Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

The Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube is a specialized accessory designed to maximize the performance of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads in 20-gauge shotguns. Carlson’s Choke Tubes has a long-standing reputation for quality and precision, and this offering aims to deliver superior patterns and extended range for turkey hunters. It promises tighter patterns than your factory choke, translating to ethical, clean kills at greater distances.

My pursuit of the perfect turkey choke began years ago, driven by frustration with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes, particularly when using the increasingly popular TSS loads. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver dense, even patterns at distances exceeding 40 yards. The Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey choke seemed like a viable solution to that problem, offering a dedicated design for TSS ammunition and compatibility with my Beretta Mobilchoke system.

Upon receiving the choke, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and sleek black finish. The 17-4 stainless steel felt robust and durable, suggesting a product built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. Its extended design also gave it a more aggressive, tactical look, appealing to my aesthetic preferences.

Compared to the factory Beretta choke tubes and a couple of aftermarket chokes I’d previously tested (a Trulock and a Briley), the Carlsons 38013 felt noticeably more substantial. I chose this choke over the others primarily because of its specific design for TSS loads, combined with the Carlson’s reputation for quality and pattern consistency. My first impression was definitely excitement – I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype and transformed my 20-gauge into a true turkey-slaying machine.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey choke took place at my local shooting range, specifically patterned at 40 yards. The weather was typical for early spring in the Midwest: overcast, damp, and with a slight breeze. I used a variety of TSS loads from different manufacturers (Apex, Federal, and Browning) to assess the choke’s performance across different ammunition types.

The choke was easy to install using the provided choke wrench. I immediately noticed a significant improvement in pattern density compared to my factory choke. The point of impact was consistent, and the pattern was remarkably tight, with the majority of pellets concentrated in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. There were no noticeable gaps or flyers, indicating an evenly distributed pattern.

After the first few shots, my confidence in the Carlsons 38013 grew considerably. It performed exactly as advertised, delivering a dense, consistent pattern perfect for ethical turkey hunting. I had no issues or surprises after the initial use, only satisfaction.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full turkey season of hunting across various terrains and weather conditions, the Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey choke has proven its reliability and durability. It’s seen rain, mud, and even a light dusting of snow without any signs of rust or corrosion. The 17-4 stainless steel construction has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear.

Maintenance is simple: a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. I also apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent any potential rust. Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the Carlsons 38013 has far exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern consistency and overall durability. It delivers reliable performance every time I pull the trigger.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

Specifications

• Type: 20 Gauge Choke Tube. This specification ensures compatibility with 20-gauge shotguns chambered for Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes.
• Gauge: 20 Gauge. Specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns, optimizing performance and pattern density.
• Choke size: Turkey. This indicates it’s optimized for tight patterns at extended ranges, ideal for turkey hunting.
• Model: Benelli/Beretta Mobil. Confirms compatibility with shotguns utilizing the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system, offering seamless installation.
• Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a sleek, non-reflective appearance for stealth in the field.
• Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. Offers exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan even in harsh conditions.
• Construction: Extended. The extended design aids in pattern consistency and provides a longer choke taper for improved shot string.
• Constriction: .555″. The .555″ constriction is optimized for use with TSS loads to produce extremely tight and effective patterns.

These specifications are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of TSS loads in a 20-gauge shotgun. The .555″ constriction is particularly important, as it’s specifically engineered to handle the unique characteristics of TSS shot, delivering dense and consistent patterns at longer ranges.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey choke excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns with TSS ammunition. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to factory chokes, allowing for ethical shots at distances beyond 40 yards. Its reliability is unquestionable, performing consistently across various weather conditions and with different brands of TSS loads.

The main strength of this choke is its ability to transform a standard 20-gauge shotgun into a dedicated turkey hunting tool. While some may find the extremely tight patterns to be too restrictive for closer shots (under 20 yards), this is a minor tradeoff for the extended range and accuracy it provides. It meets and exceeds expectations for a specialized turkey choke designed for TSS ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The choke’s build quality is exceptional, with the 17-4 stainless steel providing a solid and durable feel. Its extended design, while functional, adds a slightly more aggressive look to the shotgun. The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench.

The Carlsons 38013 is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special tools or modifications for installation. There is no learning curve involved; simply screw it into the shotgun and start shooting.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey choke is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a basic cleaning after each use to remove any residue or fouling.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey choke comes with a standard choke wrench for easy installation and removal. While there are no specific customization options for this choke, its compatibility with the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system allows for the use of various aftermarket choke tubes and wrenches. It’s compatible with most standard choke wrenches designed for the Beretta/Benelli Mobil system.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons 38013 TSS Turkey Beretta/Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black