First Thoughts on the Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
For years, I’ve relied on a variety of chokes for my 20-gauge shotgun, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When I stumbled upon the Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black, I was immediately intrigued by its promise of long-range performance and durable construction. Carlsons is a name I trust, and the Delta Waterfowl series has a solid reputation among waterfowl hunters.
My typical waterfowl hunts often involve shots at birds that are holding just outside the range of my modified choke. I’ve needed a choke that can extend my effective range without compromising pattern density or consistency. Unboxing the choke, I was impressed by the sleek black finish and the substantial feel of the 17-4 stainless steel. It felt like a quality piece of equipment.
I considered other long-range chokes from Briley and Patternmaster, but ultimately chose the Carlsons due to its combination of reputation, material quality, and price point. I’m excited to test its performance in the field and see if it lives up to the hype. My initial impression is one of cautious optimism, hoping this choke will be the answer to my long-range waterfowl hunting needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black came during a late-season duck hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The weather was cold and damp, with a persistent drizzle that challenged both man and equipment. The birds were wary, often flaring just outside of my usual comfortable shooting range.
The Carlsons choke performed admirably in these conditions. I noticed tighter patterns at longer ranges compared to my improved cylinder choke. It allowed me to confidently take shots that would have been questionable before.
The choke was easy to install and remove using a choke wrench, even with cold, wet hands. After a few hours of hunting, the choke showed no signs of loosening or corrosion.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I have used it in various conditions, from early morning frost to midday sunshine, and it has consistently delivered tight, even patterns at extended ranges. The 17-4 stainless steel has held up well, showing no signs of rust or wear, even after repeated exposure to moisture and mud.
Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each hunt keeps it in top condition. Compared to some of the more specialized chokes I’ve used in the past, the Carlsons choke requires minimal fuss and performs reliably.
It has certainly outperformed my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in long-range performance without sacrificing pattern density at closer ranges. This is a choke I can depend on to consistently put birds on the table.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
- Brand: Carlsons. Carlsons is a well-respected manufacturer of shotgun chokes known for their quality and performance.
- Category: Choke Tubes. It falls into the standard category of shotgun choke tubes.
- Model: Delta Waterfowl. The Delta Waterfowl series is designed specifically for waterfowl hunting.
- Gauge: 20 Gauge. This choke is designed for 20-gauge shotguns.
- Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. The use of 17-4 stainless steel ensures durability and corrosion resistance, crucial for waterfowl hunting in harsh environments.
- Constriction Type: Long Range. This choke is designed for achieving tight patterns at longer distances.
- Constriction Diameter: .710. The .710 constriction diameter provides a tighter pattern than more open chokes, extending the effective range.
- Chokes Included: 1. The package includes a single choke tube.
- Configuration: Invector Plus. It is designed to fit shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black performs exceptionally well at extending the effective range of my 20-gauge shotgun. The tighter patterns it produces allow me to confidently engage targets at distances where I would have previously hesitated. The choke’s constriction diameter of .710 delivers a noticeable improvement in pattern density at ranges of 40 yards and beyond.
The choke’s performance is consistent across different ammunition types, although I’ve found it to pattern best with heavier loads of steel shot. I did notice slightly increased recoil compared to more open chokes, but this is a minor trade-off for the increased range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons choke is well-designed and easy to use. The black finish is aesthetically pleasing and provides a degree of corrosion resistance. The choke is lightweight and adds minimal weight to the end of the barrel.
Installation and removal are straightforward using a choke wrench. The choke fits snugly and securely in the barrel, with no signs of loosening during use.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability and corrosion resistance. After several weeks of use in wet and muddy conditions, the choke shows no signs of rust or wear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black comes as a standalone choke tube. There are no included accessories, but it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Invector Plus chokes.
There are no specific customization options for this particular choke, but Carlsons offers a wide range of other chokes in different constrictions and materials to suit individual needs and preferences. The choke is compatible with most aftermarket choke tubes designed for the Invector Plus system, allowing for further customization.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Extended Range: Provides noticeably tighter patterns at longer distances, increasing effective range.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 stainless steel for excellent corrosion resistance and longevity.
- Consistent Performance: Delivers consistent patterns across different ammunition types.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple to clean and maintain, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Reputable Brand: Carlsons is a trusted name in shotgun chokes, known for quality and performance.
Cons
- Slightly Increased Recoil: May produce slightly increased recoil compared to more open chokes.
- Limited Customization: No specific customization options are available for this particular choke.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter shots at longer ranges. It’s also ideal for anyone looking to improve the pattern density of their 20-gauge shotgun for hunting or sporting clays.
This choke is not recommended for close-range shooting, as the tight constriction can result in overly dense patterns and increased recoil. Hunters who primarily shoot at close ranges would be better served by a more open choke, such as an improved cylinder or skeet choke.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Consider a choke tube case to protect your investment.
Conclusion on Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a well-made and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of extended range and durable performance. The price is justified by the quality of materials, consistent patterns, and increased effective range it provides.
I would personally recommend this choke to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their long-range shooting capabilities with a 20-gauge shotgun. It’s a valuable addition to any waterfowl hunter’s gear bag. Equip yourself with the Carlsons 07368 Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black and extend your effective range today!