First Thoughts on the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
As an avid waterfowl hunter with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my share of choke tubes come and go. I’ve relied on everything from factory-issued chokes to high-end, ported models, and I’m always looking for an edge in the field. When I first heard about the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black, I was intrigued by the promise of optimized performance across various distances in a single set.
For years, my go-to setup involved switching between a modified choke for closer birds over decoys and a full choke for those longer, passing shots. This meant constantly fiddling with my shotgun, potentially spooking birds in the process. The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge set promised a solution to this problem, offering a versatile range of constrictions in a durable package.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the solid feel of the 17-4 stainless steel construction. The black finish is sleek and practical, minimizing glare in the bright sunlight often encountered on the water. Compared to the cheaper, blued steel chokes I’ve used in the past, these felt significantly more robust. I had previously been considering a Briley choke set, but the Carlsons set offered a similar range of constrictions at a more accessible price point, specifically tailored for my Retay shotgun.
Initially, I was excited to see if these chokes would live up to the hype. I hoped to see tighter patterns and more consistent performance across the board, reducing the need for on-the-fly choke swaps. I was also somewhat skeptical, as claims of “long-range” performance often fall short in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge chokes was on a late-season duck hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The conditions were challenging: cold, damp, and with visibility hampered by fog. I started the morning with the close-range choke installed, anticipating most shots would be within 30 yards over decoys.
The close-range choke performed exceptionally well, delivering dense, even patterns that consistently folded birds. Switching to the mid-range choke as the ducks started circling higher, I noticed a significant improvement in my hit ratio on those 30-40 yard shots. No issues or hiccups arose, and the change was a relief from my previous choke setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous hunts in varying conditions, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge chokes have proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite frequent exposure to water and mud. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps them in top condition.
Compared to the factory chokes that came with my Retay, the Carlsons chokes offer a noticeable improvement in pattern density and consistency. Previously, I experienced occasional flyers and inconsistent spreads, particularly at longer ranges. The Carlsons chokes have minimized these issues, resulting in more clean kills and fewer wounded birds.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube set includes three chokes designed specifically for Retay 12-gauge shotguns. Each choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand the pressures of repeated shotshell firings. The chokes feature a black finish, further enhancing their durability and reducing glare.
The set includes a close-range, mid-range, and long-range choke, each offering a different constriction to optimize patterns at various distances. The specific constriction measurements are proprietary to Carlsons, but they are designed to provide a progressive tightening of the pattern as the range increases. This is crucial for ethical and effective waterfowl hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge chokes excel at their intended purpose: delivering consistent and effective patterns at varying distances. The close-range choke is ideal for shots within 25 yards, providing a wide, even spread that minimizes the risk of missed birds at close range. The mid-range choke tightens the pattern slightly, making it suitable for shots between 25 and 40 yards.
The long-range choke is designed for shots beyond 40 yards, offering a tight, dense pattern that maintains sufficient energy and pellet density to ensure clean kills. One minor weakness is the lack of clearly marked constriction sizes on each choke; however, this is easily remedied with a choke tube gauge. Overall, the performance of these chokes exceeded my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement over factory chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge chokes are well-designed and easy to install and remove. The knurled ends provide a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, minimizing reflections that could spook wary waterfowl.
The chokes are also relatively lightweight, adding minimal weight to the shotgun. There is no noticeable learning curve associated with using these chokes; simply install the appropriate choke for the expected shooting distance and hunt.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge chokes are built to last. They are highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and the wear and tear associated with repeated use. Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that is required to keep them in optimal condition.
With proper care, these chokes should provide years of reliable service. The robust construction inspires confidence, knowing they can withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge choke set comes with the three chokes, covering close, mid, and long-range shooting scenarios. While no additional accessories are included in the set, these chokes are compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for 12-gauge shotguns.
There are no specific customization options available for these chokes, but their performance is optimized for typical waterfowl hunting situations. The aftermarket lacks specific Retay branded choke wrenches, but universal tools work perfectly well.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Improved pattern density and consistency compared to factory chokes.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Versatile range of constrictions for close, mid, and long-range shooting.
- Easy to install, remove, and maintain.
- Sleek black finish minimizes glare.
Cons
- Constriction sizes are not clearly marked on each choke.
- No choke tube wrench included with the set.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke set is perfect for waterfowl hunters who want to improve their pattern performance and reduce the need for frequent choke swaps. It is ideal for hunters who often encounter a variety of shooting distances in the field. Anyone who owns a Retay 12 gauge and hunts waterfowl will notice an improvement by using these chokes.
This product is not suitable for hunters who primarily shoot at very close ranges (under 20 yards) or those who prefer to use specialized chokes for specific types of ammunition. Must-have accessories for these chokes include a quality choke tube wrench and a choke tube gauge.
Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Retay 12 Gauge Close-Range/Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube set is a worthwhile investment for any serious waterfowl hunter using a Retay shotgun. The improved pattern performance, durability, and versatility make it a valuable addition to any hunting setup. At $113.00, the price is justified by the increased effectiveness and the long lifespan of these chokes.
I personally recommend this choke set to anyone looking to upgrade from factory chokes or simplify their choke selection process. Don’t settle for mediocre patterns; equip your Retay with the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl set and experience the difference.