Elevating Your Turkey Hunt: The Ultimate Guide to the Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube for 20 Gauge Shotguns

For avid turkey hunters, the pursuit of that elusive gobbler is a passion that demands precision, reliability, and the right gear. Success in the turkey woods often hinges on a single, well-placed shot, and achieving that critical accuracy requires more than just a steady aim; it calls for a meticulously optimized shotgun setup. This is where the Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube, specifically the 70105 model designed for 20 gauge shotguns, becomes an indispensable asset.

Are you a 20-gauge shotgun owner wondering how to achieve tighter patterns and extend your effective range for turkey hunting? Do you own a shotgun with a WinChoke, Browning Invector, or Mossberg 500 choke system and seek a high-performance solution for dense, lethal patterns? If these questions resonate with your hunting aspirations, then understanding the capabilities of a specialized turkey choke like the Carlson's 70105 is crucial. This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of this exceptional choke tube, explaining how it solves common hunting challenges and significantly enhances your chances of a successful and ethical harvest.

Why a Dedicated Turkey Choke is Essential for Success

Turkey hunting presents unique challenges. The target zone on a turkey, the head and neck, is relatively small, demanding an incredibly dense and consistent pattern to ensure a clean, ethical kill. A standard full choke, while offering some constriction, often falls short of delivering the extreme pattern density needed at typical turkey ranges. This is precisely why specialized turkey chokes are engineered:

• Maximum Pattern Density: They are designed with tighter constrictions than typical full chokes, concentrating pellets into a much smaller area.
• Increased Pellet Count in the Kill Zone: The goal is to deliver as many pellets as possible into the turkey's head and neck for immediate incapacitation.
• Extended Effective Range: While ethical hunting dictates keeping shots within a responsible distance, a good turkey choke can help maintain pattern integrity at the outer limits of that range.
• Optimized for Turkey Loads: These chokes are often designed to work synergistically with modern, high-performance turkey loads featuring specialized shot types like tungsten super shot (TSS), lead, or bismuth.

Without a dedicated turkey choke, hunters often experience sparse patterns, leading to wounded birds or missed opportunities – scenarios no ethical hunter wants. The Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke directly addresses these critical needs, providing a distinct advantage in the field.

Introducing the Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube 70105: Precision Engineering for the 20 Gauge

The Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube (Model 70105) is specifically engineered for 20-gauge shotguns, a popular choice among many hunters for its lighter recoil and maneuverability. This particular model is compatible with several widely used shotgun platforms, including:

• WinChoke systems: Found on many Winchester and older Browning models.
• Browning Invector systems: Common on a wide range of Browning shotguns.
• Mossberg 500 series: A ubiquitous and reliable platform for hunters.

This broad compatibility makes the Carlson's 70105 an excellent upgrade for a significant portion of the 20-gauge hunting community. It’s not just about fitting your gun; it’s about transforming its performance.

Key Features that Set the Carlson's 70105 Apart

Carlson's is renowned for its commitment to quality and performance in choke tube manufacturing, and the 70105 model exemplifies this dedication through its thoughtful design and robust materials.

1. Premium 17-4 Stainless Steel Construction

The foundation of the Carlson's 70105 choke tube is its construction from high-grade 17-4 stainless steel. This material choice is not arbitrary; it's a critical factor in the choke's durability and long-term performance:

• Exceptional Strength and Hardness: 17-4 stainless steel is known for its impressive strength and hardness, making it highly resistant to wear and deformation, even under the intense pressures generated by modern turkey loads.
• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Hunting environments can be harsh, exposing equipment to moisture, dirt, and varying temperatures. 17-4 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, protecting the choke from rust and degradation, ensuring its integrity season after season.
• Longevity: Investing in a choke tube made from such a durable material means you’re acquiring a piece of gear built to last, providing consistent performance for countless hunting trips.

This material ensures that the choke maintains its precise internal dimensions, which are crucial for consistent patterning, shot after shot.

