Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Choke Tubes Review

The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes: Final Thoughts from Me

The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes promise reduced recoil and muzzle jump for faster follow-up shots, a siren song for any sporting clays enthusiast. Made by Carlson’s Choke Tubes from 17-4 stainless steel, these tubes boast tighter, denser patterns. The extended design allows for quick and easy changes, a boon when switching stations at the range.

My journey to these choke tubes began with a simple frustration: muzzle climb. During rapid-fire sequences in sporting clays, I was struggling to maintain a consistent sight picture. I was hoping for a choke tube that would genuinely mitigate recoil and keep me on target.

Upon unboxing, the Carlson’s choke tube looked and felt solid. The black finish was clean, and the ports were neatly machined. It had a reassuring heft without feeling overly heavy, giving the impression of quality materials.

I had been using a standard flush-mounted choke tube from Remington, and I also considered a Briley choke. I opted for the Carlson’s based on its ported design and claims of recoil reduction. I was hoping the ports would make a noticeable difference.

My initial feeling was cautiously optimistic. The choke tube certainly looked the part, and I was eager to see if it could live up to its claims on the range. I anticipated improved accuracy and less fatigue during longer sessions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes at my local sporting clays range. The weather was typical for early spring – a bit breezy and damp. I cycled through several stations, shooting a variety of clay targets at different distances and angles.

The recoil reduction, while present, was not as dramatic as I had hoped. I did notice a slight decrease in muzzle jump, making it easier to reacquire the target. However, the difference wasn’t significant enough to drastically improve my scores on the first outing.

Installation was straightforward, but I noticed the choke tube seemed to loosen slightly after a few rounds. This was concerning, and I had to frequently check and retighten it using the included choke wrench. This issue was a distraction that detracted from the overall experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the loosening issue persisted. Despite careful tightening, the choke tube consistently worked its way loose during shooting sessions. I even tried using Teflon tape on the threads to improve the fit, but the problem remained.

The finish has held up reasonably well, with only minor signs of wear and tear. Cleaning the tube is relatively easy, but the ports require extra attention to remove powder residue. It is nothing too difficult to clean off, but it does require extra attention.

Compared to my previous flush-mounted choke tube, the Carlson’s offered a marginally improved pattern density. However, the recurring issue with loosening significantly outweighed any benefits. I ended up switching back to my old choke tube more often than not due to the reliability problems.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes

Specifications

The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes are designed for Remington 12-gauge shotguns. They are constructed from 17-4 stainless steel for durability. The choke tube system is explicitly for Remington chokes.

The specifications include a black finish, ported design, and compatibility with lead, copperplated, nickel, Hevi-shot, bismuth, and tungsten ammunition. The inclusion of a choke wrench is a nice touch. These specifications should, in theory, translate to a durable, versatile, and user-friendly choke tube.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s choke tube is designed to tighten shot patterns and reduce recoil. While the pattern density was slightly improved, the persistent loosening issue significantly hampered its performance. It did not fully meet my expectations due to this reliability problem.

The primary weakness is its inability to maintain a tight fit within the shotgun barrel. The slight improvement in pattern density is overshadowed by the distraction and potential safety concerns of a loosening choke tube. Otherwise, the construction is solid.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is generally good, with high-quality materials and precise machining. The extended design makes installation and removal easy, even with gloved hands. The black finish is aesthetically pleasing and appears durable.

The only ergonomic issue is the need for frequent tightening. A choke tube that requires constant attention is inherently not user-friendly. A more secure locking mechanism would greatly improve the design.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction suggests a long lifespan. The finish has proven to be reasonably resistant to scratches and wear. Cleaning is straightforward, but the ports require extra attention.

With proper care, the Carlson’s choke tube should last for many years. However, the long-term durability is somewhat irrelevant if the tube cannot be reliably secured within the shotgun. Proper care of the threads is always advised.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes comes with a choke wrench. There are no other included accessories, and customization options are limited. The choke tube is compatible with any Remington 12-gauge shotgun designed to accept interchangeable choke tubes.

Users can experiment with different choke constrictions within the Carlson’s line to fine-tune their patterns. Aftermarket choke wrenches are also available, but they are unlikely to solve the loosening issue. Users are best to ensure they purchase the right size choke.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes

Who Should Buy Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes?

The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes might be suitable for casual sporting clays shooters looking for a slight improvement in pattern density and are willing to tolerate occasional tightening. Those who enjoy tinkering with their gear and don’t mind the extra maintenance may also find it acceptable.

Competitive shooters or those who prioritize reliability should skip this product. The constant need to tighten the choke tube is a significant distraction and could negatively impact performance. Anyone who cannot reliably tighten the choke should avoid this product as well.

A must-have modification would be a more robust locking mechanism. If a third-party solution or a future version of the choke tube addressed the loosening issue, it would significantly enhance its value. Otherwise, additional tools are not needed.

Conclusion on Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes

The Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes ultimately falls short of its potential. While the materials and design are promising, the persistent issue with loosening undermines its performance and reliability. The ports are not enough to fix the major issues.

At $62.99, the price is not exorbitant, but it is difficult to justify given the product’s flaws. There are more reliable options available at a similar price point. Ultimately, the value proposition is questionable.

I cannot personally recommend the Carlson’s 12 Gauge Remington Ported Sporting Clay Choke Tubes in its current form. While it offers a slight improvement in pattern density, the reliability issues outweigh the benefits. I would advise potential buyers to explore alternative choke tubes from reputable brands known for their consistent performance and secure fit. Until the loosening issue is resolved, this choke tube is best left on the shelf.