First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black promises to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns for turkey hunters. This choke tube, designed in collaboration with the Bone Collector team, aims to maximize the effectiveness of various turkey loads. I was eager to see if this choke could live up to its claims and improve my success rate in the field.
For years, I’ve struggled to find the perfect choke and load combination for my Remington ProBore 12 gauge. Patterns have been inconsistent at longer ranges, leading to frustrating misses on otherwise well-placed shots. The Carlsons choke promised a solution, so I purchased it with high expectations.
Unboxing the choke tube, I immediately noticed the solid construction and the non-reflective matte black finish. The 17-4 heat treated stainless steel felt incredibly durable, suggesting it could withstand harsh hunting conditions. The extended design was also a welcome feature, providing a longer parallel section for tighter patterns.
Compared to my previous factory choke tubes and a competitor’s ported choke, the Carlsons Bone Collector felt significantly more robust. The competitor’s choke had shown some signs of wear after a few seasons, while the Carlsons tube felt like it was built to last. I chose this choke hoping it would provide both improved performance and longevity.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality was excellent, and the design seemed well-thought-out. The real test, however, would be at the range and in the turkey woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke at my local shooting range, focusing on patterning with various turkey loads. I set up targets at 30, 40, and 50 yards to get a comprehensive understanding of its performance. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The choke performed exceptionally well, producing tight and consistent patterns with several different brands of ammunition. At 40 yards, the patterns were noticeably denser compared to my previous choke, with a significantly higher pellet count within a 10-inch circle. I was impressed with the ease of installation and the immediate improvement in pattern density.
The only initial issue was a slight increase in recoil compared to my previous, less restrictive choke tube. This was expected, however, and easily manageable. Overall, the first range session was a resounding success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the turkey hunting season, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke has proven to be a reliable and effective addition to my shotgun. It has held up exceptionally well to the rigors of the hunt, showing no signs of wear or corrosion. Even after being exposed to rain and mud, it cleaned up easily and maintained its performance.
The choke has consistently delivered tight patterns, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer missed opportunities. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my confidence when taking longer shots. It definitely outperforms my previous choke tube, which often produced inconsistent patterns beyond 35 yards.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, ensuring long-term durability. I am extremely pleased with its performance and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
- The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke is designed for 12 gauge shotguns with a Remington ProBore thread pattern. This ensures proper fit and function with compatible shotguns.
- It features a “Turkey” constriction, optimized for tight patterns with turkey loads. This constriction is designed to deliver maximum pellet density at typical turkey hunting ranges.
- The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. This ensures longevity and reliable performance in harsh environments.
- The choke has an extended design, adding to its overall length and providing a longer parallel section for improved pattern consistency. The extended design also makes it easier to install and remove.
- It boasts a non-reflective matte black finish, minimizing glare and preventing spooking wary turkeys. This finish enhances concealment in the field.
These specifications are critical for turkey hunting because they directly influence the pattern density and effective range of the shotgun. The tight constriction and extended design work together to deliver maximum performance with turkey loads.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke performs exceptionally well, delivering consistent and tight patterns at various ranges. This choke tube has significantly improved my accuracy and confidence in the field.
Its primary strength is its ability to deliver a dense, uniform pattern with a variety of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and TSS. One area for potential improvement could be to offer more specific constriction options tailored to different load types and hunting distances. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated turkey choke tube.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke features a robust and well-engineered design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
The extended design makes it easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands. There is no real learning curve; it functions as expected from the moment it’s installed.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability. The choke tube is built to withstand repeated use and exposure to harsh elements.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use to remove powder residue and fouling. Proper care will ensure it lasts for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard choke tube wrenches.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, you can experiment with different turkey loads to fine-tune your patterns. Finding the perfect load for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions is key to maximizing the choke’s performance.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers consistently tight and uniform patterns, increasing the effective range of your shotgun.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Easy Installation: The extended design makes it simple to install and remove the choke, even with gloves.
- Versatile Load Compatibility: Works well with a variety of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and TSS.
- Enhanced Confidence: Provides increased confidence in your shots, leading to cleaner kills and fewer missed opportunities.
Cons
- Increased Recoil: May result in slightly increased recoil compared to more open chokes.
- Limited Customization: Lacks specific constriction options for different load types and hunting distances.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
This choke tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand consistent and tight patterns for ethical and effective hunting. It is also ideal for hunters who want a durable and reliable choke that can withstand harsh hunting conditions.
This product may not be the best choice for casual shooters who primarily use their shotgun for clay targets or other types of hunting. Those looking for a choke with adjustable constrictions or specific load recommendations might also want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different turkey loads is also essential to find the perfect combination for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is an excellent investment for serious turkey hunters seeking improved pattern density and reliability. It delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and enhanced performance.
The price is justified by the durable construction, consistent performance, and increased confidence it provides in the field. I would personally recommend this choke to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success.
If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is a must-have. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!