Optimizing Your Browning Shotgun with the Carlson's 59966 Full Flush Choke

In the dynamic world of shotgun sports and hunting, precision is paramount. Every shot counts, and optimizing your shotgun's performance can make the difference between a successful outing and a missed opportunity. For owners of Browning shotguns equipped with the Invector Plus system, achieving this optimization often begins with the right choke tube. This in-depth guide focuses on a specific, high-performance solution: the Carlson's Choke Tubes 59966 Replacement 12 Gauge Full Flush 17-4 Stainless Steel choke. Designed to tighten shot patterns and extend effective range, this choke is an essential upgrade for serious shooters and hunters.

Unlocking Your Shotgun's Potential: Why Choke Tubes Are Essential

What exactly is a shotgun choke tube, and why is it so critical for shotgun performance? A choke tube is a removable, interchangeable constriction device fitted into the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel. Its primary function is to control the spread of shot pellets as they exit the barrel, allowing shooters to tailor their pattern density to specific distances, targets, and ammunition types. Without the ability to modify shot patterns, a shotgun would be far less versatile, limited to a single, often too-wide spread.

Think of a choke tube as a fine-tuning mechanism for your shotgun. Do you need a tighter pattern for long-range goose hunting, or a more open spread for close-quarters pheasant flushing? The right choke tube provides that adaptability. For many discerning shooters, the Carlson's 59966 Full Flush choke represents a pinnacle of reliability and performance, specifically engineered to maximize the capabilities of Browning Invector Plus firearms.

The Carlson's 59966 Full Flush Choke: A Detailed Look

This particular choke tube, identified by its part number 59966 and UPC 723189599669, stands out due to its construction, design, and specific constriction. Let's delve into what makes it an exceptional choice for your 12 gauge Browning Invector Plus shotgun.

The Power of "Full" Constriction

When selecting a choke tube, the "constriction type" is arguably the most critical factor. A "Full" choke, like the Carlson's 59966, represents a significant degree of constriction. This means it has the tightest bore diameter among standard choke types, resulting in the densest shot pattern at longer distances.

What does a "Full" choke mean for your shooting?

• Extended Effective Range: By keeping the shot pellets grouped more tightly, a Full choke significantly extends the effective killing or breaking range of your shotgun. This is crucial for situations where targets are at the limits of conventional shotgun ranges.
• Increased Pellet Density: At longer distances, a Full choke ensures more pellets arrive on target within a smaller area, increasing the probability of a clean hit and consistent energy transfer.
• Specific Applications: This constriction excels in scenarios requiring precision at range, such as:
  • Turkey Hunting: Turkeys present a small, specific kill zone (head and neck) that demands a very dense pattern even at 40+ yards. A Full choke is often the preferred choice for this pursuit.
  • Waterfowl Hunting (Geese & Long-Range Ducks): When geese are high overhead or ducks are flying at the fringes of your range, a Full choke can provide the necessary reach and pellet concentration.
  • Trap Shooting (Singles): For the first shot in trap singles, a Full choke helps ensure the clay target is thoroughly pulverized at typical breaking distances.
  • Long-Range Sporting Clays: Certain stations on a sporting clays course might present very distant targets where a Full choke provides a distinct advantage.

The Advantages of a "Flush" Design

Beyond its constriction, the "Flush" style of the Carlson's 59966 offers practical benefits that enhance the overall shooting experience. A flush choke tube sits entirely within the muzzle of the shotgun barrel, meaning it does not extend beyond the barrel's end.

Key benefits of a Flush choke:

• Sleek Aesthetics: The flush design maintains the clean, original lines of your shotgun, appealing to shooters who prefer a factory-like appearance.
• Reduced Snagging: Without any extension, the choke tube is less likely to snag on clothing, brush, or gun cases, making handling and maneuverability smoother, especially in dense cover or tight quarters.
• Barrel Protection: By not protruding, the choke is less exposed to impacts or abrasions, potentially offering better protection for the very end of your barrel.
• Compact Storage: Shotguns with flush chokes are often easier to store in shorter gun cases or safes.

