Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665 Review

Getting My Hands on the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665

The pursuit of the perfect turkey load pattern has been a long and often frustrating journey for many waterfowl hunters, myself included. For years, I relied on a tried-and-true combination that worked, but I always felt there was room for improvement, especially at the longer ranges where a wise old gobbler can sometimes test your patience and your aim. This led me to seek out specialized equipment designed to optimize the synergy between modern ammunition and my shotgun. I considered custom-ported tubes and various fixed chokes, but none offered the specific design intent I was looking for. My first impression of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665 was one of robust craftsmanship; the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel felt substantial and the black finish was both professional and understated. It arrived with a simple but effective choke wrench, a welcome inclusion. The immediate feeling was one of quiet confidence, a promising precursor to what I hoped would be a more effective hunting season.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, specifically targeting paper silhouettes at various distances common for turkey hunting, ranging from 20 to 70 yards. I primarily used my trusted Remington shotgun, which utilizes the Pro Bore system, and paired the Carlson’s choke with Winchester’s Long Beard XR shotshells. The installation was straightforward, fitting snugly into the receiver with a satisfying click, and the included wrench made tightening a breeze. I immediately noticed a significant reduction in muzzle jump and a more consistent pattern with each shot fired. There were no surprises, no hang-ups; it simply performed as advertised from the very first pull of the trigger.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months and across multiple hunting trips, this specialized choke tube has proven its mettle. It’s become a permanent fixture on my primary turkey shotgun, handling the recoil of 3.5-inch magnum loads with impressive resilience. Even after being exposed to damp morning dew and the occasional dusty trail, the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel has shown no signs of corrosion or degradation. Cleaning is a simple affair; a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent, followed by a light wipe-down, keeps it in pristine condition. Compared to the generic turkey chokes I’ve used in the past, the tighter, more consistent patterns this Carlson’s tube produces at longer ranges have been a revelation, offering a tangible increase in confidence when faced with challenging shots.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665 is a turkey-specific choke tube engineered for 12-gauge shotguns with Remington Pro Bore systems. It features a precise 0.665 in diameter, which is critical for achieving tight patterns with modern turkey loads. Constructed from durable 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, it’s built to withstand the rigors of repeated firing and harsh outdoor conditions. The ported design helps to reduce muzzle climb and perceived recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if necessary. This particular model is designed for Remington firearms but is compatible with other brands utilizing the Remington Pro Bore system, ensuring broad applicability. It comes as a single unit with a helpful choke wrench included, making it ready for immediate use right out of the box.

Performance & Functionality

This specialized choke tube excels at its primary function: delivering exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with magnum turkey loads, particularly those designed for long-range performance like the Winchester Long Beard ammunition. The 0.665 in diameter is meticulously machined to constrict the shot column just enough to maintain integrity at extended distances. I’ve consistently observed significantly denser shot clouds on paper targets at 50 and 60 yards than I did with standard turkey chokes or even more generalized extended tubes. The ported design effectively mitigates muzzle jump, which is a significant benefit when you’re focused on a precise shot at a fleeting target. Its performance is truly a standout feature, directly contributing to increased downrange effectiveness and hunter confidence.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665 is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The black finish is non-reflective, which is important in the field to avoid spooking game. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction gives it a substantial feel, indicating robust build quality without being excessively heavy. Threading it into my Remington shotgun was smooth, with no cross-threading issues, and it seated perfectly. The knurled exterior at the end of the choke tube provides a good grip for installation and removal, even with slightly damp hands. The overall design prioritizes performance and durability, with no unnecessary embellishments, which I appreciate in equipment meant for serious use.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665 is built for longevity. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel is renowned for its strength and corrosion resistance, and after consistent use, I’ve seen no signs of wear, pitting, or structural compromise. Cleaning is straightforward; routine bore cleaning is sufficient, and the material resists fouling well. Unlike some ported chokes that can accumulate debris in their ports, these seem to shed residue effectively. I’ve even accidentally dropped it on a concrete floor during a hasty shotgun breakdown, and it emerged without a scratch or dent, reinforcing its robust nature. This choke tube feels like a permanent upgrade, not a disposable part.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665 is a simple yet effective choke wrench. This is a practical inclusion that ensures users can properly install and remove the choke without damaging the threads or the choke itself. While there aren’t extensive customization options for this specific turkey choke, its design is inherently optimized for certain ammunition types, particularly the Winchester Long Beard loads. Its compatibility with the Remington Pro Bore system means it can be used across multiple Remington shotgun models that share this platform, offering a degree of flexibility for shotgun owners.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665?

This choke tube is an absolute must-have for serious turkey hunters who are looking to maximize their effective range and pattern density. If you regularly hunt in open fields or situations where longer shots are common, and you utilize Winchester Long Beard or similar high-performance turkey ammunition, this is the choke for you. It’s ideal for hunters who have a Remington shotgun with the Pro Bore system and want a specialized, high-quality upgrade. Hunters who are frustrated with the wide patterns of standard chokes at 40+ yards will find this a game-changer.

However, if your hunting scenarios rarely involve shots beyond 30 yards, or if you prefer to use a variety of ammunition types rather than specializing in magnum turkey loads, this choke might be overkill. Shooters with shotguns that use different choke tube systems (like Beretta MobilChoke or Benelli Crio) will need to look for Carlson’s equivalents for their specific platform. Those who are primarily interested in clay sports or bird hunting might find the 0.665 in diameter too restrictive for their needs.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Tky, Rem Pro Bore 12ga .665 stands out as an exceptionally well-designed and effective piece of equipment for the dedicated turkey hunter. Its specialized nature, coupled with the high-quality 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction and the intelligent ported design, delivers on its promise of superior patterning and downrange performance when paired with appropriate ammunition. The $65.49 price point represents excellent value for the tangible increase in confidence and effectiveness it provides in the field, especially considering the precision engineering involved. For any hunter with a compatible Remington shotgun who aims to extend their effective range and put more pellets on target at longer distances, I wholeheartedly recommend this specialized choke tube. It’s not just an accessory; it’s an investment in more successful hunts.