The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve learned that sometimes the smallest pieces of equipment make the biggest difference. The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 is one such piece. It promises to tighten shot patterns at close ranges, a crucial factor in many hunting and tactical scenarios.
I was primarily seeking a choke tube that could improve my effectiveness in close-quarters upland bird hunting. Too often, my patterns were too wide at the typical engagement distances, resulting in missed opportunities and wounded birds. This is where the Carlson’s choke tube promised to shine.
The packaging was simple, but the choke tube itself felt solid and well-made upon unboxing. The finish was clean, and the threads were precisely cut. It exudes quality. My initial thought was, “This looks like it means business.”
I’ve used similar choke tubes from Trulock and Briley in the past. I picked Carlson’s due to their reputation for quality and the specifically advertised close-range performance. The price point of $49.99 also played a significant role; it felt like a reasonable investment.
My first impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. I was eager to test it, but also aware that marketing hype doesn’t always translate to real-world performance. I immediately visualized it making a difference in dense cover scenarios where quick, close shots are the norm.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 was at a sporting clays range, followed by a dove hunt. The sporting clays allowed me to pattern the choke at known distances, while the dove hunt provided a more realistic field test. I shot at distances ranging from 10 to 30 yards, using various shot sizes.
The weather during the dove hunt was typical for early season: hot, humid, and dusty. The sporting clays range was dry, but the conditions were still a good test for the choke’s consistency. I found the choke to be exceptionally easy to install and remove.
Using the Carlson’s choke tube, I noticed a significant tightening of my shot pattern compared to a cylinder bore. At 20 yards, the pattern was noticeably denser, resulting in more consistent breaks on clays and cleaner kills on doves. There were no malfunctions or issues of any kind.
The only slight surprise was how quickly the tighter pattern took effect. I had to adjust my lead slightly, as the shot was arriving more centrally than I was used to. It was a welcome surprise, though.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of use, including several upland bird hunts and more trips to the sporting clays range, the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite exposure to rain and humidity. The finish remains intact.
The choke tube has proven to be very durable. It’s been subjected to hundreds of rounds, including both lead and steel shot, without any noticeable degradation. It is as robust as it is effective.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each use, I simply wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth. The threads remain clean and smooth, making installation and removal easy. This is an outstanding product that requires very little maintenance.
Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, the Carlson’s choke offers a consistently tighter pattern at close ranges. This has translated to improved confidence and success in the field. This choke tube is the best of the bunch.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720
Specifications
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 is designed for 12-gauge Remington shotguns. Its constriction is .720, designated as Close Range #1/ Improved Cylinder (IC). This specific constriction optimizes shot patterns at close distances.
The choke tube is made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. It is suitable for use with lead, steel, bismuth, TSS, and Hevi-Shot ammunition in shot sizes ranging from BB to #10. This versatility is a key benefit for hunters and sport shooters who use different types of ammunition.
The recommended yardage for lead shot is 5-20 yards, while for steel shot it is 15-30 yards. These guidelines help users select the appropriate ammunition and distances for optimal performance. Slugs may only be used through the IC/CR Choke.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 excels at its intended purpose: delivering tighter, more consistent shot patterns at close ranges. This results in improved accuracy and increased hit probability, especially in scenarios where quick, instinctive shots are necessary. It performs as expected.
The primary strength of this choke tube is its ability to effectively control shot spread. This makes it ideal for upland bird hunting in dense cover, close-range waterfowl hunting, and even tactical applications where precision is paramount. It is a superior product.
The only potential area for improvement is that the pattern may become too tight at longer distances. However, this is a characteristic of close-range chokes and not necessarily a flaw. It’s designed for a specific purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 features a simple, functional design. The choke tube is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench. It blends seamlessly with the shotgun’s barrel.
The build quality is excellent. The stainless steel construction feels robust and durable. It offers confidence in its reliability. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 is expected to last for many years with proper care. It is resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear from repeated use. The construction is solid.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and a light coat of oil is sufficient to keep the choke tube in excellent condition. The threads are easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 does not require any additional accessories for basic functionality. A choke wrench is recommended for easy installation and removal. There are no other modifications or customization options available for this particular choke tube.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720
Pros
- Significantly tightens shot patterns at close ranges, increasing hit probability. This directly translates to more successful hunts and improved performance on the range.
- Versatile, compatible with lead, steel, bismuth, TSS, and Hevi-Shot ammunition. This allows users to choose the best ammunition for their specific needs and preferences.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance. This provides peace of mind, knowing that the choke tube can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench. This simplifies maintenance and allows for quick changes in the field.
- Reasonably priced at $49.99, offering excellent value for the performance gains. This makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight at longer distances, limiting effective range. This is a trade-off for the close-range performance, but users should be aware of this limitation.
- No extended or ported options are available for recoil reduction. While not essential, some shooters may prefer these features for added comfort.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720?
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 is perfect for upland bird hunters, close-range waterfowl hunters, and tactical shooters who prioritize tight patterns and increased accuracy at short distances. It is also well-suited for sporting clays enthusiasts who want to improve their performance on close-range targets.
This product may not be ideal for shooters who primarily engage targets at longer ranges, as the tight pattern can become a disadvantage. It is also not necessary for those who are satisfied with the performance of their existing choke tubes.
A choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 is a well-designed, durable, and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns at close ranges. The price of $49.99 is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the long-lasting stainless steel construction. It is an outstanding value.
I would personally recommend this choke tube to anyone looking to improve their accuracy and success in close-range shooting scenarios. It is a worthwhile investment that can make a significant difference in the field or on the range.
If you’re ready to take your close-range shotgun performance to the next level, the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Remington 12ga .720 is the answer. Get yours today and experience the difference.