The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve chased waterfowl across flooded timber and windswept marshes. Choosing the right choke tube can be the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day of near misses. The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black promised consistent patterns at extended distances, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My go-to 20 gauge has always been reliable, but I’ve often found myself needing just a bit more reach on those wary late-season birds. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tight patterns at 40+ yards without sacrificing pattern density. The promise of Carlsons‘ Delta Waterfowl line seemed like the ideal solution to my long-range frustrations.
Unboxing the choke, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the 17-4 Stainless Steel. The black finish was smooth and even, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship. This wasn’t some cheap, stamped-out piece; it felt like a precision instrument, ready to endure the rigors of a demanding waterfowl season.
I’ve used Briley and Patternmaster chokes in the past. The Carlsons offering presented a more traditional constriction design compared to Patternmaster’s wad-stripping approach, and a more rugged build than some of Briley’s thinner-walled options. Ultimately, the promise of long-range performance and the reputation of the Carlsons brand led me to choose this particular choke. I was genuinely excited, hoping this choke would extend my effective range and improve my hit ratio on those challenging shots.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test was on a blustery December morning in a flooded cornfield. The wind was whipping, and the ducks were flying high and fast. The conditions were perfect for testing the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range.
Installation was a breeze, threading smoothly into my 20-gauge’s Invector Plus barrel. I patterned the choke with a variety of loads, from steel #2s to bismuth #4s, at 40 and 50 yards. Initially, I was pleased with the consistent patterns, showing a noticeable increase in pellet density compared to my modified choke. I noticed no issues with installation, and the choke remained tight throughout the morning, even after repeated firing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hard use, the Carlsons choke has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite being exposed to mud, water, and the occasional accidental bump, the black finish still looks great, with only minor signs of wear. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with solvent and a brush removes any fouling.
The choke has maintained its tight patterns throughout the season. It still delivers consistent results, whether I’m using expensive bismuth loads or more affordable steel shot. It has definitely outperformed my previous modified choke at extended ranges. This has helped me fold up those wary birds that typically skirt the edges of the decoys.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is specifically designed for Invector Plus threaded 20-gauge shotguns. It is constructed from high-quality 17-4 Stainless Steel, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. The black finish adds a layer of protection and a sleek, non-reflective appearance.
The choke features a long-range constriction with a diameter of .600. This tight constriction is intended to produce dense, consistent patterns at extended distances. The Invector Plus configuration ensures compatibility with a wide range of 20-gauge shotguns that utilize this system.
These specifications are critical for waterfowl hunters seeking to improve their long-range performance. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction guarantees durability in harsh hunting conditions. The long-range constriction ensures that a higher percentage of pellets reach the target at longer distances, increasing the odds of a clean kill.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range performs admirably in its intended role. I’ve found it to be exceptionally reliable, producing consistent patterns with various shot types and sizes. At 40-50 yards, the patterns are noticeably tighter and more uniform than with a modified or improved cylinder choke.
The primary strength of this choke is its ability to extend the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun. It delivers a higher concentration of pellets on target at longer distances, resulting in more consistent kills. One area for potential improvement might be a slightly less aggressive constriction for closer shots, but that would sacrifice its effectiveness at longer ranges. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations for a long-range choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s design is simple and functional. The 17-4 Stainless Steel gives it a solid, reassuring weight without being cumbersome. The black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to reduce glare, which is important in bright sunlight.
It’s incredibly user-friendly; installation and removal are straightforward using a standard choke tube wrench. There is no learning curve involved; simply screw it in and you’re ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 Stainless Steel construction, I expect this choke to last for many years. So far, it has shown no signs of corrosion or damage, despite being subjected to harsh weather and frequent use. Maintenance is simple; cleaning it after each hunt with a choke tube cleaner keeps it in top condition.
The durable construction and easy maintenance make it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters. It’s built to withstand the rigors of the field and provide reliable performance season after season.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range choke comes as a standalone unit. There are no included accessories, as it’s a pretty straightforward piece of equipment. While there are no customization options directly for the choke itself, you can experiment with different brands and types of 20-gauge ammunition to find the optimal load for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
It’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Invector Plus systems. It is also worth noting that Carlsons offers a wide range of other chokes in their Delta Waterfowl line, allowing hunters to fine-tune their patterns for different hunting scenarios and distances.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight and dense patterns at 40+ yards.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 Stainless Steel for long-lasting performance.
- The black finish reduces glare and provides corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably extends the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun, improving hit ratios on wary birds.
Cons
- The tight constriction may produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (under 25 yards).
- Limited to Invector Plus threaded 20-gauge shotguns only.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
This choke is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter birds at longer ranges. It’s ideal for those hunting in open fields, large bodies of water, or areas where birds tend to hang back from the decoys. Experienced hunters who are looking to maximize the performance of their 20-gauge shotgun will also find this choke to be a valuable addition to their gear.
This choke may not be suitable for hunters who primarily hunt in close-quarters environments, such as flooded timber or tight marshes, where shots are typically taken at shorter distances. Also, if your shotgun doesn’t have the Invector Plus system, you’ll need to explore other options.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal in the field. Experimenting with different brands and shot sizes is also recommended to find the optimal load for your specific hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a well-built and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of extending the range of a 20-gauge shotgun. The durable 17-4 Stainless Steel construction, consistent patterns, and easy maintenance make it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters.
At a price of $39.10, the value proposition is excellent. It offers performance comparable to much more expensive chokes on the market. I would definitely recommend this choke to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their long-range accuracy and increase their success in the field.
If you’re tired of watching those late-season birds flare just out of range, give the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range a try. You might be surprised at how much it can improve your shooting! Upgrade your setup and make every shot count.