What Makes the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655 Click?
For years, my pursuit of consistent, devastating patterns at range has led me down many paths, often involving trial and error with various shotgun modifications. This time, the quest for enhanced turkey hunting performance brought me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655. I was specifically looking for a choke tube that would tighten my shot string significantly without sacrificing pattern density at longer distances, a common challenge when chasing wary gobblers. The prospect of a dedicated turkey choke, machined from durable stainless steel and boasting a precise constriction, immediately caught my attention.
My previous experiences with choke tubes have varied wildly. Some have been a simple screw-in affair, offering minimal improvement, while others have been finicky and prone to loosening under recoil. I’d heard good things about Carlson’s reputation for producing reliable shooting accessories, and the advertised .655 constriction seemed a promising starting point for maximizing the effectiveness of modern turkey loads. The extended design also promised easier installation and removal, a welcome feature for anyone who has wrestled with flush-mounted chokes in the field.
Upon arrival, the choke tube presented a solid, no-nonsense impression. It felt substantial in hand, a testament to its 17-4 heat treated stainless steel construction. The matte black finish was even and free of blemishes, suggesting a high standard of manufacturing. I briefly considered a competitor’s ported model, but opted for the non-ported design, preferring a cleaner shot and less muzzle blast at the cost of any potential perceived recoil reduction from porting. My initial reaction was one of quiet satisfaction; this looked like a tool built for purpose, ready to perform.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655 to the Test
My primary testing ground for this choke tube was the local shooting range, specifically on a crisp autumn morning when the air was still enough for accurate pattern testing. I fitted the Carlson’s choke to my trusted Browning Maxus II, a shotgun known for its excellent fit and reliable function. Initial installation was a breeze; the extended design provided ample grip, and it threaded in smoothly with just finger pressure before a final snug with a choke wrench.
The real test began with a variety of popular turkey loads, ranging from 3-inch magnum shells packed with #5 shot to smaller, faster loads featuring #4 copper-plated shot. I patterned at distances of 30, 40, and 50 yards, focusing on consistency and the density of the shot pattern at each range. Conditions remained ideal throughout the session, with no significant wind or precipitation, allowing for a clear assessment of the choke’s performance.
One of the first things I noticed was the difference in sound; the blast felt more focused and less diffuse, as expected from a non-ported tube. When I pulled my first shots at 30 yards with a load of #5 shot, the pattern on the 18×24 inch paper target was impressively tight, with very few stray pellets outside a vital chest cavity area. This initial success was encouraging, as it met my expectations for a dedicated turkey choke.
First Use Experience
The first time I screwed the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655 into my shotgun, it felt remarkably secure. There was no wobble or looseness, and the knurled extension provided a confident grip. I intentionally chose a slightly damp morning for my initial range session, to see how the steel held up to environmental factors.
The choke threaded in with satisfying precision; it was a welcome change from some I’ve used that felt rough or required significant effort. My first few shots confirmed the expected tight pattern. It was immediately apparent that this choke tube was designed to excel at its intended purpose.
There were no immediate issues or surprises, just a solid, well-machined piece of equipment performing as advertised. This gave me a good feeling about its potential for longer-term use in more challenging field conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of the spring turkey season and several practice sessions, this choke tube has held up exceptionally well. I’ve subjected it to repeated firing with heavy turkey loads, exposure to dust and dirt from field use, and even a few accidental drops onto softer ground without any adverse effects. The 17-4 heat treated stainless steel is clearly robust, showing no signs of pitting or corrosion despite being cleaned less rigorously than I might have otherwise.
Cleaning this extended choke is straightforward. A quick flush with solvent and a bronze brush is usually sufficient to remove any carbon buildup. The extended portion makes it easy to get a good grip for cleaning and reapplication of choke tube lubricant, which I do after every few uses to ensure smooth operation.
Compared to some of the more expensive, custom-ported chokes I’ve used in the past, this Carlson’s offering punches well above its weight class. While it may lack the exotic porting of some premium options, its consistent and dense patterns are on par with, and in some cases, superior to, choke tubes costing significantly more. It has proven to be a reliable workhorse, consistently delivering the performance needed for ethical turkey hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655 is engineered with a specific goal in mind: to deliver the tightest, most lethal patterns possible for turkey hunting. Its design is focused on precision and durability, elements crucial for reliably taking down wary birds at extended ranges. The specifications reflect this, offering a tangible advantage in the field.
Specifications
At its core, this choke tube is defined by its Browning Invector Plus system compatibility, meaning it’s designed to fit a wide range of Browning shotguns. The 12-gauge designation is standard, but the crucial specification is the 0.655 inch diameter, which represents a very tight constriction for this gauge, specifically tuned for turkey hunting loads. This precise constriction forces shot pellets closer together, leading to denser patterns downrange.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, a material renowned for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand the immense pressures of modern shotgun shells. Its extended design protrudes slightly from the barrel, offering several practical benefits. This extension aids in easier installation and removal compared to flush-mounted chokes, and also allows for a longer internal taper, which can further enhance pattern performance.
