Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Set Review

Is the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set All Talk?

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set promises to enhance your waterfowl hunting experience. This set includes three choke tubes (Close Range, Mid Range, and Long Range) designed specifically for Remington Pro Bore 12-gauge shotguns. My experience with aftermarket choke tubes has been mixed; some have drastically improved my patterns, while others were barely distinguishable from the factory chokes.

For years, I’d been relying on the factory choke tubes in my Remington 870, often finding my patterns inconsistent at varying distances when duck hunting. The frustration of crippling birds that should have been downed cleanly led me to search for a solution to improve my shot patterns. I considered other choke tube brands, but the Carlson’s name, coupled with the Delta Waterfowl endorsement, swayed my decision due to their reputation for quality.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the tubes. The black finish was smooth and even, and the included choke wrench felt substantial in my hand. They were noticeably heavier than the factory chokes, suggesting a denser, more robust construction that gave me confidence in their durability. My initial thought was, “These feel like they mean business,” a sentiment that sparked cautious optimism.

My factory Remington chokes had served me adequately, but the patterns were never quite dialed in. The Benelli factory tubes are notoriously inconsistent as well, which is why I considered those aftermarket tubes too. I opted for the Carlson’s set because of the specific Delta Waterfowl designation, implying these tubes were optimized for the types of shots I typically encounter while hunting ducks and geese. This dedicated focus, coupled with the trusted Carlson’s brand, gave me the confidence to choose this set over the others.

Initially, I was excited to see if these chokes could truly improve my pattern consistency. However, I was also slightly skeptical, given my past experiences with aftermarket choke tubes that underperformed.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set at a local sporting clays range to pattern each choke. I used a variety of waterfowl loads, including steel shot and bismuth, at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards. The weather was cool and slightly damp, mirroring typical conditions I encounter during duck season.

Each choke performed noticeably differently, as expected, delivering distinct patterns at various ranges. The Close Range choke produced a wide, even spread at 20 yards, perfect for close-flushing birds. The Mid Range choke tightened the pattern slightly, ideal for shots around 30 yards. The Long Range choke held a tight, dense pattern out to 40 yards, offering improved consistency at longer distances.

Installing the choke tubes was straightforward, thanks to the included wrench. The tubes threaded smoothly into my Remington 870’s barrel without any issues. The only slight annoyance was the need for the wrench, but that’s standard procedure for most aftermarket chokes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during waterfowl season, the Carlson’s choke tubes have proven to be reliable and durable. I’ve hunted in conditions ranging from freezing rain to muddy marshes, and the chokes have consistently delivered tight, even patterns. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, thanks to the 17-4 Stainless Steel construction.

Cleaning the choke tubes is easy; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. I typically apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust. Compared to my factory chokes, the Carlson’s tubes offer significantly better pattern consistency and hold up equally well to regular use.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set is designed specifically for Remington Pro Bore 12-gauge shotguns. The set includes three non-ported choke tubes: Close Range, Mid Range, and Long Range.

• Close Range: Designed for shots within 20 yards, with a diameter of 0.725 inches, providing a wide, even spread.
• Mid Range: Optimized for shots around 30 yards, with a diameter of 0.715 inches, offering a balanced pattern.
• Long Range: Ideal for shots beyond 40 yards, with a diameter of 0.705 inches, delivering a tight, dense pattern for extended reach.

These specifications are crucial for waterfowl hunting because they allow you to tailor your shotgun’s pattern to the specific shooting situation. The Remington Pro Bore compatibility ensures a proper fit and optimal performance in compatible Remington shotguns. The 12-gauge designation makes them suitable for a wide range of waterfowl loads.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set excels at improving pattern consistency and extending effective shooting range. Each choke performs as advertised, providing a noticeable difference in pattern density at various distances. The performance of each is clearly designated, adding to the ease of usability.

The chokes meet and exceed my expectations, especially regarding pattern consistency. However, the need for a choke wrench is a minor inconvenience.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set features a durable and functional design. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures longevity, and the black finish provides corrosion resistance. The tubes weigh slightly more than factory chokes, providing a solid feel.

The choke tubes are generally user-friendly, though the need for a wrench adds a slight learning curve for first-time users. However, the overall build and quality are exceptionally high.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set ensures excellent durability. With proper care and maintenance, these chokes should last for many hunting seasons. Cleaning is straightforward.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set comes with a choke wrench. There are no additional accessories included, but the tubes are compatible with standard choke tube lubricants and cleaning supplies. Due to the Remington Pro Bore threading, customization is limited to other Pro Bore compatible chokes.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set?

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set is perfect for waterfowl hunters looking to improve their pattern consistency and extend their effective shooting range. It’s ideal for those who hunt in diverse conditions and require different choke constrictions for various distances. Hunters using Remington shotguns chambered in 12GA with Pro Bore barrels, will benefit greatly from the specific constrictions.

This product might not be suitable for hunters who prefer ported chokes or those who own shotguns with different choke systems. If you’re content with your factory chokes or only hunt in very close range, this set may not be necessary.

Must-have accessories include a high-quality choke tube lubricant and a bore cleaning kit.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Remington Pro Bore 12GA Delta Waterfowl Choke Tube Set is a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters. The improved pattern consistency and durable construction justify the price, especially when you consider the cost of missed opportunities in the field. I wholeheartedly recommend these chokes to anyone looking to enhance their Remington Pro Bore shotgun’s performance.

The peace of mind knowing your patterns are optimized for the shot you’re taking is invaluable. Upgrade your waterfowl hunting game; you won’t regret it.