Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935

The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 promises tighter patterns and enhanced performance for turkey hunters using Mossberg’s magnum shotguns. As someone who’s chased gobblers for over a decade, I’m always looking for an edge. This choke tube’s reputation for delivering consistent, dense patterns piqued my interest.

My quest for the perfect turkey choke stems from years of frustration with inconsistent patterns using factory chokes. I was tired of seeing birds escape with just a few feathers ruffled, blaming my equipment rather than my aim. The Carlsons name is well-respected in the shotgun world, and this specific choke, designed for my Mossberg 835, seemed like the solution.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction and matte blue finish. The choke felt solid and well-made, giving me confidence it could withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. Compared to the factory choke, the Carlsons model had a more substantial feel and a noticeably longer extended portion.

I initially considered a similar choke from Trulock, but the Carlsons choke had slightly better reviews regarding pattern consistency. I also looked at a Briley choke, but the price point of the Carlsons at $35.99 made it the clear winner for my budget. My initial reaction was excitement; I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube at my local shooting range, using a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads. The weather was cool and clear, perfect conditions for evaluating pattern density and consistency. Installation was straightforward, simply screwing in where the factory choke was.

The first few shots revealed a noticeably tighter pattern than I was used to seeing with my old choke. Even at 40 yards, the majority of the shot was concentrated in a relatively small area, promising lethal headshots. There were no noticeable issues with installation, and the choke tube felt securely in place after tightening.

However, I did notice a slightly increased recoil, likely due to the tighter constriction of the choke. It wasn’t unbearable, but something to be aware of. No other surprises occurred during the first range session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and multiple range sessions, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube has consistently delivered impressive results. I’ve put approximately 100 rounds through it with various turkey loads, and the pattern density remains consistently tight. So far so good.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the choke tube itself, which speaks to the quality of the 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel used by Carlsons. Cleaning has been simple, requiring just a quick wipe down with a bore brush and solvent after each use. It’s quick and easy.

Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlsons choke has significantly improved my confidence in making clean, ethical kills. It consistently outperforms the factory choke, and is everything that I expected it to be.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935

Specifications

• The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935 is manufactured from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel. This ensures the choke can withstand the pressures generated by heavy buffered turkey loads.
• It is designed specifically for Mossberg M835/935 12-gauge shotguns. This guarantees a proper fit and optimal performance.
• The choke tube has a .690 constriction, which produces extra-tight patterns with copperplated and buffered lead turkey shotshells. This is ideal for maximizing pattern density at longer ranges.
• It extends approximately 1 inch from the end of the barrel. This extended design aids in pattern consistency and provides some barrel protection.
• The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube features a matte blue finish. This helps to reduce glare and blends in well with most shotgun finishes.
• It has a 1.050″ parallel section to optimize pattern performance. This helps in producing optimum pattern with your shotgun.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke tube’s ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns. The steel construction ensures durability, while the .690 constriction focuses the shot for lethal impacts. The extended design further enhances pattern performance and adds a layer of protection.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube performs exceptionally well, consistently delivering dense and even patterns at various ranges. Its primary function is to tighten the shot pattern, and it excels at this task.

The main strength lies in its ability to create exceptionally tight patterns, especially with premium turkey loads. However, the extremely tight pattern can be unforgiving if your aim is slightly off. It more than meets my expectations and it outperforms the factory choke by a long shot.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent; the 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel feels robust and durable. The weight is negligible, adding no noticeable difference to the shotgun’s overall balance.

Installation is simple, requiring no special tools beyond a standard choke wrench. The extended design makes it easy to grip and tighten the choke tube securely.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the stainless steel construction, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube should last for many seasons with proper care. The matte blue finish seems resistant to scratches and wear.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring just a quick cleaning after each use. The choke tube doesn’t appear to require any specialized tools or procedures.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Its primary function is to replace the factory choke tube, and it’s designed to work with standard choke wrenches.

There are no specific customization options for this particular choke tube, but Carlsons offers a variety of other chokes with different constrictions to fine-tune performance. It is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Mossberg shotguns.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .690, Mossberg M835/935?

This choke tube is perfect for experienced turkey hunters using Mossberg 835/935 shotguns who are looking to extend their effective range and improve pattern density. This choke is a must-have for hunters seeking ethical, long-range shots.

This product isn’t ideal for beginner turkey hunters who are still learning the fundamentals of shotgun shooting, or for those who primarily hunt at very close ranges (under 20 yards). This isn’t the best choice for hunters who prefer using steel shot.

A quality turkey load and a reliable optic or sights would be must-have accessories or modifications to get the most out of this choke tube. Patterning your shotgun with different loads is a must before heading into the woods.

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 worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters looking to maximize their shotgun’s performance. The price of $35.99 is more than justified by the improved pattern density and consistent results.

I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to anyone seeking tighter patterns and longer-range capabilities with their Mossberg 835/935. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make!

Check Best Price HERE