2. Ported Design for Enhanced Performance

One of the standout features of the Carlson's 70105 choke tube is its ported design. The ports, small holes or vents strategically machined into the end of the choke, offer several significant benefits for the hunter:

• Recoil Reduction: As the shot charge exits the barrel and passes through the choke, a portion of the expanding gases is redirected sideways through these ports. This redirection helps to counteract some of the rearward force (recoil) generated by the shot, making felt recoil noticeably lighter. For 20-gauge shotguns, which already offer milder recoil than their 12-gauge counterparts, this enhancement further improves shooter comfort and reduces flinching.
• Reduced Muzzle Jump (Muzzle Rise): Similar to recoil reduction, the gas redirection also minimizes the upward "jump" of the muzzle after a shot. This allows for quicker target reacquisition, which can be critical in follow-up shot scenarios, though typically less common in turkey hunting where a single, decisive shot is the aim.
• Improved Pattern Consistency: By managing gas flow more efficiently, porting can contribute to a more stable shot column as it exits the barrel, potentially leading to more uniform and consistent patterns. This means fewer flyers and a denser core pattern where it matters most.
• Noise Reduction (Perceived): While porting doesn't significantly reduce overall decibel levels, it can alter the sound signature of the shot, sometimes making it perceived as less harsh to the shooter.

The blued finish applied to the 17-4 stainless steel provides an additional layer of protection against the elements while offering a sleek, non-reflective appearance that blends well with most shotgun finishes. This aesthetic touch doesn't just look good; it adds to the overall robustness of the product.

The Carlson's Long Beard Advantage: What Problem Does It Solve for Hunters?

The primary problem the Carlson's 70105 choke tube solves is the challenge of consistently delivering lethal patterns at extended ranges for turkey hunting with a 20-gauge shotgun. Many hunters ask:

• "How can I get tighter patterns with my 20 gauge for turkey hunting?" The tighter constriction, precision machining, and ported design work in concert to funnel pellets efficiently, producing patterns that are significantly denser than those from a standard full choke. This ensures more pellets impact the small kill zone.
• "Is a 20 gauge powerful enough for turkeys?" Absolutely, with the right ammunition and, critically, the right choke tube. The Carlson's 70105 maximizes the effectiveness of modern 20-gauge turkey loads, turning the 20 gauge into a formidable turkey slayer. It’s not just about power, but the delivery of that power.
• "My patterns are too wide; how do I improve them for longer shots?" The Long Beard choke's specific design aims for maximum constriction and efficient pellet delivery, reducing pattern spread and increasing the effective range where a sufficient number of pellets land within the critical kill zone. This allows for cleaner kills without pushing ethical boundaries.
• "What choke is best for my Mossberg 500 20 gauge for turkey?" This specific Carlson's model is designed to seamlessly integrate with your Mossberg 500, Browning Invector, or WinChoke system, providing a direct, high-performance upgrade. It eliminates guesswork about compatibility while delivering top-tier performance.

By using the Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke, hunters gain confidence, knowing their shot is optimized for ethical and successful harvesting. It transforms a capable 20-gauge shotgun into a precision turkey hunting instrument.

Optimizing Your Shotgun for Turkey Hunting: Beyond the Choke

While the Carlson's 70105 choke tube is a cornerstone of an effective turkey hunting setup, maximizing its potential involves a holistic approach to your shotgun system.

The Importance of Patterning Your Shotgun

Patterning is not optional; it's essential. Even with the best choke tube like the Carlson's Long Beard, every shotgun and ammunition combination is unique. To truly understand your effective range and ensure an ethical harvest, you must:

1. Choose Your Ammunition: Select the specific turkey load you intend to use in the field. Different loads (e.g., lead #5, TSS #9, bismuth #6) will pattern differently, even with the same choke.
2. Set Up a Target: Use large sheets of paper with a turkey head/neck silhouette at various realistic hunting distances (e.g., 20, 30, 40 yards).
3. Shoot from a Rest: Eliminate human error by shooting from a steady rest to assess the true performance of your gun and choke.
4. Analyze Your Patterns: Count the number of pellets within the kill zone (e.g., a 10-inch circle) and observe the overall distribution. This tells you your maximum ethical range.

The Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke is designed to excel in patterning, often yielding pattern densities exceeding 80% within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards with appropriate loads. This level of performance provides the hunter with a significant margin of confidence.

Pairing with the Right Ammunition

Modern turkey loads have revolutionized 20-gauge performance. When using the Carlson's 70105 choke, consider experimenting with:

• Tungsten Super Shot (TSS): Extremely dense and hard, TSS pellets retain energy exceptionally well, providing superior penetration and range. A 20 gauge loaded with TSS #9 shot can rival or even surpass the performance of a 12 gauge with lead shot.
• Heavier Lead Loads: Traditional lead loads in #4, #5, or #6 shot can still be highly effective, especially with high-quality buffered versions designed for dense patterns.
• Bismuth Shot: An excellent non-toxic alternative to lead, bismuth is denser than steel and performs well for turkey hunting, often providing better energy transfer than steel while being safer for the environment.

