The Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is a passion, and for years I struggled with inconsistent patterns from my trusty Mossberg 835. It’s a workhorse of a shotgun, but I knew it could perform better with the right choke. That’s why I decided to try the Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black, hoping to finally achieve those tight, lethal patterns needed for harvesting gobblers at longer ranges.
I’ve tried a few aftermarket chokes before, some costing nearly twice as much. They promised tighter patterns but often failed to deliver consistently across different loads. The Carlsons choke stood out due to its specific design for TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads and its reasonable price point.
Unboxing the Carlsons TSS Turkey choke, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and the sleek black finish. It felt substantial, hinting at its rugged construction and ability to withstand the rigors of turkey season. It exuded quality, and I was excited to get it on my Mossberg.
Compared to my previous choke, the Carlsons model had a more aggressive constriction, visibly tighter than the others. I was debating between this choke and a similar model from Patternmaster, but the Carlsons’ reputation for consistent patterns and the positive reviews swayed me. My first impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping this would be the key to unlocking my Mossberg’s full potential.
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 field test with the Carlsons TSS Turkey choke was at my local shooting range, patterning it with a variety of TSS loads. It was a cold, windy day, which can affect shot patterns, but I was determined to see how it performed under less-than-ideal conditions. I wanted to validate its performance claims under realistic hunting conditions.
The initial results were astounding. At 40 yards, the patterns were incredibly tight and dense, with a significant improvement over my previous setup. The choke threaded smoothly into my Mossberg 835, and after a few shots to adjust my aiming point, I was consistently putting nearly the entire payload inside a 10-inch circle.
There was a slight increase in felt recoil compared to my previous choke, but the significantly improved pattern density more than made up for it. I experienced no issues with installation or removal; everything worked exactly as it should. My initial concerns about its performance in windy conditions were quickly put to rest as the tight patterns held true, exceeding my expectations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlsons TSS Turkey choke, I can confidently say it’s become an indispensable part of my setup. It has consistently delivered tight, lethal patterns, leading to several successful hunts. I have taken it through thick brush, muddy fields, and even a light rain without any performance issues.
The choke has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or corrosion despite the harsh conditions. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in perfect working order. Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes that either degraded quickly or provided inconsistent patterns, the Carlsons choke has been a game-changer in reliability and performance.
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 specifically designed for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance.
It’s constructed from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. This ensures longevity and reliability even in harsh environments.
The choke features an extended design, which aids in pattern consistency and provides a longer parallel section. This helps to maintain tighter patterns at longer ranges.
It has a constriction of .675, optimized for use with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads. This specific constriction maximizes the effectiveness of TSS shot, delivering dense, lethal patterns.
Carlsons recommends this choke for use at 40 yards. This guideline allows hunters to confidently engage targets at a proven ethical range.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons TSS Turkey choke delivers outstanding performance, especially when paired with TSS ammunition. It consistently produces tight, dense patterns, significantly increasing the effective range of my Mossberg 835.
The choke’s primary strength lies in its ability to maximize the potential of TSS loads, achieving patterns that rival or surpass those of more expensive aftermarket chokes. A minor weakness is the slightly increased recoil, but this is a small price to pay for the improved pattern density. The choke meets and exceeds expectations, transforming my Mossberg into a dedicated turkey-slaying machine.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlsons TSS Turkey choke is exceptional. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides a robust and durable feel, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The choke is user-friendly, threading easily into the Mossberg 835/935 without any issues. The extended design aids in quick identification and provides a slightly improved balance to the shotgun.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons TSS Turkey choke is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides excellent corrosion resistance and ensures it can withstand the rigors of repeated use in various weather conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons TSS Turkey choke is a standalone product designed to enhance the performance of Mossberg 835/935 shotguns. It doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, its compatibility with a wide range of TSS loads allows for fine-tuning of patterns to suit specific hunting conditions. The choke is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Mossberg shotguns.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads.
- Constructed from durable and corrosion-resistant 17-4 stainless steel.
- Significantly improves the effective range of Mossberg 835/935 shotguns.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Offers excellent value for money compared to other high-end turkey chokes.
Cons
- Recoil may be slightly increased compared to more open chokes.
- Specifically designed for TSS loads; may not perform optimally with other types of ammunition.
Who Should Buy Carlsons TSS Turkey Mossberg M835/M935 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons TSS Turkey choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a Mossberg 835 or 935 12-gauge shotgun and want to maximize their effective range and pattern density with TSS loads. This choke is ideal for those looking for a reliable, durable, and cost-effective upgrade to their turkey hunting setup.
Hunters who primarily use lead or steel shot for turkey hunting might not fully benefit from the specific design optimized for TSS loads. Those highly sensitive to recoil might also want to consider other options, although the improved pattern density often outweighs this minor drawback. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
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 an outstanding choke that delivers on its promise of tight, lethal patterns with TSS ammunition. The price is justified, considering the significant improvement in performance and the durable construction.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any serious turkey hunter looking to upgrade their Mossberg 835 or 935. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting game to the next level and consistently bag those long-bearded toms, then the Carlsons TSS Turkey choke is a must-have addition to your arsenal. Equip yourself with this choke, pattern your shotgun, and prepare for a successful turkey season!