The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester promises tighter patterns and longer ranges for serious turkey hunters. The Carlson’s name is synonymous with quality aftermarket choke tubes, and I was eager to see if this one lived up to the hype.
I’ve been turkey hunting for over a decade, and I’ve always struggled to get consistent patterns with factory chokes. My shots often felt like a gamble, especially at distances beyond 30 yards. I needed a choke tube that could reliably deliver dense, even patterns to extend my effective range and improve my success rate. The promise of a .640 constriction, designed specifically for Winchester 12 gauge shotguns, seemed like the answer.
The choke tube arrived in simple, no-frills packaging. My initial impression was positive; the matte blue finish looked clean and durable. It felt solid in my hand, suggesting a well-made product. Compared to the factory choke tubes I’ve used, this one looked significantly more robust. I’ve tried a couple of other extended chokes over the years, but both felt cheap and didn’t live up to their performance promises. I picked the Carlsons due to their great reputation, build quality, and very reasonable price. It offered more bang for my buck than competing brands that I had previously tried.
I was excited to get the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester out to the range and see how it performed. Initial expectations were high based on the brand reputation, but I was also cautiously optimistic, knowing that choke tube performance can vary greatly depending on the shotgun and ammunition used.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at my local outdoor shooting range. I patterned the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester with several different brands and shot sizes of turkey loads. The conditions were clear and sunny, with a slight breeze.
Installation was simple; it screwed in easily with no binding or cross-threading. My first few shots were impressive. The patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent compared to my factory choke, especially with Winchester and Federal ammunition. There were no noticeable gaps in the pattern, even at 40 yards, which had been a problem with my previous setup.
There were no major issues during the initial use, although I did notice that the extended length made cleaning the barrel a bit more cumbersome. However, the improvement in pattern density and consistency far outweighed this minor inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and numerous trips to the range, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to various weather conditions. The finish remains intact, and there’s no evidence of rust or corrosion.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each range session, I simply remove the choke tube, clean it with a bore brush and solvent, and apply a light coat of oil. It has always been simple to remove and clean, and I expect it to last for years to come.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlsons tube has been a game-changer. It has significantly improved my confidence in the field, knowing that I can consistently deliver accurate and effective patterns at longer ranges. The investment has definitely paid off.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester
Specifications
- Caliber: Winchester 12 Gauge. This choke tube is specifically designed for Winchester 12 gauge shotguns, ensuring a proper fit and optimal performance.
- Constriction: Turkey. The “Turkey” designation indicates that it’s designed for tight patterns at longer ranges, ideal for turkey hunting.
- Diameter: .640. This is the internal diameter of the choke at its tightest point, which determines the pattern density.
- Extended Length: Approximately 1″. The extended design provides a longer parallel section for improved pattern consistency. It also offers some barrel protection.
- Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This high-strength steel provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Finish: Matte Blue. The matte blue finish reduces glare and provides a low-profile appearance.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and reliability of the choke tube. The precise .640 constriction, combined with the extended length, is what allows it to produce tight, consistent patterns at longer distances. The high-quality materials ensure that it can withstand the rigors of hunting and repeated use.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester excels at its primary job: delivering dense, even patterns at extended ranges. It consistently patterns well with a variety of turkey loads.
Its greatest strength is its ability to maintain pattern density out to 40 yards and beyond. A potential weakness, common to tight-constriction turkey chokes, is that it may not be ideal for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards) due to the extremely tight pattern.
It meets and exceeds my expectations. This tube consistently delivers more consistent patterns with more pellets in the kill zone at longer ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels robust and durable. The matte blue finish is clean and functional.
It is user-friendly. It screws in easily using a standard choke tube wrench. There is no noticeable learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester is built to last. The stainless steel construction and durable finish ensure years of reliable use. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to maintain it.
Maintaining the choke is easy and requires very little time to do. It only takes a few minutes after each range session to clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Winchester shotguns. There are no specific customization options available directly for the choke tube itself, but you can experiment with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your shotgun. The use of optics is common in turkey hunting and can be used with this choke tube.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes. This is the primary benefit, extending your effective range and improving your chances of a clean kill.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction. Ensures years of reliable performance in harsh conditions.
- Simple installation and maintenance. Easy to use and care for, even for novice hunters.
- Affordable price point. Offers excellent value for the performance gained.
- Extended design provides a longer parallel section. Contributes to improved pattern consistency.
Cons
- May produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (under 20 yards). This is a common characteristic of tight-constriction turkey chokes.
- The extended length adds slightly to cleaning time. This is a minor inconvenience.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester?
This choke tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a Winchester 12 gauge shotgun and are looking to improve their pattern density and effective range. It’s also a great choice for hunters who are frustrated with the performance of their factory chokes and want a reliable aftermarket option.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick cover where shots are typically very close (under 20 yards) might want to consider a choke with a more open constriction. Those who don’t own a Winchester 12 gauge shotgun should obviously avoid this product.
A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for installing and removing the choke. Different brands and shot sizes of turkey loads should also be tried to find the optimal combination with this choke.
Conclusion on Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester is an excellent investment for any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their patterns and extend their effective range. It delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns, thanks to its precise .640 constriction and extended design.
The price of $35.99 is more than justified by the performance gains and durable construction. It is an affordable upgrade.
I would highly recommend the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .640 Winchester to any Winchester 12 gauge shotgun owner who is serious about turkey hunting. Don’t gamble on your factory choke; upgrade to the Carlsons tube and experience the difference for yourself! Go out there and bag that big tom with confidence!