Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full Review

Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full is a choke tube designed to enhance the performance of your Ruger 12-gauge shotgun, specifically for sporting clays. Carlson’s Choke Tubes is a reputable manufacturer, and this particular choke is built from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. Its primary purpose is to tighten the shot pattern at longer ranges, offering improved accuracy and consistency when targeting clay pigeons.

I was seeking a choke tube that could provide a tighter, more consistent pattern for sporting clays, improving my scores and overall experience. I wanted to reduce the number of broken clays that were only chipped, and instead achieve more consistent breaks. This Carlson’s Choke Tubes choke promised exactly that.

Upon unboxing, the choke tube felt solid and well-made. The black finish looked clean and professional, and the threads were smooth and precise. It had a reassuring weight that spoke of quality materials and construction.

I considered the Briley Spectrum choke tubes and the Patternmaster Code Black chokes, but ultimately chose the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full due to its reputation for reliability, reasonable price, and specific design for sporting clays. The Briley chokes are fantastic, but more expensive and the Patternmaster, while great for hunting, isn’t necessarily optimized for the more refined sport of clay shooting. My initial impression was positive and I was eager to test it out.


Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full at my local shooting range, which has a dedicated sporting clays course. The weather was slightly overcast, but dry, with a light breeze. I shot a variety of clay targets at different distances, simulating different scenarios encountered in a typical sporting clays round.

The choke performed admirably, consistently delivering tight, dense patterns at distances of 35-45 yards. I immediately noticed an improvement in my break percentage, with more cleanly broken targets and fewer chips. The ease of installation using the included choke wrench was a welcome bonus.

The only initial issue was a slightly tighter fit when threading the choke into my Ruger’s barrel. However, after applying a small amount of choke tube grease, the problem was resolved.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full has proven to be extremely reliable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the choke’s finish, and the threads remain smooth. Cleaning is simple; I usually just wipe it down with a bore snake and apply a bit of choke tube grease after each use.

Compared to my previous experience with a more generic, less specialized choke, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes choke provides a noticeable improvement in pattern density and consistency. It has significantly improved my sporting clays scores. This Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full is a worthwhile investment.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes
  • Color: Black
  • Fabric/Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel
  • Gauge: 12
  • Choke Tube System: Ruger Choke
  • Choke Type: Full
  • Diameter: 0.71 in
  • Gun Make: Ruger
  • Quantity: 1
  • Additional Features: Non-Ported
  • Included Accessories: Choke Wrench
  • Country of Origin: USA

These specifications contribute to the choke’s durability, consistent performance, and ease of use. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures it can withstand the pressures and heat of repeated shooting. The full choke constriction (0.71 in diameter) is ideal for creating tight patterns at longer ranges, precisely what’s needed for sporting clays.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full excels at creating tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges, which is essential for breaking clay targets cleanly. Its performance is reliably consistent across different brands and loads of shotshells. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated sporting clays choke.

The choke tube’s only slight weakness is that it is a Full choke, making it less versatile for close-range targets. However, its primary purpose is for longer shots, so this is a trade-off I was willing to make. For closer targets, you’d want a more open choke.

Design & Ergonomics

The choke tube has a simple, functional design. The black finish is durable and aesthetically pleasing, and the non-ported design helps to reduce muzzle jump and recoil. The included choke wrench makes installation and removal easy, and the knurled end provides a secure grip when tightening.

There is a slight learning curve in understanding when to use a Full choke vs. other choke options. But, the choke itself is user-friendly once installed.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures the choke tube is built to last. With proper maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning involves simply wiping down the choke after each use and applying choke tube grease to the threads.

There are no intricate parts that are prone to failure, making maintenance straightforward. This Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full will endure.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full comes with a choke wrench. There aren’t any other included accessories beyond the wrench. The choke tube is compatible with any Ruger 12-gauge shotgun that accepts choke tubes.

It is possible to use aftermarket choke tube cases to store and protect the choke when not in use. There are no modifications that can be made to the choke itself.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full

Pros

  • Delivers very tight and consistent patterns at 35-45 yards.
  • Constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
  • Simple to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
  • Noticeably improved my sporting clays scores.
  • Black finish looks professional and resists wear.

Cons

  • The Full choke constriction is not ideal for close-range targets.
  • May require a small amount of choke tube grease for smooth installation.


Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full?

This Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full is perfect for sporting clays enthusiasts who want to improve their scores by achieving tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges. It is also beneficial for trap shooters who often engage targets at a distance. Anyone with a Ruger 12-gauge shotgun who wants to optimize their performance for clay shooting will find this choke tube invaluable.

Those who primarily shoot skeet or hunt in dense cover where shots are typically close-range should skip this product and opt for a more open choke (e.g., skeet, improved cylinder). They would not benefit from the tight patterns of a Full choke.

A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube grease to ensure smooth installation and prevent the choke from seizing in the barrel. Additionally, a choke tube case is helpful for storing and protecting the choke when it’s not in use.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns for sporting clays. At $58.49, the price is definitely justified by the improved performance and durability it provides. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any serious sporting clays shooter looking to gain an edge.

If you’re ready to break more clays and elevate your shooting game, grab a Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Black Sporting Clay Full and experience the difference.

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