Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Review

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a purpose-built tool designed for waterfowl hunters who demand performance at extended ranges. Manufactured by Carlsons, a name synonymous with quality choke tubes, this long-range option promises tighter patterns and increased downrange energy. This choke aims to help put more birds in the bag.

For years, I’ve struggled with inconsistent patterns when targeting ducks and geese beyond 40 yards. Factory chokes often left gaps in the pattern, resulting in missed birds and crippled shots, something every ethical hunter wants to avoid. I was seeking a choke tube that could deliver consistent, dense patterns at longer distances, minimizing the risk of wounding birds.

Out of the package, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke exudes quality. The black finish is smooth and even, and the 17-4 stainless steel construction feels incredibly robust, promising years of reliable service. Compared to the factory chokes on my Remington 870, this choke feels significantly more substantial. I also considered the Briley Spectrum choke and the Patternmaster Code Black Duck choke, but the Carlsons choke offered a compelling blend of quality and affordability.

My initial impression was one of guarded optimism. I was excited to see if this choke could live up to the claims of improved long-range performance. Only time and testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke during the late goose season in the frigid fields of North Dakota. Temperatures hovered around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, with a biting wind adding to the challenge. I primarily used 3-inch steel shot, size BB, a common load for late-season geese.

The Carlsons choke performed admirably in these harsh conditions. Installation was straightforward, threading smoothly into my Remington 870’s barrel without any binding or issues. The choke noticeably tightened the pattern at 40 and 50 yards. I experienced consistent kills on geese that would have likely flown away untouched with my previous setup.

There were no issues with the choke during the first use. The patterns were as advertised, and the choke held up to repeated firing without loosening or showing any signs of wear.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of hunting in diverse conditions, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke continues to impress. It has seen action in driving rain, muddy fields, and even a few unexpected snow squalls. Despite the abuse, the finish remains intact, and the choke shows no signs of corrosion.

The choke’s durability is remarkable. It has endured numerous rounds of heavy steel shot without any degradation in performance. Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent removes any residue, keeping the choke in top condition.

This choke significantly outperforms the factory chokes I’ve used in the past. It delivers tighter, more consistent patterns, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer crippled birds. My confidence in making ethical shots at longer ranges has increased significantly.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

Specifications

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black boasts the following specifications:

• Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, the most popular gauge for waterfowl hunting.
• Configuration: Rem Choke. It’s designed to fit any shotgun with a Rem Choke-compatible barrel.
• Constriction Type: Long Range. Intended for shots at distances beyond the typical effective range of modified or improved cylinder chokes.
• Constriction Diameter: .700. This diameter provides a tight constriction for dense patterns at extended distances.
• Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This material offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability, crucial for withstanding the harsh conditions of waterfowl hunting.
• Finish: Black. The black finish reduces glare and protects the steel from the elements.
• Chokes Included: 1. This package includes a single choke tube.

These specifications are significant because they directly influence the choke’s performance and longevity. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the choke can withstand the corrosive effects of steel shot and harsh weather. The .700 constriction diameter is optimized for long-range shooting, providing a tighter pattern than more open chokes.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke excels at its primary function: extending the effective range of a 12-gauge shotgun. Accuracy is significantly improved at 40-50 yards compared to more open chokes. I consistently achieved tighter patterns, resulting in more pellets on target.

The choke’s strengths lie in its consistent pattern density and durable construction. It reliably delivers the performance expected of a long-range choke. One area for potential improvement might be offering variations in constriction within the “Long Range” category to allow for fine-tuning based on specific ammunition and hunting conditions.

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke exceeds my expectations. It addresses the shortcomings of factory chokes by providing a noticeable improvement in long-range pattern density.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlsons choke features a simple, functional design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels solid and well-made. The black finish adds a touch of stealth and provides corrosion resistance.

The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench. No special tools are required. The exterior is smooth and well-finished.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction of the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke suggests excellent longevity. I anticipate this choke will last for many seasons with proper care. After weeks of use, there are no signs of wear or corrosion.

Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient to keep the choke in good working order. The choke’s robust construction makes it easy to maintain and repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke comes as a standalone choke tube. There are no included accessories. While the choke itself doesn’t offer customization options, hunters can experiment with different ammunition types and shot sizes to fine-tune their patterns.

The choke is compatible with any shotgun that accepts Rem Choke-style tubes. This broad compatibility allows hunters to use it with various shotgun brands and models.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Rem Choke 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black