CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA Review

The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA Made a Bold First Impression

The world of shotgun chokes can seem esoteric, filled with confusing numbers and subtle differences that promise (or threaten) to transform your shot pattern. The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA is Carlsons‘ entry into the realm of sporting clays, aiming to provide a consistent and effective pattern for breaking those challenging targets. It’s a promise of tighter groups and higher scores, a siren song for any serious clay shooter.

As someone with over a decade of experience in outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve seen countless products claim to revolutionize shooting, but few truly deliver. I was looking for a choke that would give me consistent patterns without excessive recoil or muzzle jump when I decided to try this one. My current factory choke was producing inconsistent results, and I was tired of guessing where my shot was going.

The choke arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My first impression was of solid construction and a clean, ported design. Compared to some other extended chokes I’ve used, it felt neither excessively heavy nor flimsy, occupying a comfortable middle ground. I considered chokes from Briley and Patternmaster, but the Carlsons choke offered a compelling price point with the promise of similar performance, so I opted for this. Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local sporting clays range. The day was clear and sunny, ideal conditions for shooting, though a slight breeze did add a small degree of complexity. I ran a couple of boxes of Winchester AA target loads through my Benelli Super Black Eagle II, alternating between the CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA and my factory modified choke. The difference was immediately noticeable.

The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA produced noticeably tighter patterns at the distances I typically engage clays (25-40 yards). The ported design seemed to do a decent job of mitigating recoil, though the effect was subtle. I did notice a slight reduction in muzzle jump compared to my factory choke, which made follow-up shots faster and more accurate. There were no issues with installation, and the choke wrench provided by Carlsons made swapping it out a breeze.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA has proven to be a reliable performer. The finish has held up well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite being exposed to various weather conditions. Cleaning is simple: a quick scrub with a brush and some solvent keeps it in top condition.

Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket chokes, this one stands out for its consistent patterns and ease of use. It has consistently delivered improved scores on the sporting clays course. It surpasses the factory choke that came with my shotgun, but isn’t drastically better than higher-end aftermarket chokes, though those come at a premium price.

Breaking Down the Features of CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA

Specifications

• The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA is a 12-gauge choke designed specifically for sporting clays. Its .710 Modified constriction is designed to provide a tighter pattern than improved cylinder, but not as tight as a full choke.
• This choke is compatible with shotguns that use the Standard Invector choke system. Make sure your shotgun utilizes this system for proper fit and function.
• The choke features ported sections near the muzzle. These ports are designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump by venting gases upward.
• It’s constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for maximum durability and resistance to corrosion. The extended design also makes for easy installation and removal.

Performance & Functionality

The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA excels at consistently breaking clay targets at moderate ranges (25-40 yards). The modified constriction provides a balanced pattern that is neither too tight nor too open, making it versatile for a variety of clay shooting presentations. The ported design, while subtle, does contribute to a slightly smoother shooting experience.

The primary strength of this choke is its consistency. Weaknesses are few; it may not be ideal for extremely long-range shots (beyond 45 yards), where a tighter choke might be preferable. Overall, the CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA largely meets its promise of tighter patterns and improved clay shooting performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA features a simple, functional design. The extended length allows for easy hand tightening and removal, even without a wrench (though one is provided). The ported design is visually appealing without being overly flashy.

The choke is neither too heavy nor too light, providing a good balance to the shotgun. There is no learning curve involved; it’s simply a matter of screwing it in and shooting.

Durability & Maintenance

The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan.

Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning with a brush and solvent after each shooting session is all that’s required to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. There are no other included accessories.

While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, the user can experiment with different brands and types of shotshells to fine-tune their patterns. It should work with most standard Invector compatible choke tubes from other brands.

Pros and Cons of CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA

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Who Should Buy CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA?

The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA is perfect for sporting clays shooters who want to improve their scores without breaking the bank. It’s also a good option for recreational shooters who want a more consistent pattern than their factory choke provides. Any shotgun enthusiast looking for a reliable, durable, and affordable upgrade to their shotgun will benefit from this product.

Those who are already using high-end, custom-fitted chokes may not see a significant improvement with this choke. Individuals who primarily hunt waterfowl at extremely long ranges may also want to consider a tighter choke constriction. A must-have accessory would be a good quality choke tube case to protect the choke when it is not in use.

Conclusion on CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA

The CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and improved clay shooting performance. While the recoil reduction from the ported design is subtle, the overall improvement in consistency and accuracy makes it a worthwhile upgrade.

The price is justified by the quality of construction and the noticeable difference in performance compared to a factory choke. I would definitely recommend this choke to anyone looking to improve their sporting clays scores without spending a fortune. Step up your game, give the CARLSONS CHOKE SPT. CLAYS 12GA a try, and see the difference it can make!

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