First Impressions of Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube
Turkey hunting with a 28 gauge? It used to be a fringe idea, a pursuit for the recoil-sensitive or those seeking an extreme challenge. But with the advent of Federal’s Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), the little 28 has become a legitimate contender. The Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube promises to be the key to unlocking that potential, offering tighter patterns and extended range with the denser-than-lead TSS payloads.
My journey to this choke tube started with a simple desire: to downsize. Years of lugging around heavy 12 gauges had taken their toll. The promise of a lighter, more manageable 28 gauge for turkey season was alluring, but only if I could achieve consistent, lethal patterns at reasonable distances. I wanted to test the limits of the 28-gauge platform.
The Trulock choke arrived in simple, no-nonsense packaging. The black oxide finish looked durable. The steel construction felt robust. Compared to the factory Browning Invector choke that came with my shotgun, the Trulock felt noticeably more substantial. I was eager to see if its performance would match its build quality. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism, bordering on excitement.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube was at my local shooting range. The weather was typical for early spring in the South: damp and a bit breezy. I was shooting Federal TSS #9 shot out of my Browning Citori. I set up a turkey target at 30 yards.
The first shot was impressive. The pattern was noticeably tighter than with the factory full choke. There were easily enough pellets within the vital head and neck region to ensure a clean kill. The pattern was also uniform, with no obvious holes or gaps. My confidence instantly grew.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of patterning at different ranges and under varying conditions, the Trulock choke has proven to be consistently reliable. It remained snug in the barrel and easy to remove for cleaning. I noticed no degradation in performance. Even after firing dozens of rounds of heavy TSS loads, the choke showed no signs of wear or damage.
Cleaning was simple: a quick scrub with a brass brush and some solvent kept it in top condition. Compared to some other aftermarket chokes I’ve used that required specialized tools for installation and removal, the Trulock was refreshingly straightforward. It outperformed my expectations, delivering consistent and lethal patterns that rivaled those of my 12 gauge with traditional lead loads.
Breaking Down the Features of Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube
Specifications
The Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube is designed specifically for 28 gauge shotguns using the standard Browning Invector choke system. It’s constructed from high-quality steel with a durable black oxide finish. The choke is optimized for use with Federal TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) turkey loads. It’s a turkey choke type, designed for extremely tight patterns at longer ranges.
These specifications are critical because TSS shot is incredibly dense and requires a choke specifically designed to handle its unique properties. A standard choke not rated for TSS can be damaged or deliver poor patterns. The Trulock is engineered to withstand the pressures of TSS and deliver optimal performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube excels at its primary job: delivering dense, consistent patterns with Federal TSS loads. At 40 yards, it reliably places a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle, making it a lethal choice for turkey hunting. It delivers predictable results every time.
The primary strength of this choke is its ability to transform the 28 gauge into a serious turkey hunting tool. The only slight weakness is its very specialized purpose: it’s designed for TSS and may not perform optimally with other types of shot. It exceeded my expectations by allowing me to achieve 12 gauge performance from a lighter, more maneuverable platform.
Design & Ergonomics
The Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube features a simple, functional design. The steel construction feels solid and durable, and the black oxide finish provides good corrosion resistance. It weighs just enough to feel substantial without adding noticeable weight to the shotgun. It is also easy to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench.
The design is straightforward, and there’s no learning curve involved. It’s a user-friendly choke that performs its intended function without any unnecessary complications.
Durability & Maintenance
The Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube appears to be built to last. After weeks of use and cleaning, there are no signs of wear or damage. The steel construction and black oxide finish should provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning with a brush and solvent is all that’s required to keep it in top condition.
This choke is designed for durability, and I expect it to last for many turkey seasons to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube itself doesn’t require any additional accessories. The primary “accessory” is the ammunition it’s designed to be used with: Federal TSS turkey loads. There are no further customization options for the choke tube itself. It is what it is: a specialized tool for a specific purpose.
Pros and Cons of Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with Federal TSS loads.
- Transforms a 28 gauge into a viable turkey hunting shotgun at extended ranges.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant black oxide finish.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench.
- Significantly reduces recoil compared to larger gauge shotguns.
Cons
- Specialized for TSS loads and may not perform optimally with other types of shot.
- Limited to Browning Invector (Standard) choke systems.
Who Should Buy Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube?
The Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube is perfect for turkey hunters who want to use a 28 gauge shotgun. It is also ideal for those who are recoil-sensitive but still want to achieve lethal patterns at longer ranges. This product benefits hunters who prioritize a lighter, more manageable shotgun without sacrificing performance.
Hunters who primarily use lead or other non-TSS shot should skip this product. If they are seeking a more versatile choke that can handle a wider range of ammunition, they should avoid this choke tube. Hunters with shotguns that do not utilize the Browning Invector (Standard) choke system should also choose a different product.
The must-have “accessory” is Federal TSS turkey loads. A good quality choke tube wrench is also recommended for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube
The Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube is a game-changer for 28 gauge turkey hunters. It unlocks the full potential of Federal TSS ammunition, delivering patterns that rival those of larger gauge shotguns. The price is absolutely justified.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to anyone looking to optimize their 28 gauge for turkey hunting. If you’re ready to experience the thrill of hunting turkeys with a lighter, more manageable shotgun without sacrificing performance, this choke is a must-have. Give the Trulock Browning Invector Federal TSS Turkey 28 Ga Choke Tube a try and experience the difference for yourself!