Let’s Talk About Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes are designed to deliver devastating knock-downs to distant targets with precision. Marketed as a game-changer for turkey hunters using Winchester Long Beard shotgun ammunition, the choke promises tight patterns and deep penetration. Does it live up to the hype?
For years, I’ve struggled to find a choke that consistently delivered tight patterns at longer ranges with my Browning Maxus. The promise of improved patterns with Winchester Long Beard ammunition specifically piqued my interest. I was looking for that extra edge to ethically harvest turkeys at distances that previously made me hesitant.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately impressed by the solid construction and the included choke wrench. The black finish appeared durable, and the stainless steel felt substantial. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes felt like a quality piece of equipment ready to endure harsh conditions.
I’ve used other turkey chokes from Patternmaster and Kicks, but neither delivered the consistent results I was looking for with the Long Beard loads. I chose the Carlson’s specifically for its advertised compatibility and performance with Winchester’s Shot-Lok technology. The claim of tighter patterns and increased knock-down power was too tempting to ignore.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The reputation of Carlson’s Choke Tubes is generally very good, but marketing claims always need to be proven in the field. I was eager to see if this choke could truly tighten my patterns and extend my effective range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at my local shooting range, patterning the Carlson’s Choke Tubes at 30, 40, and 50 yards. I was shooting Winchester Long Beard #5 shot, the ammunition the choke is specifically designed for. The weather was clear and cool, perfect conditions for a range day.
The choke performed admirably, producing noticeably tighter patterns compared to my factory choke. At 40 yards, the pattern density was impressive, with a significant number of pellets within a 10-inch circle. The choke was easy to install and remove with the included wrench.
I encountered no immediate issues during the first range session. The choke threaded smoothly into my Browning Maxus and remained secure throughout the testing. I was pleasantly surprised by the immediate improvement in pattern density and consistency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a full turkey season, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun. The black finish shows minimal signs of wear, despite repeated use in various hunting conditions. Cleaning is straightforward, and the stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion.
After a full season of use, the choke shows no signs of degradation. I clean it after every few hunts, and the finish is still in perfect condition. The choke continues to produce consistently tight patterns.
Compared to previous chokes I’ve used, the Carlson’s outperforms them significantly when paired with Winchester Long Beard ammunition. The tighter patterns translate to longer effective range and more ethical, clean kills. It definitely lives up to, and exceeds, my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes produces this choke specifically for turkey hunting.
- Color: Black, providing a non-reflective and tactical appearance.
- Fabric/Material: Constructed from 17-4 Stainless Steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
- Gauge: Designed for 12 Gauge shotguns.
- Choke Tube System: Compatible with Browning Invector Plus (+) choke systems.
- Choke Type: Optimized for Turkey hunting, delivering tight patterns at longer ranges.
- Diameter: Has a diameter of 0.665 inches, creating an extra-full constriction for dense patterns.
- Gun Make: Specifically designed for Browning shotguns.
- Quantity: Includes one choke tube per package.
- Additional Features: Non-Ported, maintaining consistent velocity and reducing muzzle blast.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
- Country of Origin: Proudly made in the USA.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s performance and reliability. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the specific diameter and choke type are optimized for turkey hunting with Long Beard ammunition. The Browning Invector Plus compatibility also ensures proper fit in a wide range of shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. This allows for more ethical and effective turkey hunting. When used with Winchester Long Beard ammunition, the combination is deadly.
Its strength lies in its ability to maximize the performance of Winchester’s Shot-Lok technology. The result is a denser pattern and greater downrange energy. The only potential weakness is that it is highly optimized for Long Beard ammunition; performance with other loads may vary.
The choke meets and exceeds expectations, significantly improving my effective range and confidence in the field. The improved patterns have translated to cleaner kills and fewer missed opportunities. It’s a clear improvement over factory chokes and other aftermarket options I’ve tested.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes features a simple, functional design with a durable black finish. The weight is negligible, and it doesn’t noticeably alter the balance of the shotgun. The included choke wrench makes installation and removal easy.
The choke is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills for installation. The smooth threads ensure a snug fit, and the wrench provides ample leverage for tightening. There is no learning curve involved; simply install and pattern.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes is built to last. It can withstand repeated use and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Proper cleaning and lubrication will further extend its lifespan.
The choke is easy to clean with standard gun cleaning solvents and a bore brush. Regular maintenance will prevent the build-up of residue and ensure optimal performance. The stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion, simplifying the cleaning process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The package includes a choke wrench, which is essential for installation and removal. There are no other included accessories, but customization is limited to different choke tubes within the Carlson’s line. Users could experiment with ported versions for reduced recoil, although this specific model is non-ported.
The Carlson’s choke is compatible with any Browning Invector Plus system. It is specifically designed to work with Winchester Long Beard ammunition but can also be tested with other turkey loads. Users can customize their setup by experimenting with different shot sizes and brands to find the optimal combination for their shotgun and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns with Winchester Long Beard ammunition.
- Increased effective range for ethical turkey hunting.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
- Improved knock-down power due to denser patterns.
Cons
- Optimized specifically for Winchester Long Beard ammunition; performance with other loads may vary.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other aftermarket chokes.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes?
Perfect for: Turkey hunters who use Browning shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system and are looking to maximize the performance of Winchester Long Beard ammunition. Hunters seeking longer effective range and tighter patterns will benefit most from this choke.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who primarily use other brands of ammunition or those who are unwilling to invest in premium turkey hunting gear. If you’re satisfied with the performance of your current choke and ammunition combination, this might not be a necessary upgrade.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality shotgun sling for comfortable carrying in the field, and a reliable rangefinder to accurately determine distances to turkeys. Different shot sizes (e.g., #4, #6) of Winchester Long Beard ammunition might be beneficial for different hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Browning 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters using Browning shotguns and Winchester Long Beard ammunition. The choke delivers significantly tighter patterns and increased effective range, leading to more ethical and successful hunts. While it is optimized for a specific ammunition type, the results are undeniable.
The price is justified by the improved performance and durable construction. The Carlson’s choke is a precision tool designed to enhance your turkey hunting experience. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in the field.
I would personally recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes to any turkey hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential with Winchester Long Beard ammunition. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities, this choke is a game-changer. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference.