Optimize Your Turkey Hunt: The Carlson's TSS Turkey Choke for 20 Gauge Shotguns

For serious turkey hunters, maximizing shotgun performance is paramount. Every season brings new challenges and opportunities, and the right equipment can make all the difference between a missed shot and a successful harvest. If you're looking to elevate your 20-gauge shotgun's capability, especially when deploying modern, high-density shot like Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), the Carlson's 38003 TSS Turkey Rem Choke is an indispensable upgrade. This specialized choke tube is engineered to deliver unmatched pattern density and consistency, helping you achieve more ethical, long-range kills.

This comprehensive guide is designed for turkey hunters who demand precision, reliability, and superior performance from their gear. Whether you're a seasoned veteran exploring new technologies or a newer hunter looking to gain an edge, understanding the nuances of your choke tube can transform your hunting experience. We'll explore why the Carlson's 38003 choke is a game-changer, its unique features, and how it addresses common challenges faced by turkey hunters in diverse terrains and conditions.

Why is a Specialized Turkey Choke Essential?

The pursuit of wild turkeys requires a unique approach to shotgun patterning. Unlike upland birds or waterfowl, turkeys are tough, resilient birds with a vital zone roughly the size of a teacup. To consistently achieve clean, ethical kills, you need a dense, uniform pattern of shot hitting that small target area, particularly the head and neck, at various ranges.

Standard factory choke tubes, often designed for general-purpose hunting, typically fall short when it comes to the extreme constriction and consistent patterning required for turkey hunting. A specialized turkey choke, like the Carlson's TSS Turkey Choke, is meticulously designed to optimize the performance of specific shot types and gauges, ensuring that more pellets hit their mark precisely where they need to go. This precision minimizes the risk of merely wounding a bird, upholding the highest standards of ethical hunting.

Unlocking the Power of TSS Shot with the Right Choke

Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) has revolutionized turkey hunting ammunition. Composed of a tungsten alloy that is significantly denser than lead or even traditional Hevi-Shot, TSS pellets retain more energy, travel further with less drop, and deliver devastating terminal performance. However, to truly harness the incredible potential of TSS, you need a choke tube specifically engineered to handle its unique properties.

This is where the Carlson's 38003 choke shines. Its internal geometry is optimized for TSS shot, which is extremely hard and does not deform like lead. The precise constriction and polished interior of this choke tube minimize pellet deformation as they pass through, ensuring that each TSS pellet maintains its spherical shape and flies true to the target. This results in incredibly tight, consistent patterns that were once thought impossible, extending your effective range and increasing your confidence in the field.

Key Features and Engineering Excellence of the Carlson's 38003 TSS Turkey Choke

What makes the Carlson's 38003 stand out from other turkey chokes? Its design and construction are focused on delivering maximum performance for the discerning hunter.

• Optimized for TSS Shot: This is not just a "turkey choke"; it's a "TSS turkey choke." The internal dimensions and constriction are specifically calibrated for the smaller, denser pellets of TSS ammunition. This ensures superior pattern density and consistency, often resulting in pellet counts in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards that would be unthinkable with other chokes.
• 17-4 Stainless Steel Construction: Durability and resistance to wear are critical for a choke tube that handles the immense pressures of modern turkey loads. The Carlson's 38003 is machined from premium 17-4 stainless steel. This aerospace-grade material offers exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and heat tolerance. It can withstand the repeated stresses of heavy TSS loads without deforming or degrading, ensuring a long lifespan and consistent performance season after season. The robust nature of 17-4 stainless steel also means it holds up well against the elements encountered during a long day in the turkey woods, from damp spring mornings to dusty fields.
• Black Finish: The sleek black finish provides a non-reflective surface, crucial for maintaining camouflage in the field. Beyond aesthetics, this finish can also offer a layer of protection against minor abrasions and corrosion.
• Rem Choke Compatibility: The "Rem Choke" designation means this choke tube is designed to fit Remington choke systems. This ensures a perfect, secure fit in compatible Remington 20-gauge shotguns, allowing for easy installation and removal. Always double-check your shotgun's manual or current choke tube markings to confirm compatibility before purchase.
• 20 Gauge Specific Design: While 12-gauge shotguns have long been the staple for turkey hunting, the 20-gauge has seen a massive surge in popularity, thanks largely to TSS ammunition. The Carlson's 38003 is precisely engineered for the 20-gauge platform, allowing hunters to benefit from a lighter, more maneuverable shotgun with less recoil, without sacrificing lethal patterning when using TSS loads. This makes it an excellent choice for younger hunters, those sensitive to recoil, or anyone who appreciates a lighter setup for long hunts.

