The Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor gear specialist, I’ve seen countless shotgun chokes pass through my hands, each promising tighter patterns and improved performance. But the Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black immediately struck me as something different. Its extended and knurled design hinted at a level of precision and versatility I was eager to explore.
My go-to choke, a flush-mounted modified choke, served me well enough for general upland bird hunting. However, when turkey season rolled around, its limitations became glaringly obvious. I needed a choke that could deliver consistently tight patterns at longer ranges, maximizing my chances of bagging that elusive Tom.
Unboxing the Trulock choke, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The black oxide finish gives it a sleek, professional look, and the knurled extension provides a secure grip for easy installation and removal. The weight felt substantial, reassuring me of the Trulock’s ruggedness and ability to withstand the rigors of the field.
Compared to the Briley extended choke I use for sporting clays, the Trulock felt more robust and specialized. Where the Briley focuses on consistent spread for close-range targets, the Trulock appeared purpose-built for tight patterns at longer distances, exactly what I needed for turkey hunting. I also considered a dedicated turkey choke from Carlson’s, but the Trulock’s claim of versatility for both field and clay shooting swayed my decision.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black looked and felt like a high-quality choke, but the true test would be its performance in the field. I was excited to see if it could live up to its promise of improved patterns and versatility.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black at my local shooting range, patterning it with a variety of turkey loads at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was slightly overcast, with a light breeze – typical spring conditions. The choke screwed in easily and felt secure.
The initial patterns were noticeably tighter than with my modified choke. At 30 yards, the majority of pellets were concentrated within a 12-inch circle, and at 40 yards, the pattern opened up slightly to around 18 inches, still impressively dense. I didn’t experience any issues with installation or removal.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during turkey season and a few rounds of sporting clays, the Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black has proven to be remarkably reliable. There are no signs of wear or tear, despite frequent use and exposure to the elements. Cleaning is also simple.
A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper chokes that would sometimes deform or loosen over time, the Trulock has consistently performed flawlessly. The improved patterns delivered on the promise, which is something that you can bank on.
Breaking Down the Features of Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black
Specifications
The Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black is an extended choke tube designed for 12-gauge shotguns. It features a .673-inch exit diameter, optimized for tight, consistent patterns with turkey loads. Constructed from high-strength 17-4 stainless steel, it is built to withstand the high pressures and demands of modern shotshells.
The black oxide finish provides corrosion resistance and a low-glare appearance, crucial for hunting situations. The extended and knurled design allows for easy installation and removal without the need for tools. This choke is marked on the head with the degree of choke and on the body with the bore diameter for easy identification.
Performance & Functionality
The Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black excels at delivering consistently tight patterns, essential for ethical and effective turkey hunting. At typical turkey hunting ranges (30-40 yards), it produces dense patterns with minimal flyers. This increased pattern density significantly improves the chances of a clean kill.
Its versatility for both field and clay shooting is a major strength. While optimized for turkey loads, it performs admirably with target loads, making it a useful choke for a variety of shooting activities. However, its extremely tight pattern may be too restrictive for close-range upland bird hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black boasts a robust and functional design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its durability. The extended and knurled design provides a secure grip, making it easy to install and remove even with gloved hands.
The black oxide finish not only enhances its appearance but also reduces glare, preventing spooking game. Its user-friendly design requires no specialized tools for installation or removal, making it accessible to shooters of all skill levels. This choke’s simple design allows for anyone to use it with ease.
Durability & Maintenance
The Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring years of reliable performance. Maintenance is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient to keep it in optimal condition. The black oxide finish helps prevent rust and corrosion, further extending its lifespan. You won’t need to worry about constantly maintaining this choke due to it’s long lasting build.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black does not come with any additional accessories. However, its compatibility with standard 12-gauge shotgun threads means it can be used with a variety of choke tube wrenches. There are no specific customization options for this particular choke.
However, shooters can experiment with different turkey loads to fine-tune their patterns. The Trulock choke will work with most 12-gauge shotguns as long as the thread patterns are the same.
Pros and Cons of Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight, dense patterns at turkey hunting ranges.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Extended and knurled design allows for easy installation and removal.
- Versatile enough for both turkey hunting and clay shooting.
- Affordable price point for its level of quality and performance.
Cons
- Extremely tight pattern may be too restrictive for close-range upland bird hunting.
- No included accessories, such as a choke tube wrench.
Who Should Buy Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black?
Perfect for turkey hunters seeking a reliable and affordable choke that delivers consistently tight patterns at typical hunting ranges. Also suitable for clay shooters looking for a versatile choke that can perform well with target loads. Any hunter wanting to increase the chance of bagging that Turkey will benefit from this product.
Hunters who primarily focus on close-range upland bird hunting might find the pattern too tight for their needs. Those who require specialized chokes for specific shooting disciplines may prefer dedicated chokes designed for those purposes. Anyone wanting a different choke for different fowl may want to look elsewhere.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different turkey loads is recommended to find the optimal combination for your shotgun and hunting conditions. This is because some loads pattern better than others.
Conclusion on Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black
The Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black is an excellent choke tube that offers exceptional performance and value for the money. Its ability to deliver consistently tight patterns makes it an ideal choice for turkey hunters, while its versatility allows for use in clay shooting. The $25.99 price is more than justified for the quality and performance you receive.
I would highly recommend the Trulock Precision Hunter 12 GA Turkey 673 Black to any turkey hunter or clay shooter looking for an affordable and reliable choke. Its durable construction, user-friendly design, and excellent pattern density make it a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the Trulock difference!