Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is a specialized choke tube designed for the Ruger 12-gauge shotgun, explicitly tailored for turkey hunting. Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a well-known name in shotgun accessories, aims to deliver tighter patterns at longer ranges, crucial for ethical and successful turkey harvests. This extended choke features a .670 constriction and is constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, promising longevity and consistent performance.
My pursuit of this choke stemmed from a frustrating season plagued by inconsistent patterns with my factory choke. I needed a solution to tighten my spread and extend my effective range, ensuring clean kills and minimizing the risk of wounding birds. Upon unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670, I immediately noticed its solid construction and the deep black finish. It felt significantly more robust than the factory choke it was intended to replace, inspiring confidence.
Compared to other turkey chokes I’ve used from TruLock and Patternmaster, the Carlson’s offered a compelling combination of a proven constriction size and durable materials at a competitive price point. While some ported chokes promise even tighter patterns, I opted for the non-ported Carlson’s to avoid potential complications with wad stripping and to keep the muzzle blast manageable. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 was at a controlled shooting range. The range provided a safe environment to pattern the choke with various turkey loads at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards. I tested several brands and shot sizes of turkey loads to determine the optimal combination for my Ruger 12-gauge.
The Carlson’s choke performed admirably, consistently producing denser and more uniform patterns than my factory choke. In slightly drizzly conditions, the choke maintained consistent performance, unaffected by the dampness. Installation was straightforward, requiring only the included choke wrench. There were no initial issues, and the improvement in pattern density was immediately noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of pre-season patterning and two full turkey seasons under its belt, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 has proven its reliability. The choke tube exhibits minimal signs of wear, despite frequent use and cleaning. Maintaining the choke is simple, involving only a quick scrub with a shotgun bore brush and solvent after each shooting session.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlson’s choke consistently delivers tighter patterns and extends my effective range by approximately 10 yards. This improved performance has led to cleaner kills and increased confidence in the field. The Carlson’s choke has not disappointed; it has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It’s designed specifically for Ruger 12-gauge shotguns with a Ruger Choke system. The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion.
The choke features an extended design and a .670-inch diameter, optimized for tight turkey patterns. The non-ported design minimizes wad interference and reduces muzzle blast. Each choke comes with a dedicated choke wrench for easy installation and removal. These specifications combine to deliver a choke that is both effective and long-lasting in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 excels at its primary function: delivering tight and consistent patterns for ethical turkey hunting. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to using a factory choke, resulting in a denser concentration of pellets in the vital areas of the turkey target. The choke tube consistently meets and often exceeds expectations, offering a reliable and effective solution for serious turkey hunters.
The choke’s primary strength lies in its ability to consistently produce tight patterns at extended ranges, providing hunters with a greater margin for error. However, its very tight constriction might not be ideal for extremely close-range shots (inside 20 yards), where a wider pattern might be more forgiving. A slight improvement could be made by including more comprehensive patterning recommendations for different load sizes.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is exceptional. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction feels solid and durable, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of hunting. The extended design makes it easy to grip and tighten using the included choke wrench.
The choke tube is user-friendly, requiring no specialized knowledge or tools for installation. The simple design avoids any unnecessary complications, making it accessible to both experienced and novice turkey hunters. The Carlson’s choke tube offers a straightforward and reliable solution for improving shotgun performance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is built to last, thanks to its high-quality materials and construction. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel resists corrosion and wear, ensuring years of reliable performance. Minimal maintenance is required; simply cleaning the choke tube after each use is sufficient to keep it in optimal condition.
The choke tube’s robust construction suggests that it can withstand considerable abuse without suffering damage. With proper care, the Carlson’s choke tube should easily last for many hunting seasons. Its simple design and durable materials contribute to its longevity and ease of maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 comes with a choke wrench, the only included accessory. This is a standard choke tube, and doesn’t really offer much in the way of customizable options.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is designed to be compatible with most standard choke wrenches. It is a self-contained performance upgrade, so there is not much need for accessories. Its focus is on tightening the shot pattern for the specific purpose of ethical turkey hunting.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670
Pros
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Improved Pattern Density: Consistently delivers tighter and more uniform patterns than factory chokes.
- Extended Range: Increases effective range for ethical turkey harvests.
- Easy Installation: Simple to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
- Cost-Effective Upgrade: Offers significant performance improvement at a reasonable price.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight at very close ranges (under 20 yards).
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is perfect for turkey hunters looking to improve their shotgun’s performance and increase their chances of a successful hunt. It is also suitable for hunters who prioritize durability and reliability in their equipment. This choke is a must-have for any serious turkey hunter using a Ruger 12-gauge shotgun.
Hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at very close ranges (under 20 yards) or those who prefer a more open pattern for other types of hunting might want to skip this product. While not essential, a high-quality turkey load is a must-have accessory to maximize the performance of this choke tube.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is an exceptional aftermarket choke tube that delivers on its promise of improved pattern density and extended range. Its durable construction and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. The price is more than justified by the performance gains and increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would highly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 to any serious turkey hunter looking to upgrade their Ruger 12-gauge shotgun. Don’t let another season pass with inconsistent patterns; invest in the Carlson’s choke and experience the difference for yourself! It’s time to put more birds on the table and make those memories count.