The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper Made a Bold First Impression
The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper promises to deliver enhanced accuracy and tighter patterns for turkey hunters. From TRUGLO, a name I’ve come to trust over the years, this Xtreme XT Choke Tube/Sight Set immediately piqued my interest. My own shotgun, a trusty 12-gauge that’s seen more sunrises in the turkey woods than I care to count, has always been adequate in the pattern department, but adequate doesn’t put birds on the table consistently.
The quest for the perfect gobbler-getter has led me down many a rabbit hole. I’ve tinkered with different loads, experimented with various chokes, and even considered adding aftermarket sights. So, when I saw the TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper, which combines both a choke tube AND fiber-optic sights, I was cautiously optimistic. My main problem was consistent accuracy at varying ranges; I needed something that would allow me to confidently take shots without questioning my setup.
The package arrived promptly, and unboxing it was a straightforward affair. The choke tube itself felt solid and well-machined, hinting at the quality TRUGLO is known for. The fiber-optic sights were bright and easy to see, a definite improvement over the factory bead sight that came standard on my shotgun. Side-by-side with a standard full choke and a set of generic fiber-optic sights I previously tried, the TRUGLO kit immediately felt more professional.
I considered a competing choke/sight combo from Carlson’s Choke Tubes, and also looked into a simple extended ported choke from Patternmaster. I chose the TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper because it offered both a specialized choke for tight patterns and the benefit of easily visible fiber-optic sights, all at a very attractive price point. My first impression was one of cautious excitement; I was eager to see if this product lived up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a familiar environment where I could control the variables. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards, distances commonly encountered in turkey hunting scenarios. I wanted to test performance with the choke tube installed with and without the fiber-optic sights to see the impact of each component. The weather was clear and sunny, perfect for testing the visibility of the fiber-optic sights.
The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper performed admirably during the first use. Patterns were noticeably tighter than with my old full choke, especially at 30 and 40 yards. The fiber-optic sights made target acquisition much faster and easier, particularly in the bright sunlight. There were no immediate issues, and the choke tube installed smoothly without any complications.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and multiple trips to the range, the TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper continues to impress. I’ve also had the chance to use it in varying weather conditions, including a drizzly morning where the fiber-optic sights still provided excellent visibility. The durability seems excellent thus far, with no signs of wear or corrosion on the choke tube.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. A quick scrub with a brass brush and some solvent after each range session is all it takes to keep everything in good working order. Compared to my previous setup, the TRUGLO system offers a significant improvement in both pattern density and ease of aiming. I’m consistently putting more pellets in the vital zone at extended ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper
Specifications
The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper is an Xtreme XT choke tube and sight set designed specifically for turkey hunting. The choke tube is constructed from heat-treated steel for durability and is ported to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. The fiber-optic sights are adjustable for windage and elevation and feature a bright, contrasting color scheme for enhanced visibility.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The heat-treated steel ensures the choke tube can withstand the rigors of repeated use with heavy turkey loads. The ported design helps to tame recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate. And the adjustable fiber-optic sights allow for precise aiming, even in low-light conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper excels at its primary job: delivering tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. The choke tube constricts the shot column effectively, resulting in more pellets hitting the target within a smaller area. The fiber-optic sights provide a clear and precise aiming point, allowing for more accurate shots.
The main strength is the combination of tighter patterns and improved sighting. The weakness, if any, is that the fiber-optic sights, while bright, may not be ideal for extremely low-light conditions (though they are better than a standard bead). Overall, the TRUGLO system meets and even exceeds my expectations for a turkey choke and sight set.
Design & Ergonomics
The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper is well-designed and easy to use. The choke tube installs easily with a standard choke wrench. The fiber-optic sights are lightweight and do not add excessive bulk to the shotgun. The set is designed to be durable and rugged, able to withstand the demands of turkey hunting.
The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials used throughout. The system is user-friendly, even for those unfamiliar with aftermarket chokes or sights. There is virtually no learning curve; it’s a simple and effective system.
Durability & Maintenance
The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper is built to last. The heat-treated steel choke tube is highly resistant to wear and corrosion. The fiber-optic sights are also well-protected and should withstand normal use.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a brass brush and solvent is all that’s needed to keep the choke tube in good working order. The fiber-optic sights can be cleaned with a soft cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper comes as a complete set, including the choke tube and fiber-optic sights. There are no included accessories beyond these essential components. However, the choke tube is compatible with any standard choke wrench.
Customization options are limited, as the set is designed to be used as-is. However, some shooters may choose to replace the fiber-optic sights with aftermarket options if they prefer a different color or configuration. I haven’t found that necessary. The choke tube itself is designed for specific shotgun models; ensuring correct compatibility is critical.
Pros and Cons of TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns at 30-40 yards.
- Bright and easily visible fiber-optic sights improve aiming accuracy, especially in varying light conditions.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain, making it a user-friendly upgrade.
- Affordable price makes it a great value for the performance gains.
Cons
- The fiber-optic sights may not be ideal for extremely low-light scenarios.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper?
The TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper is perfect for turkey hunters looking to improve the pattern density and aiming accuracy of their shotguns. It is an excellent upgrade for both experienced hunters and those new to the sport. It’s also a good choice for hunters who want a simple and effective system without having to experiment with multiple chokes or sights.
This product might not be the best choice for hunters who primarily hunt in extremely dense cover where shots are typically taken at very close range (under 20 yards). In that situation, a more open choke might be preferable. No must-have accessories are really required; you may want a choke wrench if you don’t have one already.
Conclusion on TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper
Overall, the TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. The combination of a specialized choke tube and fiber-optic sights results in significantly tighter patterns and improved aiming accuracy. At a price of $28.49, the value proposition is outstanding.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the TRUGLO TG-TG170XC Gobble-Stopper to any turkey hunter looking to improve their odds of success. It’s an affordable, effective, and easy-to-use upgrade that will undoubtedly put more birds on the table. Get yours today and experience the difference!