First Thoughts on the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black is a specialized choke tube designed to maximize the effectiveness of turkey loads, particularly Winchester’s Long Beard. As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the difference a quality choke can make in the field, especially when pursuing wary gobblers. This choke promises tight patterns and extended range, features that are crucial for ethical and successful turkey hunting.
I was drawn to this particular choke because I was looking for a consistent and reliable pattern out of my Remington 870. My previous choke performed adequately with standard lead loads, but I needed something better suited to modern turkey ammunition, especially the increasingly popular tungsten-based options. The Carlson’s reputation for quality and its specific recommendation for Long Beard ammo piqued my interest.
My initial impression was positive. The choke is sleek, with a clean black finish and robust construction. It felt solid in my hand, promising durability. Compared to my factory choke and an older aftermarket model from a different brand, the Carlsons choke seemed better made and more thoughtfully designed. I picked this choke over others primarily because of the positive user reviews and the specific claim of compatibility with Winchester Long Beard XR. I was excited to test its performance in the field and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black came during a spring turkey hunt in the Ozark Mountains. The conditions were typical for that time of year: cool mornings, occasional rain, and varying terrain, from dense hardwood forests to open fields. I installed the choke in my Remington 870 without any issues. It screwed in smoothly and seated firmly.
Using Winchester Long Beard XR 3″ shells, I patterned the choke at 40 yards. The results were impressive. The pattern was significantly tighter and more consistent than with my previous choke, with a dense core that would reliably put multiple pellets in the vital area of a turkey’s head and neck. No real time was needed to get used to it, as the choke is a simple “install and shoot” kind of product. The point of impact was slightly different than with my old choke, requiring a minor adjustment to my aiming point.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hunting trips and range sessions, the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of wear and tear on the choke itself, and it has remained securely in place throughout numerous firing cycles. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe down with a bore brush and solvent.
Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, the Carlsons choke has significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern density and consistency. It provides greater confidence in making ethical shots at longer distances. I would say this choke exceeded my expectations given the dramatic improvement.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black
Specifications
Type: Choke Tube. This is a specialized choke designed to tighten the shot pattern for turkey hunting.
Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is designed for 12-gauge shotguns, the most popular gauge for turkey hunting.
Choke Size: Turkey. This indicates that the choke has a very tight constriction, optimized for dense patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges.
Model: Rem Choke. This choke is threaded to fit Remington shotguns with the Rem Choke system, offering broad compatibility with popular Remington models.
Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance, helping to minimize glare in the field.
These specifications are critical for turkey hunters because they directly impact the effective range and lethality of their shotgun. A choke specifically designed for turkey hunting ensures a tight pattern, increasing the odds of a clean kill. The Rem Choke designation widens the range of shotguns that can benefit from this choke’s performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black excels at its primary job: delivering incredibly tight and consistent patterns with turkey loads. At 40 yards, I consistently achieve patterns that place 80-90% of the pellets within a 10-inch circle. This level of accuracy provides a significant advantage when targeting the relatively small vital area of a turkey’s head and neck. The tight patterns, when coupled with Winchester Long Beard XR, provides superior results over other choke and ammo combinations I have used.
A minor weakness is that the extremely tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards), where the pattern could be too small, potentially leading to a miss. However, this is a trade-off that is worth making for the increased confidence at longer distances. The choke definitely met, and even exceeded, my expectations in terms of pattern density and consistency.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black features a simple and functional design. The choke is well-machined with smooth threads and a durable black finish. Its weight is negligible, so it does not impact the balance of the shotgun. The choke is easy to install and remove using a choke wrench.
The choke is user-friendly with no learning curve. The only thing a user needs to know is how to safely install and remove a choke tube, a skill any shotgun owner should possess.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring excellent durability. After weeks of use and exposure to various weather conditions, there are no signs of rust or corrosion. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that is needed to keep the choke in optimal condition.
With proper care, this choke should last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black does not come with any specific accessories. It is a standalone choke tube designed to be used with existing Remington shotguns that accept Rem Chokes. However, it is compatible with a wide range of choke wrenches, making installation and removal easy.
There are no real customization options for a choke tube beyond choosing a different constriction or finish. However, the choke itself can be considered an accessory that enhances the performance of the shotgun. Pairing this choke with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition is highly recommended for the best possible results.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. This significantly increases the effective range and lethality of your shotgun.
- Durable construction from high-quality steel. Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Easy to install and maintain. No complicated procedures or special tools are required.
- Compatible with a wide range of Remington shotguns that use the Rem Choke system. Offers broad compatibility with popular models.
- Improved confidence in making ethical shots at longer distances. Provides peace of mind when pursuing wary gobblers.
Cons
- Extremely tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range shots. Patterns could be too small at distances less than 20 yards.
- Specifically optimized for turkey hunting. Not suitable for other types of shotgun shooting, such as waterfowl or upland bird hunting.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black?
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance from their shotgun. This choke is especially well-suited for those who use Remington shotguns with the Rem Choke system and prefer to shoot Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Hunters who prioritize ethical shots at longer distances will also appreciate the tight and consistent patterns provided by this choke.
This product is not ideal for hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at very close range (less than 20 yards) or those who need a more versatile choke for multiple types of shotgun shooting. Also, if you do not own a Remington shotgun, this choke will not work. A must-have accessory to pair with this choke is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black is a top-performing choke tube that delivers exceptional results when used with the right ammunition. Its tight and consistent patterns provide a significant advantage for turkey hunters, increasing their effective range and improving their chances of a successful hunt. The choke’s durable construction and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters.
At a price of $49.75, the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Black offers excellent value for money. It is a small investment that can make a big difference in your turkey hunting success. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any turkey hunter who wants to maximize the performance of their Remington shotgun and achieve ethical, long-range shots. Upgrade your turkey gun today and experience the difference a quality choke can make.