First Thoughts on the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black promises to be a game-changer for waterfowl hunters seeking extended range and consistent patterns. As a seasoned outdoorsman with over a decade of tactical gear experience, I’ve seen countless chokes come and go, each promising the moon. The allure of a choke specifically designed for long-range shots on ducks and geese, crafted from durable materials, immediately piqued my interest, leading me to put it through its paces.
I needed to tighten my patterns at longer distances. Frustration mounted from crippling birds that ultimately escaped, despite ethical shots within what I thought was my effective range. The Carlsons choke promised to solve this. Unboxing the choke, the first thing I noticed was the clean, black finish and the solid feel of the 17-4 stainless steel. It exuded quality, a stark contrast to some of the cheaper, less robust chokes I’ve handled.
Compared to my standard modified choke and a ported waterfowl choke from another brand, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl appeared to have a slightly longer constriction section. This suggested a potentially tighter and more consistent pattern. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if this choke could deliver on its promise of extended range and improved shot density.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke on a late-season goose hunt in the flooded cornfields of southern Illinois. The conditions were brutal: a biting wind, sleet, and temperatures hovering just above freezing. I used a Remington 870 12-gauge, and patterned the choke with both 3-inch and 3.5-inch steel shot loads (BB and #2). Installation was simple, hand-tightening securely into the Rem Choke threads.
The first few shots at passing geese revealed a noticeable difference in pattern density at 40-50 yards. Birds that previously might have escaped with a few stray pellets now folded cleanly. The Long Range constriction seemed to be doing its job, delivering a tighter, more concentrated pattern. I experienced no issues with cycling or malfunctions related to the choke.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting ducks and geese, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke has held up admirably. There are no signs of wear or corrosion on the 17-4 stainless steel, despite regular exposure to water, mud, and harsh weather. Cleaning is a breeze. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any fouling.
Compared to my previous choke experiences, the Carlsons choke provides a consistent pattern advantage at extended ranges. While not a magic bullet, it significantly increased my confidence in taking longer shots. Its durability and ease of maintenance have made it a reliable and essential part of my waterfowl setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is designed for Remington choke systems. It boasts a 12 Gauge bore, with a Long Range constriction diameter of .700. Constructed from heat-treated 17-4 Stainless Steel, it features a durable black finish. This choke is designed to provide tighter patterns at extended distances.
The 12 Gauge compatibility makes it suitable for a wide range of popular shotguns. The Long Range constriction, as the name implies, is optimized for ethical shots at waterfowl beyond typical close-range engagements. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures resistance to corrosion and wear, essential for the harsh environments often encountered in waterfowl hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke excels at delivering tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges. This translates to increased hit probability and cleaner kills on waterfowl. It does exactly what it’s designed to do. The choke performs consistently across different steel shot loads.
The main strength is its ability to extend the effective range of a 12-gauge shotgun. However, at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), the pattern may be too tight, potentially leading to missed shots. The choke more than meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s 17-4 stainless steel construction provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. The black finish adds a touch of stealth and prevents glare. Installation is straightforward. Hand-tightening is sufficient for a secure fit.
The design is simple and functional. The choke extends slightly beyond the end of the barrel, allowing for easy removal and installation. The lack of knurling can make it slightly slippery to grip with wet or gloved hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures a long lifespan, even with frequent use in harsh conditions. Regular cleaning is all that’s required to maintain its performance. Disassembly and cleaning are easy, requiring only a bore brush and solvent.
This choke is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke comes as a single unit. There are no included accessories. While there are no customization options directly related to the choke itself, its compatibility with the Rem Choke system allows for easy swapping with other chokes for different hunting scenarios.
The choke is compatible with any Remington 12-gauge shotgun that uses the Rem Choke system. Aftermarket choke cases and wrenches are available separately.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Significantly extends effective range for waterfowl hunting.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear.
- Provides tighter, more consistent patterns at longer distances.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Black finish reduces glare and provides a stealthy look.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight for very close-range shots.
- Lacks knurling for improved grip during installation/removal.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
This choke is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently take shots at longer ranges (40-60 yards). It’s also ideal for those seeking a durable and reliable choke that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Experienced hunters looking to improve their pattern density and ethical kill range will also appreciate its performance.
This product may not be ideal for hunters who primarily hunt in tight cover or over decoys at very close range (under 20 yards). Beginners who are still learning the fundamentals of shotgun shooting might also find a more open choke (e.g., improved cylinder) more forgiving. A choke wrench might be a must-have accessory for some to assist with removal and install, although it’s not necessarily required.
Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black delivers on its promise of extended range and improved pattern density for waterfowl hunting. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures durability and reliability. At around $40, the price is justified, considering the performance benefits and longevity it provides.
I would personally recommend this choke to any serious waterfowl hunter looking to extend their effective range and improve their success rate. If you’re tired of crippling birds and want to make cleaner, more ethical shots, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke is a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!