How Does This Choke Improve Your Hunting Success?

The benefits of upgrading to a Carlson's 38003 TSS Turkey Rem Choke are tangible and directly impact your hunting success and ethical considerations.

• Increased Effective Range: By delivering incredibly tight and consistent patterns, this choke allows you to ethically engage turkeys at ranges that were previously considered too far for a 20-gauge shotgun. While responsible hunting always dictates practicing within your comfortable ethical range, this choke extends the potential for clean kills, especially when a bird hangs up just outside traditional limits.
• Superior Pattern Density: More pellets on target means a higher probability of striking the vital head and neck area, leading to cleaner, more humane kills. This choke significantly increases the number of pellets in a 10-inch circle at standard turkey hunting distances.
• Reduced Recoil (20 Gauge Advantage): Paired with a 20-gauge shotgun, this choke allows you to use powerful TSS loads while experiencing less felt recoil compared to a 12-gauge. This leads to more comfortable shooting, easier follow-up shots if necessary, and a more enjoyable hunting experience overall.
• Enhanced Confidence: Knowing your shotgun is performing at its peak, delivering devastating patterns with every shot, instills immense confidence. This confidence can translate into steadier aim, better shot placement, and ultimately, more successful hunts.
• Ethical Hunting: The primary goal of any responsible hunter is a quick, humane kill. By maximizing pellet count and penetration in the vital zone, the Carlson's 38003 choke significantly contributes to ethical hunting practices.

Real-World Scenarios: Who Benefits from This Choke?

• The Turkey Hunter Using a 20 Gauge: If you prefer the lighter weight and reduced recoil of a 20-gauge for long walks in the woods or for younger hunters, but still want 12-gauge performance, this choke is designed specifically for you to maximize TSS loads.
• The Hunter Seeking Extended Range: For situations where birds might be wary and hang up at 40-50 yards, this choke, combined with TSS, provides the pattern density to make those shots ethically.
• The Precision-Minded Hunter: If you meticulously pattern your shotgun and strive for the absolute best performance from your ammunition, the Carlson's 38003 offers the consistency and tightness you're looking for.
• The Hunter Prioritizing Ethics: For those who understand that a clean kill is paramount, optimizing your pattern with a specialized choke like this is a crucial step.
• Considering a 20-Gauge for Turkey? "Is a 20 gauge enough for turkey hunting?" Absolutely, especially when paired with modern TSS loads and a choke like the Carlson's 38003. This combination delivers exceptional knockdown power and pattern density.
• "What's the best choke for TSS shot in a 20 gauge?" Many experienced hunters and ballistics experts point to chokes specifically designed for TSS, often with tighter constrictions and polished interiors, similar to the Carlson's 38003, as the optimal choice.

Installation, Patterning, and Maintenance Tips

Once you acquire your Carlson's 38003 TSS Turkey Rem Choke, proper installation and patterning are crucial for optimal performance.

