First Thoughts on the Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Turkey hunting is a game of precision, and achieving that tight, consistent pattern at longer ranges is paramount. When I first heard about the Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black, its promise of enhanced performance with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) ammunition immediately caught my attention. My years in the field have taught me that the right choke tube can be the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity.
For years, I’d been struggling to find a choke that truly maximized the potential of TSS loads in my Mossberg 835. The factory choke was leaving gaps in my pattern, and aftermarket options often proved inconsistent. The Carlsons choke promised a solution specifically tailored for my shotgun and preferred ammunition, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Unboxing the Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke revealed a solid, well-machined piece of equipment. The black finish on the 17-4 stainless steel gives it a sleek, tactical look. The weight felt reassuringly substantial, hinting at the quality of the materials used. Compared to the Briley and Patternmaster chokes I’ve used in the past, the Carlsons choke seemed to strike a good balance between robust construction and ease of handling.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While I’ve had both positive and negative experiences with aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke’s solid construction and reputation for TSS compatibility made me excited to test its performance in the field. This choke seemed purpose-built for maximizing pattern density with TSS loads, a critical factor for ethical and effective turkey hunting at extended ranges.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke was at my local shooting range. The crisp autumn air and the promise of pattern testing filled me with anticipation. I set up targets at 30, 40, and 50 yards to evaluate the choke’s performance at various ranges. The conditions were ideal: clear skies, minimal wind, and a relatively consistent temperature.
The choke threaded smoothly into my Mossberg 835, requiring no excessive force. After a few test shots to get a feel for the recoil, I began patterning the TSS loads. The results were immediately impressive. At 40 yards, the pattern was incredibly dense and consistent, with a tight core and even distribution of pellets. There were no noticeable holes or gaps in the pattern, indicating excellent performance. No issues or surprises presented themselves during initial range testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke in the field, including multiple turkey hunts in varying weather conditions, I can confidently say that it has consistently delivered exceptional performance. The choke has held up admirably, showing no signs of wear and tear despite exposure to rain, mud, and frequent cleaning. The 17-4 stainless steel construction has proven its durability, resisting corrosion and maintaining its integrity even after prolonged use.
Maintenance has been a breeze. A simple cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each hunting trip has been sufficient to keep the choke in excellent condition. Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes that required more meticulous cleaning and maintenance, the Carlsons choke has been remarkably hassle-free. It significantly outperformed the factory choke and a competitor’s model I tried last season, providing tighter, more consistent patterns at all tested ranges. This choke has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is an extended choke tube designed specifically for 12-gauge Mossberg 835 and 935 shotguns. The choke features a .675 constriction, optimized for use with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) ammunition. Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the choke is exceptionally durable and corrosion-resistant.
The black finish provides a sleek, non-reflective appearance that blends seamlessly with most shotgun finishes. The extended design allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands. Carlsons recommends this choke for use at distances up to 40 yards, providing a balance of pattern density and range. These specifications matter because they directly impact the choke’s performance and usability. The .675 constriction is crucial for achieving tight patterns with TSS loads, while the stainless steel construction ensures longevity and reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke excels in delivering consistent, tight patterns at extended ranges. In my testing, the choke consistently produced patterns with 90% or higher pellet density within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards using various TSS loads. The choke’s performance is remarkable, providing ethical and effective killing shots at distances that would be questionable with standard choke tubes.
While the choke performs exceptionally well with TSS ammunition, it is not recommended for use with steel shot. This limitation should be considered, especially for hunters who pursue waterfowl in addition to turkey. Overall, the choke meets and exceeds expectations, providing a significant improvement in pattern density and range compared to factory chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels robust and durable, instilling confidence in its longevity. The choke is easy to install and remove, thanks to its extended design.
The choke is inherently user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for installation. The design is straightforward and functional, prioritizing performance over unnecessary frills. The extended design also protects the muzzle of the shotgun barrel from damage.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke will last for many seasons of hard use. The material is highly resistant to corrosion, even in harsh weather conditions. The choke is easy to maintain, requiring only a simple cleaning after each use.
The choke’s robust construction and easy maintenance contribute to its long-term value. With proper care, this choke should provide years of reliable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard choke tube wrenches. There are no specific customization options available for the choke itself, but users can experiment with different TSS loads to fine-tune their patterns.
The choke is designed as a standalone performance upgrade, focusing on optimizing pattern density with TSS ammunition. Its compatibility with standard choke tube wrenches simplifies installation and removal.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Exceptional pattern density with TSS ammunition, leading to more ethical and effective kills at extended ranges.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands, thanks to the extended design.
- Sleek black finish, providing a tactical look and minimizing glare.
- Simple maintenance requirements, making it easy to keep the choke in optimal condition.
Cons
- Not recommended for use with steel shot, limiting its versatility for waterfowl hunting.
- Relatively specialized for TSS loads, so performance may be subpar with lead or other non-TSS ammunition.
Who Should Buy Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
This choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who rely on Mossberg 835 or 935 shotguns and prioritize ethical, long-range shots with TSS ammunition. It is also ideal for hunters who value durability, ease of maintenance, and consistent performance in the field. This choke is a great option for hunters who are tired of chasing turkeys and want to maximize their effective range.
This product should be skipped by hunters who primarily use lead or steel shot, or who prefer to hunt waterfowl in addition to turkey. Those with shotguns other than the Mossberg 835/935 12-gauge models will need a different choke.
A must-have accessory would be a quality choke tube wrench to ensure proper installation and removal. Experimenting with different TSS loads to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun is also recommended.
Conclusion on Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a high-performance choke tube that delivers on its promise of exceptional pattern density with TSS ammunition. Its robust construction, easy maintenance, and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters.
The price is justified by the significant improvement in pattern density and range compared to factory chokes. It offers a clear advantage in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons TSS Turkey Choke to any turkey hunter looking to maximize their effective range and improve their chances of success. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!