First Thoughts on the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises tighter, more consistent patterns for waterfowl hunters. This offering from Carlson’s aims to improve downrange performance with its extended design and durable construction. For years I’ve relied on factory chokes and various aftermarket options in my pursuit of ducks and geese. I was intrigued by the claims of improved patterns and the corrosion resistance of the 17-4 stainless steel.
My quest for a reliable and consistent mid-range choke led me to this product. I’ve often found myself frustrated with inconsistent patterns, especially when shooting steel shot at decoying birds. The promise of a 25% longer parallel section for tighter patterns was particularly appealing.
The Carlsons choke tube arrived in simple, functional packaging. I immediately noticed the weight and solid feel of the stainless steel. The black finish was cleanly applied and looked durable. Compared to my factory Benelli choke, the Carlsons tube felt noticeably more robust. I chose this over a cheaper, generic choke due to Carlson’s reputation for quality and the specific design for waterfowl hunting.
My first impression was positive. The build quality appeared excellent, and the design seemed well-thought-out. I was eager to get it to the range and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black at my local shooting range. This allowed me to pattern the choke with different loads before taking it into the field. The weather was slightly overcast, but otherwise ideal for patterning.
The choke performed remarkably well with both lead and steel shot. The patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my factory modified choke. Recoil felt comparable, and installation was a breeze, requiring no tools. I was initially surprised by how much denser the patterns were at 35 yards, truly showcasing the choke’s effectiveness.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full waterfowl season, the Carlsons choke has proven its worth. It consistently delivers tight patterns, even after repeated use in harsh conditions. There are no signs of wear or corrosion, despite exposure to rain, mud, and saltwater spray.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with gun oil keeps it in top condition. It has significantly outperformed my previous choke setup in terms of pattern density and consistency. I am genuinely impressed with its durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is designed for 12-gauge shotguns, the most common gauge for waterfowl hunting.
- Choke Size: Mid-Range. This offers a balance between close-range spread and long-range reach, ideal for decoying birds.
- Model: Benelli/Beretta. This choke tube is specifically designed to fit Benelli and Beretta 12-gauge shotguns with Mobilchoke threads.
- Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and reduces glare, an important factor in waterfowl hunting.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This provides exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability in harsh environments.
- Extended Design: The extended portion of the choke allows for easy removal and identification.
- 25% Longer Parallel Section: This feature is designed to produce tighter and more consistent patterns, maximizing downrange effectiveness.
- Knurled End: The knurled end allows for quick and easy removal, even with gloved hands.
- Laser Marked: The constriction and size are laser marked on the end and body, providing easy identification in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns at mid-range distances. It significantly improves my hit probability on decoying birds, leading to cleaner kills and fewer cripples. The choke performs exceptionally well with both steel and lead shot.
The only potential weakness is that the mid-range constriction might be too tight for very close-range shots. For most waterfowl hunting scenarios, however, this choke is an ideal choice. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern density and overall performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons choke tube features a robust and functional design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gives it a solid, durable feel. The black finish looks great and offers added corrosion protection.
The extended, knurled end makes it easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands. There’s no real learning curve; it’s a simple, straightforward product.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability. This choke is built to withstand years of use in harsh hunting conditions. Maintenance is minimal; a quick cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s required.
With proper care, this choke should last for many seasons. It is a well-made product that can endure the rigors of waterfowl hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black does not come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options available for this particular choke tube, beyond selecting the appropriate choke size for your hunting needs. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Benelli/Beretta Mobilchoke systems. The choke will readily accept any commercially available choke tube lubricant or anti-seize compound.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Tighter, more consistent patterns, improving downrange performance.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction, ensuring long-lasting reliability.
- Easy to install and remove with the knurled end.
- Black finish provides corrosion resistance and reduces glare.
- Affordable price point offers excellent value for the performance gained.
Cons
- Mid-range constriction might be too tight for very close-range shots.
- No included choke tube wrench (though most shooters already have one).
Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking to improve their pattern density and consistency at mid-range distances. This choke is especially well-suited for hunters using steel shot, where tight patterns are essential for clean kills. It’s also a great option for those who hunt in harsh environments where corrosion resistance is crucial.
Hunters who primarily shoot at very close range (inside 20 yards) might want to consider a more open choke. Similarly, those seeking extreme long-range performance may prefer a full or extra-full choke. A must-have accessory is a choke tube wrench (if you don’t already own one), along with some choke tube lubricant.
Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a fantastic choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the extended design and knurled end make it easy to use. At a price of $41.49, the value proposition is excellent.
I would highly recommend this choke to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their downrange performance. It’s a simple, affordable upgrade that can make a significant difference in the field. Get yours today and start dropping more birds!