Maximize Your 20-Gauge Turkey Gun: The Carlson's TSS Turkey Choke Tube (Model 38013)

For serious turkey hunters, especially those wielding the agile and efficient 20-gauge shotgun, achieving consistently tight patterns at extended ranges is paramount. The modern hunting landscape, driven by advancements in ammunition technology, has seen the rise of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads. These ultra-dense pellets offer unprecedented performance, but they demand a specialized choke tube to truly unlock their potential. Enter the Carlson's 38013 TSS Turkey Choke Tube for Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge shotguns – a precision-engineered accessory designed to transform your shotgun into an ethical, long-range turkey taking machine.

The Challenge of Turkey Hunting and the TSS Revolution

Turkey hunting requires precision. A clean, ethical kill relies on a dense pattern of pellets hitting the turkey's head and neck vital zone. Traditional lead shot, while effective, begins to lose pattern density and energy rapidly beyond typical ranges, especially from a 20-gauge. This is where Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) changed the game.

TSS pellets are significantly denser and harder than lead, often weighing twice as much as lead pellets of the same size. This increased density translates directly into more kinetic energy downrange and superior pattern retention. A single TSS #9 pellet can carry the same energy as a lead #5 pellet. This allows hunters to use smaller shot sizes, dramatically increasing the pellet count in a given shell, which in turn leads to incredibly dense patterns.

However, the very properties that make TSS so effective—its hardness and density—also present a challenge for standard choke tubes. A conventional choke tube, designed for softer lead shot, can deform TSS pellets or fail to constrict them properly, leading to blown patterns and inconsistent performance. This is why a dedicated TSS choke is not merely an upgrade, but a necessity for optimal performance.

Why Choose a Specialized TSS Choke Tube?

When considering how to optimize a shotgun for turkey hunting, especially with advanced ammunition like TSS, one of the most frequently asked questions is, "Do I really need a special choke for TSS loads?" The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Here's why:

• Pellet Integrity: Standard chokes can damage or deform the hard TSS pellets as they pass through, leading to flyers and a less uniform pattern. Specialized TSS chokes are designed with tighter tolerances and specific internal geometries to handle the robust nature of TSS, maintaining pellet integrity and ensuring a true, dense pattern.
• Optimized Constriction: The unique ballistics of TSS require specific constriction levels to achieve peak pattern density. The Carlson's 38013, with its carefully engineered constriction (typically .575), is precision-tuned to squeeze TSS pellets efficiently without causing deformation, resulting in the tightest possible patterns.
• Material Strength: The extreme pressure generated by high-velocity TSS loads, combined with the hardness of the pellets, demands a choke tube made from robust, high-strength materials. Standard chokes might wear prematurely or even fail under such stress.

The Carlson's 38013: Engineered for Excellence

The Carlson's 38013 TSS Turkey Choke Tube is a testament to precision engineering for the discerning turkey hunter. Let's delve into its core features and how they contribute to its superior performance:

• 17-4 Stainless Steel Construction: This choke tube is crafted from high-grade 17-4 stainless steel. This material is renowned for its exceptional strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Unlike softer steels, 17-4 stainless steel can withstand the immense pressures and abrasive nature of TSS pellets without deforming or eroding. This means your choke tube will maintain its precise constriction and deliver consistent patterns shot after shot, season after season. It also resists rust and wear, ensuring longevity even in harsh outdoor conditions.
• Precision Machined for TSS: Every Carlson's 38013 choke tube is CNC machined to exacting tolerances. This meticulous manufacturing process ensures a perfectly concentric bore and a consistent internal geometry. This precision is critical for delivering uniform patterns with TSS, eliminating the erratic fliers often seen with less precisely made chokes. The specific constriction has been extensively tested to deliver optimal performance with a wide range of popular TSS loads.
• Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Compatibility: This choke tube is specifically designed to fit 20-gauge shotguns utilizing the Benelli/Beretta Crio Plus choke system. This includes a vast array of popular models, such as the Benelli M2 20-gauge, Super Black Eagle 3 20-gauge, Ethos 20-gauge, Montefeltro 20-gauge, Vinci 20-gauge, and Nova/SuperNova 20-gauge. It also fits various Beretta models like the A400 series 20-gauge, A300 Outlander 20-gauge, and 686 20-gauge, as well as many Franchi, Stoeger, and TriStar 20-gauge shotguns that use the Crio Plus system. This broad compatibility makes it an ideal upgrade for many turkey hunters.
• Black Finish: The durable black finish not only gives the choke a sleek, tactical look but also provides an additional layer of protection against the elements, preventing glare and helping it blend seamlessly with most shotgun barrels.
• Extended Ported Design: Many Carlson's turkey chokes, including this model, feature an extended, ported design. The extended portion protrudes from the muzzle, allowing for easy installation and removal without tools. The porting helps to reduce felt recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if necessary, and contributes to pattern stability by stripping gasses away from the shot column.

