The Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade spent specializing in outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve learned that sometimes the smallest components can make the biggest difference. When Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated arrived, I knew I had to see if it lived up to the hype surrounding Federal’s Black Cloud ammunition and its specialized FliteControl wad. My primary objective was to find a choke that could reliably deliver tight patterns with steel shot, particularly at mid-range distances, without excessive wad buildup.
As a seasoned waterfowl hunter, my biggest frustration has been inconsistent patterns with steel shot, leading to wounded birds and missed opportunities. I was hoping this choke would be the solution. Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the Carlsons choke’s solid construction and the smooth, almost iridescent, titanium coating. It felt substantial without being overly heavy, hinting at the durability I expect from my gear.
I considered other chokes, including a Briley extended choke and a Patternmaster Code Black, but the Carlsons Black Cloud choke’s specific design for the FliteControl wad and its ability to handle larger steel shot sizes swayed my decision. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The titanium coating suggested ease of cleaning and reduced wad buildup, a huge plus, but the proof would be in the pattern.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at a local shooting range, patterning the Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated with various 20-gauge steel loads, including Federal Black Cloud, Winchester Blind Side, and Hevi-Metal. The weather was relatively mild, with a slight breeze. Installation was straightforward, threading easily into my Remington 870 20-gauge.
The difference in pattern density compared to my factory modified choke was immediately noticeable. With Black Cloud ammunition, the Carlsons choke produced significantly tighter and more consistent patterns at 30 yards. There were no noticeable gaps or flyers. Even with other steel loads, the choke performed admirably, providing better patterns than I had previously achieved. The choke also seemed to reduce felt recoil slightly.
After about 50 rounds, I did notice some minor wad residue inside the choke, but it wiped away easily with a bore brush and solvent. I was pleasantly surprised by the improved pattern performance and the relative ease of cleaning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two waterfowl hunts in varying weather conditions (one dry and dusty, the other wet and muddy), the Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated has proven to be a reliable performer. The titanium coating has held up well, showing no signs of wear or corrosion, even after exposure to moisture and harsh cleaning solvents. The choke continues to deliver consistent patterns, and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in cripples during my hunts.
Maintenance is a breeze. After each use, a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to remove any residue. Compared to my previous choke, which required more aggressive cleaning due to wad buildup, the Carlsons choke is a clear winner in terms of ease of maintenance. The enhanced patterns have given me increased confidence in the field. It outperforms my previous choke in pattern consistency and overall durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated
Specifications
The Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated is specifically designed for 20-gauge Remington shotguns. It extends slightly beyond the muzzle.
The choke is constructed from high-quality steel with a durable titanium coating for enhanced corrosion resistance and reduced wad buildup. It is optimized for mid-range distances.
The choke is designed to be used with all steel shot sizes and ammunition exceeding 1550 fps. It does not use porting or wad-stopping devices, making it ideal for Federal Black Cloud ammunition with its FliteControl wad.
The titanium coating helps reduce plastic wad buildup, a common issue with steel shot. The mid-range constriction provides tighter patterns at typical waterfowl hunting distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated performs its job exceptionally well, delivering consistent and dense patterns with steel shot. Its accuracy at mid-range distances is a significant improvement over factory chokes. The choke’s ability to handle faster ammunition and larger shot sizes without compromising pattern density is a major strength.
The only minor weakness I’ve observed is a slight increase in muzzle report compared to a flush-mounted choke. However, the performance benefits far outweigh this minor drawback. It definitely meets my expectations and has improved my success rate in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated feels solid and well-made. The titanium coating not only adds to its durability but also gives it a sleek, professional look.
The choke is easy to install and remove, requiring no special tools. There is virtually no learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and titanium coating, I expect the Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated to last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is simple, requiring only routine cleaning after each use. The titanium coating makes it easy to remove plastic wad residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard choke wrenches designed for Remington shotguns. There are no specific customization options available for this particular choke model.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated
Pros
- Significantly improves pattern density and consistency with steel shot, especially with Federal Black Cloud ammunition.
- Durable titanium coating provides excellent corrosion resistance and reduces wad buildup.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Compatible with all steel shot sizes and ammunition exceeding 1550 fps.
- Noticeably reduces cripples in the field.
Cons
- Slight increase in muzzle report compared to flush-mounted chokes.
- No included accessories (choke wrench).
Who Should Buy Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated?
The Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated is perfect for waterfowl hunters who use 20-gauge Remington shotguns and primarily shoot steel shot. It will especially benefit those using Federal Black Cloud ammunition. It is also a good choice for anyone looking to improve their pattern consistency and reduce wad buildup.
This product may not be necessary for those who primarily shoot lead shot or hunt at very close ranges where tighter patterns are not required. Those seeking a completely flush-mounted choke might also want to consider other options. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated
The Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated is a worthwhile investment for any serious waterfowl hunter using a 20-gauge Remington shotgun. At $47.99, the price is justified by the choke’s improved performance, durability, and ease of maintenance. I would definitely recommend it to fellow hunters looking to enhance their pattern density and reduce cripples in the field.
If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and excessive wad buildup, give the Carlsons Black Cloud Rem Choke 20 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated a try. It might just be the edge you need to bring down more birds this season.