Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge promises tighter, more accurate patterns, especially when using Winchester’s Blind Side ammunition. This choke tube is designed for the Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns and is marketed towards waterfowl hunters looking for an edge in downrange performance. The promise of maximizing the effectiveness of specialized ammunition intrigued me, and I needed a reliable choke to improve my success on those long-distance shots at elusive ducks and geese.
I’ve spent years trying different choke and load combinations, always searching for that “magic bullet” that extends my effective range. The Carlson’s choke stood out because it was explicitly designed to work with Blind Side ammo, a unique load I’ve had mixed results with in the past. This seemed like the missing piece of the puzzle, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
The choke tube arrived in a simple, no-frills package, which is perfectly fine by me as I prefer function over flashy presentation. My initial impression was favorable; the 17-4 stainless steel construction felt solid and well-made. It had a good weight to it, suggesting quality machining and durable materials.
Compared to other aftermarket chokes I’ve used, like those from Patternmaster and Briley, the Carlson’s offering is more specialized. The Patternmaster chokes are known for their unique stud ring design aimed at separating the wad from the shot, while Briley offers a broader range of constrictions for various shooting disciplines. I chose the Carlson’s specifically for its optimized performance with Blind Side ammunition, gambling that this focus would pay off in the field.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed excellent, and the design appeared well-thought-out. The real test, of course, would be how it performed downrange, which I was both excited and slightly skeptical to discover.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, where I patterned the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge with Winchester Blind Side ammunition at 40 yards. The weather was fairly typical for late fall: overcast, with a slight drizzle and a temperature around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I was focused on observing pattern density and consistency, as well as any noticeable changes in recoil or report.
The choke performed admirably in these conditions. The patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent than what I had previously achieved with the factory choke. I experienced no issues with installation or removal using the included wrench, and the choke remained securely in place throughout the testing session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the range, the choke accompanied me on several waterfowl hunts over the course of a season. This provided ample opportunity to assess its long-term durability and performance in real-world conditions. The Carlson’s choke proved to be reliable and held up well to the rigors of hunting.
After months of use, there were no significant signs of wear and tear, aside from some minor surface scratches from normal handling. Cleaning was straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent kept it in good working order. Compared to the factory choke, the Carlson’s choke consistently delivered tighter patterns and greater confidence in making longer shots.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge is specifically designed for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. It is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The choke is non-ported, which contributes to a slightly louder report but also simplifies cleaning.
The choke is designed to optimize patterns with Winchester Blind Side ammunition. It also works with lead, copper-plated, nickel, and Hevi-Shot. The inclusion of a choke wrench is a nice touch, facilitating easy installation and removal in the field. These specifications directly impact the choke’s performance by providing the correct constriction for specific loads and ensuring a long service life.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge excels at producing tight, consistent patterns with Blind Side ammunition. Its performance translates to more ethical and effective shots at longer distances. The main strength is its specialization; it does one thing, and it does it very well.
The choke meets expectations and elevates the performance of Blind Side ammunition to its full potential. The only potential area for improvement might be a slightly more versatile design to accommodate a wider range of loads, but this would likely compromise its specialized performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gives it a solid feel and ensures longevity. The choke is easy to install and remove with the included wrench, and its smooth exterior prevents snagging on brush or clothing.
The Carlson’s choke is user-friendly with no real learning curve. Any experienced shotgunner will be able to install and use it effectively in minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
Thanks to its robust construction and corrosion-resistant materials, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only regular cleaning to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge comes with a choke wrench, but offers limited customization options. Being a choke tube, there aren’t many accessories designed specifically for it beyond different choke constrictions that Carlson’s offers for different applications (although not specifically “Blind Side”). It’s compatible with any Mossberg 835/935 shotgun that accepts screw-in chokes.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns with Blind Side ammunition. This directly translates to increased effective range and more ethical shots.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction. The choke is built to withstand the rigors of hunting and provide years of reliable service.
- Easy to install and remove with the included wrench. This simplifies choke changes in the field.
- Designed specifically for Mossberg 835/935 shotguns, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
- Works with lead, copper plated, nickel and Hevi-Shot ammunition.
Cons
- Specialized for Blind Side ammunition. Its performance with other loads may not be as optimal.
- Non-ported design results in a slightly louder report. This may be a concern for some hunters.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge is perfect for waterfowl hunters who use Winchester Blind Side ammunition and want to maximize its performance. It’s also ideal for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are common, such as open fields or large bodies of water. This choke gives you the confidence to reach out and connect on those birds that would otherwise be out of range.
This product might not be the best choice for hunters who primarily use lead shot or prefer a more versatile choke that can handle a wider range of loads. Similarly, if you are sensitive to noise, the non-ported design may be a deterrent.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality choke tube case to protect the choke when not in use. Also, having a good cleaning kit specifically designed for shotgun chokes is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge is a specialized tool that excels at what it’s designed to do: deliver devastatingly tight patterns with Winchester Blind Side ammunition. Its robust construction, ease of use, and noticeable performance improvement make it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters.
The price is justified by the increased confidence and effectiveness it provides in the field. Knowing that your choke is optimized for your chosen ammunition can make all the difference when that trophy bird is on the line.
I would personally recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Mossberg M835-M935 12 Gauge to any waterfowl hunter who is committed to using Blind Side ammunition and wants to push the limits of their effective range. If you fit that description, this choke will be a game-changer for your hunting season. Don’t just take my word for it; try it out yourself and experience the difference a specialized choke can make!