The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 promises to deliver denser, more consistent patterns for turkey hunters using the Mossberg 835 or 935 shotgun. For years, I’ve struggled to find that perfect choke that transforms my trusty Mossberg into a true gobbler-getter. I’ve tinkered with factory chokes and aftermarket options, always searching for that edge that translates into ethical, one-shot kills.
My quest for a superior pattern led me to Carlson’s. I had heard whispers in the hunting community about the effectiveness of their choke tubes, especially their extended turkey models. I was particularly drawn to the reported consistent patterns achieved with the .690 constriction and the claim of being able to withstand the heavy recoil of buffered turkey loads.
The choke tube arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel and the matte blue finish, which blends well with most shotgun barrels. The Carlson’s choke felt noticeably heavier than the factory choke it was replacing, suggesting a more robust build.
I’ve previously used a Primos Jelly Head choke and a couple of generic extended chokes. The Carlson’s feels more substantial than the generic options and, while the Primos choke delivered decent patterns, I’m eager to see if Carlson’s can offer an even tighter and more consistent spread. I picked this choke specifically for its .690 constriction – a size known to be effective with a wide range of turkey loads.
My initial impression is one of cautious optimism. The build quality appears excellent, and the promise of consistent patterns has me excited to put it through its paces. Let’s see if this Carlson’s choke can turn my Mossberg into the ultimate turkey-slaying machine.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 was at a local shooting range. The weather was typical for early spring – overcast with a light drizzle and a slight breeze. I set up targets at 30 and 40 yards to get a feel for the choke’s performance at typical turkey hunting ranges.
Installation was a breeze, screwing in smoothly and securely. Using a variety of turkey loads – Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium Grand Slam, and some older Remington Nitro Mags – I was immediately impressed with the patterns at 30 yards. The shot distribution was incredibly even, with a dense core and minimal flyers. At 40 yards, the patterns remained tight and consistent, far superior to what I was used to seeing with my factory choke.
The choke tube was easy to use and didn’t require any special adjustments to my shooting technique. There were no unexpected issues or surprises, just consistent and predictable performance. The extended design also made it easy to swap out loads without the need for a choke wrench in the field.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and a full turkey season, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The matte blue finish has held up well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite being exposed to mud, rain, and the occasional brush against tree bark.
Cleaning the choke is simple – a quick scrub with a brass brush and some solvent is all it takes to remove any residue. The choke still looks and performs like new. This choke tube has significantly outperformed my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, providing noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns at longer ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935
Specifications
- Material: The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube is constructed from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, which ensures it can withstand the punishment of heavy, buffered turkey loads. This material choice is critical for longevity and reliability.
- Constriction: It features a .690 constriction, designed to produce extra tight patterns specifically with copperplated and buffered lead turkey shotshells. This specific constriction is known to offer a good balance between pattern density and effective range.
- Extension: The choke extends approximately 1 inch from the end of the barrel, allowing for a longer parallel section to stabilize the shot string. This extended design contributes to tighter, more consistent patterns.
- Finish: The matte blue finish provides corrosion resistance and a low-glare surface that won’t spook game. The finish also blends well with most shotgun barrels.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Mossberg M835/935 12 gauge shotguns, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. This eliminates any guesswork about compatibility issues.
- Parallel Section: The choke boasts a 1.050″ parallel section to further refine the shot pattern. This extended parallel section allows the shot column to stabilize for increased accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 excels at delivering tight, dense, and consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. This translates to increased confidence in the field and more ethical shots on gobblers. Its strengths lie in its ability to consistently put a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards, providing ample room for error.
One area for potential improvement could be the inclusion of external wrench notches for easier removal in the field if the choke becomes excessively fouled. However, overall, it significantly exceeds expectations, turning a standard Mossberg 835/935 into a true turkey-slaying machine.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the 17-4 heat treated stainless steel providing a robust and durable feel. The added weight is negligible and doesn’t impact the balance of the shotgun. There’s virtually no learning curve involved, making it user-friendly for hunters of all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, this choke tube is built to last. Regular cleaning with a brass brush and solvent is all that’s required to keep it in top condition. Its robust construction suggests it will easily withstand years of use and abuse in the field.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 doesn’t come with any accessories, but it is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of turkey loads. There are no specific customization options available for the choke itself, but the improved patterns it provides can enhance the performance of any sight or optic system used on the shotgun. It is not directly compatible with accessories from other brands in the sense of physically attaching to them, but it will improve the pattern of various brands of turkey loads.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Extends 1 inch from the barrel for improved shot stabilization.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Significantly improves the effective range and lethality of your Mossberg 835/935 for turkey hunting.
Cons
- Not compatible with steel shot.
- Lacks external wrench notches, which could make removal difficult if heavily fouled.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935?
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 is perfect for avid turkey hunters who own a Mossberg 835 or 935 shotgun and are looking to maximize its performance. It is also an excellent choice for hunters who prioritize ethical, one-shot kills and demand consistent patterns at longer ranges. This choke is ideal for those who use lead or copper-plated turkey loads and want a durable, reliable choke tube that will last for years.
This choke might not be the best choice for hunters who primarily use steel shot, as it is not designed for that purpose. Also, if you prefer a choke with external wrench notches for easier removal, you might want to explore other options. The choke is also exclusive to Mossberg 835/935 shotguns, so if you have a different shotgun, then this choke isn’t for you.
A must-have accessory would be a quality choke tube wrench (although most can be installed by hand) and a bore solvent specifically designed for removing plastic wad residue.
Conclusion on Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 is a game-changer for turkey hunters using these specific Mossberg shotguns. It delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns, extending the effective range and increasing the odds of a successful hunt. The quality construction ensures long-lasting performance, and the easy installation and maintenance make it a hassle-free upgrade.
At $35.99, the price is more than justified by the significant improvement in performance. It’s an investment that pays off with increased confidence and more successful hunts.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube to any turkey hunter looking to unlock the full potential of their Mossberg 835 or 935. Don’t settle for mediocre patterns; upgrade your choke and experience the Carlson’s difference! Go bag that gobbler!