First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Turkey hunting isn’t just a sport; it’s a ritual. It’s about the crisp morning air, the stealthy approach, and the exhilarating moment when that gobbler steps into view. And, of course, it’s about having the right gear. That’s where the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black comes in.
For years, I’ve chased longbeards across diverse terrains, from the dense forests of the East Coast to the open fields of the Midwest. My quest for tighter patterns and more ethical harvests led me to explore various choke tubes. The promise of superior performance from a Carlsons choke, especially one bearing the Bone Collector name, piqued my interest.
Unboxing the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, I was immediately impressed by its robust feel. The matte black finish looked both tactical and durable. The 17-4 stainless steel construction promised longevity and resistance to the elements.
I’ve previously used a Patternmaster Code Black Turkey and a Briley X2 Turkey Choke. I chose the Carlsons Bone Collector because of its reputation for consistently tight patterns and its compatibility with a wide range of ammunition types. The extended design also appealed to me, providing a longer parallel section for potentially improved pattern density.
Initially, I felt a surge of optimism. Could this be the choke tube that consistently delivers those knockout patterns I’ve been striving for? Only time and testing would tell, but the initial impressions were certainly promising.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black came during a pre-season patterning session at my local range. The weather was typical for early spring: cool, with a slight breeze. I used a Remington 870 12-gauge, a shotgun I’m intimately familiar with.
I patterned the choke with a variety of loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR #5 shot, Federal Premium TSS #9 shot, and some older lead #4 shot I had on hand. Installation was a breeze, screwing in smoothly and securely. I was immediately impressed by the patterns produced with the Federal TSS #9 shot. They were incredibly dense and even at 40 yards, virtually guaranteeing a clean kill. The Winchester Long Beard XR performed admirably, though slightly less consistently than the TSS. The older lead loads, as expected, patterned less tightly, but still within an acceptable range for ethical hunting at moderate distances.
After the first session, the only issue was a slight loosening of the choke tube after about 20 shots. I tightened it down again, making sure it was snug.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black has proven itself to be a reliable performer. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, including rain, fog, and bright sunshine. I’ve taken three birds with it this season, all with clean, ethical kills at distances between 35 and 45 yards.
Durability has been excellent. The matte black finish has held up well, with no signs of rust or significant wear. I clean the choke tube after each hunt with a bore brush and solvent. Maintenance is simple and straightforward.
Compared to previous chokes I’ve used, the Carlsons Bone Collector consistently delivers tighter and more consistent patterns, especially with premium turkey loads like TSS. I’m very impressed with its overall performance and reliability. It outperforms my old factory Remington choke tube by a significant margin.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
- Choke Size: Turkey. The “Turkey” designation indicates a very tight constriction designed for long-range shots at turkey, maximizing pellet density.
- Model: Rem Choke. This signifies that the choke is compatible with Remington shotguns using the Rem Choke system, one of the most common systems on the market.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish reduces glare, which is crucial for stealth during hunting, and offers a durable, non-reflective surface.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. 17-4 stainless steel offers exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance, guaranteeing a long lifespan even with frequent use and exposure to harsh conditions.
- Extended Design: The extended portion of the choke tube aids in creating more consistent patterns.
- Ported Design: The ported design reduces recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black performs its primary job of producing extremely tight and consistent patterns exceptionally well. Accuracy is superb, allowing for confident shots at longer distances. Reliability is excellent, with no issues of deformation or failure during my testing.
A major strength is its ability to consistently deliver dense patterns with a wide variety of turkey loads, especially TSS and high-performance lead options. One area for potential improvement is the possibility of including clear markings for the intended ammunition types directly on the choke tube itself. The Carlsons Bone Collector definitely meets, and often exceeds, my expectations for a premium turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is outstanding, with the 17-4 stainless steel giving it a solid and durable feel. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing and functional. The choke is easy to install and remove using a choke tube wrench (sold separately).
There’s no real learning curve involved. Simply screw it in, pattern your shotgun, and you’re ready to hunt. The extended design is not overly long and does not significantly affect the balance of the shotgun.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the choke tube will last for many years with proper care. The choke is easy to clean and maintain with regular bore solvent and a choke tube brush. I expect this choke to last for decades with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black doesn’t come with any accessories beyond basic packaging. Customization is limited to pairing it with different brands and types of turkey loads to find the optimal pattern for your shotgun.
It’s fully compatible with any Remington 12-gauge shotgun that uses the Rem Choke system. A choke tube wrench is highly recommended for installation and removal.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns. Delivers exceptional pellet density at extended ranges.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction. Built to last a lifetime with proper care.
- Versatile ammunition compatibility. Performs well with a wide range of turkey loads, including lead, TSS, and copper-plated shot.
- Easy to install and maintain. Simple design and straightforward maintenance.
- Non-reflective matte black finish. Reduces glare for stealthy hunting.
Cons
- Choke tube wrench not included. Requires a separate purchase for installation and removal.
- Can be too tight for larger shot sizes. As the product description states, using shot sizes larger than #4 is not recommended.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
This choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the tightest patterns possible for ethical long-range shots. It’s ideal for those using Remington shotguns with the Rem Choke system. It’s also a great choice for hunters who want a choke tube that will last for years and perform consistently under various conditions.
This product is not for casual shooters looking for a budget option, or those who primarily hunt at very close ranges. Also, hunters who prefer to use very large shot sizes (larger than #4) should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a dedicated choke tube wrench for easy and secure installation and removal. Also, experimenting with different turkey loads is essential to find the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a top-tier choke tube that delivers exceptional performance and reliability for serious turkey hunters. Its ability to consistently produce tight patterns with a wide variety of ammunition makes it a valuable tool for achieving ethical and successful hunts. The Bone Collector name adds marketing appeal, but it lives up to the hype.
The price of $69.55 is justified by the choke’s high-quality construction, consistent performance, and long-term durability. This choke is an investment in your turkey hunting success.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s performance and increase their chances of a successful hunt. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference a premium choke tube can make!