Unlocking Your Shotgun's Potential: Performance Benefits

Integrating the Carlson's 38013 TSS Turkey Choke into your 20-gauge shotgun setup yields immediate and significant performance improvements that directly address common turkey hunting challenges:

• Superior Pattern Density: This is the primary benefit. With a specialized TSS choke, you'll see a remarkable increase in the number of pellets within a 10-inch circle at typical turkey hunting ranges (30-50 yards). This dense core pattern ensures maximum pellet count on the turkey's head and neck, increasing your chances of a clean, ethical harvest.
• Extended Effective Range: By maintaining pellet energy and pattern integrity further downrange, the Carlson's 38013 effectively extends your ethical killing range with a 20-gauge. While shot placement and responsible hunting practices always come first, having the capability to make an ethical shot at 50 yards or even beyond (with proper patterning and practice) provides greater flexibility in the field.
• Consistent Performance: Variability in patterns can be frustrating and lead to missed opportunities. This choke tube is designed for consistency, shot after shot. You can trust that the patterns you achieve during practice will be replicated in the field, building confidence in your setup.
• Ethical Hunting: By maximizing pattern density and extending range, this choke promotes more ethical hunting. A denser pattern reduces the likelihood of wounding birds, ensuring a quick and humane harvest when shots are taken within the effective range of your patterned setup.
• Maximizing the 20-Gauge Advantage: The 20-gauge shotgun is lighter, more maneuverable, and often produces less recoil than its 12-gauge counterpart. With the Carlson's TSS Turkey Choke and modern TSS loads, a 20-gauge can deliver terminal performance that rivals or even surpasses a 12-gauge with lead shot, allowing hunters to enjoy the benefits of a lighter firearm without sacrificing power.

Real-World Scenarios and Common Questions Answered

Many hunters ponder, "How do I make my 20-gauge shotgun a more effective turkey gun?" The answer often begins with optimizing your choke and ammunition. The Carlson's 38013 TSS Turkey Choke is a crucial component in this optimization process.

Consider these scenarios:

• Scenario 1: The Long Beard at 45 Yards: You've spent hours calling, and finally, a magnificent tom steps out, but he hangs up at 45 yards. With a standard choke and lead shot, this might be a questionable shot. With the Carlson's 38013 and TSS, your patterned 20-gauge is ready to deliver a devastating payload, making that shot a high-percentage, ethical opportunity.
• Scenario 2: Dense Woods & Quick Shots: In thick timber, turkeys can appear and disappear quickly. A compact, light 20-gauge is perfect for maneuvering. The improved patterning capabilities of this choke ensure that even if you only have a small window, the pellets will be precisely where they need to be.
• Scenario 3: Minimizing Recoil: For younger hunters, new hunters, or those sensitive to recoil, the 20-gauge is an excellent choice. Pairing it with a high-performance TSS choke means you don't have to sacrifice effectiveness for comfort. The choke itself can also aid in recoil reduction through its design.

Frequently Asked Questions Addressed by this Product:

• "What is the best choke for a 20-gauge Benelli M2 for turkey hunting with TSS?"
• "How can I get tighter patterns from my Beretta A400 20-gauge with tungsten loads?"
• "Are specialized choke tubes necessary for high-density turkey shot like TSS?"
• "What choke tube offers the best durability and consistency for turkey hunting?"
• "Can a 20-gauge be as effective as a 12-gauge for turkeys with the right setup?"

The answer to these and similar questions often points directly to a high-quality, specialized choke like the Carlson's 38013, designed precisely for the modern TSS ammunition revolution.

Understanding and Patterning Your Shotgun

Acquiring the Carlson's 38013 is just the first step. The next critical stage is patterning your shotgun. "How do I properly pattern my turkey gun?" is a question every responsible hunter should ask. Here’s a basic guide:

1. Choose Your Ammunition: Select the specific brand, shot size, and load of TSS ammunition you intend to use for hunting. Different loads will pattern differently, even through the same choke.
2. Target Selection: Use large paper targets (at least 3x3 feet) with a turkey head/neck silhouette for a clear aiming point.
3. Establish Range: Start at 30 yards, then move to 40 and 50 yards to determine your shotgun's maximum ethical range.
4. Shoot from a Bench: Use a steady rest to eliminate human error and focus on the choke and ammo performance.
5. Analyze Patterns: After each shot, examine the target. Count the number of pellets within a 10-inch circle around your point of aim (the kill zone). Look for even distribution and a dense core. Take multiple shots with the same load to verify consistency.
6. Adjust if Necessary: If your patterns aren't ideal, try a different brand of TSS load. The Carlson's 38013 is optimized for TSS, but minor variations between ammunition manufacturers can sometimes lead to slight pattern differences.

This methodical approach to patterning ensures you understand exactly what your shotgun and the Carlson's choke tube are capable of, fostering confidence and promoting ethical shot placement in the field.

Natural Brand Integration: Carlson's Legacy

Carlson's Choke Tubes has established itself as a leader in the choke tube industry for over 30 years. Their reputation is built on a commitment to quality, precision engineering, and understanding the needs of hunters and shooters. When you choose a Carlson's choke, you are investing in decades of expertise and innovation. They are widely recognized for their durability, consistency, and ability to improve shotgun performance across various shooting disciplines, from hunting to competition. The Carlson's 38013 stands as a prime example of their dedication to providing purpose-built solutions for specific hunting challenges, specifically the demanding requirements of TSS turkey loads.

This particular product, the Carlson's 38013 TSS Turkey Choke Tube, is a standout example of their commitment to performance and reliability, making it a highly recommended option for any 20-gauge Benelli or Beretta owner looking to elevate their turkey hunting success.

Availability

The Carlson's 38013 TSS Turkey Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube is available for purchase at DEGuns.com. Ensure your shotgun is ready for the field with this essential upgrade.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Description
Model Number	38013
Gauge	20 Gauge
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel
Finish	Black
Compatibility	Benelli/Beretta Crio Plus Choke System (e.g., Benelli M2, SBE3 20ga; Beretta A400, A300 20ga)
Designed For	Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) Turkey Loads
Benefit	Optimal Pattern Density, Extended Range, Enhanced Durability