Furthermore, the choke tube features a 1.050-inch parallel section, a design element that Carlson’s emphasizes for optimizing shot patterns. This parallel section is critical in controlling the shot column’s release from the muzzle, contributing to pattern uniformity. It is rated for use with Lead, Copper-plated, Nickel, Hevi-Shot, or Bismuth shot, offering flexibility with various ammunition types. The choke is also non-ported, meaning it lacks the vents found on some chokes, which can reduce muzzle blast and perceived recoil. This simplicity in design contributes to its straightforward performance.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of a turkey choke is to create a dense, lethal pattern at ranges exceeding 40 yards, and the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655 excels at this. In testing, it consistently produced incredibly tight patterns with magnum turkey loads. At 40 yards, I observed significantly fewer flyers and a much higher concentration of pellets within the vital zone of a turkey silhouette compared to standard field chokes.
One of the standout strengths is its consistency. Every time I loaded and fired a particular turkey load, the pattern was remarkably similar, instilling confidence in its reliability. The extended, non-ported design seems to work in perfect harmony with heavier, faster turkey loads.
A minor weakness, though not a functional flaw, is that with lighter loads or smaller shot sizes, the pattern might become too tight for some applications, potentially leading to a narrower effective kill zone if the shot is not perfectly placed. However, for its intended purpose of turkey hunting with specialized loads, this is not a detractor but rather a testament to its effective constriction. It easily meets and exceeds expectations for a choke tube in its price bracket.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this choke tube is all about function. The extended body not only aids in grip for installation and removal but also provides a visual cue of its presence outside the barrel, making it easy to identify the choke being used. The knurling on the extension is aggressive enough to provide a secure grip, even with cold or gloved hands, a crucial detail for hunters in challenging environments.
The matte black finish is practical, reducing glare in the field. Machining tolerances are visibly tight; the choke threads in smoothly, without any grittiness or binding, which is essential for ensuring consistent performance and preventing damage to the shotgun’s barrel threads. While ergonomics are less critical for a bolt-on accessory like a choke tube compared to a firearm itself, the thoughtful design of the extension makes it user-friendly. There is no real learning curve; it’s a direct replacement part that works right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 heat treated stainless steel construction of this choke tube suggests excellent long-term durability. After extensive use throughout a hunting season and multiple range sessions, it shows no signs of wear, such as cracking, deformation, or loss of constriction. The material is inherently resistant to the stresses of repeated firing and the corrosive elements often encountered in outdoor pursuits.
Maintenance is minimal, which is a significant advantage. Regular cleaning with a good choke tube solvent and a brush is sufficient to remove fouling. It’s important to apply a light coat of choke tube lubricant to the threads before installation to prevent seizing, especially if the choke will be left in place for extended periods or exposed to harsh weather. Potential failure points are virtually non-existent with this type of robust construction, barring extreme abuse or misuse.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655 itself is the primary component, and as such, it doesn’t come with a host of accessories. However, its compatibility with the Browning Invector Plus system means it integrates seamlessly with any shotgun designed for that system. This broad compatibility is a significant advantage, allowing users with various Browning models to benefit from its performance.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke tube itself (beyond selecting the correct constriction for your needs), Carlson’s does offer a range of complementary products. Their choke tube wrenches are essential for proper installation and removal, especially if the tube becomes tight due to fouling or infrequent removal. They also offer other choke tube models, allowing users to experiment with different constrictions or designs for various shooting disciplines.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers incredibly tight and consistent patterns with turkey loads, maximizing effectiveness at longer ranges.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, it is built to withstand heavy use and resist corrosion.
- Extended Design for Ease of Use: The extended portion provides a better grip for quick installation, removal, and visual identification.
- Excellent Value: Offers high-end performance comparable to more expensive options at a more accessible price point.
- Broad Ammunition Compatibility: Works effectively with a wide range of shot types including Lead, Copper-plated, Nickel, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth.
Cons
- Potentially Too Tight for Some Loads: With lighter game loads or smaller shot sizes, the extreme constriction may result in an overly tight pattern, reducing the margin for error.
- No Porting: While beneficial for pattern density, the lack of ports means no reduction in muzzle blast or perceived recoil from porting.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655?
This choke tube is an ideal choice for serious turkey hunters who use shotguns compatible with the Browning Invector Plus system and are looking to maximize the lethal range and effectiveness of their chosen ammunition. If you prioritize tight, consistent patterns at 40 yards and beyond, and want a durable, reliable choke that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent option. It’s perfect for those who want a dedicated turkey choke that performs exceptionally well without unnecessary complexity.
Conversely, those who primarily hunt birds at very close ranges or use lighter loads for small game might find this choke to be excessively tight. If your shotgun does not utilize the Browning Invector Plus system, this choke tube will not be compatible. For shooters seeking recoil reduction through ported designs, this non-ported model would not meet that specific need.
For optimal use, I highly recommend pairing this choke with high-quality turkey loads specifically designed for tight patterning. A good choke tube wrench is also a wise investment to ensure proper installation and prevent potential seizing. Finally, practicing with your chosen ammunition at various ranges using this choke is crucial to fully understand its performance envelope.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 12ga Extended Turkey .655 is a standout performer that delivers on its promise of enhanced turkey hunting effectiveness. Its robust 17-4 stainless steel construction, precise 0.655-inch constriction, and thoughtful extended design combine to create a choke tube that is both durable and highly functional. The consistency and density of the patterns it produces at extended ranges are truly impressive, providing a significant confidence boost when heading afield.
Considering its performance, build quality, and reasonable price point of $52.49, this choke tube offers exceptional value. It consistently rivals or surpasses the performance of choke tubes costing considerably more. For any hunter who uses a Browning Invector Plus-compatible shotgun and is serious about maximizing their success on turkeys, this choke is an easy recommendation. It’s a well-engineered, reliable tool that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve outstanding results in the field.