Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet is a choke tube designed specifically for Franchi 20-gauge shotguns. It’s a flush-mounted choke, meaning it doesn’t extend beyond the end of the barrel, maintaining a clean and classic look. This particular choke is optimized for skeet shooting, providing a wide, even spread of shot at close ranges, ideal for breaking those fast-moving clay targets.
I was struggling to consistently break skeet targets with my Franchi 20-gauge. The factory choke seemed too tight, resulting in either clean misses or chipped targets. I needed a choke that would open up the pattern and give me a more forgiving shot spread.
Upon receiving the Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet, I was immediately impressed with the heft and solid feel of the stainless steel. The machining was clean and precise, inspiring confidence in its quality and durability. It certainly felt like a significant upgrade over the generic, blued steel choke that came standard with my shotgun.
I considered a Briley choke and a Trulock choke, both respected names in the choke tube world. Ultimately, I chose the Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet due to its reputation for quality, its specific design for skeet shooting, and the positive reviews I had read online. Price also played a role, as the Carlson’s offered a great balance of performance and affordability.
My first impression was excitement; this choke looked and felt like a premium product that could seriously improve my skeet scores. I was eager to get to the range and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet at my local shooting range, under relatively mild conditions – a sunny afternoon with a slight breeze. I focused solely on skeet shooting, running through several rounds on both the high and low houses.
The choke performed admirably, delivering a noticeably wider and more even shot pattern compared to my previous choke. Targets that were previously chipped now broke cleanly, and my overall hit rate improved significantly. The improved pattern helped me feel more confident with each shot.
The choke screwed in easily and securely, requiring no excessive force. There were no issues with fouling or sticking after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet has held up beautifully. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite being exposed to various weather conditions. The stainless steel construction has proven to be incredibly durable.
Cleaning the choke is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent is all it takes to remove any residue. I apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent corrosion. The ease of maintenance is a definite plus.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet has vastly outperformed my previous experiences with factory chokes. My skeet scores have consistently improved, and I have greater confidence in my ability to break targets at close range. It has become an indispensable part of my shotgun setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet
Specifications
- The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet is specifically designed for Franchi shotguns chambered in 20 gauge. This ensures a proper fit and optimal performance.
- It features a Skeet choke designation, indicating an approximate constriction of 0.005 inches. This promotes a wide, even shot pattern at close ranges, typically around 20-25 yards.
- Constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, the choke tube offers exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. This material is designed to withstand the rigors of repeated use and exposure to the elements.
- The choke features a flush-mounted design, meaning it sits inside the end of the barrel and does not protrude. This maintains the original aesthetics of the shotgun and protects the choke from damage.
- The inside diameter of the choke is 0.629 inches. This measurement is crucial for understanding the shot pattern and effective range of the choke.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the choke’s performance and suitability for skeet shooting. The Skeet constriction provides the ideal balance of pattern density and spread for breaking targets at close range. The stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to rust, while the flush-mounted design maintains the shotgun’s sleek appearance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet excels in its primary function: delivering a wide, consistent shot pattern for close-range skeet shooting. This translates to more broken targets and higher scores.
The choke’s strength lies in its ability to consistently produce a uniform spread, minimizing gaps in the pattern. A slight weakness might be its limited effectiveness at longer ranges, where the pattern may become too sparse.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet has exceeded my expectations, significantly improving my skeet shooting performance. It offers a noticeable improvement over the factory choke, providing a wider and more forgiving pattern.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet is outstanding. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel feels robust and well-machined, inspiring confidence in its longevity. The choke is lightweight and adds no noticeable weight to the shotgun.
The choke’s design is incredibly user-friendly. It screws in and out easily with a standard choke wrench, and the flush-mounted design eliminates any snagging or interference. There is no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet is built to last. The stainless steel construction makes it incredibly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the choke is easy. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. Applying a light coat of gun oil will further protect it from corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet does not come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. It is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory choke in Franchi 20-gauge shotguns.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Franchi shotguns. This allows for easy installation and removal.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet
Pros
- Provides a wider, more consistent shot pattern ideal for skeet shooting.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel for long-lasting performance.
- Flush-mounted design maintains the original aesthetics of the shotgun.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
- Noticeably improves skeet scores compared to factory chokes.
Cons
- Limited effectiveness at longer ranges.
- Does not come with any included accessories.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet is perfect for skeet shooters who own a Franchi 20-gauge shotgun and are looking to improve their scores. It is also a good choice for casual clay target shooters who want a more forgiving shot pattern at close ranges.
This product might not be suitable for hunters who primarily shoot at longer ranges or those who require a tighter choke for specific hunting applications. It is also not compatible with shotguns other than Franchi 20-gauge models.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet is a well-made, high-performing choke that delivers on its promises. It provides a noticeable improvement in shot patterns, making it easier to break targets at close range.
The price of $32.26 is more than justified, considering the quality of the materials, the precision of the machining, and the positive impact on shooting performance. It represents excellent value for money.
I would highly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet to any Franchi 20-gauge owner looking to enhance their skeet shooting experience. It’s a simple, effective upgrade that can make a real difference. Don’t settle for chipped targets – invest in a Carlson’s Choke Tubes FranChoke 20ga Skeet and start breaking clays with confidence!