First Thoughts on the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel choke tube is a specialized piece of equipment designed to optimize shotgun performance for turkey hunting. Carlson’s Choke Tubes has built a solid reputation for producing quality shotgun chokes. This particular model, designed for Retay shotguns, promises tight patterns and extended range, essential for ethical and successful turkey harvests.
My need for this product stemmed from a desire to improve my pattern density at longer ranges while turkey hunting. I was previously using a more general-purpose choke, and I often felt like I was leaving some performance on the table, especially when facing wary birds. This choke seemed like a dedicated solution to that problem.
The choke tube arrived in simple, no-frills packaging, which is typical for Carlson’s. The immediate impression was one of solid construction. The 17-4 stainless steel feels robust and durable, and the black finish appears to be evenly applied and resistant to scratching.
Compared to other turkey chokes I’ve used in the past, like those from Briley or Patternmaster, the Carlsons tube seems to offer a good balance of quality and affordability. I was drawn to it because of the positive reviews and the specific compatibility with my Retay shotgun. My first impression was positive, and I was eager to get it to the range to see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards to evaluate the pattern density and consistency of the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel. The weather was clear and mild, which provided ideal testing conditions.
The choke performed admirably with various turkey loads. Specifically, I tested it with both 3-inch and 3.5-inch shells from Winchester, Federal, and Remington, all loaded with #4 and #5 shot. I immediately noticed a tighter, more consistent pattern at 30 and 40 yards compared to my previous choke. There were no issues with installation or removal, and the choke threaded smoothly into my Retay shotgun.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of use, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my gear. After several weeks of use and hunting, the choke tube showed only minimal signs of wear. The black finish held up well to the elements and cleaning.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning with a choke tube brush and solvent after each use keeps it in optimal condition. The 17-4 stainless steel construction prevents rust and corrosion, making it easy to maintain.
Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, the Carlsons model has been noticeably more consistent in its pattern performance across different loads. It outperformed my expectations and made my turkey hunts more successful.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
- Brand: Carlsons
- Category: Choke Tubes
- Model: Extended Turkey
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
- Constriction Type: Turkey
- Constriction Diameter: .665
- Chokes Included: 1
- Configuration: Retay
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Choke size: Turkey
- Model: Retay
- Finish: Black
These specifications are important because they dictate the choke’s performance. The 17-4 stainless steel provides durability and resistance to corrosion. The .665 constriction diameter is specifically designed to produce tight, dense patterns for turkey hunting at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel excels at producing tight, consistent patterns at distances of 30-40 yards. This is crucial for ethical and effective turkey hunting, ensuring that the shot is concentrated in the head and neck area. The consistent patterns drastically increase the odds of a clean kill.
The choke’s main strength is its ability to maintain tight patterns with a variety of loads. A minor weakness might be that it’s highly specialized and not ideal for other types of hunting. It definitely exceeds expectations, especially given its relatively affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s design is simple and functional. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a sleek look. The 17-4 stainless steel material feels durable and well-made.
The installation is straightforward. It threads easily into my Retay shotgun. There’s no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel will last for many seasons of use. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, which are common issues with less expensive chokes. Simple cleaning after each use is usually all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel comes as a standalone choke tube. There are no included accessories. However, users can experiment with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for their specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
This choke is designed specifically for Retay shotguns. Therefore, it is essential to ensure compatibility before purchasing. It is also compatible with choke tube wrenches for easier installation and removal.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Produces extremely tight and consistent patterns at 30-40 yards for ethical turkey hunting.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install and maintain with a simple choke tube wrench and regular cleaning.
- Affordable price point compared to other high-end turkey chokes on the market.
- Specifically designed for Retay shotguns, ensuring optimal fit and performance.
Cons
- Highly specialized for turkey hunting, not suitable for other hunting or shooting disciplines.
- The extremely tight patterns might require careful load selection and precise aiming.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel?
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters who own Retay shotguns. It’s ideal for those seeking tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges. This product offers an ethical and effective way to harvest turkeys.
This choke isn’t the best choice for hunters who primarily pursue other game or for those who prefer a more versatile choke tube. Those who aren’t dedicated to turkey hunting might find a more general-purpose choke tube more suitable.
A must-have accessory is a good choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different turkey loads is also recommended to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel
Overall, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Retay Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel is a well-designed and effective choke tube for dedicated turkey hunters using Retay shotguns. Its 17-4 stainless steel construction, tight constriction, and black finish provide durability, performance, and ease of use. It really delivers on its promise.
The price is certainly justified. The improved pattern density and extended range it offers make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to maximize their shotgun’s performance in the turkey woods.
If you’re a turkey hunter looking for an edge, this choke is a game-changer! Buy it, try it, and watch your success rate soar.