First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Turkey hunting isn’t just a sport; it’s a ritual passed down through generations, demanding respect for the wild and precision in the field. When I heard about the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, my interest was immediately piqued. Does it truly deliver the pinpoint accuracy required for ethical and successful turkey hunting?
For years, I struggled to find a choke that consistently patterned well with my trusty 20-gauge Benelli. Patterns were often spotty, leading to frustrating hunts and less-than-ideal shots. The promise of a super-tight, pattern-tested constriction designed for various shot types, including TSS, was a siren song I couldn’t resist.
Upon unboxing, the choke exudes quality. The matte black finish on the 17-4 stainless steel is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, eliminating glare that could spook wary birds. Its weight felt reassuring, hinting at the robust construction promised by Carlsons.
I considered other chokes, notably those from Briley and Trulock, known for their excellent reputation. Ultimately, I chose the Carlsons Bone Collector because of its specific focus on turkey hunting, its compatibility with a wide range of shot types, and, frankly, the Bone Collector branding had a certain appeal. My first impression was excitement tempered with cautious optimism; could this choke finally solve my patterning woes?
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Bone Collector at my local shooting range, using a variety of 20-gauge loads, including lead, copper-plated, and TSS. The weather was typical for early spring – cool and damp, with a slight breeze. The installation was a breeze, screwing in smoothly and securely into my Benelli’s Mobilchoke threads.
The first few shots were genuinely impressive. The patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my previous choke, especially at 40 yards. There were no obvious flyers, and the majority of pellets were concentrated in the kill zone.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season with the Carlsons Bone Collector, it has proven to be a reliable and durable performer. I’ve hunted in conditions ranging from dry and dusty to wet and muddy, and the choke has shown no signs of rust or corrosion. Cleaning is simple – a quick scrub with solvent and a bore brush keeps it in top condition.
The Carlsons Bone Collector has significantly improved my confidence in the field, leading to cleaner, more ethical kills. Compared to my previous experiences with inconsistent patterning, this choke is a game-changer. It has consistently outperformed expectations, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any serious turkey hunter.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is designed specifically for 20-gauge Benelli and Beretta shotguns utilizing the Mobilchoke system. It’s a turkey-specific choke, featuring a super-tight constriction optimized for turkey hunting.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for maximum durability and resistance to corrosion. It has a matte black finish to minimize glare and spooking wary turkeys. This extended choke design aids in pattern consistency.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector truly shines in its performance. The tight constriction, coupled with the longer taper, consistently produces dense, even patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. Its accuracy is superb, ensuring more pellets in the vital area.
The choke’s only weakness is its limited versatility – it is specifically designed for turkey hunting and may not be ideal for other types of shooting. However, for its intended purpose, it excels, exceeding my expectations for pattern density and consistency.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector is a well-designed and robust choke. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of the field. It’s also extended, making it easy to install and remove by hand.
The choke’s matte black finish is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The design is straightforward and effective, with no unnecessary frills.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Bone Collector’s 17-4 stainless steel construction provides excellent durability. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring it will last for many seasons. Maintenance is minimal – a quick cleaning after each use is all that’s required.
The choke is built to withstand the high pressures associated with turkey loads, including TSS. This speaks to the quality of the materials and construction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector is primarily a standalone product, and does not come with a suite of accessories. However, its compatibility with Benelli and Beretta Mobilchoke systems means it works with a wide variety of shotguns. No further customization is needed with this product.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Provides consistently tight and even patterns, maximizing the number of pellets in the kill zone.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Versatile Shot Compatibility: Works well with lead, copper-plated, bismuth, hevi-shot, tungsten, and TSS shot.
- Easy Installation: The extended design allows for easy hand installation and removal.
- Glare-Reducing Finish: The matte black finish minimizes glare, preventing spooking wary turkeys.
Cons
- Limited Versatility: Specifically designed for turkey hunting and may not be ideal for other types of shooting.
- Tight Constriction: May require careful selection of shot size to avoid over-constriction and potential pattern issues with larger shot sizes.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is perfect for serious turkey hunters using 20-gauge Benelli or Beretta shotguns with Mobilchoke systems. It is also great for hunters who demand consistent, tight patterns and use a variety of shot types, including TSS. Experienced hunters who understand the importance of patterning their shotgun and selecting the appropriate load will also appreciate the choke.
Hunters who primarily use their shotgun for other types of hunting, such as upland birds or waterfowl, and want a single, versatile choke should skip this product. Also, novice hunters who haven’t patterned their shotgun before and don’t understand the basics of choke selection should gain more experience before investing in a specialized choke like this. A good turkey vest with comfortable padding is a must-have accessory for serious turkey hunters.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 20 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is an outstanding product that delivers on its promises. It significantly improved my turkey hunting success. The price of $69.55 is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters seeking tighter, more consistent patterns.
I wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any 20-gauge Benelli or Beretta owner looking to maximize their turkey hunting performance. Pattern your shotgun, choose your load carefully, and get ready to put more turkeys on the ground with this exceptional choke.