The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED Made a Bold First Impression
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED in 12GA with a .665 constriction for Remington Pro-Bore shotguns promises tighter patterns for turkey hunting. Carlson’s Choke Tubes is a reputable name, and the extended design hints at improved performance. For years, I’ve relied on factory chokes, but the allure of a dedicated turkey choke promising denser patterns was too strong to resist.
My goal was to achieve tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges during turkey season. The factory full choke I was using felt like it was leaving too many gaps in my pattern beyond 30 yards. I also wanted to ensure ethical and effective shots, minimizing the risk of wounding a bird.
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED arrived in a simple blister pack, showcasing its black oxide finish. The choke tube felt solid and well-machined in hand. The extended portion provided a good grip for easy installation and removal.
I considered a few other turkey chokes, including models from Trulock and Patternmaster. I ultimately chose the Carlsons due to its reputation for quality, the specific .665 constriction, and the competitive price of $42.49. I hoped this choke would provide a noticeable improvement over my factory choke and bring my long-range turkey hunting to the next level.
Initial excitement was definitely present. The promise of tighter patterns and increased range has me eager to test it out in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, patterned against paper targets at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was clear and mild. I used a variety of turkey loads, including lead and copper-plated shot in sizes #4, #5, and #6.
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED was easy to install using the provided wrench. After firing several rounds with different loads, I noticed a significant tightening of the patterns compared to my factory full choke. At 40 yards, the patterns were noticeably denser and more consistent with fewer holes.
There were no major issues in the first outing, but I did notice that some loads patterned better than others. This is typical with turkey chokes, and experimentation is key to finding the perfect match.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of use, the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to wet and muddy conditions. The black oxide finish has proven to be quite durable.
Cleaning the choke tube is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. The extended portion makes it easy to grip and remove, even after multiple shots. The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED has surpassed my expectations.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the CARLSONS choke provides significantly improved pattern density and consistency at longer ranges. This has translated to more confident and ethical shots in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED
Specifications
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED for the Remington Pro-Bore 12-gauge shotgun has a constriction of .665. It is specifically designed for turkey hunting. The extended design provides a longer parallel section for improved pattern consistency.
This choke tube is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel with a black oxide finish. This material ensures durability and corrosion resistance in harsh hunting environments. The extended length provides a better grip for easy installation and removal.
Performance & Functionality
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED dramatically improves pattern density at longer ranges when compared to a standard full choke. It delivers consistent patterns, minimizing holes and ensuring a higher pellet count in the vital zone. This translates to more ethical and effective kills on turkeys.
The Carlsons choke excels in its primary function: tightening patterns for turkey hunting. The only potential downside is that it may be too tight for close-range shots (inside 20 yards), potentially resulting in a smaller pattern than desired. For most turkey hunting scenarios, it is a perfect choice.
The CARLSONS choke exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern density and consistency. It provides a significant advantage at longer ranges, giving me the confidence to take shots that I wouldn’t have considered with my factory choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED is excellent. The materials feel robust, and the machining is precise. The extended portion provides a comfortable grip for easy installation and removal.
This choke tube is user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills to install. The extended design makes it easy to tighten and loosen by hand, even with gloves. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED is built to last. The heat-treated stainless steel and black oxide finish provide excellent corrosion resistance and durability. It should withstand years of use in harsh hunting conditions.
Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use will keep it in top condition. There are no small parts or intricate mechanisms that require special care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED does not come with any additional accessories beyond a simple choke tube wrench. The choke tube itself is not customizable. However, the performance can be optimized by experimenting with different turkey loads to find the best match for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
While this choke tube is specifically designed for Remington Pro-Bore shotguns, Carlson’s offers a wide range of choke tubes for various shotgun brands and models. This allows users to find the perfect choke for their specific firearm.
Pros and Cons of CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns at longer ranges.
- Durable construction with heat-treated stainless steel and black oxide finish.
- Easy to install and remove, even with gloves.
- Noticeable improvement in pattern density for ethical and effective kills.
- Competitively priced at $42.49.
Cons
- May be too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards).
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED?
Perfect for turkey hunters who prioritize longer-range accuracy and ethical shots. Ideal for hunters seeking to improve their pattern density and consistency with Remington Pro-Bore shotguns.
Hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at very close range (inside 20 yards) might want to consider a more open choke or a spreader load. Those not using a Remington Pro-Bore shotgun should find the corresponding Carlson’s choke tube for their firearm.
A high-quality turkey load is a must-have accessory to maximize the performance of this choke tube. Experimenting with different shot sizes and brands is crucial to finding the optimal combination for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED is an excellent investment for turkey hunters seeking to improve their pattern density and consistency at longer ranges. The durable construction, easy installation, and noticeable performance improvement make it a worthwhile addition to any turkey hunting arsenal.
At $42.49, the price is more than justified by the performance gains and increased confidence it provides. This choke offers exceptional value.
I wholeheartedly recommend the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE EXTENDED to any turkey hunter looking to improve their long-range accuracy and ethical harvest rates. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference for yourself!