Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes Review

Exploring the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes: My Review

As someone who has spent over a decade navigating the demands of outdoor pursuits, workshop tinkering, laboratory precision, and rigorous fieldwork, I’ve developed a discerning eye for gear that performs. My search for an optimized turkey choke led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes. Designed for serious turkey hunters, this particular choke tube promises to deliver superior patterning at various ranges, a claim that piqued my interest immediately.

The need for this upgrade arose from a frustrating season where my existing setup simply wasn’t consistently producing the tight patterns required for those crucial long-range shots. I needed something that could reliably deliver a dense pattern of shot without excessive spread. While I considered a few other specialized turkey chokes from well-known brands, the specific constriction and ported design of Carlson’s offering stood out as potentially addressing my primary concern.

Upon receiving it, my initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering. The aircraft stainless steel construction felt robust, and the blue non-reflective finish added a professional touch. There was a sense of confidence that this wasn’t just another accessory, but a precision tool designed for a specific, demanding purpose.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing was conducted at a local outdoor range, specifically focusing on patterning with various premium turkey loads known for their performance. I mounted the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes into my Beretta Optima Plus system shotgun, ensuring a snug and secure fit. The installation was straightforward, requiring only the provided choke wrench.

During this first session, I fired several shots at distances ranging from 30 to 60 yards, using different brands and shot sizes. The performance was immediately noticeable. Patterns were remarkably consistent and tight, far exceeding what I had previously experienced. The ported design, which allows gases to escape, seemed to effectively reduce muzzle jump, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if necessary, though in turkey hunting, the first shot is paramount.

There were no immediate issues, but I did observe that the round hole ports on the choke tube are more pronounced than some other ported designs I’ve encountered. This wasn’t detrimental to performance but was a visual difference I noted. The choke threaded in smoothly, and the wrench engaged its flats without slipping.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of the last hunting season and through numerous practice sessions, this turkey choke has proven itself to be an indispensable part of my hunting kit. It has withstood the elements, including early morning dew, occasional rain showers, and the general grime that comes with field use. Each outing, it performed just as reliably as it did on that first day at the range.

Durability has been excellent. There are no signs of stress or damage to the aircraft stainless steel body, and the blue non-reflective finish has held up remarkably well, showing only minor scuffs from handling rather than significant wear. The internal machining remains smooth, which is crucial for consistent pellet release and minimal choke erosion.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick clean with a standard choke tube brush and some solvent after each use, followed by a light application of gun oil, keeps it in prime condition. There’s nothing particularly complicated about its care; it just requires the basic attention one would give to any firearm component. When compared to older, non-ported chokes I’ve used, the ease of cleaning and the consistent performance without noticeable degradation are significant advantages.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes are engineered with specific turkey hunting demands in mind. The choke system is designed for Beretta Optima Plus barrels, ensuring a precise fit for compatible shotguns. Its gauge is 12, making it suitable for a wide array of popular hunting loads.

The critical specification here is its 0.673 inch diameter, which classifies it as a “Super Full” constriction. This tight constriction is specifically bored to throw the most effective pattern at both short and long distances common in turkey hunting scenarios. The ported design is a key feature, featuring round hole ports that vent gases forward.

This venting action significantly reduces recoil and muzzle jump, which is a distinct advantage for hunters. The choke is manufactured from high-grade 17-4 Stainless Steel, a material known for its strength and corrosion resistance. This ensures longevity and consistent performance even under demanding conditions. It comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes excels. The 0.673-inch constriction combined with the specific internal boring truly optimizes pellet delivery. Whether I was shooting at 20 yards or 50 yards, the patterns remained impressively dense and uniform, with very few flyers observed.

The reduction in recoil and muzzle jump afforded by the ported design is not an exaggeration. It made a tangible difference in controlling the firearm, allowing for more confident aiming and quicker follow-up shots if needed. The choke consistently performs its job of constricting the shot column to achieve maximum effective range for turkey hunting.

Compared to generic or less specialized chokes, this model clearly exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. It delivers the kind of patterned performance that serious turkey hunters seek. The only slight drawback is that the porting, while effective, can increase the noise signature slightly.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction gives it a solid, premium feel. The blue non-reflective finish is practical, minimizing glare in the field and contributing to a stealthier profile.

Ergonomically, it’s a simple insert that functions within the shotgun’s barrel. Its interaction is entirely internal to the firearm once installed. The round hole ports are a distinctive design element that clearly signals its purpose. The overall build quality is excellent, feeling robust and precisely manufactured.

There’s no real “learning curve” to speak of beyond understanding how to properly install and remove a choke tube. The inclusion of a choke wrench is a thoughtful addition that ensures users can immediately begin using the product. The external knurling for hand-tightening is also effective, though I always prefer using the wrench for a secure fit.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes is built for durability. The 17-4 Stainless Steel is inherently resistant to wear and corrosion, meaning this choke tube is likely to last for many seasons of demanding use. I’ve experienced no signs of premature wear, such as pitting or stress fractures, even after repeated firing.

Maintenance is straightforward; a simple cleaning after each use is sufficient. The internal surfaces remain smooth, which helps prevent carbon buildup and pellet deformation. There are no complex parts to worry about; it’s a solid piece of machined metal.

Potential concerns are minimal. Like any choke tube, it’s important to ensure it’s properly seated and tightened before firing to prevent gas leakage or damage. The ported design might make it slightly more susceptible to fouling around the ports if not cleaned regularly, but this is a minor point compared to the overall robustness.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular model of choke tube comes with a key accessory: a choke wrench. This is essential for proper installation and removal, especially for users who may not have a set of choke tube wrenches readily available. It’s a practical addition that enhances immediate usability.

Customization options for choke tubes themselves are limited, as they are designed for specific firearm systems. However, this Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes is part of a broader line from Carlson’s, offering various constrictions and designs for different applications and firearms. For a Beretta Optima Plus system, this 0.673 Turkey choke is the specific, targeted option. Compatibility is strictly within the Beretta Optima Plus system.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes?

This choke tube is ideal for serious turkey hunters who own a shotgun equipped with the Beretta Optima Plus choke tube system. If you prioritize consistent, dense patterns at extended ranges and want to maximize your effectiveness in the field, this is an excellent choice. It’s for the hunter who understands the value of precision and is willing to invest in gear that offers a tangible performance advantage.

Those who should perhaps skip this product are individuals who do not own a Beretta firearm with the Optima Plus system, as it will not fit. Additionally, casual hunters who rarely take shots beyond 30 yards may find such a specialized choke to be overkill, though the recoil reduction is a universal benefit. For those using other shotgun brands or choke systems, you’ll need to look for a different model.

Complementary items that enhance its use would be premium turkey hunting ammunition known for its patterning qualities, such as high-velocity loads with specialized shot materials. A good quality scope or red dot sight can also help you leverage the tight patterns this choke provides.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Beretta Optima Plus .673 Ported Turkey Choke Tubes is a standout performer for its intended purpose. It delivers on its promise of optimized patterning and enhanced shooting dynamics, thanks to its precise 0.673-inch constriction and effective ported design. The robust 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures it will be a reliable part of your hunting kit for years to come.

Considering its performance benefits, the price of $58.49 represents excellent value for a specialized choke tube that can significantly improve your success rate during turkey season. It’s a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter seeking to maximize their shotgun’s potential. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any hunter with a compatible Beretta firearm who is looking for that critical edge in pattern density and shot placement.