First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel promises to be a game-changer for waterfowlers and upland bird hunters alike who rely on the 20-gauge platform. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this extended range choke is specifically designed to maximize the effectiveness of bismuth ammunition in Benelli and Beretta shotguns. Its focus on bismuth shot performance immediately caught my attention, given the increasing popularity and effectiveness of bismuth as a non-toxic alternative to lead.
My search for a choke tube that patterns bismuth loads consistently at longer ranges led me to this product. Many aftermarket chokes claim extended range, but few are specifically designed with bismuth shot in mind. I was eager to test its pattern density and consistency at distances beyond my factory choke’s effective range.
Upon receiving the choke, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The 17-4 stainless steel felt robust and durable, giving me confidence it could withstand the rigors of multiple hunting seasons. It had a clean, precise finish and the extended design offered a comfortable grip for easy installation and removal.
I considered several other extended choke tubes, including those from Briley and Patternmaster. I chose the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster because of its specific focus on bismuth ammunition and its reputation for producing tight, consistent patterns. The promise of optimizing my bismuth loads in my Beretta Silver Pigeon was too appealing to pass up.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype and could deliver the denser, longer-range patterns it promised. I was also aware that choke performance can be highly shotgun and load-dependent, so a thorough testing process was essential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster took place at my local shooting range, using a 20-gauge Beretta Silver Pigeon. I patterned several different bismuth loads at 30 and 40 yards to evaluate pattern density and consistency. The weather was clear with a slight breeze, providing ideal testing conditions.
The Bismuth Bone Buster proved easy to install, threading smoothly into my Beretta’s MobilChoke system. My first few shots onto paper revealed a noticeably tighter pattern than my factory modified choke at the same distances. I was getting significantly more pellets in the vital area of my target.
There were no immediate issues or surprises during the initial testing. The choke performed as advertised, delivering denser patterns with bismuth loads compared to the factory choke. The extended design allowed for easy tightening and removal, even with gloved hands.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple dove hunts and clay shooting sessions, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or corrosion on the stainless steel finish. It still threads in and out smoothly.
Maintenance has been simple. A quick cleaning with bore solvent and a nylon brush after each use keeps the choke in perfect condition. I anticipate this choke lasting for many years with proper care.
Compared to my previous experiences with other extended choke tubes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster has exceeded my expectations. It consistently delivers tighter, more consistent patterns with bismuth ammunition than any other choke I’ve tested. This translates to more ethical and effective shots in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is designed specifically for 20-gauge Benelli and Beretta shotguns with MobilChoke threads. This extended range choke tube is constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel. It is engineered to optimize pattern density and consistency with bismuth ammunition at extended ranges.
The extended range designation means the choke constricts the shot pattern more tightly than a modified or improved cylinder choke. This tighter constriction helps keep the shot together for a longer distance. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures corrosion resistance and long-term durability in harsh hunting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster performs its job exceptionally well, delivering consistently dense and even patterns with bismuth ammunition. Its accuracy at 30-40 yards is noticeably improved compared to factory chokes, resulting in more effective shots on game birds. The choke’s reliability is unquestionable, as it consistently performs without fail.
The main strength of this choke tube is its ability to maximize the potential of bismuth shot. It allows for confident shots at ranges that would otherwise be marginal with standard chokes. One area for potential improvement could be offering different constriction levels to fine-tune patterns for specific bismuth loads and hunting scenarios.
The choke meets and exceeds my expectations for an extended range choke tube specifically designed for bismuth ammunition. It provides a significant performance advantage in the field, allowing for cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster features a robust and functional design. Its 17-4 stainless steel construction provides excellent durability, while the extended design allows for easy installation and removal. The choke is lightweight and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.
The choke is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal. Its extended design provides a comfortable grip, even with gloved hands. There is virtually no learning curve involved in using this choke.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster’s 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent longevity and resistance to corrosion. With proper care, this choke should last for many years of regular use.
Maintaining the choke is simple and straightforward. A quick cleaning with bore solvent and a nylon brush after each use is sufficient to prevent build-up and corrosion. No specialized tools or cleaning products are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. Customization options are limited, as choke tubes are generally a “one size fits all” component.
The choke is compatible with any 20-gauge Benelli or Beretta shotgun that utilizes the MobilChoke system. There are no specific compatibility issues with aftermarket accessories.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight and even patterns with bismuth ammunition.
- Extends effective shooting range, allowing for cleaner kills at longer distances.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and remove thanks to its extended design.
- Specifically designed for Benelli and Beretta shotguns with MobilChoke threads.
Cons
- Optimized specifically for bismuth, may not perform as well with other shot types.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster is perfect for 20-gauge shotgun owners who primarily use bismuth ammunition for waterfowl and upland bird hunting. It is also well-suited for hunters seeking to extend their effective shooting range and achieve cleaner kills. Anyone who hunts in areas where lead shot is restricted or banned will also benefit greatly from this choke.
This product may not be ideal for shooters who primarily use steel or lead shot. Those looking for a choke that provides a wider, more open pattern at closer ranges may also want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal in the field. Another consideration is experimenting with different brands and loads of bismuth ammunition to find the optimal combination for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is a well-engineered and highly effective choke tube specifically designed for bismuth ammunition. Its ability to deliver consistently dense and even patterns at extended ranges makes it a valuable addition to any 20-gauge hunter’s arsenal. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance in the field.
The price of $53.51 is justified by the choke’s performance and quality construction. It provides a tangible improvement in pattern density and effective range compared to factory chokes. This translates to more ethical and successful hunts.
I would personally recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster to any 20-gauge shooter who relies on bismuth ammunition. If you’re looking to maximize the performance of your bismuth loads and extend your effective shooting range, this choke is a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the Bismuth Bone Buster difference for yourself!