Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 Review

Let’s Talk Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670

As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the practical application of gear across diverse environments – from dusty workshop benches and sterile labs to the unpredictable elements of the outdoors and rugged field conditions – I’ve developed a keen eye for equipment that truly performs. My focus has always been on reliable function, robust construction, and genuine utility. This led me to seek out an enhanced choke tube for my Ruger 12-gauge shotgun, specifically for turkey hunting, an endeavor that demands precision and consistent patterns at critical distances. I was looking for a solution that would tighten my shot pattern significantly without sacrificing reliability or requiring constant fussing. My previous experience with standard chokes, while adequate, felt like a compromise when extreme accuracy was paramount.

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 immediately caught my attention due to its reputation for quality and its specific .670 constriction, a diameter known for producing exceptionally tight patterns with various turkey loads. My initial impression upon unboxing this model was one of solid craftsmanship. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel felt substantial and well-machined, with a smooth, non-reflective black finish that spoke of durability. It felt like a component designed for serious use, not just a bolt-on accessory.

I had briefly considered other brands, even contemplating a custom-ported design, but the simplicity and focused design of this extended turkey choke offered a more straightforward, proven path to the performance I desired. My first reaction was a quiet sense of satisfaction, a feeling that I had acquired a tool that would directly address a specific need and potentially elevate my hunting success.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 to the Test

My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, specifically a designated area for patterning shotguns. I fitted the Carlson’s choke tube to my Ruger 12-gauge and began with my go-to turkey loads – a reputable brand of 3-inch, 12-gauge shells loaded with #5 shot. The installation was straightforward, the extended design providing ample grip for hand-tightening before the included choke wrench snugged it down.

The first few shots were revealing. The audible “thump” of the shells was familiar, but the pattern on the paper was markedly different. Instead of the expected spread, the shot was concentrated into a remarkably tight, consistent circle, even at ranges approaching 40 yards. This pattern density was precisely what I had hoped for, and it far surpassed the performance I’d experienced with standard or even improved cylinder chokes. I continued testing with different brands and shot sizes, including TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads, and the .670 constriction consistently delivered impressive results across the board.

After my initial range sessions, this choke tube has remained fitted to my primary turkey hunting shotgun. Its extended design offers an advantage not just in grip but also in visual cues for the shooter, providing a subtle reference point. It has endured numerous trips afield, experiencing varying weather conditions from crisp autumn mornings to damp, cool days. There have been no signs of corrosion or degradation to the finish, and the internal bore remains smooth and clean with minimal effort.

My extended use has reinforced my initial positive impressions. The reliability of this choke tube is excellent; it has performed flawlessly shot after shot, without any indication of loosening or performance degradation. Cleaning is as simple as removing the choke and running a brush through the barrel and the choke itself. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction means it’s robust enough to handle regular cleaning solvents and brushes without concern. Compared to the generic chokes that came with the shotgun, this specialized turkey choke is in a different league, offering a significant upgrade in pattern performance that justifies its cost and purpose.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670

The core specifications of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 are precisely tuned for its intended purpose. It is manufactured from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material chosen for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand the pressures of modern shotgun shells. The diameter of 0.670 inches is the defining characteristic, representing a specialized turkey choke constriction that is designed to produce very tight patterns.

This specific diameter is crucial because it significantly reduces the shot cup’s expansion and forces the shot pellets into a more aerodynamic, cohesive stream. This translates to denser patterns at longer ranges, which is paramount for ethically harvesting turkeys. The extended design, meaning it protrudes slightly beyond the barrel’s muzzle, offers several practical advantages.

It provides a larger surface area for your fingers to grip when installing or removing the choke, making the process much easier, especially in cold weather or with gloved hands. Furthermore, the extended length helps to control the wad’s exit from the barrel, contributing to more consistent shot release and ultimately, tighter patterns. The choke is also non-ported, meaning it lacks gas vents. For turkey hunting, this is often preferred as ported chokes can sometimes disrupt pellet flight and create unnecessary noise or flash, neither of which is desirable when stalking wary birds.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes
• Color: Black
• Fabric/Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel
• Gauge: 12
• Choke Tube System: Ruger Choke
• Choke Type: Turkey
• Diameter: 0.67 in (This is the critical constriction size)
• Gun Make: Ruger
• Quantity: 1
• Additional Features: Non-Ported
• Included Accessories: Choke Wrench
• Country of Origin: USA

These specifications translate directly into performance. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel ensures long-term durability and resistance to wear from repeated firing and cleaning. The 0.670 inch diameter is the magic number for turkey hunters seeking maximum effective range, delivering tighter patterns than a standard Improved Cylinder or Modified choke. Being non-ported simplifies maintenance and avoids potential pattern disruption. The inclusion of a choke wrench is a thoughtful touch, ensuring you have the necessary tool right out of the box.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is to predictably tighten the shot pattern of a 12-gauge shotgun. In this regard, it excels. My testing confirmed that it consistently throws denser patterns than any other choke I’ve used for turkey hunting. The effectiveness of this choke is most apparent at ranges beyond 30 yards, where standard chokes begin to show significant pattern degradation. This extended turkey choke, however, maintains a remarkably tight core of pellets, increasing the effective lethal range of my shotgun.

