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

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full promises tighter patterns for sporting clay enthusiasts and hunters alike. As an avid shotgun user with over a decade of experience in the field and on the range, I was eager to see if this choke tube lived up to the hype of improved accuracy. My journey to finding this choke tube stemmed from a frustrating string of missed clays during a recent sporting clay event. I was looking for a reliable and consistent way to tighten my shot patterns at longer ranges.

Upon unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full, the robust build quality was immediately apparent. The stainless steel construction felt substantial, and the knurled end provided a secure grip. Compared to the factory-supplied choke tubes with my Ruger, this Carlson’s choke radiated a sense of durability and precision. Initial impressions were positive; I was excited to test its capabilities.

Having used Briley and Patternmaster chokes in the past, I wanted to see how this offering from Carlson’s compared in terms of pattern density and consistency. While Briley chokes are known for their craftsmanship and Patternmaster for their unique wad-stripping technology, the Carlson’s choke offered a more budget-friendly alternative with the promise of comparable performance. I was also drawn to the claim of a longer parallel section for tighter constriction. I picked this over the others primarily due to the good reputation of Carlson’s and the positive reviews regarding its pattern density at the lower price point.

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

First Use Experience

My first test of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full took place at my local shooting range, under clear and calm conditions. I used standard 12-gauge target loads, ranging from 1 1/8 oz to 1 oz shot. I shot at paper targets at 35 yards and 40 yards to evaluate the pattern density and spread.

The choke tube performed admirably, consistently producing noticeably tighter patterns compared to the modified choke I typically use for sporting clays. The clay targets at those extended ranges were breaking more consistently than with my old choke tube. I found the choke easy to install and remove using the provided choke wrench, and the knurled end allowed for quick adjustments even with slightly dirty hands. I didn’t experience any issues with the choke tube loosening during firing, which is always a concern with aftermarket chokes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full has proven to be a reliable addition to my shotgun setup. The choke has maintained its performance, consistently delivering tight patterns without any noticeable degradation. Cleaning has been straightforward, with no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to moisture during a few early morning hunts.

The 17-4 stainless steel construction appears to be holding up well, showing no signs of wear or damage. I’ve cleaned the choke after each use with a standard bore brush and solvent, ensuring any plastic wad residue is removed. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, less durable choke tubes, the Carlson’s choke is a clear step up in terms of longevity. It definitely outperformed my expectations considering the price point.

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

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes – A well-respected name in shotgun chokes, known for quality and affordability.
• Color: Stainless – Provides a clean and durable finish.
• Fabric/Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel – Offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength.
• Gauge: 12 – Designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns.
• Choke Tube System: Ruger Choke – Ensures compatibility with Ruger 12-gauge shotguns.
• Choke Type: Extra Full – Delivers the tightest patterns for extended range shooting.
• Diameter: 0.7 in – Specifies the internal diameter for optimal shot constriction.
• Gun Make: Ruger – Confirms compatibility with Ruger shotguns.
• Quantity: 1 – Includes one choke tube.
• Additional Features: Non-Ported – Maintains a traditional choke design without ports.
• Included Accessories: Choke Wrench – Facilitates easy installation and removal.
• Country of Origin: USA – Signifies domestic manufacturing and quality control.

These specifications matter because they dictate the choke’s performance and durability. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures longevity and resistance to corrosion, while the Extra Full constriction provides the tight patterns needed for long-range shooting. The Ruger Choke system compatibility ensures a proper fit in compatible Ruger 12-gauge shotguns.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full performs its job exceptionally well, delivering consistently tight and dense patterns. This translates to improved accuracy and increased hit probability at longer ranges, particularly in sporting clays and waterfowl hunting scenarios. The choke’s performance exceeded my expectations, providing patterns comparable to more expensive choke tubes I’ve used in the past.

The only potential weakness I observed is that the Extra Full constriction may be too tight for very close-range targets (under 20 yards). For such situations, a more open choke like an improved cylinder or modified would be more appropriate. The choke tube undeniably meets and arguably exceeds expectations, especially considering its competitive price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full boasts a simple yet effective design. The stainless steel construction feels solid and well-made, instilling confidence in its durability. The knurled end provides a secure grip, making installation and removal easy, even with wet or gloved hands.

The choke tube is user-friendly with no learning curve. Simply screw it in using the provided wrench, and you’re ready to go. The overall design is functional and ergonomic, prioritizing ease of use and reliable performance.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction suggests that the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should withstand years of use without significant degradation. Maintaining the choke is easy; simply clean it after each use with a bore brush and solvent to remove any residue.

The stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, further extending its lifespan. I anticipate this choke tube will last for many years, outperforming cheaper alternatives that are prone to rust and wear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. While there are no specific customization options for the choke itself, it is compatible with any 12-gauge Ruger shotgun that accepts screw-in chokes. You can further customize your shotgun’s performance by experimenting with different loads and shot sizes to find the optimal combination for your specific needs.

The choke is also compatible with various choke tube cases and organizers, allowing you to store and transport it safely and conveniently. You can also purchase extended choke wrenches for added leverage and ease of use.

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

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is perfect for sporting clay shooters and waterfowl hunters who frequently engage targets at longer ranges. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking to improve their pattern density and accuracy with their Ruger 12-gauge shotgun. This is also great for trap shooters who are seeking to increase their accuracy.

This product is not ideal for shooters who primarily engage targets at close range (under 20 yards) or those who own shotguns other than Ruger 12-gauge models. Shooters using other brands might want to look for Carlson’s chokes specific to their brand of shotgun. A must-have accessory is a choke tube case to protect the choke during storage and transport.

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

Overall, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and improved accuracy. The durable construction, ease of use, and affordable price point make it a compelling option for sporting clay shooters and hunters alike. The price is absolutely justified given the performance and quality of the product.

I would highly recommend this choke tube to anyone looking to enhance their shotgun’s performance at longer ranges. If you’re tired of missing those distant clays or waterfowl, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is a worthwhile investment that will undoubtedly improve your shooting experience. Give it a try and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make!