Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season Review

Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season is a specialized choke tube designed to optimize shotgun performance during the early upland bird hunting season. Made by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this choke promises improved patterns and reduced recoil in a convenient, easy-to-install package. It seemed like the perfect solution for the early dove season, where the birds are closer and more plentiful, but standard chokes were delivering patterns that were too tight and damaging the meat.

I had been struggling with blown-out patterns at close range during dove season. My factory modified choke was proving too tight, leading to damaged birds and missed opportunities for clean kills. The promise of a light modified choke with porting to reduce recoil intrigued me, especially given the high volume of shots typical in early dove hunts.

Upon receiving the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season, I was immediately impressed with the robust construction. The black finish was clean and professional, and the weight felt substantial, suggesting high-quality materials. The porting along the tube looked well-machined and effective.

Compared to the factory flush-mounted chokes and an extended Briley choke I already own, the Carlson’s tube stood out due to its porting and extended length. I considered a similar ported choke from Trulock, but the Carlson’s tube was readily available, and I’ve had positive experiences with Carlson’s Choke Tubes in the past. Its purpose-built design for early season hunting and the promise of recoil reduction sealed the deal.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The choke looked and felt well-made, and the specifications aligned with my needs. I was eager to get it out in the field and see if it lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season was on a dove hunt in Central Texas. The weather was typical for early September – hot, humid, and dusty. I used it in my Winchester SX4, firing a variety of 12-gauge shells, primarily 7.5 and 8 shot loads.

The choke performed admirably in the field. The pattern was noticeably more open than my modified choke at close ranges (15-25 yards), resulting in fewer damaged birds and cleaner kills. The advertised recoil reduction from the porting was subtle, but noticeable, especially after firing hundreds of rounds during the hunt.

Installation was effortless, thanks to the included choke wrench. I did not experience any issues with the choke loosening during use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season for the entire early dove and teal season, it has proven to be a reliable performer. The black finish has held up well to repeated use and cleaning, showing minimal signs of wear. The choke has consistently delivered the desired pattern, contributing to more successful hunts.

The choke tube itself shows no signs of degradation or damage. I clean it after each hunt with a standard shotgun cleaning kit, and maintenance is quick and easy.

Compared to my previous experiences with tighter chokes, the Carlson’s tube has significantly improved my success rate at close range. It has become my go-to choke for early season dove and teal hunting, offering a consistent and effective pattern.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes. This is a well-respected brand known for producing quality shotgun chokes.
• Color: Black. The black finish is durable and aesthetically pleasing, blending well with most shotguns.
• Fabric/Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This material ensures durability and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.
• Gauge: 12. Designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns, the most popular gauge for upland bird hunting.
• Choke Tube System: Mossberg Accu-Choke, Winchester Choke, Browning Invector (Standard). This versatile compatibility allows it to fit a wide range of popular shotgun models.
• Choke Type: Light Modified. The light modified constriction provides an optimal balance between pattern density and spread for close to mid-range targets.
• Diameter: 0.715 in. The specific diameter contributes to the light modified pattern.
• Gun Make: Winchester, Mossberg, Browning. Designed for seamless compatibility with these popular shotgun brands.
• Quantity: 1. The package includes one choke tube.
• Additional Features: Ported. Porting reduces recoil and muzzle jump, improving follow-up shot accuracy.
• Included Accessories: Choke Wrench. The included wrench facilitates easy installation and removal.
• Country of Origin: USA. Manufactured in the USA, ensuring high-quality standards and craftsmanship.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season excels at producing consistent, light modified patterns, ideal for close to mid-range shooting. The porting effectively reduces felt recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster and more accurate follow-up shots. The primary strength lies in its ability to deliver a more open pattern at close ranges than a standard modified choke.

The choke’s light modified constriction provides a sweet spot for engaging targets at ranges where tighter chokes would result in overly dense patterns and damaged birds. It meets expectations by consistently delivering the advertised performance. It would be beneficial if Carlson’s provided more detailed pattern specifications at various yardages.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season features a well-machined design with clean lines and a durable black finish. The extended length facilitates easier choke changes and provides added muzzle protection. The stainless steel construction feels solid and inspires confidence in its longevity.

Installation is straightforward using the provided choke wrench. The porting is well-executed and does not interfere with cleaning or maintenance.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use. With proper cleaning and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable performance.

Cleaning is simple, requiring only a shotgun cleaning rod, brush, and solvent. Regular lubrication will help prevent corrosion and ensure smooth installation and removal.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. While there are no specific Carlson’s accessories designed for this particular choke, it is compatible with any standard choke tube case or storage device.

The choke is fully compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun designed to accept Mossberg Accu-Choke, Winchester Choke, or Browning Invector (Standard) choke tubes. This allows users to customize their shotgun setup with a variety of aftermarket sights, stocks, and other accessories without compatibility concerns.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season

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Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season?

Perfect for upland bird hunters, particularly dove and teal hunters, who frequently encounter close-range shooting opportunities. It is also well-suited for sporting clays enthusiasts looking for a choke that provides a more open pattern for close-in targets.

Those who primarily hunt at longer ranges or prefer tighter patterns should skip this product. Additionally, shooters who are highly sensitive to recoil may find the recoil reduction provided by the porting to be insufficient.

A choke tube case is a must-have accessory to protect the choke during storage and transport. Some shooters may also benefit from experimenting with different shot sizes and loads to optimize pattern performance.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season is a well-designed and effective choke tube that delivers on its promises. The light modified pattern is perfectly suited for early season upland bird hunting, providing a balanced spread that minimizes damage to the game while ensuring clean kills. The porting adds a welcome reduction in recoil, making high-volume shooting sessions more comfortable.

At $64.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and performance. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season offers excellent value for the money.

I would personally recommend this choke to any hunter looking to improve their success rate at close ranges. If you’re tired of blown-out patterns and damaged birds, give the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Winchester 12ga Early Season a try. You won’t be disappointed! Go forth and bag some birds!