Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 Review

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 Made a Bold First Impression

The world of shotgun chokes can seem almost mystical, filled with jargon and subtle differences that can dramatically impact performance. That’s why when I decided to upgrade my trusty 12-gauge for longer-range waterfowl hunting, I turned to Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007, specifically the Long Range #3 choke. Carlson’s has a reputation for quality and affordability, a combination that always piques my interest.

My hunt for this particular choke stemmed from frustration. I missed a beautiful drake mallard last season that was just outside my effective range with the factory modified choke. I needed a choke that could tighten my pattern at longer distances, specifically around 40-50 yards.

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 arrived in a simple, functional package. Immediately, I was impressed by the weight and the robust feel of the steel. It felt solid and well-machined, reassuringly suggesting a product built to last.

I considered other extended choke tubes from Briley and Patternmaster, both highly regarded brands. However, the Carlson’s choke offered a similar performance profile at a significantly lower price point, making it an easy choice for testing. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that the choke would deliver on its promise of improved long-range performance without sacrificing pattern density at closer ranges.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 was my local shooting range. I patterned the choke at 30, 40, and 50 yards using a variety of 12-gauge shells, from standard target loads to heavier hunting loads. The weather was clear, but there was a consistent crosswind that I had to account for.

The choke installed easily and securely into my shotgun barrel. The first few shots were immediately promising; the pattern visibly tightened compared to my previous modified choke at 40 yards. There was a noticeable increase in pellet density in the center of the target.

I didn’t experience any issues with the choke during that first session. There were no problems with installation, extraction, or pattern consistency.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple waterfowl hunts and clay shooting sessions, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 has proven to be remarkably reliable. It has held up well to the rigors of field use.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear, despite regular exposure to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental bump. Cleaning the choke is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition.

This Carlson’s choke noticeably outperforms the factory-modified choke in terms of pattern density at longer ranges. My hit percentage on longer-range shots has improved significantly.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 is designed for 12-gauge shotguns and features a Long Range #3 constriction. This particular choke is intended to tighten the shot pattern at longer distances, typically between 40 and 50 yards.

The choke is made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for superior durability. This steel resists corrosion and withstands the pressures of repeated firing. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 excels at its intended purpose: extending the effective range of a 12-gauge shotgun. Its tight constriction concentrates the shot pattern, providing increased pellet density at longer ranges.

One minor weakness is that the tighter pattern can be less forgiving at closer ranges. This requires more precise aiming, especially on fast-moving targets. However, this choke has met my expectations and significantly improved my long-range shooting capabilities.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 boasts a simple, functional design. It extends beyond the end of the barrel, allowing for easy installation and removal without tools in most cases.

The extended portion also protects the end of the barrel from damage. The choke is well-machined and fits securely into the barrel.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from heat-treated stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 is built to last. The robust material resists corrosion and wear.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will keep it functioning properly for years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007 itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that accepts standard choke tubes.

While there are no specific customization options for this particular choke, Carlson’s offers a wide range of other choke constrictions. This allows you to fine-tune your shotgun’s performance for different hunting or shooting scenarios.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 12 GA 41007