First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 promises to be a game-changer for turkey hunters seeking tighter, more consistent patterns. Carlson’s is a reputable name in choke tubes, and the promise of enhanced performance with various shot types immediately piqued my interest. This choke tube aims to extend the effective range and increase the density of shot patterns, which is crucial for ethical and successful turkey hunting.
My quest for a tighter pattern actually drove me to the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655. In past seasons, I’ve noticed inconsistent patterns with factory chokes, leading to frustrating misses and less-than-ideal shot placement. I was determined to improve my shotgun’s performance and ensure cleaner, more humane kills.
Upon unboxing, the choke tube felt solid and well-made. The matte blue finish is aesthetically pleasing and should help prevent glare in the field. The extended design, protruding approximately 1” from the barrel, gives it a purposeful, almost aggressive look, inspiring confidence in its performance.
I considered several other choke tubes, including those from Briley and Patternmaster. However, the Carlson’s choke stood out due to its reputation for consistent patterns, its compatibility with various shot types (including Hevi-Shot), and its relatively affordable price point. The inclusion of a “free” choke tube wrench was a nice bonus, too.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 in the field, but also aware that choke tube performance can be highly dependent on the specific shotgun and ammunition used. I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 at my local shooting range. It was a crisp autumn morning, perfect for patterning a shotgun. I used a variety of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and Hevi-Shot, at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards.
The Carlson’s choke performed admirably under various conditions. Even in a slight crosswind, the patterns remained remarkably consistent. It was noticeably easier to achieve tight, dense patterns compared to my factory choke.
Installation was simple, and the included wrench made the process effortless. After a few shots to settle the choke, I was impressed by the immediate improvement in pattern density at 30 yards. There were no unexpected issues or malfunctions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and numerous range sessions, the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my hunting setup. The choke tube has shown no signs of wear and tear despite repeated use and exposure to various weather conditions. Regular cleaning has been simple and straightforward.
The matte blue finish has held up well, with no scratches or blemishes. A quick scrub with a brass brush and solvent after each use keeps it in excellent condition. Compared to past experiences with less robust chokes, the Carlson’s model stands out for its overall durability.
The Carlson’s choke has consistently outperformed my expectations. Previously, I had struggled to consistently achieve ethical kills beyond 35 yards. With the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655, I now feel confident taking shots out to 40 yards with a higher probability of a clean, ethical kill.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655
Specifications
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 is designed specifically for 12 gauge shotguns with a Browning Invector Plus choke system. The .655 constriction provides an extremely tight pattern optimized for turkey hunting.
- Material: Constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, ensuring strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
- Extension: Extends approximately 1” beyond the end of the barrel, contributing to improved pattern performance.
- Parallel Section: Features a 1.050” parallel section designed to optimize pattern density and consistency.
- Finish: A matte blue finish minimizes glare and provides a clean, professional look.
- Compatibility: Safe for use with lead, copper-plated, nickel, Hevi-Shot, and bismuth ammunition.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the choke’s performance and longevity. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures it can withstand the pressures of repeated firing with various shot types. The extended design and parallel section contribute to tighter, more consistent patterns, resulting in improved accuracy and ethical shot placement.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 excels at its primary function: delivering extremely tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. This is crucial for turkey hunting, where a well-placed shot to the head and neck is essential for a clean kill.
The .655 constriction provides a significant improvement over more open chokes, resulting in a noticeable increase in pellet density within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. The main weakness is that the very tight pattern may not be ideal for closer shots (inside 20 yards), where the pattern could be too concentrated, potentially causing excessive damage. It exceeds my expectations for pattern density and consistency at typical turkey hunting ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the 17-4 stainless steel providing a solid and durable feel. The choke tube is surprisingly lightweight. The matte blue finish is attractive and functional, minimizing glare in bright sunlight.
The choke tube is user-friendly, requiring only a few minutes to install or remove with the included wrench. There is practically no learning curve, making it accessible to both experienced and novice hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures resistance to corrosion and wear, even with frequent use in harsh conditions.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use to remove residue. A brass brush and solvent are typically sufficient to keep the choke tube in excellent condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 comes with a basic choke tube wrench. No other accessories are included.
There are no specific customization options for the choke tube itself, but its compatibility with various ammunition types allows for some degree of customization in terms of pattern performance. The choke tube is compatible with aftermarket choke tube wrenches designed for Browning Invector Plus chokes.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns at extended ranges.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel.
- Compatible with a wide range of ammunition types, including lead, copper-plated, nickel, Hevi-Shot, and bismuth.
- Simple to install and remove with the included choke tube wrench.
- Affordable price point compared to similar high-performance choke tubes.
Cons
- The very tight pattern may be too constricted for close-range shots (under 20 yards).
- No specialized coatings or advanced features beyond the extended design and parallel section.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655?
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 is perfect for turkey hunters seeking to maximize their shotgun’s effective range and pattern density. It is especially well-suited for hunters who primarily hunt in open areas or are confident in their ability to judge distances accurately. This choke tube is also a great choice for hunters who want to experiment with different ammunition types to find the optimal pattern for their shotgun.
Hunters who frequently encounter close-range shots (under 20 yards) or who prefer a more forgiving pattern may want to consider a more open choke. Hunters who prioritize advanced features, such as ported designs or specialized coatings, may also prefer a different choke tube.
A quality turkey sling and a red dot optic are must-have accessories to improve handling and accuracy when using the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655
The Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 is a highly effective and affordable option for turkey hunters seeking to improve their shotgun’s performance. Its ability to deliver extremely tight, dense patterns at extended ranges makes it a valuable tool for ethical and successful hunting.
The price is certainly justified considering the quality of materials, improved pattern performance, and overall durability. I would personally recommend the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655 to any turkey hunter looking to upgrade their shotgun’s choke tube.
If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want to maximize your chances of success, invest in the Carlson’s Turkey Extended Choke Tube for 12 ga Browning Invector Plus .655. Tighten your patterns, extend your range, and fill your freezer this season!