Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 Review

Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 is a specialized choke tube designed to deliver tight, consistent patterns with turkey loads. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this extended choke is engineered for hunters seeking maximum range and accuracy when targeting wild turkeys. It’s a critical piece of gear for any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their success rate.

I had been consistently frustrated with inconsistent patterns from my factory choke when turkey hunting. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver a dense, tight pattern at longer ranges. I was looking for something that would give me the confidence to take ethical shots at distances where I previously hesitated.

My first impression upon unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 was that it felt solid and well-made. The black finish was clean, and the extended design gave it a purposeful, no-nonsense look. The weight felt appropriate, suggesting the use of quality materials, and the threads appeared precisely cut.

I considered a couple of other extended turkey chokes, including one from Patternmaster and another from Primos. I ultimately chose the Carlson’s choke due to its reputation for consistent patterns and its more affordable price point. I was looking for performance without breaking the bank.

I was definitely excited to try it out! My initial hope was that it would tighten my patterns and extend my effective range. The factory choke was leaving gaps in my pattern, but I was hopeful that the Carlson’s choke would be the solution.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 at my local shooting range, using a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards to evaluate the pattern density and consistency. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for testing.

The choke performed admirably, delivering significantly tighter patterns compared to my factory choke. At 30 yards, the pattern was dense and evenly distributed, ensuring ample pellets in the vital zone of a turkey target. There were no noticeable holes or inconsistencies in the pattern.

Installation was a breeze; I simply removed my factory choke and threaded in the Carlson’s choke using a choke tube wrench. I didn’t need any special tools or modifications. It was a simple, straightforward process that took only a few minutes.

My only initial concern was the extended length of the choke, as it added some length to the end of my barrel. I wondered if this might affect the balance of my shotgun in the field. This was a minor concern, but one that I paid attention to during subsequent hunts.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during turkey season, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 has proven to be a reliable and effective choke tube. It has consistently delivered tight patterns, leading to clean, ethical kills on multiple birds. The choke has instilled confidence in my shooting ability at longer ranges.

The choke shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, mud, and dust. The black finish has held up well, resisting scratches and corrosion. The 17-4 heat treated stainless steel construction seems highly durable.

Maintenance is simple; I clean the choke after each hunt using a choke tube cleaner and a brush. This removes any powder residue or buildup, ensuring consistent performance. The choke is easy to remove and reinstall for cleaning.

Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlson’s choke is a significant upgrade. It delivers tighter patterns and greater consistency, resulting in improved accuracy and success in the field. It’s a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns with a Tru-Choke thread pattern. It features a constriction of .650 inches, optimized for turkey loads. The extended design protrudes beyond the end of the barrel, facilitating easy installation and removal.

The choke is constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. This ensures longevity and reliable performance in harsh hunting conditions. The black finish reduces glare and provides a sleek, professional appearance. It weighs only a few ounces, adding minimal weight to the shotgun.

The Tru-Choke system ensures compatibility with a wide range of 12-gauge shotguns that utilize this common thread pattern. The non-ported design reduces noise and muzzle blast, making it more comfortable to shoot. It is proudly made in the USA.

These specifications are crucial for optimal performance when turkey hunting. The .650 constriction delivers tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. The durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity and reliability in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns with turkey loads. It dramatically improves pattern density compared to factory chokes, extending the effective range of a 12-gauge shotgun. This choke tube is designed to give the hunter the edge needed for a successful hunt.

Its strengths lie in its ability to produce consistently tight patterns, its ease of installation, and its durable construction. The main weakness is that it is specifically designed for turkey hunting and may not be ideal for other types of hunting or shooting. The specialized design makes it unsuitable for anything but turkey hunting.

It definitely meets my expectations. I can now confidently take shots at turkeys at distances that were previously outside my comfort zone. The improvement in pattern density and consistency is remarkable.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 boasts a robust and functional design. The use of 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel ensures durability and resistance to corrosion. The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.

The build quality is excellent, with precise threading and a smooth, even finish. The weight is well-balanced, adding minimal heft to the shotgun. The black finish reduces glare and blends seamlessly with most shotgun barrels.

There is no learning curve associated with using the choke. It’s a simple, straightforward accessory that enhances the performance of a 12-gauge shotgun. Installation and removal are effortless.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650, crafted from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, is built to last. It can withstand years of use in harsh hunting environments. Its resistance to corrosion ensures it remains in top condition even after prolonged exposure to moisture and the elements.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue and buildup. A choke tube cleaner and a brush are sufficient for routine maintenance. Proper care will ensure consistent performance and longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650 doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Tru-Choke systems. This makes it easy to install and remove the choke for cleaning and maintenance.

There are no specific customization options for this choke tube, but you can experiment with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your shotgun. Different loads will produce slightly different patterns, so testing is recommended. The choice of ammunition is a key factor in achieving optimal results.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Extended Turkey .650