First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
For the seasoned turkey hunter, the quest for the perfect pattern is a never-ending pursuit. I’ve chased gobblers across diverse terrains for over a decade, and I’ve learned that success hinges on meticulous preparation and the right gear. That’s why the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black immediately caught my eye. It promises tight, consistent patterns with a variety of shot types, addressing a crucial need for adaptability in the field.
My shotgun, a trusty Browning Silver Hunter, has always been reliable, but its factory choke left something to be desired when it came to turkey loads. I was looking for a choke that would extend my effective range and deliver denser patterns, especially when using modern tungsten-based shot. This Carlsons choke promised exactly that, sparking my interest.
Unboxing the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and matte black finish. The 17-4 stainless steel construction speaks volumes about its potential durability. The extended design, while not groundbreaking, gives a sense of added length for pattern refinement.
I considered other chokes like the Primos Jelly Head and the Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder. However, the Carlsons choke stood out because of its advertised versatility with different shot types and the Bone Collector branding, which, while partly marketing, suggests a focus on hunting performance. My excitement grew, hoping this choke would finally deliver the patterns I envisioned.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke was at a local shooting range, patterning at 40 yards. The weather was clear, with a slight breeze. I brought a variety of shells: lead #5s, copper-plated #4s, and TSS #9s, all 12-gauge 3-inch loads.
The initial shots with lead were promising, creating a noticeably tighter pattern compared to my factory choke. The copper-plated rounds performed similarly. However, the real revelation came with the TSS. The density of the pattern was incredible, easily putting over 20 pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. There were no malfunctions and the choke screwed in and out of the barrel with ease, thanks to the Invector-DS threading.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke in various hunting scenarios, including damp mornings and dusty afternoons, I can confidently say it holds up exceptionally well. I’ve put dozens of rounds through it without any noticeable degradation in performance or pattern consistency. The matte black finish has proven to be durable, resisting scratches and maintaining its non-reflective quality.
Cleaning the choke is straightforward; a quick scrub with solvent and a brush removes any powder residue. Compared to other chokes I’ve used that required more extensive cleaning, the Carlsons model is remarkably easy to maintain. It consistently outperforms any other choke I’ve used with TSS loads, providing confidence-inspiring patterns at extended ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
- The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns with the Browning Invector-DS choke system. This ensures a perfect fit and reliable performance in compatible shotguns.
- It features a Turkey constriction, optimized for extremely tight patterns at typical turkey hunting distances. This provides a denser pellet spread and increased effective range.
- The choke is crafted from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high pressures. This ensures long-lasting durability, even with frequent use and heavy shot loads.
- It has a matte black finish, which minimizes reflection and glare, crucial for avoiding spooking wary turkeys. This feature also enhances the choke’s resistance to corrosion and wear.
- The extended design of the choke (length not specified, but visually extended) helps to further refine the shot pattern. The ported design also assists in recoil reduction.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke excels at delivering extremely tight and consistent patterns with a wide variety of turkey loads. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to factory chokes, especially at distances beyond 30 yards. With the right load, it’s easy to achieve lethal headshots at 40 yards and beyond.
The choke’s main strength lies in its ability to consistently produce dense patterns. It provides confidence when taking longer shots, greatly improving the odds of a successful hunt. A potential weakness is that the extremely tight constriction may result in overly dense patterns at very close ranges (inside 20 yards) with certain loads, potentially damaging the meat.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is outstanding. The 17-4 stainless steel provides a robust and durable feel, and the matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove the choke using a choke wrench.
The choke requires no special tools or expertise to install and use. The Invector-DS threads ensure a secure and reliable fit, and the extended design allows for easy removal, even after extensive use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is built to last, thanks to its high-quality materials and construction. Regular cleaning with a bore solvent and choke tube brush will keep it performing optimally for years. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, even in harsh environments, and the matte black finish is remarkably durable.
No special repair skills are required for maintaining this choke. Regular cleaning and proper storage are all that’s needed to ensure its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke itself doesn’t have any included accessories beyond the packaging. However, using a quality choke wrench is highly recommended for proper installation and removal to prevent damage to the choke or shotgun barrel. Aftermarket choke cases are available for safe storage and transport.
This particular choke is designed specifically for Browning Invector-DS threaded barrels, limiting its compatibility with other shotguns. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, experimenting with different brands and sizes of turkey loads will drastically impact patterning and performance, allowing for a degree of customization in that sense.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns, extending effective range.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile and compatible with a wide range of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and TSS.
- Matte black finish reduces reflection and helps conceal the hunter.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no special tools or skills.
Cons
- Extremely tight constriction may produce overly dense patterns at very close ranges.
- Only compatible with Browning Invector-DS choke systems, limiting its use on other shotguns.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is perfect for serious turkey hunters using a Browning shotgun with Invector-DS chokes who are seeking to maximize their shotgun’s performance and extend their effective range. It is ideally suited for hunters who use a variety of turkey loads and appreciate the versatility of a choke that performs well with both traditional and modern shot types.
Hunters primarily hunting in very close range environments (under 20 yards) might find the extremely tight constriction of this choke to be a disadvantage. Those individuals may be better served by a more open choke design.
A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for installing and removing this choke. Experimenting with different turkey loads is also highly recommended to find the perfect combination for optimal patterning in your specific shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a premium choke that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns and increased range. The build quality is exceptional, and the versatility with different shot types makes it a valuable asset for any serious turkey hunter using a compatible Browning shotgun.
At $69.55, the price is justified by the choke’s superior performance and durability. While the tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range hunting, the benefits at longer distances far outweigh this minor drawback.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke to anyone seeking to improve their turkey hunting success. If you’re looking for a choke that will consistently deliver lethal patterns and inspire confidence in the field, this is it. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference for yourself!