Let’s Dive into Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 are purpose-built for the serious waterfowl hunter seeking extended-range performance and consistent patterns. Manufactured by Trulock, these chokes promise tighter groupings at distances that separate success from missed opportunities. These chokes are designed to work with various types of shot, including steel, tungsten matrix, and Hevi-Shot, catering to different hunting regulations and personal preferences.
My quest for a choke tube that could consistently deliver tight patterns at longer ranges led me to the Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690. Many times, I’ve witnessed birds flare just out of range, a frustrating experience that highlighted the need for a more specialized choke. I wanted something specifically engineered for steel shot, given its prevalence in waterfowl hunting, without sacrificing performance when using alternative non-toxic loads.
Upon unboxing, the Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 exuded quality. The black finish was flawless, and the weight felt substantial, hinting at the robustness of the 17-4 stainless steel construction. The choke tube’s threads were precisely cut, promising a snug fit in my Remington 12-gauge shotgun.
I considered the Carlson’s Cremator and the Patternmaster Code Black Duck before settling on the Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690. The Carlson’s offered a good balance of price and performance, but lacked the explicit long-range focus of the Trulock. The Patternmaster, while known for its pattern consistency, has a reputation for being finicky with certain loads, something I wanted to avoid.
My first impression was one of excitement and anticipation. The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 felt like a serious piece of kit, a tool designed to elevate my waterfowl hunting game. If the performance matched the appearance, I knew I’d found a winner.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, specifically on their patterning board. I shot various steel loads, ranging from #4 to BB, at 40 and 50 yards to assess pattern density and consistency. The weather was typical for late fall: damp with a slight breeze, simulating real-world hunting conditions.
The ease of use was immediately apparent; installation was simple and required no special tools beyond a standard choke wrench. The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 tightened securely and I didn’t observe any issues with loosening after several rounds. However, I did notice a slightly louder report compared to my factory choke.
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 performed as advertised, producing dense and consistent patterns at extended ranges. At 40 yards, the patterns were noticeably tighter than with my modified choke. At 50 yards, the pattern held together well, with minimal fliers and sufficient pellet density to ensure clean kills.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use during the waterfowl season, the Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 has proven its reliability. It endured numerous hunts in varying conditions, from frigid mornings in flooded timber to blustery days on open water. The choke tube showed no signs of rust or corrosion, a testament to the quality of the stainless steel construction.
Durability has been exceptional; despite repeated use and cleaning, the black finish remains intact, with only minor wear marks visible near the muzzle. Maintenance is straightforward: a quick scrub with a brush and solvent after each hunt keeps it clean and functioning optimally. It’s important to note that proper choke tube lubrication is essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 outperforms them in terms of pattern consistency and long-range effectiveness. My previous chokes delivered adequate patterns at moderate distances, but the Trulock consistently delivers more pellets on target at longer ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690
Specifications
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 is a Super Waterfowl choke tube designed for Remington 12-gauge shotguns. It’s constructed from 17-4 stainless steel with a black finish for corrosion resistance. The choke is designed for use with steel, tungsten matrix, tungsten iron, tungsten polymer, and Hevi-Shot ammunition, offering versatility for different hunting situations.
The “Super Waterfowl” designation indicates that this choke is designed for optimal performance at extended ranges, typically 45+ yards. This is crucial for waterfowl hunters who often encounter birds that are wary and tend to stay at the edge of shotgun range. The 17-4 stainless steel provides exceptional strength and durability, ensuring that the choke can withstand the stresses of repeated use with high-velocity shotshells.
Performance & Functionality
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges. It consistently places a higher percentage of pellets within a 30-inch circle at 40-50 yards than standard chokes. This translates to increased hit probability and cleaner kills on waterfowl.
The strength lies in its ability to maintain pattern density at extended ranges, making it easier to connect on birds that would otherwise be out of reach. A potential weakness is the slightly louder report. However, this is a minor drawback compared to the improved performance. It significantly exceeds expectations for long-range steel shot performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 features a simple, functional design. The black finish reduces glare and provides a clean, professional look. It has a noticeable but acceptable weight for a durable choke tube.
The choke is designed for easy installation and removal, thanks to its precisely cut threads and standard wrench interface. There is virtually no learning curve; anyone familiar with changing choke tubes will find this process intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability. With proper care, the Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 should last for many seasons of heavy use.
Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning with a brush and solvent, followed by a light coat of choke tube grease, will keep it in optimal condition. The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 is designed to be a durable and long-lasting accessory for the serious waterfowl hunter.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 doesn’t come with specific accessories beyond standard choke wrenches (which are not included). However, its compatibility with Remington 12-gauge shotguns means it can be used with various after-market extensions or other shotgun accessories.
There are no specific customization options for the choke itself. However, hunters can experiment with different shotshell loads and brands to fine-tune their patterns and achieve optimal performance. The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 will significantly improve shotgun effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690
Pros
- Consistently delivers tight, dense patterns at 45+ yards.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction with a corrosion-resistant black finish.
- Compatible with a wide range of shotshell loads, including steel, tungsten matrix, and Hevi-Shot.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably increases effective range for waterfowl hunting.
Cons
- May produce a slightly louder report compared to factory chokes.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other aftermarket choke tubes.
Who Should Buy Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690?
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who prioritize long-range performance and consistent patterns. It’s ideal for those who hunt in areas where birds are wary and tend to stay at the edge of shotgun range. Experienced hunters seeking to upgrade their equipment and improve their success rates will find this choke tube invaluable.
Hunters who primarily hunt in close-range situations or who are on a tight budget might want to consider other options. Those who are new to shotgun hunting may benefit more from a more versatile, general-purpose choke before investing in a specialized long-range model.
Must-have accessories include a quality choke tube wrench and choke tube grease. Experimenting with different shotshell loads is highly recommended to find the optimal combination for individual hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 is a high-quality, purpose-built choke tube that delivers exceptional long-range performance for waterfowl hunters. While the price is higher than some other options, the superior pattern consistency and durable construction justify the investment for serious hunters.
The Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 is well worth the cost if you’re serious about waterfowl hunting and frustrated with birds flaring outside of your effective range. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any waterfowl hunter seeking to extend their range and improve their success in the field. Invest in a Trulock Choke Tubes SWREM12690 and see the difference it makes this hunting season.