Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 Review

Putting the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 Through Its Paces

For any serious turkey hunter, the right choke tube isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a critical component that can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. My quest for consistent, tight patterns at extended ranges led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640. With over a decade of experience putting gear through its paces in varied environments, from dusty workshops to remote fields, I approached this choke with a critical eye, seeking reliability and performance. The specific need arose from a desire to push the effective range of my Remington 12-gauge, particularly for those longer shots presented by wary gobblers. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction felt robust, and the matte blue finish exuded a professional look. While I briefly considered a generic extended choke, the specificity of Carlson’s “Turkey .640” designation for this gauge and system promised a more tailored performance. A sense of anticipation, tempered with a healthy dose of practical skepticism, accompanied its first installation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 was a local shooting range and several turkey hunting excursions in the Tennessee woods. I mounted it in my reliable Remington 870, a firearm that has seen countless days in the field. The initial installation was straightforward, threading in smoothly and seating flush. My first shots were with 3-inch #4 buckshot, and the patterns were remarkably consistent and tight at 40 yards. The extended design provided a slight visual cue that aided in aiming.

The performance in the field was even more telling. During a crisp spring morning hunt, a mature tom presented a challenging 50-yard shot. The Carlson’s choke delivered, resulting in a clean harvest, a testament to its pattern density and uniformity. I experienced no issues with jamming or debris affecting its performance, even after spending a damp morning in the blind. It handled various loads, including Hevi-Shot and Copper-Plated Lead, with predictable and effective results, living up to its promise of throwing larger, more concentric patterns.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and numerous hunts, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 has proven to be exceptionally durable. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel has shown no signs of significant wear, even after being repeatedly removed and reinstalled. I’ve encountered no corrosion, despite exposure to rain and humidity, and the matte blue finish remains intact. Cleaning is as simple as any other choke tube; a quick wipe-down with a bore snake and a light application of gun oil keeps it in pristine condition.

Compared to a standard flush-mount choke I previously used for turkey hunting, this extended model offers a noticeable improvement in pattern control and consistency at longer distances. It also outperforms some other aftermarket extended chokes I’ve tried that didn’t seem to specialize in turkey hunting loads. The consistent performance over an extended period reinforces my confidence in Carlson’s manufacturing quality. It has become my go-to choke for all my turkey hunting endeavors, reliably performing season after season.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 is meticulously crafted from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, a material known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity and reliability in harsh conditions. This choke tube features a .640 constriction diameter, which is specifically engineered to produce a larger, more concentric pattern ideal for turkey hunting. It extends approximately one inch from the barrel’s end, facilitating easier removal and installation, and offering a visual aid for aiming.

The choke system is designed for Remington shotguns, ensuring a proper fit and function with compatible models. Its matte blue finish not only provides a stealthy appearance but also contributes to its durability. This choke is designed for use with lead, copper-plated nickel, or bismuth shot, and it is crucial to adhere to these ammunition restrictions for optimal performance and to prevent damage to the choke. The non-ported design means it won’t interfere with the sound or recoil perception of your shots, maintaining a clean shooting experience.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 is to deliver tight, effective patterns at turkey hunting ranges, and it excels in this regard. The .640 constriction is precisely calibrated to optimize shot string energy and pattern density for magnum turkey loads. When using quality ammunition such as Hevi-Shot or copper-plated lead, I’ve consistently observed exceptionally dense patterns at ranges of 40 to 60 yards.

The choke’s strength lies in its ability to throw a larger, more concentric pattern compared to standard chokes or even some other specialized turkey chokes. This translates to a higher probability of hitting vital areas on a gobbler at longer distances. While it is designed for specific shot types, when used as intended, its performance is outstanding, meeting and often exceeding expectations for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is both functional and practical, reflecting Carlson’s focus on user experience. The extended design is a significant ergonomic advantage, allowing for a sure grip and easy hand-tightening or removal, even with cold or gloved hands. The matte blue finish contributes to a non-reflective, tactical appearance, which is beneficial for hunting.

The overall build quality is evident in the precise threading and the substantial feel of the 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. There is no perceptible wobble or looseness when properly installed. The absence of ports means a cleaner line of sight and less potential for gas blow-by to affect your view or contribute to muzzle blast, which is a welcome design choice for a hunting-specific product.

Durability & Maintenance

Built from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 is engineered for exceptional durability. I’ve subjected it to numerous hunting trips, including exposure to damp conditions and the occasional bump against my shotgun’s barrel, with no adverse effects. The material is highly resistant to wear, corrosion, and stress, ensuring it will withstand the pressures of repeated firing with magnum loads.

Maintenance is minimal, which is a significant advantage for a hunting tool. A simple cleaning after each use with standard gun cleaning supplies is sufficient. It’s important to avoid using steel shot or steel-shot compatible chokes, as this can damage the choke. By adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended ammunition types, users can expect this choke tube to provide reliable service for many years, potentially a lifetime, of hunting.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 is a single component, and as such, it does not typically come with additional accessories. Its customization lies in its specific application: being a turkey choke designed for Remington 12-gauge shotguns. Carlson’s does offer a range of choke tubes for different gauges, firearm makes, and constriction types, allowing users to select the best option for their specific needs.

However, the crucial element of “customization” for this choke tube is the ammunition selection. The product details explicitly state the use of Lead, Copperplated Nickel, or Bismuth shot. Using prohibited shot types, such as steel shot, would be detrimental and could be considered a misuse that voids any performance expectations and potentially damages the choke.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640?

This choke tube is an excellent choice for dedicated turkey hunters using Remington 12-gauge shotguns who prioritize consistent, long-range effectiveness. If you regularly hunt pressured birds that require precise shots beyond 40 yards, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 will significantly enhance your accuracy. It is particularly beneficial for those who utilize magnum turkey loads containing Hevi-Shot or premium lead and bismuth pellets.

Those who should likely skip this product are hunters using shotguns other than Remington 12-gauge, or those who plan to use steel shot, as this is explicitly forbidden and will damage the choke. Additionally, if you primarily hunt smaller game or engage in waterfowl hunting where steel shot is mandated, this specialized turkey choke would not be suitable and could lead to costly damage. For optimal performance, pairing this choke with high-quality turkey ammunition is a must, and investing in a good sling and range finder would complement its capabilities in the field.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 is a standout performer for any serious turkey hunter equipped with a compatible Remington 12-gauge shotgun. Its robust construction from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel ensures it can withstand the rigors of the field, while its precisely engineered .640 constriction consistently delivers the tight, dense patterns required for clean, ethical harvests at extended ranges. The extended design further enhances its practicality, making it easy to install and remove, and providing a subtle aiming advantage.

Considering its performance, durability, and the quality of materials used, the price of $52.49 represents excellent value for money for a specialized hunting tool that genuinely improves a hunter’s effectiveness. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any dedicated turkey hunter who uses the correct ammunition and wants to maximize their shotgun’s performance. For those seeking a reliable, high-performing choke specifically for taking down gobblers, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 12ga Extended Turkey .640 is a wise and worthwhile investment.