Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube promises tighter patterns and reduced recoil with buckshot loads, a holy grail for shotgun enthusiasts like myself. As someone who’s spent years tinkering with shotguns for hunting and tactical applications, I was eager to see if this choke tube could deliver on its claims. My quest began with a frustrating series of pattern failures using factory chokes, leaving me with unacceptable spread at reasonable distances.
I yearned for a choke that could consistently deliver tight, lethal patterns with 00 and 000 buckshot. The ported design, promising reduced recoil, also piqued my interest. Unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tube, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and sleek black finish. It felt like a quality piece of hardware, a far cry from some of the cheaper, less robust chokes I’ve encountered.
Compared to the factory Browning Invector DS choke tubes and a Briley extended choke I owned, the Carlson’s stood out with its prominent porting. I chose the Carlson’s over the others because of the dedicated buckshot constriction and recoil reduction claims. My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism, a common feeling when dealing with performance-enhancing shotgun accessories.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tube at my local shooting range, under mostly clear and mild conditions. I used a Browning A5 shotgun with a 28″ barrel, a common setup for both hunting and recreational shooting. I patterned the choke with a variety of 00 and 000 buckshot loads from Federal, Winchester, and Remington at distances of 15, 25, and 40 yards.
The most immediate difference was a noticeable reduction in felt recoil, a welcome surprise considering the heavy buckshot loads. The pattern tightness at 25 yards was significantly improved compared to the factory modified choke, with most pellets staying within a 12-inch circle. After the first use, I was quite pleased, but I noted some carbon buildup around the ports which would need regular cleaning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple range sessions and a hog hunt, the Carlson’s Choke Tube has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond normal carbon fouling. The choke is easy to clean with a standard choke tube wrench and solvent, taking only a few minutes after each range trip.
Compared to my previous experiences with other buckshot chokes, the Carlson’s consistently delivers tighter patterns and more manageable recoil. It has become my go-to choke for any situation where buckshot is the preferred load. It outperforms the factory choke system by a wide margin.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes.
- Color: Black.
- Fabric/Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel.
- Gauge: 12.
- Choke Tube System: Browning Invector DS.
- Choke Type: BuckShot.
- Diameter: 0.71 in.
- Gun Make: Browning.
- Quantity: 1.
- Country of Origin: USA.
The use of 17-4 stainless steel ensures corrosion resistance and long-term durability. The specific .71 inch diameter constriction is designed to optimize patterns with buckshot, offering a balance between range and spread. The Browning Invector DS compatibility means it’s a direct fit for a wide range of modern Browning shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tube excels at its primary job: tightening buckshot patterns. At 25 yards, I consistently achieve patterns that would reliably put multiple pellets in a vital zone. The porting effectively reduces recoil and muzzle climb, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
The choke’s only real weakness is the increased carbon fouling around the ports, requiring diligent cleaning. It significantly exceeds my expectations for buckshot performance, especially considering the relatively affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s extended design (extending about 1-inch beyond the barrel) makes it easy to install and remove with a choke wrench. The black finish blends seamlessly with most shotgun barrels, maintaining a low-profile appearance. The weight is negligible, adding no noticeable bulk to the shotgun.
The simple, functional design requires no learning curve. A user with even minimal experience with choke tubes will find it easy to install and use.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tube is built to last. Regular cleaning after each use is essential to prevent excessive carbon buildup, particularly around the ports. With proper care, this choke tube should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube is primarily a standalone performance upgrade. While it doesn’t directly interface with other accessories, a quality choke tube wrench is a must-have for installation and removal. There are no specific customization options beyond choosing the correct choke system for your shotgun (in this case, Browning Invector DS).
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube
Pros
- Significantly tighter buckshot patterns compared to factory chokes.
- Noticeable reduction in recoil and muzzle climb, improving follow-up shots.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
- Dedicated buckshot constriction optimized for 00 and 000 loads.
Cons
- Increased carbon fouling around the ports requires diligent cleaning.
- Not compatible with steel shot larger than BB or steel shot faster than 1550 FPS.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube is perfect for hunters who rely on buckshot for deer or hog hunting. It is also ideal for tactical shooters or home defense enthusiasts who want tighter patterns and reduced recoil. Any Browning shotgun owner using the Invector DS choke system that would like tighter and more predictable patterns with buckshot loads will benefit from this choke.
Those who primarily shoot steel shot larger than BB or high-velocity steel loads should avoid this choke. Shooters who don’t regularly clean their firearms might also find the increased fouling to be a nuisance. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning DS 12 Gauge Ported Buckshot Choke Tube is a well-designed and effective upgrade for Browning shotgun owners seeking improved buckshot performance. The price is absolutely justified by the enhanced pattern tightness, reduced recoil, and overall build quality. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to anyone looking to maximize the effectiveness of their buckshot loads.
If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and excessive recoil, the Carlson’s Buckshot Choke is a game-changer. Invest in your accuracy and take your shotgun’s performance to the next level.