The Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of shotgun chokes. But when I first laid eyes on the Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black, I knew this wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill accessory. Hevishot promises top-tier performance, and the sleek, black finish hinted at the quality within.
My go-to 20 gauge had been patterning inconsistently with certain loads at mid-range, a frustration I needed to solve before the upcoming dove season. I was looking for a choke that would tighten those patterns without sacrificing too much spread for closer shots. After researching several options, including chokes from Carlson’s and Briley, I ultimately chose the Hevishot for its reputation with non-toxic shot and gun-specific compatibility.
Unboxing the Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the steel and the aggressively knurled fore-end. The finish was smooth and even, suggesting tight manufacturing tolerances. The choke’s weight felt substantial, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of regular use.
Compared to the factory-installed choke in my Winchester SX3, the Hevishot felt noticeably more robust. I chose it over a cheaper, universal choke because I wanted the guaranteed compatibility with my Invector Plus threads. My initial excitement was high; I was eager to see if the Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black could live up to its name and deliver consistent, tight patterns at those crucial mid-range distances.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black was at my local sporting clays range. I wanted to get a feel for its performance with various loads before taking it into the field. I primarily used Hevishot’s Hevi-Metal and some lead target loads, simulating typical dove hunting scenarios.
The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, presenting typical conditions I might encounter during a hunt. Installation was a breeze; the hand-tightened design meant I didn’t even need a choke wrench. The Hevishot performed admirably, producing noticeably tighter patterns at 30-40 yards compared to my previous choke.
I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency, even with different shot sizes. There were no malfunctions or any issues during the first session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a couple of dove hunts and numerous trips to the range, the Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black has proven its reliability. It continues to deliver consistent patterns, and I’ve harvested more doves this season with fewer shots fired. The choke has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite exposure to dust, rain, and repeated firing.
Maintenance is straightforward: a quick cleaning with solvent and a choke tube brush after each use keeps it in top condition. The knurled fore-end makes it easy to remove and reinstall, even with slightly dirty hands. It significantly outperforms the factory choke and a cheaper aftermarket choke I’ve used in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black
Specifications
The Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black is specifically designed for 20 gauge shotguns with Invector Plus- Winchester SX2, SX3 and Supreme threads. This ensures a precise and secure fit, crucial for optimal performance.
Its mid-range designation implies a constriction that balances pattern density and spread, ideal for shots at 25-40 yards. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of hunting applications.
The choke features a durable, black finish for corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance. This ensures longevity and prevents glare that could spook game.
The knurled fore-end allows for quick and easy hand tightening and removal without tools. This is extremely convenient in the field, allowing for rapid adjustments based on the situation.
Performance & Functionality
The Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black excels in its primary function: delivering tighter, more consistent patterns at mid-range distances. Its accuracy and reliability have significantly improved my hit rate on doves and sporting clays targets. The choke performs as advertised, providing a noticeable improvement over more open chokes at 30-40 yards.
The only potential downside is that the tighter pattern might be too restrictive for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards), potentially resulting in missed opportunities due to a smaller effective spread. Overall, the Hevishot meets and exceeds my expectations, providing a valuable performance upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black boasts a robust build quality, crafted from high-quality steel. Its weight provides a feeling of durability without significantly impacting the shotgun’s balance. The knurled fore-end ensures a secure grip for easy installation and removal.
The simple, hand-tightened design makes it extremely user-friendly; no specialized tools or gunsmithing skills are required.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction and corrosion-resistant finish, the Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black is built to last. With proper cleaning and maintenance, it should withstand years of regular use in various hunting conditions. The choke’s simple design minimizes potential failure points, making repairs unlikely.
Cleaning requires only standard shotgun cleaning solvents and a choke tube brush, making maintenance quick and easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black itself doesn’t require any additional accessories for its primary function. However, a choke tube wrench (although not necessary) can be useful for particularly stubborn removals. The choke is specifically designed for Invector Plus threaded barrels, limiting compatibility with other thread patterns.
Pros and Cons of Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns at mid-range distances.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant finish.
- Easy hand-tightened installation and removal.
- Specifically designed for Invector Plus threaded barrels, ensuring a perfect fit.
- Noticeable improvement in hit rate on game and targets.
Cons
- Tighter pattern may be too restrictive for very close-range shots.
- Limited compatibility; only fits shotguns with Invector Plus threads.
Who Should Buy Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black?
The Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black is perfect for 20-gauge shotgun owners with Invector Plus threads who primarily hunt game birds or shoot sporting clays at mid-range distances. Hunters who frequently use non-toxic shot will particularly benefit from its optimized performance with these loads. Those who value ease of use and require quick choke changes in the field will also appreciate its hand-tightened design.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who primarily shoot at very close range (inside 20 yards) or those who own shotguns with different choke thread patterns. A more open choke might be better suited for close-range scenarios. No must-have accessories are required, but a choke tube wrench can be helpful for stubborn removals.
Conclusion on Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black
The Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black is a high-quality, well-designed choke that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns at mid-range. At $32.99, the price is justified given the noticeable performance improvement and durable construction. I would personally recommend this choke to any 20-gauge shotgun owner with Invector Plus threads looking to improve their accuracy and success rate in the field.
If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed shots, invest in the Hevishot Hevi-Shot 20 GA Mid Range Black and experience the difference firsthand! It’s a small investment that can lead to a significant improvement in your shooting performance.