Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 Review

Was the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 the Right Choice?

The pursuit of consistent patterns, especially in the challenging world of turkey hunting, often leads a shooter down a rabbit hole of ammunition, firearm modifications, and specialized gear. My own journey for that elusive perfect pattern led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670. This particular choke tube promised enhanced performance for a specific hunting application, and as a gear specialist with years of practical application across diverse environments, I was keen to see if it lived up to its claims.

For years, my trusty Remington shotgun had served admirably, but I felt a nagging inconsistency creeping into my longer-range shots. The standard choke was simply not cutting it for the precise patterns needed when facing wary gobblers at distance. I considered a few other aftermarket options, including some ported designs, but ultimately, the reputation of Carlson’s and the specific constriction of .670 for turkey hunting made this model my primary focus. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel felt robust and well-finished, a promising start for a component tasked with shaping shot. There was a quiet satisfaction in holding a piece of engineering designed to refine a firearm’s capability.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 to the Test

My testing began with controlled environments, akin to setting up a new piece of lab equipment before field deployment. I installed the Carlson’s choke tube on my Remington 12-gauge shotgun, ensuring it seated correctly with a satisfying click. Initial patterning was conducted at a familiar indoor range, allowing me to meticulously measure shot distribution at various common turkey hunting distances.

The real test, however, came in the unpredictable elements of the outdoors. I took this choke tube to my favorite wooded hunting grounds during the spring turkey season. It endured early morning dew, the occasional brush against tree trunks, and the vibration of walking through uneven terrain. The extended design proved surprisingly adept at preventing excessive fouling from accumulating directly at the muzzle, a common issue with flush-mount chokes.

Ease of use was a significant factor; swapping out chokes in the field, especially under pressure, needs to be straightforward. This extended turkey choke was remarkably easy to install and remove by hand, a crucial advantage when a prime opportunity presents itself quickly. There were no immediate surprises or quirks, just a smooth integration into my existing setup.

Over several weeks of dedicated use, including multiple hunting trips and extended range sessions, the durability of this choke tube became apparent. Despite being repeatedly subjected to the recoil of various magnum turkey loads, there were no signs of loosening, cracking, or significant wear. The black finish remained intact, showing only minor cosmetic scuffs from incidental contact. Maintenance was refreshingly simple; a quick wipe-down with a solvent-dampened cloth after each outing was sufficient to keep it clean and functioning optimally.

Compared to the standard choke that came with my shotgun, this Carlson’s model offered a noticeable improvement in pattern density and consistency at longer ranges. It certainly outperformed some of the more budget-friendly, non-name-brand chokes I’ve encountered in the past, which often showed premature wear or inconsistent performance. This specific choke tube proved itself to be a reliable workhorse, a piece of gear that you can set and forget, allowing you to focus on the hunt.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 boasts a set of specifications clearly designed for its intended purpose. The key dimension is its 0.670-inch diameter, a constriction specifically engineered to optimize the pattern density for turkey hunting loads, particularly those with larger shot sizes. It’s designed for Remington Choke systems, ensuring a proper fit on compatible firearms.

The material is a crucial aspect of its longevity and performance: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This alloy offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, standing up well to the harsh conditions often encountered in the field. The choke tube is non-ported, meaning it lacks the small vents found on some chokes; this can contribute to a slightly quieter shooting experience and potentially less muzzle jump for some shooters, though its primary benefit is in shot-to-shot consistency.

The extended design is more than just aesthetics; it extends beyond the barrel’s muzzle by approximately 1.5 to 2 inches. This extension not only provides a better grip for hand-tightening and removal but also contributes to better gas control and shot release, leading to tighter patterns. The black finish is functional, reducing glare in the field, and adds a touch of tactical appeal to the firearm. Its singular nature – a quantity of 1 – signifies its replacement or upgrade role for a single firearm.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any choke tube is to shape the shot pattern, and the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 excels at this for its specific application. When paired with quality turkey loads like Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS or Remington’s own Wingmaster HD, it consistently delivered dense, uniform patterns at ranges out to 40 and even 50 yards. The 0.670 constriction proved to be the sweet spot for my chosen ammunition, minimizing flyers and maximizing the number of pellets within a vital kill zone.

A significant strength of this particular choke tube is its predictability. Unlike some chokes that can be finicky with different ammunition types, this one maintained a high level of performance across a few different premium turkey loads. Its non-ported design also meant a very clean shot release, without the unpredictable blast or debris that ported chokes can sometimes produce.