The Carlson's 70105 choke tube is engineered to handle these modern high-performance loads, ensuring optimal pellet delivery and terminal performance on the bird.

Maintenance and Care for Your Carlson's Choke Tube

To ensure your Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube (70105) continues to perform at its peak for many seasons, proper maintenance is key:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially after firing, remove the choke tube and thoroughly clean it and the barrel threads. Powder residue can build up and lead to corrosion or galling if left unchecked.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of choke tube grease or anti-seize compound to the external threads of the choke tube before reinserting it into the barrel. This prevents the choke from seizing in the barrel due to heat and pressure.
• Inspect for Damage: Periodically check the choke tube for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or erosion, particularly around the porting and constriction. While 17-4 stainless steel is extremely durable, inspecting for issues ensures continued safe operation.
• Proper Storage: Store your choke tube in a clean, dry environment, protected from extreme temperatures and humidity.

Taking these simple steps will extend the life of your Carlson's choke tube and ensure it's always ready for your next turkey hunting adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Chokes and the Carlson's 70105

Hunters often have specific questions when considering a new choke tube. Here are some common queries addressed in the context of the Carlson's 70105:

Q: Can I use steel shot with the Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke (70105)?

A: While the 17-4 stainless steel construction is robust, highly constricted turkey chokes are generally not recommended for steel shot. Steel shot is much harder than lead or bismuth and can damage the choke tube or even the barrel if used in overly tight constrictions. Always consult the manufacturer's recommendations for both the choke and your specific shotgun before using steel shot. For turkey hunting, denser non-toxic alternatives like TSS or bismuth are typically preferred due to their superior performance.

Q: How tight is the Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke?

A: Carlson's "Long Beard Turkey" chokes are designed as extra-full or even super-full constrictions. While the exact internal diameter (ID) might vary slightly, they are among the tightest chokes available for turkey hunting, specifically engineered to deliver maximum pattern density with appropriate turkey loads. This tight constriction is critical for delivering a high pellet count to the small vitals of a turkey.

Q: Will this choke reduce the recoil of my 20-gauge shotgun significantly?

A: Yes, the ported design of the Carlson's 70105 is specifically engineered to vent gasses, which measurably reduces felt recoil and muzzle jump. While a 20 gauge already has less recoil than a 12 gauge, the porting further enhances shooting comfort, especially when using heavy turkey loads. This can lead to greater confidence and quicker follow-up shots if ever needed.

Q: Is the blued finish durable?

A: The blued finish provides an excellent layer of corrosion resistance and contributes to the overall aesthetic. While bluing can show wear over time with heavy use, it is a robust finish designed to withstand typical hunting conditions and protect the underlying 17-4 stainless steel. Regular cleaning and light oiling will help maintain its appearance and protective qualities.

Q: Where can I purchase the Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke (70105)?

A: The Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube 70105, along with a wide array of other high-quality shooting accessories, is available at DEGuns.com. DEGuns specializes in providing hunters and shooters with reliable and effective gear to enhance their outdoor experiences.

Conclusion: Your Edge in the Turkey Woods

The Carlson's Long Beard Turkey Choke Tube (70105) for 20-gauge shotguns is far more than just an accessory; it's a performance-enhancing tool designed to give turkey hunters a decisive edge. Its construction from premium 17-4 stainless steel ensures unparalleled durability and corrosion resistance, built to withstand the rigors of any hunting season. The innovative ported design actively reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise, making your 20-gauge even more comfortable and manageable when firing powerful turkey loads. Most importantly, its precision engineering guarantees the dense, consistent patterns crucial for ethical and successful turkey harvests at extended ranges.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your WinChoke, Browning Invector, or Mossberg 500 20-gauge, the Carlson's 70105 seamlessly integrates, transforming your shotgun into a highly effective turkey hunting machine. By combining this exceptional choke with proper patterning and the right ammunition, you’ll unlock your shotgun's full potential, ensuring you're ready when that gobbler steps into range. Elevate your turkey hunting experience with the confidence and performance that only a purpose-built choke tube like the Carlson's Long Beard can provide.

These premium Carlson's Choke Tubes and a full range of other high-performance hunting accessories are available now at DEGuns. Visit DEGuns.com to equip yourself for your next successful turkey hunt.

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Product Specifications & Compatibility

Feature	Detail
Product Model	Carlson's Choke Tubes 70105
Gauge	20 Gauge
Choke Type	Long Beard Turkey (Extra-Full / Super-Full)
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel
Finish	Blued
Design	Ported
Compatibility	WinChoke, Browning Invector, Mossberg 500 Systems
UPC	723189701055