What Makes Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St Stand Out?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a precision instrument designed to turn your 12-gauge shotgun into a turkey-slaying machine. Crafted from 17-4 PH U.S. Stainless Steel and featuring a green Cerakote finish with aggressive claw marks, this choke screams quality and performance. The Manufacturer claims that this choke will deliver hotter core patterns, and my experience tells me they aren’t blowing smoke.
I was on the hunt for a choke that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. Too many times I’d watched gobblers strut just out of range, my old choke spewing a pattern more akin to birdshot than a focused payload. I needed something that would extend my effective range and give me the confidence to take those longer shots.
The moment I unboxed the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St, I was impressed by the heft and feel of the stainless steel. The green Cerakote finish isn’t just for looks; it provides a durable, weather-resistant coating. The claw marks are a nice touch, adding extra grip when installing or removing the choke, especially with cold or gloved hands.
I considered the Carlson’s Long Beard XR Turkey Choke and the Jeb’s Headhunter Turkey Choke, both popular options. However, the Rob Roberts choke’s specific constriction design, tailored for the Optima HP system and optimized for TSS and lead, swayed me. The other chokes I considered are adjustable, but I wanted something single purpose and set.
My first impression was excitement tempered with anticipation. Could this choke really live up to the hype? I was eager to get to the range and see what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a familiar haunt where I could meticulously pattern my shotgun. The weather was crisp and clear, perfect for evaluating choke performance. I tested it with both lead and TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads at 40 yards, the distance I consider the ethical maximum for turkey hunting in my area.
The Rob Roberts Raptor Turkey Choke proved easy to install with a standard choke wrench. The difference in pattern density compared to my old choke was immediately apparent. The TSS loads, in particular, produced incredibly tight, lethal patterns with a consistently high pellet count within a 10-inch circle.
There were no major issues during the first outing, but I did notice the choke loosened slightly after about 10 shots. A quick tightening with the wrench solved the problem, and I made sure to check it periodically throughout the rest of the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of use, the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St has proven its worth. I’ve taken it through rain, mud, and even a brief accidental submersion in a creek.
The stainless steel construction and Cerakote finish have held up remarkably well, showing no signs of rust or significant wear. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. I apply a thin coat of gun oil to protect the stainless steel from corrosion.
Compared to my previous choke, the Rob Roberts Raptor Turkey Choke offers significantly tighter and more consistent patterns, especially at longer ranges. This has translated to cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. It’s a noticeable upgrade that has boosted my confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Rob Roberts Gun Works.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This ensures compatibility with the vast majority of turkey hunting shotguns.
- Choke System: Optima HP. This choke is specifically designed for shotguns utilizing the Beretta/Benelli Optima HP choke system.
- Material: 17-4 PH U.S. Stainless Steel. The high-grade stainless steel offers superior durability and corrosion resistance.
- Finish: Green Cerakote. The Cerakote finish not only looks good but also adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.
- Construction: Single constriction design. This simplifies the decision-making process, optimizing performance for both TSS and lead loads.
- Design Feature: Machined Claw Marks. These claw marks provide extra grip when installing or removing the choke, particularly useful in adverse conditions.
These specifications are important because they speak to the choke’s quality, durability, and optimized performance. The stainless steel and Cerakote ensure it can withstand harsh hunting conditions, while the specific constriction is designed to maximize pattern density with popular turkey loads.
Performance & Functionality
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St performs exceptionally well. It consistently delivers tight, dense patterns at 40 yards and beyond.
Its main strength lies in its ability to concentrate shot, giving a significantly higher pellet count in a vital area than a standard choke. A potential weakness could be its single constriction design; hunters who prefer to fine-tune their patterns for different ranges may prefer adjustable chokes.
It meets my expectations, providing a noticeable increase in effective range and pattern density.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke is robustly built with high-quality materials. Its weight is substantial, giving a feeling of quality, but not so heavy as to affect gun balance significantly.
It is remarkably easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench. The single-constriction design means there’s no need for experimentation or adjustment.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction and Cerakote finish suggest excellent longevity. With proper cleaning and light oiling, this choke should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication. There are no moving parts or intricate designs to worry about.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. A choke wrench is recommended for installation and removal.
Since it’s a choke tube, there are no traditional “customization options” like grips or optics. However, experimenting with different turkey loads is crucial to find the perfect combination for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St
Pros
- Incredible Pattern Density: Consistently delivers tight, lethal patterns at extended ranges.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality 17-4 PH U.S. Stainless Steel with a protective Cerakote finish.
- Optimized for TSS and Lead: Designed to perform exceptionally well with a variety of turkey loads.
- Easy to Install and Use: Simple, single-constriction design requires no adjustments.
- Enhanced Grip: Machined claw marks provide extra grip for easy installation and removal.
Cons
- Single Constriction Design: May not be ideal for hunters who prefer adjustable chokes.
- Price: It’s more expensive than some basic choke options.
Who Should Buy Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St?
Perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance from their shotgun. Those who are looking to extend their effective range and achieve consistent, lethal patterns will benefit greatly from this choke. It’s also suitable for hunters using high-performance TSS loads, as it’s specifically designed to optimize their performance.
This product might not be necessary for casual hunters who only go out a few times a season and are satisfied with their current choke’s performance. Also, hunters who prefer adjustable chokes for varying distances and hunting conditions may want to consider other options.
Must-have modifications aren’t needed, but a good quality choke wrench and a selection of premium turkey loads are highly recommended.
Conclusion on Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200264 Raptor Turkey Choke Optima HP 12 Gauge Stainless St is a premium choke tube that delivers exceptional performance and durability. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters seeking to maximize their shotgun’s potential.
The price is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and noticeable improvement in pattern density. For me, the peace of mind and increased confidence in the field are worth every penny.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Rob Roberts Raptor Turkey Choke to any turkey hunter looking to step up their game. Don’t let that gobbler strut just out of reach; equip your shotgun with this choke and bring him home. Go forth and harvest, ethically and effectively!