Optimized for Browning Invector Plus Systems

Compatibility is non-negotiable when it comes to choke tubes. The Carlson's 59966 is specifically engineered for Browning Invector Plus shotguns. This is a critical detail, as Browning utilizes several choke systems (Standard Invector, Invector Plus, and Invector-DS). The Invector Plus system is known for its longer choke tube design, which provides a longer, more gradual taper. This extended taper is designed to reduce shot deformation as pellets pass through the constriction, leading to more consistent and uniform patterns downrange.

Carlson's has meticulously designed this choke tube to integrate perfectly with the Invector Plus system, leveraging its inherent benefits. This means you can expect optimal performance, consistent patterning, and reliable function when installed in your compatible Browning 12 gauge shotgun. Always double-check your shotgun's manual to confirm it uses the Invector Plus system before purchasing any replacement choke.

Uncompromising Quality: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel

The material composition of a choke tube directly impacts its durability, longevity, and resistance to the harsh forces of shotgunning. The Carlson's 59966 choke tube is constructed from premium 17-4 heat treated stainless steel.

Why 17-4 stainless steel?

• Exceptional Strength: 17-4 stainless steel is renowned for its high strength-to-weight ratio, capable of withstanding the immense pressures and stresses generated by modern shotgun ammunition.
• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Shotguns and their components are often exposed to moisture, gun powder residue, and various environmental elements. 17-4 stainless steel offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring your choke tube remains functional and maintains its aesthetic appeal even after extensive use in challenging conditions.
• Heat Treated for Performance: The "heat treated" aspect is crucial. This metallurgical process enhances the material's hardness and durability, making the choke tube extremely resilient to wear and tear. It helps prevent deformation and maintains the precise constriction over thousands of shots.
• Long-Term Reliability: Investing in a choke tube made from such high-quality material means you're investing in a product that will deliver consistent performance for years to come, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Proudly Made in the USA

Carlson's Choke Tubes prides itself on manufacturing its products in the United States. This commitment to domestic production often signifies adherence to high manufacturing standards, stringent quality control processes, and a dedication to supporting local economies. For many shooters, knowing a product is "Made in the USA" is a strong indicator of its quality and reliability.

Ammunition Compatibility and Critical Safety Warnings

One of the most vital pieces of information regarding the Carlson's 59966 Full Flush choke pertains to ammunition compatibility and crucial safety guidelines. This choke tube is versatile, allowing the use of Steel, Lead, and Hevi-Shot. However, there are significant caveats when using steel shot in a Full constriction choke.

IMPORTANT SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE WARNING:

• No Steel shot larger than #BB should be used in choke tubes tighter than Full.
• No Steel shot exceeding 1550 fps (feet per second) should be used in choke tubes tighter than Full.

Why are these warnings so critical?

Steel shot is harder and less compressible than lead. When larger or faster steel pellets are forced through a tight constriction like a Full choke, they can exert excessive pressure on the choke tube and the barrel itself. This can lead to:

• Choke Swelling or Damage: The choke tube can bulge, deform, or even crack, rendering it unsafe and unusable.
• Barrel Damage: In severe cases, the barrel itself can be damaged, leading to dangerous malfunctions or compromising the firearm's integrity.
• Compromised Patterns: Even if no damage occurs, forcing oversized or excessively fast steel shot through a tight choke can actually disrupt the pattern, leading to unpredictable and inconsistent shot spreads.

Always consult both your ammunition manufacturer's guidelines and your shotgun's owner's manual in conjunction with these choke tube specifications. When in doubt, it is always safer to use a more open choke (such as Modified or Improved Cylinder) for steel shot, especially if you are using larger sizes or high-velocity loads. For instance, many waterfowl hunters opt for Modified or Light Modified chokes when using steel shot for general duck and goose hunting, reserving Full chokes for lead or other non-toxic loads where allowed and appropriate.

