Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full Review

Putting the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full Through Its Paces

For years, I’ve relied on precise patterning to put birds in the vest or break clays consistently, and as a gear specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’m always looking for an edge. My trusted Remington 20-gauge shotgun, a faithful companion through countless field days and competitive shoots, was due for an upgrade in its choking system. Specifically, I was aiming for tighter patterns, better shot string consistency, and a more predictable performance envelope for longer shots on the sporting clays course. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full caught my eye with its promise of enhanced performance for a specific discipline. I had been using a more general-purpose improved cylinder, which simply wasn’t cutting it for those challenging sporting clays targets that require a denser shot pattern at distance. Considering alternatives from Briley and Carlson’s own range, this specific extra-full model seemed to offer the most focused solution for my needs. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction felt robust, and the black finish, while purely aesthetic for a choke tube, added a professional touch.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local sporting clays course, a venue that offers a variety of target presentations from close-range rabbits to far-flying driven birds. I installed the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full onto my Remington 20-gauge shotgun, ensuring it was snug and properly seated. The Remington Choke system fit perfectly, and the included choke wrench made the process straightforward. I started with standard sporting clays loads, focusing on targets that typically fall within the 35-45 yard range. The difference in pattern density was immediately noticeable; targets that I might have previously broken with a few straggling pellets were now consistently obliterated. I experienced no issues with the choke tube during this initial outing, and it performed flawlessly through several stations.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several months, this choke tube has seen consistent use. I’ve shot it during weekly club shoots, practice sessions, and even a couple of small informal competitions. Its performance has remained remarkably consistent across different ammunition types, from standard target loads to heavier payload hunting shells. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of galling or premature wear, even with regular cleaning and oiling. Maintenance is simple: a quick brush with a standard choke tube brush and some gun oil after each outing keeps it in top condition. Compared to some cheaper, less precisely machined chokes I’ve encountered, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full has demonstrated superior longevity and consistent performance, proving to be a reliable component.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is engineered for demanding shooting applications. It is constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material chosen for its strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity even under harsh conditions. The black finish provides a non-reflective surface, which is appreciated in field and competitive environments. This choke tube is designed specifically for Remington shotguns, utilizing the Remington Choke system for a secure and reliable fit.

The gauge is a 20, making it compatible with a wide range of 20-gauge firearms. The choke type is Extra Full, which signifies a very tight constriction. This results in a smaller diameter at the muzzle, which is precisely 0.585 in. This tight constriction is intended to produce very dense shot patterns at longer ranges.

It is a non-ported design, meaning it lacks vents. While ported chokes can sometimes help reduce recoil and muzzle jump, non-ported designs are often preferred for their simplicity and predictable performance, especially in sporting clays where consistent point of aim is crucial. The package includes 1 choke tube, along with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. This choke is proudly manufactured in the USA.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is to deliver exceptionally tight patterns, and it excels at this. On the sporting clays course, this choke tube significantly tightens the shot spread, making those challenging longer-range targets much more breakable. I observed a marked improvement in pattern density, with fewer gaps and a more consistent distribution of shot. This enhanced performance translates directly to more broken targets and a more enjoyable shooting experience.

One of its key strengths is its ability to deliver predictable results, shot after shot. The 0.585 in diameter constriction, coupled with the quality of the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, ensures that the shot column remains well-formed until it reaches the target. A minor weakness, inherent to any extra-full choke, is its reduced effectiveness at very close ranges; it can lead to overly tight patterns that miss fast-moving, close targets. However, for its intended purpose in sporting clays, its performance is outstanding and well worth the minor trade-off.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is functional and robust. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel gives it a substantial feel, and the black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for avoiding glare. The threading is precise, ensuring it screws into my Remington receiver smoothly without any resistance or binding.

Ergonomically, the choke tube itself doesn’t have a significant tactile element that impacts handling, as it’s meant to be a permanent or semi-permanent fixture during a shooting session. However, its design allows for easy installation and removal with the provided choke wrench. The clear knurling at the end of the tube provides sufficient grip for this purpose. The non-ported design contributes to a clean aesthetic and prevents any potential issues with gas escape that could affect shot release or pointability.

Durability & Maintenance

Built from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, the durability of this choke tube is a significant advantage. I have no doubt this component will last for many years of regular use. Even after numerous rounds and exposure to various weather conditions, I have seen no signs of rust, pitting, or structural compromise.

Maintenance is straightforward and requires no special tools or techniques. A quick clean with a standard choke tube brush and a light application of gun oil after each shooting session is all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition. I would advise against using abrasive cleaners, as they could potentially mar the finish over time. There are no obvious failure points to speak of; the material and construction suggest a high degree of resilience against typical firearm stresses.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full comes with one essential accessory: a choke wrench. This tool is crucial for safely installing and removing the choke tube, and its inclusion is a thoughtful touch that makes the product immediately usable out of the box.

As for customization, the primary customization with a choke tube is, of course, selecting the choke constriction that best suits your needs. This particular model is a fixed Extra Full, so the customization aspect lies in choosing this specific constriction over others like Modified or Improved Cylinder. While this is a dedicated sporting clays choke, it could theoretically be used for certain hunting scenarios where extreme range and tight patterns are required, though its use in those contexts would be highly specialized. There are no further user-adjustable features or interchangeable parts on the choke tube itself.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full?

This choke tube is an excellent choice for dedicated sporting clays shooters who use a Remington 20-gauge shotgun and are looking to improve their performance on longer targets. If you consistently find yourself needing that extra reach and denser pattern to break challenging clays, this model will serve you very well. It’s also a strong consideration for hunters who frequently engage game at extended distances and prefer a very tight pattern.

However, shooters who primarily focus on close-range game, skeet shooting, or who require a more versatile choke for various shooting disciplines might find an Extra Full choke too restrictive. Those who prefer a more general-purpose choke might be better served by a Modified or Improved Cylinder option. For those using this choke, ensuring you have a good supply of quality 20-gauge ammunition appropriate for sporting clays or the hunting situation is essential.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a precision-engineered component that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and enhanced performance for specific shooting applications. Its robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, coupled with its precise 0.585 in constriction, makes it a valuable asset for any sporting clays enthusiast looking to gain an edge. The inclusion of a choke wrench and its USA manufacturing add to its appeal, solidifying its value proposition.

For its intended purpose on the sporting clays course or for specialized long-range hunting, this choke tube is a highly recommended upgrade. It’s an investment that pays dividends in broken targets and increased confidence. While its specialized nature means it’s not for every shooter, for those who need that extreme constriction, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington 20ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a top-tier option.