Let’s Talk About Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube is a specialized choke designed for one purpose: obliterating turkeys at extended ranges with a 20-gauge shotgun. Marketed as the perfect partner for Winchester’s Long Beard XR turkey loads, this choke promises tight, dense patterns and deep penetration. It’s a tool designed for the serious turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of their 20-gauge.
My own journey to this choke was born out of frustration. I’ve spent years chasing gobblers with my trusty 20-gauge, but always felt I was leaving something on the table in terms of effective range. I needed something that would consistently deliver lethal patterns at distances beyond what a standard full choke could provide.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive; the matte black finish and ported design gave it a tactical, purposeful look. The weight felt substantial, hinting at the 17-4 stainless steel construction touted by Carlson’s Choke Tubes.
I’d previously experimented with a couple of other aftermarket turkey chokes, a TruLock Precision Hunter and a generic extended full choke from an online retailer. The TruLock offered slightly tighter patterns than the factory choke, but still didn’t provide the consistent density I was after past 35 yards. The generic choke was a complete disaster, producing inconsistent and uneven patterns. I hoped the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube would finally deliver the performance I was seeking.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The construction seemed solid, and the design looked promising. I was eager to get it to the range and see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place at my local shooting range, a familiar haunt where I pattern all my shotgun loads. I used a Remington 870 20-gauge, the gun I’ve used for years in the turkey woods. I patterned the choke with Winchester Long Beard XR #5 and #6 shot at 20, 30, and 40 yards.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube performed admirably in slightly breezy conditions. At 30 yards, the patterns were incredibly dense, with the vast majority of pellets landing within a 10-inch circle. At 40 yards, the pattern opened up slightly, but still maintained enough density to ensure a lethal shot on a turkey’s head and neck.
Installation was simple, requiring only the included choke wrench. I did notice a slight increase in felt recoil compared to the factory choke, likely due to the tighter constriction. No issues arose during my initial range session, but the real test would come in the field.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube, I can confidently say it’s a reliable and effective choke. The choke held up without issue after multiple range and field sessions. It didn’t loosen, corrode, or show any signs of wear.
Cleaning was straightforward. After each hunt, I simply removed the choke, cleaned it with a bore brush and solvent, and lightly oiled the threads before reinstalling. The choke has consistently delivered tight patterns throughout the season, resulting in several clean kills.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube outperforms every other 20-gauge turkey choke I’ve used. It gives me the confidence to take shots at longer ranges, knowing I’m still delivering a lethal payload. Its reliability and consistent performance have made it an indispensable part of my turkey hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube is designed specifically for Remington 20-gauge shotguns using the Remington Choke system. It’s crafted from 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The matte black finish helps to reduce glare and prevent rust.
The choke features a .568-inch diameter, optimized for use with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It is ported to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, improving follow-up shots. The choke is designed for turkey hunting and produces exceptionally tight patterns at extended ranges.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s performance. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the tight constriction and porting contribute to the dense patterns and manageable recoil. The specific diameter is tailored to maximize the effectiveness of Long Beard XR shells.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube performs its intended job exceptionally well, delivering extremely tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. At 40 yards, I consistently achieve patterns with over 80% of the pellets inside a 10-inch circle. The porting noticeably reduces muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots if necessary.
Its main strength is its ability to extend the effective range of a 20-gauge for turkey hunting. A potential weakness is its limited ammunition compatibility; it’s truly optimized for Long Beard XR, and performance may vary with other loads. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s build quality is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels robust and durable. The matte black finish is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
It’s easy to install and remove with the included wrench and requires minimal maintenance. The porting, while effective, does slightly increase muzzle noise.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube is built to last. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear, even in harsh conditions. With proper cleaning and lubrication, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple: clean the choke after each use with a bore brush and solvent, and lightly oil the threads before reinstalling. There are no moving parts or complex mechanisms to worry about.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. There are no other included accessories.
Customization options are limited to aftermarket choke cases or wrenches. The choke is designed to be a drop-in replacement for factory Remington chokes and does not require any modifications to the shotgun. Compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited to those designed for Remington choke tubes.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR. This ensures clean and ethical kills at longer ranges.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction. Provides excellent resistance to corrosion and wear.
- Ported design reduces muzzle jump, facilitating faster follow-up shots.
- Easy to install and remove with included choke wrench.
- Noticeably extends the effective range of a 20-gauge for turkey hunting.
Cons
- Optimized specifically for Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition; performance may vary with other loads.
- Porting slightly increases muzzle noise.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters who use a 20-gauge shotgun and prefer Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It’s also suitable for hunters who want to extend their effective range and achieve tighter patterns. This choke is ideal for hunters who prioritize performance and reliability in their equipment.
Those who should skip this product are hunters who use other types of ammunition or prefer a more versatile choke that can be used for different types of hunting. Hunters who are sensitive to muzzle noise may also want to consider a non-ported choke.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke tube case to protect the choke during storage and transport.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube is a specialized tool that delivers exceptional performance when paired with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Its durable construction, tight patterns, and recoil-reducing porting make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. At $65.49, the price is justified by the choke’s performance and build quality.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any 20-gauge turkey hunter looking to maximize their effective range and achieve consistent, lethal patterns. It transformed my 20-gauge into a truly formidable turkey gun.
Upgrade your turkey gun this spring with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Remington Turkey Choke Tube and experience the difference for yourself!