First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a specialized choke tube designed to maximize the pattern density of a 20-gauge shotgun specifically for turkey hunting. Developed in collaboration with the Bone Collector team, it promises tight, consistent patterns with a variety of turkey loads, including lead, steel, and TSS. This choke tube immediately stood out because of its reputation for producing exceptionally tight patterns, a critical factor for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
For years, I’ve struggled with inconsistent patterns from my 20-gauge while turkey hunting. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver a dense, even pattern at reasonable distances, giving me confidence in the field. The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke seemed like the perfect solution to address this pattern inconsistency.
Out of the box, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke feels solid and well-made. The matte black finish is non-reflective, an important detail for turkey hunting where minimizing glare is essential. It weighs noticeably more than a standard flush-mount choke tube, a testament to the quality of the 17-4 stainless steel construction.
I considered several other turkey chokes, including models from Primos and Indian Creek Shooting Systems. I ultimately chose the Carlsons Bone Collector because of the reputation of the Carlsons brand, the positive reviews I had read regarding its pattern performance, and the endorsement by the Bone Collector team. The promise of consistent patterns across different types of ammunition also influenced my decision.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test its performance and see if it lived up to the hype. The build quality and finish gave me confidence, but the ultimate test would be how it performed at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke at my local shooting range, specifically targeting turkey silhouettes at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards. I used a Remington 870 20-gauge and experimented with various turkey loads, including lead #5, copper-plated #6, and TSS #9 shot. The weather was clear and cool, with a slight breeze.
The choke performed exceptionally well. I consistently achieved tight, dense patterns, with a significant number of pellets hitting the vital head and neck area of the turkey silhouette. The patterns were noticeably tighter and more uniform compared to my previous choke. There were no malfunctions, and the choke was easy to install and remove.
The only minor issue I encountered was that the tight patterns required precise aiming. A slight deviation could result in a complete miss, emphasizing the need for careful shot placement. This is not a fault of the choke, but rather a characteristic of its extremely tight constriction.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple turkey hunts in varying weather conditions, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke has proven to be exceptionally reliable and durable. There are no signs of wear or corrosion despite exposure to rain, mud, and temperature fluctuations. The matte black finish has held up well, showing no scratches or blemishes.
The choke is easy to clean and maintain. After each use, I simply wipe it down with a gun cleaning solvent and apply a light coat of oil. It threads in and out smoothly, with no signs of binding or seizing.
Compared to my previous choke, the Carlsons Bone Collector consistently delivers superior pattern density and uniformity. It has significantly increased my confidence in the field, resulting in cleaner, more ethical kills. I would highly recommend this choke to anyone looking to improve the performance of their 20-gauge for turkey hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is designed specifically for 20-gauge shotguns with a Rem Choke thread pattern. It features a super tight, pattern-tested constriction optimized for turkey hunting. The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
The choke tube is an extended design, protruding beyond the end of the barrel. This extended length aids in pattern development, allowing for a longer transition and tighter pellet grouping. The matte black finish is non-reflective, reducing glare and preventing the choke from spooking wary turkeys.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke excels at producing extremely tight and dense patterns at typical turkey hunting distances. It is compatible with a wide range of shotshell ammunition, including lead, nickel-plated, copper-plated, bismuth, hevi-shot, tungsten, and TSS. This versatility allows hunters to experiment with different loads to find the optimal combination for their specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
The choke’s primary strength lies in its ability to deliver a high concentration of pellets to the target’s vital areas. This increases the likelihood of a clean kill and reduces the risk of wounding the bird. However, the extremely tight constriction can be a disadvantage at close ranges, as the pattern may be too small, leading to missed shots if not aimed carefully.
Overall, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke performs exceptionally well, exceeding my expectations in terms of pattern density and consistency.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke features a simple yet effective design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity. The extended length makes it easy to identify which choke is installed in the shotgun.
The choke’s weight is noticeable but not excessive. It does not significantly affect the overall balance or handling of the shotgun. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing and functionally beneficial.
The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. The 17-4 stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion, wear, and tear. The matte black finish is durable and protects the choke from scratches and blemishes.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a gun cleaning solvent and light lubrication will keep the choke in good working order for many years.
With proper care, this choke should last a lifetime.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed to be used as a standalone choke tube.
There are no specific customization options available for this choke. However, it is compatible with any standard Rem Choke wrench.
Hunters can experiment with different types and brands of ammunition to fine-tune their patterns and find the optimal load for this choke. The recommendation is to pattern your shotgun choke tube with the specific shot shell load you are going to be using.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Extremely tight and dense patterns, maximizing the chances of a clean kill on turkeys.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Compatible with a wide range of ammunition, including lead, steel, and TSS.
- Non-reflective matte black finish, preventing glare and spooking wary turkeys.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal effort to keep in good working order.
Cons
- Extremely tight constriction may result in patterns that are too small at very close ranges, requiring precise aiming.
- At $69.55, the choke is more expensive than some other turkey chokes on the market.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the tightest possible patterns from their 20-gauge shotgun. It is ideal for hunters who use a variety of ammunition types, including lead, steel, and TSS. Hunters who value durability and reliability will appreciate the choke’s 17-4 stainless steel construction.
This choke is not ideal for hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at very close ranges, as the extremely tight constriction may produce patterns that are too small. It may also not be the best choice for hunters on a tight budget, as there are more affordable turkey chokes available.
A must-have accessory for this choke is a quality choke tube wrench.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a high-quality choke tube that delivers exceptional performance for turkey hunting. Its ability to produce extremely tight and dense patterns makes it a valuable asset for any serious turkey hunter. The durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting reliability, and the compatibility with a wide range of ammunition provides versatility.
The price is justified by the choke’s superior performance and durability. I would highly recommend this choke to any turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of their 20-gauge shotgun. If you are serious about turkey hunting and want the best possible performance from your shotgun, invest in the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke. You will not be disappointed.