Elevate Your Turkey Hunt: Unlocking Unrivaled Performance with the Carlson's Head Hunter 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube

The pursuit of a grand gobbler in the spring woods is a quintessential hunting experience, filled with anticipation, strategic calls, and ultimately, a moment of truth. For dedicated turkey hunters, every piece of gear matters, and none more so than the often-underestimated choke tube. It's the critical link between your shotgun's barrel and that perfect, lethal pattern needed for a clean, ethical harvest. Are you a passionate turkey hunter constantly searching for ways to optimize your shotgun's performance and ensure maximum effectiveness at range? Do you frequently ask, "What's the best choke tube for turkey hunting?" or "How can I achieve tighter, more consistent patterns with my 12-gauge?" If so, the Carlson's Head Hunter Invector Plus .660 Black Nitride Choke Tube, part number JPCBN12B1/660, is precisely the upgrade you've been seeking. This isn't just another accessory; it's a precision-engineered tool designed to transform your shotgun into a turkey-dropping machine, ensuring you put more pellets into the critical zone for decisive one-shot takedowns.

The Unyielding Challenge of Turkey Hunting and Pattern Perfection

Turkey hunting presents a unique set of ballistic challenges. Unlike upland birds or waterfowl, where a broader spread pattern might be desirable for moving targets, turkey hunting demands extreme pattern density and precise shot placement to penetrate the thick feathers and sturdy bones of a gobbler's head and neck. A few stray pellets won't cut it; you need a consistent, concentrated swarm of shot delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Many hunters grapple with inconsistent patterns, insufficient range, or a lack of confidence in their shotgun's ability to ethically harvest a bird at extended distances. This often stems from using factory-provided choke tubes that are too open or not optimized for modern, high-performance turkey loads, including popular Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), heavy lead, or bismuth options. The question then becomes: "How do I get a reliable, devastatingly dense pattern that drops turkeys cleanly?" The answer lies in specialized constriction.

Demystifying the Choke Tube: Your Shotgun's Precision Performance Enhancer

What exactly is a choke tube, and how does it dramatically influence your shotgun's performance? Simply put, a choke tube is a removable constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel. As the shot charge travels down the barrel and exits, the choke tube compresses the shot column, controlling its spread and shaping the pellet pattern.

Different choke constrictions produce different pattern spreads:

• Open Chokes (e.g., Cylinder, Improved Cylinder): Allow the shot to spread quickly, ideal for very close-range targets like skeet or brush hunting.
• Moderate Chokes (e.g., Modified, Light Modified): Offer a balanced spread for general hunting scenarios and varied distances.
• Tight Chokes (e.g., Full, Extra Full, Turkey Specific): Constrict the shot significantly to create a dense, concentrated pattern at longer ranges, maximizing the number of pellets within a small target area.

For turkey hunting, where precision and long-range effectiveness are paramount, a dedicated turkey choke is indispensable. These chokes are engineered with specific constrictions and internal geometries to maximize pellet concentration, putting more pellets on target within a smaller area. The Carlson's Head Hunter is designed for shotguns utilizing the Invector Plus system, a widely adopted internal choke thread pattern found in many popular 12-gauge shotguns from manufacturers like Browning, Winchester, Mossberg (e.g., 930/935 models), and Weatherby, ensuring broad compatibility for numerous hunters.

Introducing the Carlson's Head Hunter Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke (.660 Black Nitride)

The Carlson's Head Hunter choke tube, specifically the JPCBN12B1/660 model, represents the pinnacle of turkey choke design. It's meticulously engineered to deliver the tightest, most consistent patterns possible from your 12-gauge shotgun, dramatically increasing your effective range and confidence in the field.

Key Features and Unmatched Benefits:

• Optimal .660 Constriction: This precise internal diameter is a sweet spot for 12-gauge turkey loads. It's tight enough to pack a tremendous amount of shot into a lethal pattern, yet open enough to prevent excessive pressure buildup or erratic patterns that can occur with overly tight constrictions. Whether you prefer traditional lead turkey loads, heavier-than-lead bismuth, or the incredibly dense Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) in various sizes (e.g., #7, #9 TSS, #4, #5, #6 lead), the .660 constriction provides exceptional performance, maximizing pellet energy delivery where it counts most – the gobbler's head and neck. Hunters often ask, "What constriction is best for TSS?" The .660 is frequently cited by experts as an excellent starting point for TSS, offering superb pattern density out to 40-50 yards and beyond with the right ammunition.

