First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel promises tighter patterns with bismuth loads, specifically designed for waterfowl and upland bird hunting. Carlson’s is a well-known name in the choke tube industry, and the “Bone Buster” moniker suggests serious performance. My initial excitement stems from needing a reliable choke tube for my 20-gauge that can handle the unique properties of bismuth shot, a non-toxic alternative to lead.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a choke that delivers consistent patterns with bismuth, often experiencing frustratingly inconsistent results. This choke claims to solve that issue. Its extended range designation also piques my interest, as I often find myself needing to take longer shots in open fields.
I remember purchasing a competing brand’s extended choke tube, which advertised similar bismuth compatibility, only to find it rusted after a single season of light use. The promise of 17-4 stainless steel construction gives me hope for superior corrosion resistance.
Upon receiving the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel, I immediately noticed the robust feel of the stainless steel. The extended design provides a comfortable grip for easy installation and removal. My initial impression is positive; this choke feels significantly more durable than other aftermarket chokes I’ve used.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel was on a crisp autumn morning, hunting pheasants in South Dakota. I patterned the choke with several brands of bismuth 20-gauge ammunition at 30 and 40 yards.
The choke performed admirably, producing consistently tight and even patterns, especially with the Kent Bismuth loads I favor. I noticed a significant improvement in pattern density compared to my previous modified choke. The conditions were dry and slightly windy, and the choke installed easily and remained secure throughout the morning’s hunt.
The improved pattern density instilled confidence, allowing me to take ethically longer shots on flushing roosters. After the first day’s use, I removed the choke, cleaned it, and inspected it for any signs of wear or damage. Everything looked perfect.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting waterfowl and upland birds with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel, I can confidently attest to its reliability and durability. I subjected it to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion. Regular cleaning after each use has been simple, requiring only a choke tube wrench and a bore brush. Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, this one has proven to be far more resilient and consistent.
The choke consistently delivered the tight patterns I needed for effective hunting. I am confident it will outperform other chokes in the long run, due to its robust build and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns using the Rem Choke thread pattern. Its primary function is to provide extended range and tighter patterns when using bismuth shot.
It is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its high strength and corrosion resistance, crucial for withstanding harsh hunting environments. The choke is designated as “Extended Range,” indicating a tighter constriction than a typical full choke. This focuses the shot pattern for longer-distance shots.
The extended design allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands. It also provides added protection to the muzzle of the shotgun barrel. These specifications are important because they directly influence the choke’s performance, durability, and ease of use, all essential for successful hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel performs its job exceptionally well. It delivers consistently tight and even patterns with bismuth shot, extending the effective range of my 20-gauge.
The choke’s tight constriction allows for clean kills at distances that would have been marginal with a standard modified choke. Its primary strength lies in its ability to maximize the performance of bismuth ammunition, which can sometimes exhibit inconsistent patterns with standard chokes. A potential weakness might be that the extremely tight pattern could be too constricting for close-range shots in dense cover.
The choke met and exceeded my expectations. It significantly improved my success rate on longer shots.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel gives it a solid and durable feel.
The extended design makes it easy to grip and install, even with cold or wet hands. The choke is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal beyond a standard choke tube wrench. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction suggests the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel will last for many years with proper care.
Maintenance is straightforward; simply remove the choke after each use, clean it with a bore brush and solvent, and apply a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion. Repair is generally unnecessary, as the robust construction should withstand normal use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel does not come with any specific accessories beyond the choke tube itself.
There are no real customization options for choke tubes, other than selecting different constrictions for different hunting scenarios. The choke is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that uses the Rem Choke thread pattern, making it widely adaptable.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Consistently tight and even patterns with bismuth shot.
- 17-4 stainless steel construction for superior durability and corrosion resistance.
- Extended range capability for longer shots.
- Easy installation and removal with the extended design.
- Noticeably improved kill ratio with bismuth loads at longer ranges.
Cons
- The tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range shots.
- May require some patterning to find the optimal bismuth load for your specific shotgun.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel?
This choke is perfect for waterfowl and upland bird hunters who primarily use bismuth shot and often encounter longer-range shooting opportunities. It is also ideal for hunters seeking a durable and corrosion-resistant choke tube that can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very dense cover and take only close-range shots may find the constriction too tight. They might be better served by a more open choke.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. You may also want to experiment with different brands and shot sizes of bismuth ammunition to find the optimal pattern for your shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is a well-made and highly effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns with bismuth shot.
At $53.51, the price is justified, considering the improved performance and durability compared to other aftermarket chokes.
I would personally recommend this choke to any 20-gauge shotgun hunter who utilizes bismuth shot and needs extended range capabilities. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and marginal shots, give the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster a try.