First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless choke tubes promise tighter patterns and more successful hunts. But the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black immediately piqued my interest with its blend of a reputable manufacturer, the Bone Collector branding, and the promise of superior patterning thanks to its design and construction. It’s a choke tube designed with purpose.
My issue was inconsistent patterns from my Beretta Optima HP shotgun when using various turkey loads. I needed a choke tube that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at reasonable ranges, regardless of the specific ammunition used. The Carlsons choke tube was advertised to achieve just that.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the choke’s solid feel and non-reflective matte black finish. The 17-4 stainless steel construction felt robust, promising durability and resistance to the elements. The extended design also suggested a longer parallel section, hinting at better pattern consistency.
Compared to a standard factory choke and a less expensive aftermarket option I’d previously tried, the Carlsons Bone Collector felt noticeably more substantial. I chose the Carlsons choke based on its reputation for tight patterns, the materials used, and the extended design intended to improve pattern consistency. My initial excitement was tempered with cautious optimism – I’ve been burned before by products making big claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke at my local shooting range, using a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and tungsten-based ammunition. The testing was conducted in relatively mild conditions, with minimal wind. I was eager to see how this choke performed.
The initial experience was impressive. Patterns were noticeably tighter than with my factory choke, especially at 40 yards. There were no apparent issues, and the choke installed easily and securely.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several turkey hunting trips and numerous range sessions over the course of two seasons, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or corrosion, despite exposure to wet and muddy hunting conditions. The 17-4 stainless steel truly lives up to its reputation.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick cleaning with solvent and a brush after each use keeps it in excellent condition. This choke outperforms any other turkey choke I’ve used, consistently delivering tighter and more reliable patterns. Its performance exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, ensuring compatibility with the most common shotgun caliber for turkey hunting.
- Choke Size: Turkey. The “Turkey” designation indicates an extra-full constriction, optimized for tight patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges.
- Model: Optima HP. This choke is threaded to fit Beretta Optima HP (Hyper Pattern) shotguns, a popular platform among turkey hunters.
- Finish: Matte Black. The non-reflective matte black finish minimizes glare and spooking wary birds.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides exceptional strength, durability, and corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
- Extended Design: The extended design positions the choke beyond the end of the barrel, which helps guide the shot string and improve pattern density.
- Ported Design: The ported design helps reduce recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
These specifications are vital because they contribute to the choke’s ability to deliver consistent, tight patterns at longer ranges. The material, extended design, and specific constriction for turkey loads all work together to enhance accuracy and increase the effective range. This offers a real advantage in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black excels at its primary job: delivering extremely tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. With proper load selection, it can reliably put a high number of pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards or more. It is incredibly accurate and reliable.
Its greatest strength is its consistency across different ammunition types. However, the very tight constriction means it’s not ideal for close-range shots (inside 20 yards), where patterns may be too tight. The choke consistently exceeded my expectations for pattern density and effective range.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s build quality is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels solid and well-machined, and the matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove.
There is no real learning curve. Simply screw it in with the included wrench (or a similar tool), and you’re ready to go. It is exceptionally user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 stainless steel construction, this choke should last for many years with proper care. Routine cleaning after use is all that’s required. The corrosion resistance is impressive.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only basic cleaning tools and solvent. The robust materials and construction suggest a long lifespan, even with frequent use in demanding conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The choke comes with a basic choke wrench, but there are no other included accessories. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself. It is compatible with any standard Beretta Optima HP choke tube wrench.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Consistently delivers extremely tight patterns at extended ranges, increasing the likelihood of a clean kill.
- Versatile Ammunition Compatibility: Performs well with a variety of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and tungsten-based ammunition.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Easy to Install and Maintain: Simple to install and clean, requiring minimal effort.
- Non-Reflective Finish: The matte black finish minimizes glare and helps prevent spooking wary birds.
Cons
- Tight patterns are not ideal for close-range shots (inside 20 yards).
- May require experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
- Perfect for: Experienced turkey hunters who prioritize tight patterns at extended ranges.
- Also beneficial for: Hunters who use a variety of ammunition types and want a choke that performs consistently across different loads.
Who should skip this product? Novice turkey hunters who primarily hunt in close-range environments might find a more open choke to be more forgiving.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality turkey-specific optic (red dot or scope) to maximize the accuracy potential of the tight patterns.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a high-quality, performance-driven choke tube that lives up to its claims. Its ability to consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at extended ranges makes it a valuable asset for any serious turkey hunter. For $69.55, the price is more than justified by the improved performance and durability.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any experienced turkey hunter seeking to maximize their effective range and increase their chances of success. It’s an investment in more ethical and successful hunts. Get yours today and experience the difference a quality choke can make!