Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full Review

Meet the Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full: First Thoughts

My quest for tighter patterns on the skeet field led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full. After years of relying on various chokes for different disciplines, I was specifically looking for an option that could deliver exceptionally dense shot strings for those challenging long-range sporting clays targets. This particular choke tube, from Carlson’s Choke Tubes, caught my eye due to its stated Extra Full constriction, designed for maximum pellet confinement.

I recall a specific clay pigeon shoot last fall where a particularly long, fast-crossing target eluded me. My standard improved cylinder choke just wasn’t delivering the necessary pattern density at that distance. This experience underscored the need for a more restrictive choke for certain scenarios.

Upon receiving the choke, my initial impression was positive. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction felt robust and well-machined. It has a clean, un-ported design, which is exactly what I expected for this type of choke.

I briefly considered other brands, but Carlson’s reputation for quality and consistency in choke tube manufacturing made them a strong contender. The American Arms system was also a key factor, as my shotgun uses this specific threading. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation, a familiar feeling before putting new gear through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing occurred at my local shooting range during a dedicated sporting clays session. I fitted the Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full to my American Arms 12-gauge shotgun, a process that was straightforward thanks to the familiar threading. I loaded up with a standard sporting clays load of 1-1/8 oz of #7.5 shot, a common choice for this discipline.

The choke performed admirably on the longer crossers and high incoming birds, delivering noticeably tighter patterns than my previous choke. I experienced no cycling issues or unusual recoil, and the stainless steel construction handled the typical range environment without any immediate signs of concern. The non-ported design meant a clean muzzle blast, which is always a plus.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months and numerous outings, this choke tube has proven its worth. It has been exposed to varying weather conditions, from damp mornings to dry, dusty afternoons, and it continues to function flawlessly. I’ve cleaned it after each significant outing, a process made easy by its simple design and 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel material, which resists fouling well.

Compared to some other aftermarket chokes I’ve used in the past, which sometimes developed slight looseness or required frequent re-tightening, this Carlson’s unit has remained consistently secure. I haven’t noticed any degradation in performance, meaning those tight patterns remain consistent shot after shot. The Extra Full constriction has been a reliable performer for those specific long-range targets that demand it.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is engineered with specific performance goals in mind. It features a 12-gauge bore designed for the American Arms choke tube system. The constriction is a tight Extra Full, which is intended to create the most compact pattern possible.

Constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, this material offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, crucial for a component exposed to the elements and repeated firing. Its diameter measures 0.68 inches, a specification that aligns with its Extra Full rating. The choke is non-ported, meaning it lacks vents to reduce recoil or muzzle jump, focusing solely on pattern density.

This choke tube is specifically designed for North American Arms shotguns that utilize the American Arms choke system. Each unit is sold individually, ensuring you can purchase precisely what you need. The stainless finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to its durability and ease of maintenance.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this choke tube is to deliver exceptionally tight shot patterns at extended ranges, and it absolutely excels in this regard. On the sporting clays course, targets that previously required a near-perfect hold were now more forgiving, thanks to the concentrated payload. The Extra Full constriction truly shines when engaging those distant, challenging clays.

Its strength lies in its ability to hold the shot column together for longer distances, significantly increasing hit probability on challenging shots. The main limitation, as with any Extra Full choke, is its reduced effectiveness at closer ranges; patterns can become too dense, leading to missed targets. This isn’t a flaw in the choke itself, but rather a characteristic of its intended purpose.

It more than meets expectations for its intended use, offering a noticeable improvement for those seeking maximum pattern density. For sporting clays enthusiasts facing long presentations, this choke is a game-changer.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is focused on pure functionality and durability. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel material provides a premium feel, suggesting it’s built to withstand rigorous use. Its stainless finish is smooth and consistent, contributing to its overall high-quality appearance.

From an ergonomic standpoint, once installed, it becomes an integrated part of the firearm. The non-ported design means no sharp edges or extra components to worry about snagging. The threading for the American Arms system is precise, ensuring it seats snugly and securely within the barrel.

The lack of external texturing for hand-tightening might require a choke wrench for adjustments, a minor point given its specialized nature. However, this also contributes to a cleaner look and reduces the chance of debris lodging in grip points.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction suggests excellent long-term durability. I anticipate this choke tube will last for many thousands of rounds under normal sporting clays conditions. There are no moving parts or complex mechanisms to fail.

Maintenance is straightforward: a simple cleaning with a solvent and a brush after shooting is sufficient. The stainless finish resists rust and corrosion, making it forgiving even if you miss a cleaning session occasionally. I have not encountered any signs of stress or wear, such as deformation or cracks, even after significant use.

The potential failure point for any choke tube is cross-threading during installation, but with proper care, this is easily avoided. The robust material choice minimizes concerns about breakage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is a single component; therefore, it does not come with additional accessories. The primary “customization” option for this specific model is its Extra Full constriction, tailored for long-range performance.

However, it’s worth noting that Carlson’s Choke Tubes offers a wide array of chokes in different constrictions and for various firearms. If a shooter finds the Extra Full too restrictive for certain courses or prefers a different pattern density, they can easily find compatible alternatives within the Carlson’s product line for the American Arms system. Compatibility with other brands is limited to shotguns specifically designed for the American Arms choke system.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full?

This choke tube is an excellent choice for experienced sporting clays shooters who frequently encounter long-range targets. If you consistently find yourself needing that extra bit of pattern density to break distant clays, this is the choke for you. It’s ideal for competitive shooters or dedicated enthusiasts who understand the nuances of choke constriction.

Those who shoot primarily at closer ranges, such as skeet or upland game hunting at moderate distances, should likely consider a less restrictive choke like a Modified or Improved Cylinder. This Extra Full choke is not designed for, and will likely perform poorly in, scenarios requiring wider patterns. It is also not suitable for firearms that do not utilize the American Arms choke tube system.

For optimal use, a good quality choke tube wrench is a wise investment. Additionally, understanding the specific shot size and load you use with this choke will help you fine-tune your expectations and success rate.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 12ga Sporting Clay Extra Full is a purpose-built tool that performs its intended function exceptionally well. Its 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction ensures durability, while the Extra Full constriction delivers the tightest possible patterns for those challenging long-range sporting clays presentations. While it demands a thoughtful approach to target distance and shot selection, its performance in its niche is undeniable.

At $55.49, the value proposition is strong for shooters who will consistently utilize its specialized capabilities. It offers a tangible performance upgrade for a specific aspect of the shooting sports. I would readily recommend this choke tube to any sporting clays shooter with an American Arms system who regularly faces long-distance targets and understands the implications of an Extra Full constriction. It’s a solid investment for serious clay enthusiasts.