Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Improved Cylinder Review

What’s Special About the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder?

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder promises to enhance the performance of your 20-gauge shotgun, specifically for sporting clay enthusiasts. Carlson’s Choke Tubes is a respected name in the choke tube industry, known for producing durable and accurate products. This particular choke tube is designed for Winchester, Mossberg Accu-Choke, and Browning Invector (Standard) systems, offering an Improved Cylinder constriction.

As someone with over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless choke tubes come and go. I needed to improve my pattern density at close to mid-range targets for sporting clays, as the factory choke was too open. I wanted something that offered a consistent pattern and reliable performance without breaking the bank.

My first impression of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder was positive. The black finish is sleek and the stainless steel construction gives it a solid, durable feel. It felt significantly more robust than the factory-included choke tubes on some of my shotguns.

Compared to similar chokes from Briley or Patternmaster, the Carlson’s option stood out due to its balance of quality and affordability. While Briley offers exceptional performance, the price point is substantially higher; Patternmaster focuses on specialized patterns, which weren’t suitable for my sporting clay needs. This Carlson’s choke seemed like the perfect middle ground for achieving better patterns without overspending. I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype and improved my scores on the sporting clay course.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder at my local sporting clay range. The conditions were typical for an early spring day: slightly overcast with a light breeze. I used a Winchester Model 101 20ga shotgun.

The Carlson’s choke tube provided noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns at distances between 20 and 30 yards compared to the factory cylinder choke. This translated to more broken clays and a more confident shooting experience. The improved cylinder constriction seemed perfect for those medium-range shots where the factory choke was leaving gaps in the pattern.

Installation was simple, requiring only the included choke wrench. There were no issues with fit or threading. The only minor issue was that it took a few shots to get used to the slightly tighter pattern, resulting in a few initial misses due to over-leading.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder in multiple sporting clay sessions, it has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun setup. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it without any signs of wear or degradation in performance. The stainless steel construction seems very resilient.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in good condition. I’ve noticed no rust or corrosion, even after shooting in slightly damp conditions. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, aftermarket chokes, the Carlson’s choke has outperformed them in terms of both pattern consistency and overall longevity. It certainly lives up to the Carlson’s reputation for quality.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes. They are known for their quality and reliability in the choke tube market.
• Color: Black. The black finish helps to reduce glare and provides a sleek, professional look.
• Fabric/Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This material ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for repeated use in various weather conditions.
• Gauge: 20. Designed specifically for 20-gauge shotguns, ensuring proper fit and performance.
• Choke Tube System: Mossberg Accu-Choke, Winchester Choke, Browning Invector (Standard). This compatibility allows for use with a wide range of popular shotgun brands and models.
• Choke Type: Improved Cylinder. This choke constriction provides a slightly tighter pattern than cylinder chokes, suitable for close to mid-range targets.
• Diameter: 0.61 in. This precise diameter ensures consistent and reliable pattern density.
• Gun Make: Winchester, Mossberg, Browning. Offering versatility for owners of these popular brands.
• Quantity: 1. Includes one choke tube, ready for installation.
• Additional Features: Non-Ported. The non-ported design reduces muzzle blast and recoil, offering a more comfortable shooting experience.
• Included Accessories: Choke Wrench. Providing everything needed for easy installation and removal.
• Country of Origin: USA. Manufactured in the USA, ensuring high-quality standards and supporting domestic production.

These specifications are important because they define the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder‘s performance characteristics. The Improved Cylinder choke type is ideal for sporting clays because it provides a balance between pattern density and spread, making it suitable for engaging targets at various distances. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to wear and tear, while the compatibility with multiple shotgun brands offers versatility.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It consistently produces tight and even patterns at distances up to 30 yards. This is crucial for sporting clays, where targets can appear at varying ranges and angles.

The main strength of this choke tube is its ability to provide a reliable and predictable pattern. It eliminates the “gaps” in the pattern that can occur with more open chokes, increasing the likelihood of breaking clays. One minor area for improvement could be offering additional choke types within the same price range for more specialized shooting scenarios.

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder definitely meets expectations. Its performance is on par with more expensive choke tubes, making it an excellent value for the money.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder is impressive. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel feels robust and durable. The black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to reduce glare, improving visibility in bright conditions.

Installation is incredibly user-friendly, requiring only the included choke wrench. There is no learning curve involved; simply screw the choke tube into the barrel until it is snug.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its stainless steel construction, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder is built to last. I anticipate it will provide years of reliable service with proper care.

Maintenance is simple: cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient. The choke tube is also resistant to rust and corrosion, further extending its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. While there aren’t many customization options directly related to the choke tube itself, it is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that accepts Mossberg Accu-Choke, Winchester Choke, or Browning Invector (Standard) choke tubes.

Carlson’s also offers a wide range of other choke tubes for different shooting applications, allowing users to fine-tune their shotgun’s performance based on their specific needs. This versatility is a significant advantage for shooters who engage in multiple shooting disciplines.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder?

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder is perfect for sporting clay enthusiasts who want to improve their pattern density at close to mid-range targets without breaking the bank. It is also suitable for hunters who need a reliable and consistent choke for upland game birds.

This product might not be ideal for shooters who primarily engage in long-range shooting or require specialized choke constrictions for specific hunting situations (e.g., waterfowl hunting with steel shot).

A must-have accessory for this choke tube is a quality choke tube case or organizer to protect it from damage during storage and transport. Having a variety of different choke tubes will enhance the shooting experience and offer the best chances of success.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder

In summary, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve the performance of their 20-gauge shotgun for sporting clays. Its durable construction, consistent patterns, and affordable price make it a standout product in the choke tube market.

The price of $52.49 is definitely justified, considering the quality and performance offered by this choke tube. It provides a significant upgrade over factory chokes without the premium price tag of high-end brands.

I would personally recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Winchester 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder to any sporting clay shooter or upland game hunter looking for a reliable and effective choke tube. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in your shooting performance. Invest in your shooting experience and give the Carlson’s choke tube a try – you won’t be disappointed!