In terms of meeting expectations, it not only met them but exceeded them, especially when considering its price point. For a sub-$60 choke tube, the performance rivaled that of much more expensive, custom-tuned options I’ve had the opportunity to test. The only minor weakness, if one can even call it that, is that its effectiveness is highly dependent on the ammunition it’s paired with; using sub-par loads will still result in sub-par patterns.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is a prime example of thoughtful, functional design. The choice of 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel gives it a substantial feel, conveying a sense of robust build quality that instills confidence. The finish is smooth, with no rough edges or machining marks, and the black coating is evenly applied and resistant to minor abrasions.

Ergonomically, the extended design is a standout feature. The knurled end provides an excellent grip for hand installation and removal, eliminating the need for a wrench in most situations. This makes field adjustments quick and easy, which is invaluable in a hunting scenario where time can be of the essence. The overall length is substantial enough to extend noticeably beyond the barrel, aiding in quick target acquisition and providing a visual cue of its presence.

Practical design elements include clear, albeit subtle, laser-etched markings indicating the manufacturer and constriction. These are visible without being overly flashy or distracting. The tight tolerances ensure a perfect fit within the shotgun’s receiver, preventing any movement or rattling that could affect accuracy.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extensive testing, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is built for the long haul. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction means it’s inherently resistant to wear and tear, corrosion, and deformation. I anticipate it will last for many seasons of rigorous use.

Maintenance is exceptionally straightforward. After each use, a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth and a light application of a gun cleaning solvent is usually enough to remove any powder residue or fouling. For deeper cleaning, it can be easily removed and submerged in solvent or cleaned with a bore brush. There are no complex parts or mechanisms that require intricate care.

I haven’t encountered any specific failure points during my usage. The primary concern with any choke tube over time would be thread wear or damage from improper installation, but the robust materials and precise machining of this Carlson’s model seem to mitigate these risks effectively. Ensuring it’s properly threaded and hand-tightened before each use is the most critical aspect of its longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 comes as a standalone component, meaning there are no specific accessories included in the package. Its primary function is to be fitted directly into a compatible Remington shotgun’s barrel. The main aspect of “customization” in this context relates to its compatibility with various ammunition types, which, as noted, it handles admirably with premium turkey loads.

For those looking to enhance their setup further, one might consider specialized choke tube wrenches for extremely stubborn installations, though they are rarely needed for this extended model. Additionally, investing in high-quality turkey hunting ammunition is paramount to unlocking the full potential of this choke tube. Some hunters might also choose to add a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating or similar surface treatments if they frequently hunt in extremely corrosive environments, though the inherent stainless steel composition of this Carlson’s model offers excellent protection.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670?

This choke tube is an ideal choice for serious turkey hunters who utilize Remington 12-gauge shotguns equipped with the Remington Choke system. If you frequently find yourself taking shots at 40 yards or beyond and demand tight, reliable patterns, this Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 will undoubtedly elevate your effectiveness. It’s perfect for hunters who appreciate well-engineered, durable gear that enhances their firearm’s capabilities without unnecessary complexity.

Conversely, this choke tube is not for the casual bird hunter or someone who primarily shoots smaller game at closer ranges. It is also unsuitable for those who own shotguns with different choke systems, such as Beretta’s Optima HP or Mossberg’s Accu-Choke. Those seeking a multi-purpose choke for various shooting disciplines should look at more versatile constrictions.

For those who decide to invest in this model, I highly recommend pairing it with premium turkey loads designed for maximum pellet energy and density at distance, such as those utilizing Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) or similar high-density payloads. Proper firearm cleaning and maintenance will also ensure its continued optimal performance season after season.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670

My experience with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a testament to how a well-designed, specialized component can significantly improve a firearm’s performance for a specific task. The combination of its precise 0.670 constriction, durable 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, and practical extended design makes it an indispensable tool for any dedicated turkey hunter using a compatible Remington shotgun.

The value proposition here is outstanding; for its modest price, the performance gains in pattern consistency and range are undeniable, easily rivaling offerings that cost twice as much. It has certainly earned a permanent place on my shotgun.

I would confidently recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .670 to any serious turkey hunter looking to wring the absolute best performance out of their Remington 12-gauge. If you’re striving for those longer shots and want to ensure a clean, ethical harvest, this choke tube is a smart, effective investment that will pay dividends in the field.