Mastering the Elusive Longbeard: Precision Equipment for Turkey Hunters

For serious turkey hunters, mastering the elusive longbeard requires more than just a keen eye and steady hand; it demands precision equipment designed to deliver unmatched performance when it matters most. Among the most critical components for maximizing your shotgun's effectiveness in the turkey woods is the choke tube. If you've ever asked, "What's the best choke for turkey hunting?" or "How can I achieve tighter patterns with my 12 gauge?" then the Carlson's Head Hunter Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube with a .655 constriction, finished in a durable matte black, is engineered to be your definitive answer. This specialized choke tube, available at DEGuns, is not just an accessory; it's a strategic upgrade for any dedicated turkey hunter seeking to transform their shotgun into a precision instrument.

Why is a Dedicated Turkey Choke Essential for Your Hunt?

Turkey hunting presents unique challenges. Unlike upland game or waterfowl, turkeys have surprisingly small vital areas—primarily the head and neck. To consistently achieve clean, ethical kills at extended ranges, hunters need to deliver a dense, concentrated pattern of shot. Standard modified or full chokes often spread the shot too widely, resulting in fewer pellets hitting the target, which can lead to missed opportunities or, worse, wounded birds. This is precisely the problem a specialized turkey choke like the Carlson's Head Hunter is designed to solve. It funnels the shot column more aggressively, creating an incredibly tight, focused pattern that ensures maximum pellet count in the critical zone, even at distances up to 60 yards or more with the right ammunition.

What Makes the Carlson's Head Hunter Stand Out?

The Carlson's Head Hunter series is renowned among turkey hunters for its exceptional patterning capabilities. The JPC12C1/655 model is specifically crafted for 12 gauge shotguns utilizing the popular Invector Plus choke system. But what exactly sets it apart?

• Optimized Constriction (.655): The .655 constriction is a critical dimension for turkey chokes. It represents a precise balance, tight enough to produce extremely dense patterns for head and neck shots, yet forgiving enough to maintain pattern integrity with a variety of modern turkey loads, including buffered lead, copper-plated lead, and especially the increasingly popular Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). This specific constriction is widely considered by experienced hunters to be a sweet spot for maximizing pellet energy and density where it counts.
• Extended Parallel Section: A key design feature of the Head Hunter is its longer parallel section. Unlike many conventional chokes that begin to open up immediately after the constriction, the Head Hunter maintains a consistent bore diameter for an extended distance. This design element reduces shot deformation and "flyers," allowing the shot column to stabilize more effectively before exiting the muzzle. The result is consistently tighter, more uniform patterns downrange, providing you with a greater effective range and increased confidence in your shot placement.
• Matte Black Finish: The matte black finish serves a practical purpose beyond aesthetics. It reduces glare and reflection, which is crucial when hunting wary turkeys in bright conditions. This subtle detail ensures you remain concealed, preventing game from being spooked by a glinting barrel. The finish also offers an additional layer of corrosion resistance, protecting the choke from the elements encountered during harsh hunting seasons.
• Durable Material: Constructed from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlson's Head Hunter choke tube is built to withstand the rigors of heavy use and the intense pressures generated by modern high-velocity turkey loads. Its robust construction ensures longevity and consistent performance season after season.

Is the .655 Constriction Right for Your Turkey Hunt?

Many hunters wonder, "What's the ideal choke size for my 12 gauge turkey gun?" The .655 constriction is a fantastic starting point for most 12 gauge Invector Plus shotguns when targeting turkeys. It is particularly effective when paired with modern high-density loads like TSS, which, due to their smaller pellet size and increased density, benefit from tighter constrictions to achieve devastating patterns. For hunters using traditional lead turkey loads, the .655 will still deliver excellent results, often outperforming tighter constrictions that might blow out patterns with softer lead shot.

Compatibility and Installation: "Will this Choke Fit My Shotgun?"

The Carlson's Head Hunter JPC12C1/655 is specifically designed for 12 gauge shotguns that use the Invector Plus choke system. It's crucial to verify your shotgun's choke system before purchasing. Common shotgun brands that utilize the Invector Plus system include many models from Browning (e.g., BPS, A-5, Maxus, Cynergy, Citori, BPS, Gold) and Winchester (e.g., Super X2, Super X3, Super X4). If your shotgun uses a standard Invector, Invector-DS, MobilChoke, or other system, this specific choke will not fit. Always consult your shotgun's manual or a qualified gunsmith to confirm compatibility.

