The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting, to me, isn’t just a sport; it’s a tradition steeped in patience, strategy, and respect for the wild. Year after year, I’ve chased those elusive gobblers, always searching for an edge that could tip the scales in my favor. My older choke tube, while reliable, was starting to show its age, and I wanted something that could truly maximize my pattern density, especially at longer ranges.
The search led me to the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black. This choke promised a super-tight pattern with various shot types, a feature I desperately needed to handle the evolving ammunition options on the market. The Bone Collector name added a layer of confidence, suggesting it was designed by serious turkey hunters who understood the nuances of the game. Opening the package, the matte black finish and extended design of the choke gave an immediate impression of quality and purposeful design.
Compared to my previous choke (a basic, non-ported model) and even a few extended chokes I’ve used from Trulock and Briley, the Carlsons stood out. It felt more robust, and the porting seemed strategically placed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. My first impression was excitement mixed with anticipation; I couldn’t wait to see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke at my local shooting range, using a trusty Mossberg 835. I wanted controlled conditions to evaluate the pattern density and consistency. I tested it with a variety of loads, including lead #5, copper-plated #4, and even some newer TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) #9.
The conditions were ideal – a crisp, cool morning with minimal wind. The choke performed exceptionally well, producing tight, even patterns with all the loads I tested, especially the TSS. The extended design made changing loads in the field easy and provided the added benefit of protecting the muzzle threads.
Initially, I was concerned about the porting causing excessive noise, but it proved to be manageable, and the reduction in felt recoil was noticeable. The first-time use left me impressed and eager to take it into the turkey woods.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of turkey hunting, the Carlsons Bone Collector has proven its worth time and again. It has consistently delivered tight, lethal patterns at distances ranging from 20 to 50 yards. I’ve hunted in wet, muddy conditions, and the choke has held up without any signs of rust or corrosion.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous choke, the Carlsons offers superior pattern density and consistency, which has translated to more successful hunts. I would not hesitate to recommend this choke to anyone serious about turkey hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is designed specifically for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. It’s an extended choke, meaning it protrudes beyond the end of the barrel, making it easier to grip for installation and removal. The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, chosen for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
The matte black finish reduces glare, crucial for remaining undetected in the turkey woods. The choke is ported to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, improving follow-up shot accuracy. The internal constriction is optimized for tight patterns with various turkey loads.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the choke’s overall performance and longevity. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand the rigors of hunting, while the matte black finish keeps you concealed. The porting enhances shooting comfort and accuracy, and the optimized constriction guarantees dense patterns for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke excels at what it’s designed to do: deliver extremely tight and consistent patterns with turkey loads. Its accuracy is impressive, consistently placing a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards, using appropriate loads. The reduction in recoil is noticeable and allows for quicker follow-up shots.
A minor weakness could be the slightly increased noise due to the porting, but the benefits outweigh this drawback. The choke has far exceeded my expectations, providing confidence in every shot.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, thanks to the use of high-grade 17-4 stainless steel. The choke feels substantial in hand, instilling confidence in its durability. The extended design simplifies installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
There is no learning curve; it’s a simple screw-in choke that enhances performance immediately.
Durability & Maintenance
Made from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Bone Collector is built to last. The matte black finish is resistant to scratches and wear. Basic cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition.
With proper care, this choke should last for many hunting seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The choke itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, the thread pattern is standard for Mossberg 835/935 shotguns, so it’s compatible with any choke wrench designed for those models. There are no further customization options for the choke itself.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns with various turkey loads.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Ported design effectively reduces recoil and muzzle jump for improved accuracy.
- Matte black finish minimizes glare, providing enhanced concealment.
- Extended design allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloves.
Cons
- Porting may slightly increase muzzle noise.
- Specific to Mossberg 835/935 shotguns; not universally compatible.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a Mossberg 835 or 935 12-gauge shotgun and demand maximum pattern density and consistency. It’s also ideal for hunters who appreciate durable, reliable equipment and want to minimize recoil for improved shooting comfort and accuracy.
Hunters using other shotgun brands or those seeking a more versatile choke for different game might want to explore other options. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a top-tier choke tube that delivers exceptional performance for turkey hunting. The price of $69.55 is justified by its durable construction, tight patterns, and recoil-reducing design.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter using a Mossberg 835 or 935. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting game to the next level, invest in the Carlsons Bone Collector – you won’t be disappointed. Go bag that gobbler!