Did a quick search here and I didnt find anything, maybe there is a thread I dont know. I have an 870 and was tossing up the idea of getting a Carlson medium range tube. First off I have to assume they are better than a factory tube? Does anyone use these tubes and find they are better than factory? I just cant swing the $'s to invest in tubes just to try them out. Id really prefer to not have to go back out and buy a pile of differant boxes of ammo to re-pattern loads should I choose this tube either, by no means am I lazy, just not rich lol! My preffered load is the Kent 3.5 inch, BB going at 1625 fps. I have no idea if these, or any tubes are better with slightly slower shot? Is there better tubes out there? Should I go up a shot size say to # 1's seeing as its a tighter tube? Any help would be awesome guys and gals, thnx!
Carlson Choke Tubes
- Thread starter Cletus
- Start date
Choke tubes is all marketing! At the end of the day even if the choke cost $150 it won't guaranty a better pattern with a particular load. If you have good results with what you have, then stick with it. You're better off spending the cash that you do have available on extra practice on the trap, skeet or sporting field because a perfect pattern is useless if you can't center it on your target! That's my opinion anyway!
ianthomson
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lincoln, NB
Cletus:
I agree with VLT79 in part. But, there is always a but, There are alot of factors. I swear by Carlson Tubes, and run them in both my 870's, my 20 ga Mossberg and my SX3. I however do not run a 3.5 inch gun. 3 inch is my max. My hand loads are running 1600 fps or better in both 2 3/4 and 3 in. My preferred goose load is 1's or B's. I have gone no tighter than a LM in all of them, and both my 870's have an IC, one ported, one non ported. I can throw patterns to 40 yards, with 95% effective results. No holes, very even and full 30 in circle. I am currently running 2 3/4 in Kent's, 1 1/16 oz of 1,s, and smashing geese to 40 yards.
But lile VLT had said. Every gun/choke/shell will react different. Do I recommend the Carlson's, YES, will that prove a great combo for you, NO Promise's. There are two options. Either pick a shell, and then try a bunch of chokes to get the result you want, or pick a choke, and try a bunch of shells to get to the same point.
The paper will not lie. And yes, patterning is a must. I spend a whack of time at the board playing with chokes and shells. I have got to the point where I only reload or buy shells that I know will pattern well out of my chokes. Therefore is I miss, it is my fault, the equipment is doing it's job.
I agree with VLT79 in part. But, there is always a but, There are alot of factors. I swear by Carlson Tubes, and run them in both my 870's, my 20 ga Mossberg and my SX3. I however do not run a 3.5 inch gun. 3 inch is my max. My hand loads are running 1600 fps or better in both 2 3/4 and 3 in. My preferred goose load is 1's or B's. I have gone no tighter than a LM in all of them, and both my 870's have an IC, one ported, one non ported. I can throw patterns to 40 yards, with 95% effective results. No holes, very even and full 30 in circle. I am currently running 2 3/4 in Kent's, 1 1/16 oz of 1,s, and smashing geese to 40 yards.
But lile VLT had said. Every gun/choke/shell will react different. Do I recommend the Carlson's, YES, will that prove a great combo for you, NO Promise's. There are two options. Either pick a shell, and then try a bunch of chokes to get the result you want, or pick a choke, and try a bunch of shells to get to the same point.
The paper will not lie. And yes, patterning is a must. I spend a whack of time at the board playing with chokes and shells. I have got to the point where I only reload or buy shells that I know will pattern well out of my chokes. Therefore is I miss, it is my fault, the equipment is doing it's job.
In some guns with some combinations yes in others No .
Overall the most consistent tubes out there are still made by Briley
I shoot LM Comp-n-chokes, they are great. I used to shoot Beretta IC's, they were also great. Why do I shoot the CNC's? Because I wanted a slightly tighter pattern and I think they look cool. Have my scores actually improved sure to the choke? Not a chance.
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
I've used Carson's tubes on many guns, but the first thing I do to them is carefully lathe off the notched portion at the muzzle end and give 'em a 11 degree crown. This ensures an even release for the wad as it exits the bore.
Carlson's also has a nice selection of chrome lined barrels from Turkey that are definitely worth the bucks compared to standard Remmy 870 tubes. Built like barrels from the 60's....Right, straight & tight!
If one don't want to tune up a Carlson's tube, then they should go for a Comp-N-Choke as they don't have wrench notches on the muzzle & are slotted in the right way as to add proper brake-action to the wad to prevent it from punching through the shot column as it leaves the barrel. I swear by these ones for trap shoosting, but they ain't cheap.
Carlson's also has a nice selection of chrome lined barrels from Turkey that are definitely worth the bucks compared to standard Remmy 870 tubes. Built like barrels from the 60's....Right, straight & tight!
If one don't want to tune up a Carlson's tube, then they should go for a Comp-N-Choke as they don't have wrench notches on the muzzle & are slotted in the right way as to add proper brake-action to the wad to prevent it from punching through the shot column as it leaves the barrel. I swear by these ones for trap shoosting, but they ain't cheap.
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