Installing the choke is a straightforward process for anyone familiar with shotgun maintenance. Ensure your shotgun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Unscrew the existing choke tube using a choke wrench, then screw in the Carlson's Head Hunter choke tube by hand until it's finger-tight. Finish by snugging it down with a choke wrench. Avoid over-tightening.

Maximizing Performance: Ammunition and Patterning

Choosing the right choke is only half the battle; selecting the right ammunition and patterning your shotgun are equally important steps to achieve peak performance.

• Ammunition Selection: While the .655 constriction is versatile, experimenting with different turkey loads is highly recommended. Modern turkey loads feature various shot types (lead, copper-plated lead, TSS), sizes, and buffering materials. Each combination will pattern slightly differently through your specific choke and shotgun barrel.
• Patterning Your Shotgun: This is perhaps the most overlooked yet critical step. Before heading into the field, you must pattern your shotgun with your chosen choke and ammunition at various distances (e.g., 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards). Use large sheets of paper or cardboard targets with a turkey head outlined. Fire several shots at each distance and analyze the pellet distribution. You are looking for a dense, even pattern with enough pellets in the turkey's head and neck vital area to ensure a clean kill. This process will tell you your effective range with your specific setup and build immense confidence in your gear.

Common Questions from Turkey Hunters:

• "How do I get the tightest patterns possible?"
  • Start with a specialized turkey choke like the Carlson's Head Hunter .655.
  • Experiment with premium turkey ammunition, especially TSS loads.
  • Thoroughly pattern your shotgun at different ranges.
  • Consider polishing your shotgun's forcing cone, though this is a job for a gunsmith.
• "Is a tighter choke always better?"
  • Not necessarily. While tighter chokes generally produce denser patterns, an overly tight choke can sometimes "blow out" the pattern, leading to inconsistent or patchy results, especially with softer lead shot. The .655 constriction strikes an excellent balance for most modern turkey loads.
• "What's the difference between Invector and Invector Plus?"
  • Invector Plus choke tubes are generally longer and have a slightly larger diameter at the threaded end compared to standard Invector. This design allows for a more gradual constriction and often results in better patterning, especially with steel shot or magnum loads. It is crucial to use the correct choke system for your shotgun.
• "Can I use steel shot with this choke?"
  • Carlson's Head Hunter chokes are rated for lead, copper-plated lead, and TSS loads. While they are built tough, extreme caution should always be exercised with steel shot in any choke tighter than Modified. For turkey hunting, where lead or TSS are preferred, this is usually not an issue. Always verify with the manufacturer's recommendations.

The DEGuns Advantage: Your Source for Premium Hunting Gear

When investing in critical components like a specialized turkey choke, trust is paramount. All products mentioned, including the Carlson's Head Hunter Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube, UPC 723224095598, are available through DEGuns. DEGuns is committed to providing hunters with access to top-tier equipment from reputable brands, ensuring you receive genuine products designed for optimal performance. Their expertise in firearms and accessories makes them a reliable partner for preparing for your next hunt.

By integrating the Carlson's Head Hunter .655 turkey choke into your 12 gauge Invector Plus shotgun, you are not just buying a piece of metal; you are investing in a proven technology designed to significantly enhance your probability of success in the turkey woods. It's about achieving that consistent, devastating pattern that drops a longbeard cleanly, making every shot count. Elevate your turkey hunting setup and experience the confidence that comes with precision engineering.

Feature	Detail	Benefit
UPC	723224095598	Product Identification
Model Name	Head Hunter	Designed for Turkey Hunting
Gauge	12 Gauge	Standard Turkey Hunting Caliber
Choke Constriction	.655	Optimal for Dense Turkey Patterns
Choke System	Invector Plus	Wide Compatibility with Browning/Winchester
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel	Durability, Corrosion Resistance
Finish	Matte Black	Reduced Glare, Enhanced Concealment
Design	Extended Parallel Section	Tighter, More Consistent Patterns
Compatibility	Lead, Copper-Plated Lead, TSS	Versatile Ammunition Use