• Premium 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Construction: Durability and reliability are non-negotiable in the rugged hunting environment. Crafted from high-strength 17-4 PH stainless steel, this choke tube offers superior corrosion resistance and can withstand the intense pressures of magnum turkey loads without degradation. This material choice ensures your choke will perform flawlessly season after season, regardless of the conditions.

• Corrosion-Resistant Black Nitride Finish: The exterior boasts a sleek, non-glare black nitride finish. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this finish provides an additional layer of protection against rust, abrasion, and the elements, ensuring your choke tube looks and performs great even after countless hours in the damp, muddy, or dusty conditions of the turkey woods. The low-glare property is also crucial for preventing reflections that could spook wary gobblers, giving you a stealth advantage.

• Extended Ported Design: The Head Hunter is an extended choke tube, meaning it extends beyond the muzzle of your shotgun. This design offers several advantages that directly benefit the hunter:

  • Easy Installation and Removal: The extended portion provides a larger gripping surface, making it simpler to screw in or remove the choke tube by hand, even with cold or gloved fingers, often without needing a wrench.
  • Muzzle Protection: The choke extends past the barrel, offering a sacrificial layer of protection for your shotgun's crown, safeguarding the critical rifling at the barrel's end from dings and damage.
  • Improved Patterning: The extended length allows for a longer, more gradual taper, which can lead to more uniform and consistent patterns by gradually compressing the shot charge.
  • Recoil and Muzzle Jump Reduction: The strategically placed porting (vents) near the end of the choke tube redirects gases sideways as the shot exits. This innovative design effectively reduces felt recoil and minimizes muzzle jump, allowing you to maintain better control, potentially enabling faster follow-up shots (though often unnecessary for turkeys) and a more comfortable shooting experience, allowing you to stay on target for maximum precision.

• Proudly Made in the USA: Carlson's choke tubes are manufactured with precision and care in the United States, a testament to quality craftsmanship and dedication to American manufacturing standards. This commitment ensures a reliable product you can trust in the field.

Real-World Scenarios and Your Questions Answered:

Many hunters have common questions when optimizing their turkey shotgun setup. Here's how the Carlson's Head Hunter addresses them:

• "My factory choke isn't giving me good patterns. What should I do?"
  The Carlson's Head Hunter is your direct solution. Factory chokes are general-purpose; this choke is purpose-built for turkey hunting, delivering the dense patterns you need to confidently take down a gobbler. It fundamentally changes how your shotgun patterns turkey loads.

• "How do I choose the right choke for TSS ammunition?"
  For 12-gauge, the .660 constriction is a highly recommended starting point for Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads. Its ability to handle the extreme density of TSS while maintaining pattern integrity is exceptional, often resulting in pellet counts far superior to lead loads at extended ranges. Always pattern your specific load with the choke, but the .660 will give you a significant advantage with TSS.

• "Will this choke fit my Browning BPS 12 gauge?"
  Yes, if your Browning BPS uses the Invector Plus choke system, this choke tube will be fully compatible. The Invector Plus system is a widely used and reliable choke system found on many Browning, Winchester, Mossberg (e.g., 930/935), and Weatherby 12-gauge shotguns. Confirm your shotgun's choke system to ensure a perfect fit.

• "Can this choke help me extend my ethical killing range?"
  Absolutely. By delivering a significantly denser pattern, the Head Hunter increases the effective range at which you can confidently and ethically harvest a turkey, provided you've thoroughly patterned your gun with your chosen ammunition. It maximizes the pellet count in the vital head and neck zone, translating to more consistent one-shot kills at ranges where standard chokes might fail.

• "Is an extended, ported choke really worth the extra cost?"
  For serious turkey hunters, yes, without a doubt. The combined benefits of easier handling (especially in cold weather or with gloves), muzzle protection, demonstrably improved patterning, and noticeable recoil reduction offer a tangible advantage in the field. These features directly contribute to hunting success and a more comfortable, confident shooting experience, making the investment well worthwhile.

