Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: Review

Worth the Money? My Take on the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:

After over a decade spent wrangling gear in everything from sterile labs to dusty workshops and rugged fields, I’ve learned that sometimes, the smallest components make the biggest difference. That’s precisely why I found myself needing to upgrade the choke tubes on my trusty Remington shotgun. Specifically, I was looking for a reliable set designed for enhanced shot dispersion at mid-to-long ranges, and after some digging, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: quickly rose to the top of my list. This pack promises improved patterns for those critical shots, and given my experience, I was keen to see if it lived up to the Black Cloud name. My previous set, while functional, was showing its age and lacked the specialized performance I now require for certain hunting scenarios. This two-pack offered a focused solution for two distinct range needs, a practical approach for any serious waterfowl or upland hunter. The initial impression upon holding these choke tubes was one of solid craftsmanship; the titanium coating felt substantial, and the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction hinted at durability. I briefly considered a single, more expensive aftermarket option, but the versatility offered by a paired MR and LR set from a reputable brand like Carlson’s felt like a more sensible investment for my needs. There was an immediate sense of satisfaction in knowing I had a tangible upgrade ready to go.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were the familiar confines of my local outdoor range, specifically designed for shotgun patterning. I fitted the Mid Range (MR) choke tube first, as it’s the more common scenario for my typical hunting distances. The Remington Pro Bore system made installation straightforward; it threaded in smoothly with a satisfyingly snug fit, a far cry from some finicky aftermarket tubes I’ve dealt with in the past. I chose a variety of common waterfowl loads, including some popular buffered steel shot rounds, to gauge performance. Even with repeated firing, the choke held its zero and showed no signs of loosening.

The first few patterns were promising. The MR tube delivered a noticeably tighter and more uniform pellet distribution within the target zone compared to my old standard choke. This provided a good degree of confidence for those shots just beyond easy range. Switching to the Long Range (LR) tube for extended distance practice revealed its specific advantage. The patterns remained remarkably consistent, maintaining energy and pellet density further out than I typically achieve. There was a slight learning curve in adjusting my aim point for the tighter LR patterns, but the results were well worth the minor adjustment.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks have turned into a couple of hunting seasons since I first installed these tubes, and they’ve proven their mettle. I’ve taken them through damp morning hunts, dusty late-season field excursions, and countless practice sessions. The titanium coating has largely resisted superficial scratches and abrasions, which is impressive considering how many times I’ve perhaps fumbled them in and out of my gear bag. They’ve been exposed to rain, mud, and general grime without any noticeable degradation in performance or function.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a brass brush and a CLP wipe is usually sufficient. I haven’t encountered any rust or corrosion, a testament to the quality of the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction and the protective coating. When compared to a set of generic chokes I used years ago, which started to seize up after just a season, these Carlson’s tubes feel like a significant upgrade in terms of longevity and ease of maintenance. They haven’t required any re-tightening or special attention beyond routine cleaning, which is exactly what you want from critical firearm components.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:

Specifications

This Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: is engineered for performance and longevity. The pack includes two specialized choke tubes: one Mid Range (MR) and one Long Range (LR). Both are constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a robust material known for its strength and corrosion resistance. This is further enhanced by a durable titanium coating, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides an extra layer of protection against wear and the elements.

The choke tubes are designed specifically for the Remington Pro Bore system, ensuring a precise fit and seamless integration with compatible Remington shotguns. The diameters are listed as 0.705 in for the MR and 0.715 in for the LR. These specific measurements are crucial for achieving the intended constriction and pattern density for their respective ranges. Importantly, these are non-ported tubes, which can lead to a slightly more predictable recoil impulse and less muzzle blast compared to ported designs. The pack also comes with a choke wrench, a necessary accessory for easy installation and removal.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of pure performance, these choke tubes deliver on their promise. The Mid Range (MR) tube excels at creating dense, uniform patterns at typical shooting distances for waterfowl or flushing game. It strikes an excellent balance between constriction and pellet spread, allowing for effective hits without excessively tight patterns that might miss if the shot is slightly off. This is where I found the most significant improvement over my previous choke.

The Long Range (LR) tube is a dedicated performer for those longer shots. It constricts the pattern even further, maintaining pellet energy and density at distances where standard chokes would produce widely scattered, ineffective patterns. While it requires more precision from the shooter, the results are undeniably effective for extreme range scenarios. Both tubes are non-ported, contributing to a cleaner shooting experience with less perceived muzzle blast. They consistently perform well with a variety of steel, bismuth, and lead loads, demonstrating their versatility.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these choke tubes is focused on functionality and durability. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel provides a solid foundation, while the titanium coating offers a slick, hard surface that resists damage. The exterior features subtle knurling near the breech end, providing just enough grip for hand-tightening, though the included choke wrench is essential for proper installation and removal.

The internal taper of each tube is meticulously crafted to achieve the specific Mid Range and Long Range constrictions. This internal geometry is key to how they shape the shot cloud. The fact that they are non-ported simplifies their design, reducing potential points of failure or noise. Overall, the build quality feels robust and precisely machined, giving you confidence that they’ll withstand the rigors of regular use.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: are built for the long haul. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel coupled with the titanium coating offers excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. I’ve subjected them to less-than-ideal conditions without any signs of rust or pitting.

Maintenance is thankfully minimal. A simple cleaning with a choke tube brush and a light application of gun oil after each use is generally sufficient. The smooth internal finish of the tubes also aids in shedding fouling, making them easier to clean than some rougher bores I’ve encountered. Their non-ported design also means fewer nooks and crannies for carbon buildup. I anticipate these tubes will last for many seasons to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product comes as a 2 Pack, which is itself a significant value proposition, offering two distinct performance chokes. The primary accessory included is a choke wrench, which is indispensable for safely and easily installing and removing the tubes without damaging the receiver threads or the tubes themselves.

Beyond the included wrench, Carlson’s offers a wide range of other choke tubes and related accessories for various shotgun systems. However, this specific Remington Pro Bore set is designed to be used as-is. There aren’t really “customization options” for the tubes themselves in terms of modifying their constriction, as they are factory-set for specific performance roles. The focus here is on selecting the right pre-configured tube for the job.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:?

This Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: is an excellent choice for dedicated waterfowl and upland bird hunters who use compatible Remington shotguns. If you frequently find yourself taking shots at mid-to-long distances and want to improve the consistency and effectiveness of your patterns, these tubes are a worthwhile investment. They are particularly suited for shooters who appreciate well-engineered components that offer tangible performance benefits in the field.

However, if you own a shotgun with a different choke system, or if you primarily shoot at very close range where a more open choke is preferred, this specific set might not be the ideal fit. Shooters who demand extreme portability might also find carrying two tubes less convenient than a single, all-purpose choke, although the performance gain generally outweighs this minor inconvenience. For those using compatible Remington models, I’d recommend ensuring you have a quality bore cleaner and perhaps a small pouch or case to keep these specialized tubes protected when not in use.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR:

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Black Cloud Remington Pro Bore 12ga 2 Pack, MR & LR: represents a significant step up for any Remington shotgun owner looking to optimize their shooting performance. The combination of robust materials like 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel and a durable titanium coating ensures these tubes will endure season after season. Their specialized constrictions for Mid Range and Long Range applications deliver noticeably tighter and more effective patterns, crucial for bringing down game reliably.

At $120.99 for the 2 Pack, the value proposition is strong, offering specialized performance that rivals much more expensive single-tube options. I would confidently recommend this pack to any serious hunter with a Remington Pro Bore shotgun who wants to maximize their effectiveness at various ranges. It’s a practical, performance-driven upgrade that truly makes a difference in the field.