Its greatest strength is undoubtedly the consistency and density of the patterns it produces, directly contributing to cleaner, more ethical kills. The only real weakness, if it can be called that, is its specialized nature; it is designed for turkey hunting and specific loads, and might be too constrictive for other types of shotgunning where a wider pattern is desired. It meets, and frankly exceeds, expectations for its intended purpose, offering performance that is difficult to achieve with less specialized chokes.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Carlson’s choke tube is functional and robust. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel feels substantial and provides a sense of confidence in its durability. Its matte black finish is understated and blends well with most shotgun barrels, while also resisting glare. The knurled pattern on the extended section provides an excellent grip, making installation and removal a simple, tool-free (for initial tightening) process.

Ergonomically, the extended design is a clear improvement over flush-mounted chokes. It’s easier to grasp, even with hunting gloves on, and the added length offers a subtle visual reference point that can aid in aiming, though this is a minor benefit. The precise machining ensures a smooth fit with the shotgun’s barrel, and there’s no rattling or looseness once properly installed. The simplicity of its design, focusing on a single constriction and extended grip, makes it user-friendly and effective.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, the long-term durability of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is expected to be very high. This material is renowned for its toughness and resistance to stress and corrosion, meaning it should withstand thousands of rounds and regular cleaning without issue. Under normal turkey hunting conditions, I anticipate this choke will last for the lifetime of the shotgun it’s fitted to.

Maintenance is straightforward. After each use, or periodically during the season, it’s advisable to remove the choke and clean both the choke’s internal threads and the shotgun’s barrel threads. A standard bore brush and cleaning solvent are all that’s required. There are no complex parts to worry about, and the material resists fouling well. Potential concerns are minimal; the primary risk would be cross-threading during installation, which is user error, or physical damage from severe impact, which is unlikely given its position.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 comes with a straightforward yet essential accessory: a choke wrench. This tool is specifically designed to fit the notches on the choke tube, allowing for proper tightening and removal, especially if the choke has been subjected to fouling or heat. It’s a practical addition that ensures users can properly install and maintain the choke tube from day one.

While the choke tube itself isn’t highly customizable in terms of aesthetic modifications, its primary “customization” lies in its specific 0.670 constriction, which is already tailored for turkey hunting. Its compatibility with the Ruger choke system means it is designed to work seamlessly with compatible Ruger shotguns. There are no further integrated customization options beyond its core function and material.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670?

This extended turkey choke is an excellent choice for any serious turkey hunter who uses a compatible Ruger 12-gauge shotgun. If you prioritize maximizing the effective range and pattern density of your shotgun for hunting gobblers, this choke is a must-consider. It is particularly beneficial for hunters who prefer to take shots at moderate to longer distances and demand reliable, ethical performance.

Conversely, those who primarily engage in other forms of shotgunning, such as bird hunting for upland game or waterfowl with smaller shot sizes, may find this 0.670 constriction too tight and would be better served by a more open choke like an Improved Cylinder or Modified. For users who simply need a basic, all-purpose choke, this specialized model might be overkill.

To make the most of this choke, I highly recommend pairing it with high-quality turkey loads that are known to pattern well through .670 constrictions. Experimenting with different brands and shot sizes at the range is also crucial to find the optimal load for your specific shotgun and choke combination. A good cleaning kit and a reliable choke tube wrench (which is included) are also essential for maintaining its performance.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Ruger 12ga Extended Turkey .670 is a high-performance accessory that delivers on its promise. Its robust construction from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel ensures durability, while the precisely engineered 0.670 constriction provides superior pattern density essential for effective turkey hunting. The extended design adds practical benefits in terms of ease of use and visual cues.

Considering its performance benefits, the price of $58.49 is more than justified by the improved accuracy and ethical hunting potential it unlocks. It’s a clear upgrade over standard chokes and a worthwhile investment for any dedicated turkey hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s effectiveness. I would absolutely recommend this choke tube to any Ruger 12-gauge owner who is serious about turkey hunting and wants to achieve tighter, more reliable patterns at longer distances. It’s a focused tool that does its job exceptionally well.