First Thoughts on the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless choke tubes come and go, each promising tighter patterns and longer ranges. The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black immediately caught my eye with its promise of enhanced pattern density and extended range capabilities. Could this choke tube truly live up to the hype, or would it be another over-promised, under-delivered product destined for the back of the gun safe?
My own shotgun, a trusty Browning Silver Hunter, has always been a reliable performer. However, I was looking to tighten up my patterns at longer distances for waterfowl hunting, specifically for those late-season birds that seem to flare at the slightest movement. This choke tube seemed like a viable solution to improve my effective range and reduce the number of wounded birds.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the choke tube. The black finish is sleek and durable, and the knurled end provides a secure grip for easy installation and removal. It certainly felt more robust than the factory choke tubes that came with my shotgun. I chose this choke over the Briley Spectrum and the Patternmaster Code Black Duck because of Carlson’s reputation for quality and the specific focus on Delta Waterfowl hunting needs.
My initial impression was positive, albeit cautiously optimistic. This choke tube certainly looked the part, but the real test would be its performance in the field. I was excited to see if the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black could deliver on its promises of tighter patterns and increased range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black came during a late-season duck hunt on a frigid morning in Arkansas. The temperature hovered around freezing, and a light drizzle added to the already challenging conditions. I was primarily targeting mallards and gadwalls, and the wind was pushing them out to longer distances.
The choke tube performed admirably in the cold, wet environment. I noticed a significant increase in pattern density at around 40 yards compared to my previous modified choke. Several ducks that would have likely escaped with a few stray pellets folded cleanly with a single shot. I didn’t need much time to get used to it as it threaded into my shotgun smoothly and there was no change to my usual lead on the waterfowl.
The only slight issue was the buildup of residue on the exterior after a few shots, which is typical in wet conditions with heavy shooting. This didn’t affect the performance, but it did require a quick wipe down after the hunt. Overall, my first experience was remarkably positive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use during waterfowl season, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun. It continues to produce consistently tight patterns, even with a variety of different loads, including steel shot. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the choke tube itself.
Cleaning and maintenance are incredibly simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent after each hunt keeps it in excellent condition. Compared to other aftermarket chokes I’ve used, this one seems to be less prone to residue buildup and easier to clean. It consistently outperforms the factory choke tubes that came with my Browning.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns with an Invector Plus choke system. It’s constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength and corrosion resistance. The choke features a black finish for added durability and a sleek appearance.
This particular model is a mid-range/long-range choke, offering a constriction designed for optimal pattern density at distances between 30 and 50 yards. This means tighter groups than a modified choke and better performance on longer shots. The extended design also makes for easy removal and installation with its knurled end. Each choke is laser marked with the constriction and size for easy identification.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges. Its performance is exceptional, providing a noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to standard choke tubes. The design allows for the use of steel shot without any degradation in performance.
The choke tube’s main strength lies in its ability to effectively extend the shotgun’s range while maintaining lethal pattern density. The only potential weakness is that it might be too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards). It definitely meets and often exceeds my expectations for a mid-range/long-range choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels robust and durable, inspiring confidence that it will withstand years of use. The weight is negligible and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun. The knurled end is well-designed, providing a secure grip for easy tightening and loosening.
The choke tube is incredibly user-friendly, threading smoothly into the barrel without any issues. There’s virtually no learning curve involved; simply screw it in and start shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction suggests that this choke tube will last for many years with proper care. The black finish appears to be durable and resistant to scratching and corrosion. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning after each use.
Repair is unlikely to be necessary under normal conditions. This choke tube is built to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting and should provide reliable performance for a long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black doesn’t come with any specific accessories. There are no real customization options for the choke tube itself, beyond potentially applying a different finish.
However, the Invector Plus choke system is widely compatible with a variety of aftermarket choke wrenches and storage cases. You can use any standard Invector Plus choke wrench for installation and removal.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers significantly tighter patterns at mid to long ranges, increasing effective range.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Knurled end allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
- Safe to use with steel shot, making it ideal for waterfowl hunting.
- Noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to factory choke tubes.
Cons
- May produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards).
- The black finish can show residue buildup more readily than a stainless steel finish.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is perfect for waterfowl hunters who regularly encounter birds at distances beyond 30 yards. It is also great for anyone looking to improve the pattern density and effective range of their 12-gauge shotgun. This choke is especially useful for hunting pressured birds that tend to flare easily.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who primarily shoot at very close range (inside 20 yards). It may also not be necessary for those who are satisfied with the performance of their factory choke tubes.
A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Consider a protective choke tube case for safe storage and transport.
Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven to be a worthwhile investment for my waterfowl hunting endeavors. It delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and increased range, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. The $72.20 price point is justified by the quality construction, improved performance, and enhanced hunting experience.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any serious waterfowl hunter looking to improve their shooting performance at longer distances. If you’re tired of watching birds fly away unscathed, give the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black a try. You might be surprised at the difference it can make. Now go out there, gear up, and make every shot count!