Who Benefits Most from This Choke Tube?

The Carlson's 59966 Full Flush choke tube is an ideal solution for a variety of shotgun enthusiasts seeking to optimize their Browning 12 gauge Invector Plus firearm:

• Dedicated Hunters: Particularly those pursuing turkey, geese, or other game birds where long-range shots are common and a tight pattern is essential for ethical harvesting.
• Competitive Trap Shooters: For shooters focusing on trap singles, where a dense pattern ensures breaks at standard distances.
• Sporting Clays Enthusiasts: Shooters who encounter stations with distant targets that demand maximum pellet concentration.
• Shotgun Owners Seeking an Upgrade: Anyone with a Browning Invector Plus shotgun looking to replace a worn choke, diversify their choke selection, or simply invest in a higher-quality, more durable option.
• Precision-Focused Shooters: Individuals who prioritize consistent patterning and the ability to fine-tune their shotgun's performance for specific scenarios.

Maximizing Your Shotgun's Performance with Carlson's

Acquiring a high-quality choke tube like the Carlson's 59966 is just the first step. To truly unlock your shotgun's potential, consider these practices:

1. Pattern Testing: This is paramount. Always pattern test your shotgun with your chosen ammunition and choke tube combination. Shoot at a large paper target (e.g., 40-inch square) at various distances (e.g., 20, 30, 40 yards). This will show you exactly how your pellets are spreading and where your point of impact is, allowing you to fine-tune your aim and understand your effective range.
2. Choke Tube Maintenance: Regular cleaning is essential. After each shooting session, remove your choke tube, clean it and the choke threads in the barrel to prevent seizing and corrosion. Use a light coating of choke tube grease or anti-seize compound on the threads before reinstalling.
3. Understanding Your Ammunition: Different ammunition brands, shot sizes, and velocities will perform differently through the same choke tube. Experimentation with various loads is key to finding the combination that delivers the best patterns for your specific needs.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice: The best equipment in the world won't compensate for a lack of practice. Regular time at the range, focusing on fundamentals like stance, mount, and swing, will help you make the most of your optimized shotgun.

Why Carlson's Choke Tubes? A Brand You Can Trust

Carlson's Choke Tubes has established itself as a leader in the aftermarket choke tube industry. Their reputation is built on a commitment to precision engineering, high-quality materials, and a deep understanding of ballistic performance. When you choose a Carlson's product, you're investing in a brand known for:

• Innovation: Continuously developing new designs and improving existing ones to meet the evolving needs of shooters.
• Durability: Manufacturing products that stand up to rigorous use and deliver consistent performance over time.
• Performance: Designing chokes that consistently produce tight, uniform patterns, helping shooters achieve better results.
• American Craftsmanship: Their dedication to manufacturing in the USA is a testament to their commitment to quality and supporting domestic industries.

Where to Find This Essential Upgrade

For those ready to enhance their shotgun's capabilities, the Carlson's Choke Tubes 59966 Replacement 12 Gauge Full Flush 17-4 Stainless Steel choke, along with a wide array of other premium firearm accessories, is readily available at DEGuns.com. DEGuns is a trusted retailer known for its extensive selection, competitive pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Opting for a reputable source ensures you receive genuine Carlson's products and reliable service.

In conclusion, the Carlson's 59966 Full Flush choke tube for 12 gauge Browning Invector Plus shotguns is more than just an accessory; it's a performance enhancer. Its Full constriction, flush design, and robust 17-4 heat treated stainless steel construction make it an indispensable tool for hunters and sport shooters alike who demand precision, durability, and versatility from their firearm. By understanding its capabilities and adhering to vital ammunition guidelines, you can significantly elevate your shooting experience and achieve greater success in the field or at the range.

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Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Detail
Brand	Carlson's Choke Tubes
Gauge	12 Gauge
Constriction	Full
Style	Flush
Material	17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel
Compatibility	Browning Invector-Plus
Manufacturer PN	59966
UPC	723189599669