• "What's the secret to consistent patterns for turkey hunting?"
  It's a combination of factors, but the right choke tube is paramount. The Carlson's Head Hunter, combined with meticulous ammunition selection and thorough patterning at various distances, is the core of achieving consistent, devastating patterns that ensure clean kills. This choke simplifies the patterning process by providing a consistent foundation.

Optimizing Your Turkey Setup: Beyond the Choke Tube

While the Carlson's Head Hunter choke tube is a game-changer, achieving peak turkey hunting performance involves a holistic approach:

1. Pattern Your Shotgun Meticulously: This is non-negotiable and arguably the most crucial step. Take your shotgun, the Head Hunter choke, and several different brands and types of turkey ammunition (e.g., #4 lead, #5 lead, #7 TSS, #9 TSS) to the range. Shoot at turkey head targets at realistic hunting distances (e.g., 20, 30, and 40 yards). Analyze your patterns to see which load performs best with the .660 constriction in your specific shotgun. This empirical data is invaluable and builds immense confidence.

2. Ammunition Selection: Experiment with different shot sizes and types. While traditional lead loads are still effective, modern TSS loads, though often more expensive, offer unparalleled density, energy retention, and range, often performing exceptionally well with the .660 constriction, delivering superior pellet counts at longer distances.

3. Consider Your Sighting System: Precision aiming is just as important as pattern density for pinpoint head/neck shots. Consider upgrading from your shotgun's bead sight to fiber optic sights for improved visibility, a red dot sight for quick target acquisition, or a low-magnification scope specifically designed for shotguns for enhanced accuracy at range.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Familiarity with your entire setup under various conditions will build confidence for that critical moment when a gobbler finally steps into range. Knowing your limits and the capabilities of your gun and choke is key to ethical hunting.

The Carlson's Head Hunter Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tube (JPCBN12B1/660) is more than just a piece of metal; it's a commitment to precision, performance, and ethical hunting. It empowers you to maximize the potential of your 12-gauge shotgun, ensuring you're ready when that elusive gobbler finally commits. Invest in the best and experience the difference superior patterning makes.

This essential turkey hunting accessory, including the Carlson's Head Hunter JPCBN12B1/660, is readily available at DEGuns and deguns.com, your trusted source for premium firearms and hunting gear. Elevate your turkey season with the confidence that comes from the right equipment.

Maintaining Your Precision Tool

To ensure your Carlson's Head Hunter choke tube continues to perform season after season, a little care goes a long way:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially after firing, remove the choke tube and clean it thoroughly to prevent lead, plastic, or wad residue buildup. A bronze brush and solvent designed for shotgun bores work well to remove stubborn fouling.

• Proper Lubrication: Always apply a thin layer of choke tube grease or anti-seize compound to the threads before re-installing. This critical step prevents the choke from seizing in the barrel due to heat and pressure from firing, and it makes removal significantly easier for future cleaning or choke changes.

• Periodic Inspection: Periodically inspect the choke tube for any signs of wear, pitting, or damage, especially around the internal constriction and threads. While 17-4 PH stainless steel is exceptionally durable, wear can occur over thousands of rounds. Replace if necessary to maintain optimal performance and safety.

By following these simple steps, your Head Hunter choke will remain a reliable and indispensable part of your turkey hunting arsenal for years to come, consistently delivering the performance you demand.

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Carlson's Head Hunter Choke Tube: Key Specifications

Feature	Description	Benefit for Hunter
Material	17-4 PH Stainless Steel	Extreme durability, superior corrosion resistance
Constriction	.660 (Extra Full Turkey Specific)	Optimal pattern density for devastating head/neck shots
Finish	Black Nitride	Non-glare, enhanced corrosion and abrasion resistance
Design	Extended & Ported	Reduced felt recoil, minimized muzzle jump, easier handling
Compatibility	12 Gauge Shotguns, Invector Plus System (e.g., Browning, Winchester, Mossberg, Weatherby)	Broad fit for many popular turkey hunting shotguns
Ammunition Type	Compatible with Lead, Heavy Lead, Bismuth, and Tungsten Super Shot (TSS)	Versatility with all modern turkey loads, including high-density

Product Identification and Compatibility

Product Name	UPC	Constriction	Gauge	Choke System	Finish	Part Number
Carlson's Head Hunter Turkey Choke Tube	723189108151	.660	12 Gauge	Invector Plus	Black Nitride	JPCBN12B1/660