The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
As an avid turkey hunter for over a decade, I’ve cycled through my fair share of chokes, always searching for that perfect blend of pattern density and consistent performance. When I first heard about the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, I was immediately intrigued. The name itself, linking Carlsons with the popular Bone Collector brand, suggested a collaboration built on experience and a dedication to harvesting longbeards.
My quest for a new choke stemmed from inconsistent patterns I was getting with my trusted Remington 870. I’d tried several factory and aftermarket chokes, but nothing seemed to deliver the tight, lethal patterns I needed beyond 40 yards. The promise of a super tight, pattern-tested constriction that works with all turkey loads, including TSS, was enough to make me pull the trigger on this purchase.
The choke arrived in simple but effective packaging. Lifting it out of the box, I was immediately impressed by the heft and solid feel of the 17-4 stainless steel. The matte black finish was smooth and even, giving it a professional, non-reflective look that’s crucial for turkey hunting.
I considered the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey, the Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder, and the TruLock Precision Hunter Turkey Choke before settling on the Carlsons Bone Collector. Ultimately, I opted for the Carlsons due to its reputation for consistent patterns across various loads and the backing of the Bone Collector brand, which I respect for their commitment to ethical hunting. First impressions were definitely positive. I was excited to see if this choke could live up to the hype and transform my Remington into a turkey-slaying machine.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke was at my local shooting range, a familiar setting where I could control the variables and focus on pattern performance. I mounted it on my Remington 870, a gun I know intimately. I had a variety of turkey loads on hand, including lead, copper-plated, and a few TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) options.
The weather was cool and slightly damp, conditions that can sometimes affect shotshell performance. I set up targets at 30, 40, and 50 yards, taking my time to ensure a steady rest and consistent aiming point. The initial shots at 30 yards were impressive, producing incredibly tight and dense patterns. Even at 40 yards, the pattern held together remarkably well. I was especially curious about the TSS loads, given their reputation for exceptional long-range performance, and the Carlsons Choke did not disappoint.
Installation was a breeze, and the choke tightened securely with no need for excessive force. The extended design made it easy to grip and remove. No issues arose during this initial test; the choke performed as advertised, instantly boosting my confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a full turkey season in the unforgiving terrain of the Ozark Mountains, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke has proven to be a reliable and durable performer. It has withstood rain, mud, and countless rounds without showing any signs of wear or corrosion. The matte black finish has held up well, resisting scratches and maintaining its low-profile appearance.
Cleaning the choke is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any powder residue or plastic wad buildup. I’ve noticed no degradation in pattern performance over time, indicating the choke’s consistent construction and quality materials. Compared to other chokes I’ve used, the Carlsons Bone Collector delivers significantly tighter and more consistent patterns, particularly at longer ranges. It has noticeably outperformed the factory choke that came with my Remington 870. It has given me confidence I’ve not had before.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is specifically designed for 12-gauge Remington shotguns with ProBore threading. It is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. The choke features an extended design, protruding beyond the end of the barrel for easy installation and removal.
The matte black finish reduces glare and prevents spooking wary turkeys. The choke is optimized for use with shot sizes ranging from #4 to #10, including lead, nickel-plated, copper-plated, bismuth, Hevi-Shot, tungsten, and TSS. Its extended length and specially designed internal constriction are engineered to produce extremely tight and dense patterns. These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke’s ability to deliver consistent and lethal patterns at extended ranges, a critical factor for successful turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns with a variety of turkey loads. In my testing, it consistently produced patterns with a high percentage of pellets within a 20-inch circle at 40 yards. The choke’s performance is particularly impressive with TSS loads, which are known for their exceptional density and long-range capabilities.
The primary strength of this choke is its ability to maintain pattern density at longer ranges, providing hunters with a greater margin for error and increasing their chances of a clean kill. One potential area for improvement could be a wider range of constriction options to fine-tune patterns for different loads and hunting conditions. The choke definitely meets and exceeds my expectations; it delivers the tight patterns I need for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke boasts a simple yet effective design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides exceptional durability, while the matte black finish minimizes glare. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove the choke, even with gloved hands.
The weight of the choke is negligible, adding minimal weight to the shotgun. There’s no learning curve associated with using this choke; it’s a straightforward and user-friendly accessory that enhances the performance of any compatible Remington shotgun.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is built to last. It is highly resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring years of reliable performance. Maintenance is simple; a quick cleaning after each use is all that’s required to keep the choke in optimal condition.
The durable construction and easy maintenance contribute to the choke’s long-term value and reliability. It is a well-built accessory that should withstand the rigors of even the most demanding turkey hunting environments.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black does not come with any additional accessories. However, its ProBore threading makes it compatible with a wide range of Remington 12-gauge shotguns. While there are no specific customization options for the choke itself, hunters can experiment with different brands and types of turkey loads to find the optimal combination for their shotgun and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Consistently delivers tight, lethal patterns at extended ranges.
- Durable Construction: Built from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with a wide range of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and TSS.
- Easy Installation and Removal: Extended design allows for quick and easy choke changes.
- Non-Reflective Finish: Matte black finish minimizes glare, preventing spooking wary turkeys.
Cons
- Limited Constriction Options: A wider range of constriction options would allow for more fine-tuning.
- Specifically for Remington ProBore: Not compatible with other shotgun threading systems.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
This choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand consistent and lethal patterns at extended ranges. It is also ideal for hunters using Remington shotguns with ProBore threading who want to upgrade from their factory choke. Additionally, hunters who experiment with different turkey loads will appreciate the choke’s versatility and ability to deliver tight patterns with a variety of shot sizes and materials.
Hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at close range (within 20 yards) may not need the extra performance offered by this choke. Also, hunters with shotguns that do not have ProBore threading will need to select a different choke that is compatible with their specific shotgun model. Must-have accessories include a quality choke wrench and a selection of different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Remington ProBore Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a high-quality choke that delivers exceptional performance and durability. Its ability to produce tight, consistent patterns with a variety of turkey loads makes it a valuable addition to any serious turkey hunter’s arsenal. The price is justified considering the choke’s superior construction and enhanced performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any turkey hunter looking to improve their shotgun’s pattern density and extend their effective range. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and want to maximize your chances of success this season, invest in the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke and experience the difference for yourself. Get out there and bag that longbeard!