Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full Review

Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full is designed to give shotgunners a tight, consistent pattern, specifically optimized for sporting clays. Carlson’s Choke Tubes is a well-known name in the shotgun accessory market, and this choke tube promises to deliver performance and reliability for shooters using shotguns with the Tru-Choke system. It’s constructed from heat-treated stainless steel, ensuring durability, and it’s designed to work with 12-gauge shotguns.

I’d been struggling with achieving consistent breaks on longer sporting clay targets. My factory choke was just too open, even with premium shells, so I needed something to tighten up my patterns at distance. This led me to researching full choke options, with the Carlson’s name consistently popping up in forums and reviews.

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full arrived in a simple, protective package. My initial impression was positive, noting the clean machining and the weight of the stainless steel, it felt substantial, inspiring confidence in its durability. It’s a simple product, but the finish and threading were clean and precise, indicating good build quality.

I considered a Briley choke and a Patternmaster choke, but ultimately went with the Carlson’s due to its reputation for consistent patterns at a more affordable price point. Briley is great, but pricey, and Patternmaster relies on a wad-stripping design that doesn’t always work well with all types of ammunition. I was hoping the Carlson’s would offer a reliable middle ground.

My first impression was one of quiet optimism. The choke looked and felt well-made, and I was eager to get to the range to see how it performed. It wasn’t a flashy, “wow” unboxing, but the quality was apparent, and I felt confident that it would deliver on its promise.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full at my local sporting clays course, which features a variety of target presentations from close, fast rabbits to long crossers. The weather was typical for spring in my area: slightly overcast with a mild breeze. The course offered a wide variety of shots, allowing me to really evaluate the choke’s performance.

The choke performed admirably, even with the wind. I was particularly impressed with how consistently it broke targets at distances of 40 yards and beyond. It proved to be a significant improvement over my factory modified choke in terms of pattern density and consistency.

The choke tube was easy to install and remove using the provided wrench, and I did not have any issues with it loosening during the round. I torqued the choke in properly with the included wrench. After the first couple of stations, I was feeling very comfortable with the improved pattern.

Initially, I was pleasantly surprised by the tight, consistent patterns, but after running about 50 rounds through it, I also noticed some carbon build up. The carbon cleaned up easily, but it’s something to be aware of. Also, the improved range took some adjustments to my lead.

Extended Use & Reliability

After using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full for several months, I can confidently say it’s a reliable and effective choke tube. It consistently delivers tight patterns, improving my scores on longer shots. The constriction is exactly what I expected.

The choke has held up well to regular use, showing no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor carbon build-up. The stainless steel construction is durable, and the threads remain clean and sharp, even after numerous installations and removals. I wipe it down after each use and give it a thorough cleaning every few outings.

Maintenance is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it clean and functioning perfectly. It’s been a simple and reliable addition to my shotgun.

Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlson’s is a significant upgrade. It’s given me the confidence to take on longer shots and has improved my overall performance in sporting clays. My scores have definitely improved!

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes.
• Color: Stainless.
• Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
• Gauge: 12.
• Choke Tube System: Tru-Choke. This system is common and found on many popular shotguns.
• Choke Type: Full. This provides a tight pattern for long-range shooting.
• Diameter: 0.7 inches.
• Quantity: 1.
• Additional Features: Non-Ported. This design helps to reduce recoil and muzzle jump.
• Country of Origin: USA. This is a testament to the quality of the product.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and longevity of the choke tube. The stainless steel construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of regular use in various weather conditions. The full choke constriction delivers a tight pattern, essential for breaking targets at longer distances.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full performs its job exceptionally well, providing a tight and consistent pattern that significantly improves my ability to break targets at longer ranges. Accuracy is definitely improved.

Its strength lies in its consistent pattern density, which gives me the confidence to take shots that I would have previously hesitated on. The only real weakness is that it’s too tight for very close-range targets, requiring a different choke for those presentations. It’s a specialized tool for longer shots.

It definitely meets my expectations, and in some ways, exceeds them. I knew it would tighten my patterns, but I didn’t expect the improvement to be so significant. It’s a tangible performance boost.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full is constructed from high-quality stainless steel. The material feels substantial and durable. It’s a well made product.

The choke tube is designed for easy installation and removal, and it fits perfectly in my shotgun. No special tools are required beyond the provided wrench. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense design.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the stainless steel construction, I expect the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full to last for many years with proper care. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is excellent. I expect it to last a lifetime.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use to remove any carbon build-up. A good solvent and a bore brush are all you need. The design is simple, so there’s little to go wrong.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full comes with a simple choke tube wrench for installation and removal. The choke itself is a single, standalone component with no further customization options.

The choke is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that uses the Tru-Choke system, which is a very common standard. This makes it easy to find a suitable shotgun or to swap it between different guns that use the same system. Ensure your shotgun accepts Tru-Choke tubes before purchasing.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full

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Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full?

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full is perfect for sporting clays shooters, trap shooters, and waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter long-range targets. This choke is also good for anyone looking to improve their pattern density at extended distances. It is a worthwhile upgrade for shooters looking for more consistent patterns.

This product is not suitable for hunters who primarily shoot at very close range, such as upland bird hunters in dense cover, or for skeet shooters. These scenarios call for more open chokes.

A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube case to protect the Carlson’s and other chokes when not in use. A choke tube cleaning kit with a bore brush and solvent is also essential for maintaining its performance. Also, make sure you have a quality choke wrench, even though one is included.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full

Overall, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full is a well-made and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns. It’s a significant upgrade from many factory chokes. The material is high quality.

At a price of $53.49, the value proposition is excellent. It’s an affordable way to significantly improve your shotgun’s performance on longer shots. This is a great addition to my shotgun.

I would definitely recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Tru-Choke 12ga Small Diameter SC Full to any shotgunner looking to improve their accuracy and consistency at longer ranges. If you’re struggling with breaking those far-out targets, this choke tube is worth every penny! Get yours today!