters using Remington shotguns who want to maximize the effectiveness of TSS loads. It’s ideal for those seeking tighter patterns and increased range.
Hunters who primarily use lead or other traditional shot types might not see as significant an improvement. Similarly, those with shotguns not compatible with the Rem Choke system should skip this product. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38000 TSS Turkey Remington 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is an excellent investment for turkey hunters seeking to optimize their shotgun’s performance with TSS loads. Its durable construction, consistent patterns, and ease of use make it a worthwhile addition to any serious turkey hunter’s gear. The price is more than justified by the performance gains and increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any Remington shotgun owner who uses TSS. It’s a game-changer, and you’ll never look back, so ditch your old choke tube and experience the difference!