1. Installation: Ensure your shotgun is unloaded and safe. Screw the choke tube into your barrel by hand until finger-tight. Then, use a choke tube wrench (if external knurling allows) to tighten it firmly, but do not overtighten.
2. Patterning is Non-Negotiable: Do NOT skip patterning your shotgun with your chosen TSS loads at various realistic hunting distances (e.g., 20, 30, 40, and potentially 50 yards). Every shotgun and ammunition combination is unique. What patterns well in one gun might not in another, even with the same choke. This process will tell you your effective range and optimal load.
   • How to Pattern: Use large sheets of paper (e.g., 3x3 feet or larger). Draw a turkey head and neck target. Fire at the target from your desired distances, ensuring a stable shooting platform. Analyze the pellet strikes within a 10-inch circle around the turkey's head/neck to determine your pattern density and point of impact.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance: After each hunting trip or patterning session, remove the choke tube. Use a bronze brush and a good quality solvent to remove any plastic fouling, carbon buildup, and powder residue. Wipe clean and apply a thin layer of choke tube grease or oil to the threads before reinstallation. This prevents seizing due to carbon buildup and corrosion. Regularly inspect your choke tube for any signs of damage or wear.

Trust in Carlson's: A Legacy of Choke Tube Excellence

Carlson's Choke Tubes has established itself as a leader in the industry, renowned for precision engineering, quality materials, and a commitment to helping hunters and shooters achieve their best. Their dedication to innovation, particularly in specialized applications like turkey hunting with TSS, makes them a trusted brand for serious enthusiasts. When you choose a Carlson's choke, you're investing in decades of expertise and a product designed to perform reliably in the field. This commitment to quality ensures that the Carlson's 38003 TSS Turkey Rem Choke will be a dependable part of your turkey hunting setup for years to come.

For those looking to acquire this exceptional choke tube, the Carlson's 38003 TSS Turkey Rem Choke for 20 Gauge shotguns is available at DEGuns, a trusted source for high-quality firearms and accessories. DEGuns offers a wide selection of Carlson's products, ensuring you can find the perfect components to optimize your shotgun's performance for any hunting scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Chokes and TSS

• "What is the tightest choke for turkey hunting?" Generally, specialized turkey chokes are tighter than standard "full" chokes, often labeled as "Extra Full," "Turkey," or specific constrictions designed for maximum pellet density. The Carlson's 38003 falls into this category, providing extreme constriction optimized for TSS.
• "Can I use lead shot with a TSS choke?" While technically possible, it is not recommended. Chokes optimized for TSS are often extremely tight, and lead shot, being softer, can deform excessively, leading to poor patterns and potentially damaging the choke or barrel over time due to increased pressure and friction. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations. The Carlson's TSS choke is designed for TSS, Hevi-Shot, and copper-plated lead loads, but patterning is key.
• "How does 17-4 stainless steel benefit a choke tube?" 17-4 stainless steel is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel known for its high strength, hardness, and excellent corrosion resistance. For choke tubes, this means it can withstand the extreme pressures and heat generated by modern shotgun loads, resist wear from hard pellets like TSS, and endure harsh weather conditions without rusting or degrading.
• "What recoil can I expect from a 20 gauge with TSS?" While TSS loads in a 20 gauge are powerful, the overall felt recoil is significantly less than a comparable 12-gauge load. This makes the 20 gauge a very comfortable and effective platform for turkey hunting, especially for hunters who are recoil-sensitive.
• "How often should I clean my choke tube?" It's best practice to clean your choke tube after every use, especially after firing high-performance loads. Plastic wad fouling and carbon buildup can accumulate quickly, affecting performance and potentially causing the choke to seize in the barrel if left uncleaned.

For any turkey hunter aiming to maximize their 20-gauge shotgun's potential with Tungsten Super Shot, the Carlson's 38003 TSS Turkey Rem Choke is an investment in precision, performance, and ethical hunting success. Find this essential upgrade and other top-tier hunting gear at DEGuns.

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel	Exceptional Strength & Corrosion Resistance
Gauge Compatibility	20 Gauge	Optimized for Lighter, Lower Recoil Shotguns
Shot Type Optimized	Tungsten Super Shot (TSS)	Superior Pattern Density with High-Density Loads
Choke Type	Turkey (Extra Full)	Maximize Pellet Count in Vital Zone
Finish	Black	Non-Reflective for Field Use
Compatibility System	Remington (Rem Choke)	Seamless Fit with Compatible Shotguns
UPC	705030380038	Unique Product Identifier