Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey Review

This is What Happened When I Used the Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey

My pursuit of more consistent patterns from my 20-gauge American Arms shotgun led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey. For years, I’d been getting by with standard chokes, but as I focused on longer shots and tighter patterns for turkey hunting, I knew it was time for an upgrade. The manufacturer, Carlson’s Choke Tubes, has a solid reputation, and this particular model promised enhanced performance for a specific application.

The catalyst for this purchase was a frustrating morning in the field last spring. I had a mature gobbler at what should have been a chip shot, but my spread was just a little too wide, and the shot didn’t perform as I’d hoped. It was a clear sign that my existing choke was a limiting factor, especially when precision was paramount.

My initial impression upon receiving the choke was positive. It has a robust feel, indicative of its 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction. The matte black finish is understated and practical, avoiding any glare. I briefly considered a competitor’s offering but opted for Carlson’s due to their established track record with turkey chokes and the specific fit for my American Arms platform.

The moment I held it, there was a sense of quiet confidence, a feeling that this small piece of engineering could make a tangible difference in my next hunt. It’s a simple component, but one that demands absolute reliability.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey on my American Arms 20-gauge shotgun immediately upon arrival. My first testing ground was the local skeet and trap range, though not for its intended purpose, it served as an initial function and fit test. I then took it to a private range equipped with a 50-yard target setup, specifically for pattern testing with various turkey loads.

During these initial range sessions, the choke performed flawlessly. It screwed in smoothly, without any binding or cross-threading. The extended design made it easy to grip for installation and removal, a practical advantage over flush-mount chokes. I experienced no issues with its fit or function on the first outing, which is always a good sign.

Even after a couple of hours of shooting and repeated installations, the choke remained secure. The extended portion also provided a quick visual indicator of choke presence without needing to disassemble the firearm. This early experience was promising, offering a glimpse into its potential effectiveness.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of the following turkey season, this choke tube saw considerable use. It was mounted on my shotgun for numerous early morning hunts, enduring dew, damp ground, and the occasional brush against foliage. Despite exposure to these conditions, there was no noticeable degradation in its performance or appearance.

The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction proved its worth, resisting any signs of rust or corrosion. The internal bore remained smooth, and there was no buildup of fouling that impacted pellet delivery. Maintenance was straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cleaning cloth after each outing was sufficient.

Compared to other chokes I’ve used, this Carlson’s model felt more robust. It didn’t exhibit the slight loosening that some chokes can develop after numerous shots. It consistently delivered tight patterns, which translated into more confident shots at longer distances. The reliability it offered allowed me to focus on the hunt rather than worrying about equipment malfunction.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey is designed for 20-gauge shotguns utilizing the American Arms choke tube system. Its construction features 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material chosen for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, crucial for longevity and consistent performance. This choke is specifically optimized for turkey hunting, featuring a 0.575 in diameter.

This Turkey choke type is non-ported, which means it doesn’t have vents designed to reduce recoil or muzzle jump. For turkey hunting, this is often preferred as ports can sometimes disrupt shot patterns or create unwanted noise. The black finish provides a non-reflective surface, which is important in the field to avoid startling game.

The Extended design protrudes about an inch from the barrel, offering several practical benefits. It provides a better grip for installation and removal and allows for a quick visual confirmation of the choke’s presence. This specific choke is manufactured in the USA, reflecting a commitment to domestic production.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey is to tighten shot patterns for effective hunting at range, and it excels in this regard. During my testing with various premium turkey loads, the patterns consistently held together significantly better than with more open chokes. Shots that would have been borderline with my old choke were now clean kills.

The 0.575 in constriction provides an impressive level of pattern density at 40 and 50 yards. This means more pellets reach the vital zone of a turkey, increasing the probability of a humane harvest. The non-ported design ensures that the gas and shot stream are directed forward without disruption, contributing to these tight patterns.

The choke’s performance is directly tied to its specialized design for turkey hunting. While it wouldn’t be ideal for skeet or other clay sports, for its intended purpose, it performs exceptionally well. It consistently delivers on the promise of tighter, more lethal patterns, exceeding expectations for its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey is all about function. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel material gives it a reassuring heft and solidity. The exterior is finished in a matte black, which is both practical for hunting and aesthetically pleasing without being flashy.

The Extended design is a key ergonomic feature. It extends about an inch past the barrel’s muzzle, providing a substantial grip area. This makes screwing and unscrewing the choke a simple task, even with cold hands or while wearing gloves in the field.

There are no complex mechanisms or buttons, just a precisely machined piece of steel. The threads are smooth, ensuring an easy and secure fit into the shotgun’s receiver. Its straightforward, robust design means there’s little to go wrong, a critical factor for any piece of hunting equipment.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a strong suit of this choke tube, thanks to its 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction. After extensive use during hunting season and numerous range sessions, it shows no signs of wear, damage, or performance degradation. The material is inherently resistant to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a cleaning cloth after exposure to moisture or dirt is generally sufficient. The internal bore remains clean with regular cleaning of the shotgun barrel itself. The choke tube system is designed for longevity, and this model appears built to last for many seasons of hard use.

Potential failure points are virtually non-existent with such a solid component. The threading is robust and unlikely to strip with proper installation and removal. This is a tool that you can depend on, requiring little in the way of special care or attention beyond standard firearm upkeep.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey is a standalone component; it does not typically come with additional accessories. Its primary “customization” lies in its specific design for American Arms 20-gauge shotguns and its Turkey choke designation. It is compatible with other Carlson’s Choke Tubes products if you were to seek different constrictions or patterns for other shooting disciplines, provided they use the same American Arms choke system.

While no specific accessories are included or inherently required, ensuring you have a quality choke tube wrench or a suitable tool for installation and removal can be helpful, especially in the field. However, due to its Extended nature, it can usually be manipulated by hand. The focus here is on the choke itself as the functional upgrade, rather than a system with numerous add-ons.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey?

This choke tube is an excellent choice for any owner of an American Arms 20-gauge shotgun who is serious about turkey hunting. If you find yourself taking shots at longer distances or want to maximize the lethal effectiveness of your loads, this is a worthwhile upgrade. It’s designed for the hunter who values precision and reliability when it counts the most.

Those who should probably skip this choke are individuals who do not own an American Arms 20-gauge shotgun or those who do not primarily hunt turkeys. If you’re looking for a general-purpose choke for various clay games or small game hunting, a more open constriction or a variable choke might be a better fit. This component is purpose-built, and its specialization is its strength.

For those who do purchase this choke, ensure you also have a good supply of high-quality turkey ammunition. The choke will enhance your loads, but the quality of the shot itself is paramount. A reliable shotgun cleaning kit is also essential to maintain the smooth bore required for optimal performance.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes American Arms 20ga Ext Turkey has proven to be a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. Its robust construction, precise engineering, and significant impact on pattern density make it a standout product for its intended application. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel build ensures it will last for many seasons, providing consistent performance year after year.

For its price point of $58.49, the value delivered is considerable. It offers a tangible improvement in shooting performance that can directly translate to more successful hunts. While its specialization means it’s not a do-it-all choke, for the dedicated turkey hunter with an American Arms 20-gauge, it is an exceptional tool.

I would absolutely recommend this choke tube to any hunter fitting that specific description. It’s a straightforward, effective upgrade that delivers on its promise, allowing you to engage targets with greater confidence and precision. If you’re looking to wring the most performance out of your 20-gauge for turkey season, this Carlson’s choke is a smart and reliable choice.