Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes Review

My Journey with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes

The pursuit of the perfect turkey load often leads down a rabbit hole of shot sizes, powder compositions, and, crucially, choke constriction. For my trusty Remington 20 gauge, I’d been experimenting with various loads, but my patterns, while decent, felt like they were leaving birds on the table at those critical 40-yard distances. I needed a choke tube that was specifically engineered for the demands of turkey hunting, something that would optimize the dense, tight patterns required for a clean harvest. After some research, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes caught my eye, promising enhanced performance for dedicated turkey hunters. It was a departure from the standard flush-mount chokes I’d used previously, and the extended design hinted at greater control and pattern density. My initial impression upon holding it was positive; the 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel felt robust and substantial, a far cry from flimsier alternatives I’d seen. I had considered a few other brands, but Carlson’s reputation for specialized choke tubes, especially for turkey hunting, swayed me. This felt like a significant step up, and I was eager to see if it would translate into better field results.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, specifically on a crisp autumn morning with a light breeze. I fitted the Carlson’s choke tube into my Remington 20 gauge, using a standard choke wrench, which was a straightforward process. The extended design made it easy to grip and tighten securely. I began with my go-to Hevi-13 #7 loads, firing at a pattern paper target set at 40 yards. The results were immediately apparent: the pattern was remarkably dense, with far fewer flyers than I’d experienced with my previous choke. The extended portion of the choke tube extended about an inch beyond the barrel, offering a visual reference that was surprisingly helpful for consistent sight alignment. After several shots with different turkey loads, including some with larger shot sizes like #6, the consistency was impressive, and I experienced no issues with cycling or ejection.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of the fall turkey season and into early spring scouting, this extended turkey choke has become a permanent fixture on my 20 gauge. I’ve put it through its paces in various weather conditions, from damp mornings where dew clung to everything to dry, dusty shooting sessions. The matte blue finish has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of significant wear or corrosion despite repeated exposure. Cleaning is as simple as a quick brush and wipe-down of the barrel and the choke itself, a task that takes mere minutes. Compared to some other aftermarket chokes I’ve used in the past, which sometimes required more meticulous care to maintain their performance, this Carlson’s offering has been remarkably low-maintenance. It continues to deliver tight, consistent patterns, proving its reliability and the quality of its construction.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes are meticulously crafted from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, a material chosen for its exceptional strength and resistance to the pressures of modern, heavily buffered turkey loads. This robust construction is critical for ensuring the longevity and consistent performance of the choke. The choke is designed with a specific constriction, often around .565 inches for the Remington 20 gauge model, though variations may exist, and this precise sizing is key to achieving the tight patterns required for turkey hunting. Its extended design, protruding approximately one inch from the barrel, aids in easier installation and removal, as well as providing a visual reference point for shooters. The non-ported nature of this choke tube means it is optimized purely for pattern density and constriction, rather than ported designs which can sometimes alter gas flow.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this choke tube is to deliver exceptionally tight and dense patterns, and in this regard, it excels. It is specifically engineered to work with copper-plated and buffered lead turkey shotshells, maximizing the effectiveness of these specialized loads. The design focuses on creating “axial turbulence,” a concept that aims to minimize pellet deformation and create the smallest possible void in the center of the pattern. This results in a more uniform distribution of shot, especially at longer ranges, which is precisely what a turkey hunter needs. While the product description notes its effectiveness with lighter turkey loads, my personal experience with Hevi-13 #7s and #6s confirmed its ability to tighten patterns significantly compared to standard turkey chokes. The tighter constriction, achieved through a shorter parallel section than conventional chokes, squeezes the shot column efficiently.

Design & Ergonomics

The extended design of this turkey choke is not merely for aesthetics; it offers tangible ergonomic benefits. The extra inch of length provides a secure grip for installation and removal, often eliminating the need for a choke wrench for routine changes. Its matte blue finish not only looks sharp but also reduces glare in the field, a subtle but appreciated detail for hunters. The overall construction feels solid, with precise machining evident in the threads and the smooth interior of the choke tube. While it doesn’t feature any complex ergonomic grips, its straightforward, functional design is its strength. The absence of ports contributes to a cleaner look and potentially less noise, though the primary ergonomic advantage is the ease of handling.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction is a testament to the durability of this choke tube. After numerous hunts and range sessions, it has shown no signs of pitting, cracking, or deformation, even when subjected to the punishing recoil of heavy turkey loads. Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a quick clean with a bore snake and a light application of gun oil after each use is sufficient to keep it in pristine condition. Unlike some chokes that can become difficult to remove due to carbon buildup, the smooth finish and quality materials of this Carlson’s model ensure it remains easy to service. Its robust build suggests a long service life, making it a reliable component for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes, is primarily a standalone component designed to fit specific shotgun models. It does not typically come with additional accessories, as its function is singular: to be a replacement or upgrade for an existing choke tube. However, it is designed to be compatible with standard choke tube systems, specifically the Remington Choke system for 20 gauge shotguns. While Carlson’s does offer other choke tubes and related accessories in their product line, this model itself focuses on delivering its specialized performance without extraneous parts. Its customization comes in the form of selecting the correct constriction for one’s specific needs and ammunition, rather than modifying the choke itself.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes?

This choke tube is an excellent choice for serious turkey hunters who utilize a Remington 20 gauge shotgun and are looking to maximize their effectiveness at extended ranges. If you consistently hunt gobblers in open fields or at the edges of woodlots where a 40-yard shot is common, this choke will provide the pattern density needed for clean kills. It’s ideal for those who have experimented with various turkey loads and now want to optimize their shotgun’s performance with a specialized choke. Shooters who appreciate the ease of use of an extended choke and the confidence that comes with a robust, high-quality firearm accessory will find this model particularly appealing.

Those who primarily hunt smaller game like squirrels or rabbits, or who use their 20 gauge for clays or general upland bird hunting, might find this specialized turkey choke too restrictive for their needs. If you are looking for a versatile, all-purpose choke, you would be better served by a different constriction or a more generalized pattern master choke. For those with non-Remington choke systems, this specific model will not fit. If ease of installation and removal without tools is a paramount concern, ensure your Remington model uses the standard Remington thread pattern that this choke is designed for.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20 Gauge Extended Turkey Choke Tubes is, without a doubt, a superb upgrade for any Remington 20 gauge owner dedicated to the art of turkey hunting. It consistently delivers on its promise of tighter, denser patterns, translating directly into increased confidence and effectiveness in the field. The 17-4 stainless steel construction speaks to its durability, promising years of reliable service, while the extended design adds a welcome layer of convenience. For its specialized purpose, the performance it offers justifies its price point, making it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to anyone looking to wring the absolute most performance out of their 20 gauge for chasing gobblers.