The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve patterned countless turkey guns over the years. When I first laid eyes on the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued, its clean lines and promise of tight patterns immediately caught my attention. This choke tube promised to turn my trusty Remington 870 into a gobbler-stopping machine.
My frustration with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes, especially at longer ranges, is what led me to seek out a specialized turkey choke. I needed something that could consistently deliver dense, even patterns at 40 yards and beyond, giving me the confidence to take ethical shots in the field. The Carlson’s reputation for quality and the promise of extended range made it an appealing choice.
The choke arrived in a simple, no-nonsense package, reflecting its functional design. The matte blued finish on the stainless steel gave it a rugged, practical look, suggesting durability and resistance to the elements. It felt solid and well-machined in my hand, instilling confidence in its build quality. It threaded smoothly into my Remington 870, a testament to Carlson’s precise manufacturing.
I considered the Briley X2 and the Trulock Precision Hunter chokes before settling on the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued. While the Briley offered more adjustability, I appreciated the Carlson’s simplicity and lower price point. The Trulock was a close contender, but the Carlson’s consistently positive reviews regarding pattern density swayed my decision.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype, but I also knew that choke performance can be highly subjective and dependent on the specific shotgun and ammunition used. I was eager to get to the range and put it to the test, hoping to finally achieve the consistent, tight patterns I’d been searching for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued took place at my local shooting range, specifically targeting a paper turkey target setup at 40 yards. It was a clear, sunny day with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for patterning a shotgun. I used a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, including Federal Premium Grand Slam, Winchester Long Beard XR, and Remington Nitro Turkey, to see which performed best with the choke.
The Carlson’s choke performed admirably in these conditions. The patterns were noticeably tighter than with my factory full choke. I quickly found that my Remington Nitro Turkey 3-inch shells produced the most consistent and dense patterns, with a significant improvement in pellet count within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.
The choke threaded smoothly into the barrel and required no special tools for installation. The extended design also made it easy to grip and remove, even with gloved hands. There were no immediate issues or surprises; the choke performed exactly as advertised, delivering tighter, more consistent patterns.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple range sessions, the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued continues to impress. I’ve put approximately 100 rounds through it, and it shows no signs of wear or degradation. The stainless steel construction has proven resistant to corrosion, even after being exposed to damp conditions.
The matte blued finish has held up well, with no scratches or blemishes despite being bumped around in my gun case. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a solvent and a bore brush. It is easily removed from the barrel for deeper cleaning, though it never seems to need more than a quick brushing.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued is a significant upgrade. It provides consistently tighter patterns, extending my effective range and increasing my confidence in the field. It has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my turkey hunting setup, outperforming my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued
Specifications
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued is designed specifically for Remington 12-gauge shotguns with Rem Choke threads. It’s constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The exterior features a matte blue finish, reducing glare and providing a low-profile appearance.
The choke tube extends approximately 1 inch from the end of the barrel, providing a longer constriction section for tighter patterns. It features a 1.050″ parallel section, which is a critical design element for optimizing pattern density and consistency. It is specifically designed for turkey hunting and delivers super tight patterns.
These specifications are crucial for turkey hunting because they directly impact the choke’s ability to deliver dense, even patterns at extended ranges. The stainless steel construction ensures the choke can withstand repeated use with heavy turkey loads, while the extended design and parallel section work together to maximize pattern performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued excels at its primary job: delivering tight, consistent patterns for turkey hunting. When paired with the right ammunition, it produces patterns capable of ethically harvesting turkeys at 40 yards and beyond. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to factory chokes, resulting in a denser concentration of pellets in the vital zone.
The choke’s strengths lie in its consistent performance and durable construction. It reliably produces tight patterns, allowing for confident shots at longer ranges. One area for potential improvement is that it is not ported, so it doesn’t offer recoil reduction, which could be a valuable addition for heavier turkey loads.
The choke definitely meets and exceeds my expectations. The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and extended range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued is excellent. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel feels solid and durable, and the matte blued finish is both attractive and functional. The extended design provides a secure grip for installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
The choke is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal. There is no learning curve; simply thread it into the barrel and it’s ready to go. The simple and effective design makes this choke an easy addition.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued ensures it will last for many years of use. The choke tube shows no signs of wear and tear after extensive use. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain its performance.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a bore brush and solvent to remove any residue. The choke can be easily removed from the barrel for more thorough cleaning. The rugged design and materials make it a very durable piece of equipment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone product designed to improve pattern performance. There are no customization options available, as it is a fixed-constriction choke.
The choke is compatible with any Remington 12-gauge shotgun that uses Rem Choke threads. It can be paired with various optics and other accessories commonly used for turkey hunting, such as red dot sights and sling systems. The lack of customization is not a significant drawback.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns compared to factory chokes, extending effective range.
- Durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and remove, requiring no special tools.
- Matte blue finish reduces glare and provides a low-profile appearance.
- Affordable price point offers excellent value for the performance gained.
Cons
- No recoil reduction, as it is not ported.
- Fixed constriction limits adjustability for different loads or ranges.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued?
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued is perfect for turkey hunters looking to improve their pattern density and extend their effective range. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a simple, reliable choke that delivers consistent performance without breaking the bank. It is perfect for any hunter who wants to use their existing Remington 12-gauge shotgun.
Hunters who prioritize recoil reduction or require adjustable chokes for different hunting scenarios may want to skip this product. This choke is built for tight patterns and is not flexible for varying shot needs. It’s for hunters who need a dedicated turkey choke.
A quality turkey sling and a red dot sight are must-have accessories to complement the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued. This combination will enhance comfort and accuracy, making for a more enjoyable and successful hunt.
Conclusion on Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued
The Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued is an outstanding value for the price. It delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and extended range, making it a worthwhile upgrade for any serious turkey hunter. The choke transforms a regular shotgun into a gobbler getter.
The price is justified by the choke’s performance, durability, and ease of use. It is a simple and effective upgrade that can significantly improve your chances of success in the field. The improvements in pellet density provide a lot of confidence for the hunter.
I would absolutely recommend the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued to any turkey hunter looking to enhance their shotgun’s performance. Don’t let another turkey season pass you by with inconsistent patterns. Upgrade your setup with the Carlsons Remington 12 Gauge Turkey Rem Choke Stainless Matte Blued and experience the difference!