First Thoughts on the Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black choke tube is a specialized piece of equipment designed for serious turkey hunters. It promises tighter patterns and enhanced performance with a variety of shot types, making it an intriguing option for anyone looking to improve their success in the turkey woods.
Having spent over a decade chasing gobblers, I’ve learned that the right choke tube can be the difference between a clean kill and a frustrating miss. My quest for consistent, dense patterns led me to the Carlsons choke, hoping it would be the answer to my long-range, ethical harvest desires.
Unboxing the choke, I immediately noticed the solid construction and non-reflective matte black finish. It felt robust and well-made, with the kind of heft that suggests quality materials and precise machining. This contrasts starkly with some of the cheaper, mass-produced choke tubes I’ve encountered over the years.
Compared to my existing factory choke and a competitor’s extended ported choke, the Carlsons tube seemed to boast a more substantial build and a more aggressive porting design. I chose this particular model because of Carlsons reputation for quality and the promise of compatibility with various shot types, including the increasingly popular Tungsten Super Shot (TSS).
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the build quality was clearly superior, the real test would be in the field, observing the patterns it produced. The anticipation of tighter groupings and longer-range accuracy definitely had me excited to get to the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black at my local shooting range, specifically focusing on pattern density at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was overcast, with a slight breeze – typical spring conditions for turkey season.
The choke tube threaded in smoothly and securely to my Mossberg 500. After a few shots, I noticed a significant reduction in felt recoil, likely due to the porting. The patterns were noticeably tighter than with my previous full choke, especially with heavier shot loads.
The initial performance was impressive, with a more even distribution of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. However, I did encounter some inconsistencies with cheaper lead loads, indicating the need for careful ammunition selection.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and multiple range sessions, the Carlsons choke tube has proven to be a reliable performer. The finish remains intact, with no signs of rust or corrosion, even after being exposed to wet conditions.
Durability has been excellent, with the choke tube showing no signs of wear or loosening despite repeated firing. The tube remains easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a quick wipe down after each use.
Compared to my previous experiences with more generic choke tubes, the Carlsons tube offers a noticeable improvement in pattern consistency and overall confidence. It has definitely outperformed my expectations and has become a permanent fixture in my turkey hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is a standard gauge for turkey hunting, providing ample power and shot capacity.
Choke Size: Turkey. Designed for extremely tight patterns, ideal for maximizing pellet density at longer ranges.
Model: Invector (also fits Mossberg 500). Ensures compatibility with Browning Invector and Mossberg 500 series shotguns.
Finish: Matte Black. Provides a non-reflective surface, essential for remaining concealed from wary turkeys.
Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. Offers exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The choice of 17-4 stainless steel is particularly significant, offering a superior balance of strength and corrosion resistance compared to other materials. The matte black finish is also crucial for preventing glare and spooking game.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black excels at producing extremely tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. It consistently delivers a high percentage of pellets within a vital zone, greatly increasing the odds of a clean kill.
The ported design effectively reduces recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more comfortable. However, it’s crucial to pattern the choke with different ammunition types to find the optimal load for your specific shotgun.
While the extremely tight constriction is ideal for long-range shots, it can be less forgiving at closer ranges, potentially resulting in a smaller, more concentrated pattern. A more open choke might be better for closer-range scenarios.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons choke tube is built with a focus on functionality and durability. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its long-term reliability.
The matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, minimizing reflections that could alert turkeys. The choke tube is easy to install and remove, requiring no special tools beyond a standard choke wrench.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, made from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. It’s highly resistant to corrosion and wear, even with frequent use in harsh environments.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue and prevent build-up. With proper care, this choke tube should last for many seasons of hard hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons choke tube itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories, focusing solely on its core function of pattern enhancement. However, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket choke wrenches designed for Invector and Mossberg 500 shotguns.
While the choke tube doesn’t offer customization options in terms of constriction, users can experiment with different ammunition types to fine-tune their patterns. Carlsons also offers other choke tubes with varying constrictions to suit different hunting scenarios.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and dense patterns at long ranges, significantly increasing the chances of a successful harvest.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Ported design reduces felt recoil, allowing for faster and more comfortable follow-up shots.
- Compatible with a wide variety of shot types, including lead, copper-plated, and Tungsten Super Shot (TSS).
- Matte black finish minimizes reflections, helping to keep you concealed from wary turkeys.
Cons
- The extremely tight constriction may be too restrictive for closer-range shots, resulting in smaller, more concentrated patterns.
- Requires careful ammunition selection and patterning to achieve optimal results, as performance can vary significantly with different loads.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
Perfect for: Serious turkey hunters who prioritize long-range accuracy and pattern density. This choke tube is ideal for those who frequently hunt in areas where longer shots are necessary or unavoidable.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who primarily hunt in densely wooded areas where shots are typically taken at close range (under 20 yards). A more open choke might be a better choice in those situations.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal, and a variety of different ammunition types to experiment with and find the optimal load for your shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a well-built and highly effective choke tube designed for serious turkey hunters. Its ability to produce extremely tight and dense patterns at longer ranges makes it a valuable tool for increasing your chances of success.
While the $69.55 price tag is higher than some generic choke tubes, the Carlsons tube’s superior build quality, performance, and recoil-reducing porting justify the investment. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for any turkey hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Browning Turkey WinChoke, Invector, Moss 500 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing choke tube for turkey hunting. Step up your game and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make this season!