The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated Made a Bold First Impression
Waterfowl hunting is a passion bordering on obsession. I’ve spent countless hours in blinds, marshes, and fields chasing ducks and geese across the country. The never-ending quest for tighter patterns and longer shots is a constant drive. That’s why the Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke tube immediately caught my eye.
For years, I’d been struggling to find the perfect choke for steel shot. My factory chokes offered inconsistent patterns, especially at longer ranges. I needed a choke tube designed specifically for steel shot that promised improved performance, and Carlson’s name is synonymous with quality. Hearing about the Black Cloud ammunition’s unique flight control wad, and how this choke was optimized for it, made the decision even easier.
The Carlsons Black Cloud choke arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Pulling it out, the first thing I noticed was the smooth, titanium-coated finish. The coating gave it a sleek, almost futuristic look and a solid, reassuring feel. It was clearly well-made, and the extended design gave me confidence that it would perform as advertised.
I’ve used similar extended choke tubes from Briley and Patternmaster in the past. The Carlsons Black Cloud seemed to strike a good balance between the two. It wasn’t as aggressively ported as the Patternmaster, which can sometimes be finicky with different loads. Nor was it as basic as the Briley, lacking the specific engineering for Black Cloud. I picked the Carlsons choke for its promise of optimized performance with Federal Black Cloud ammunition.
Initial impressions were definitely positive. The build quality seemed excellent, and the titanium coating promised durability. I was eager to get it out to the range and see if it lived up to the hype. The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated immediately gave me a sense of anticipation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Carlsons Black Cloud choke was at a local shooting range. I patterned it at 40 yards using Federal Black Cloud 3-inch shells loaded with #2 steel shot. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for testing. I was using my trusty Benelli Super Black Eagle II.
The difference compared to my factory choke was immediately noticeable. The pattern was significantly tighter and more consistent, with fewer flyers. I was impressed by the density of the pattern, particularly in the core area. I didn’t experience any issues with cycling or excessive recoil during the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Carlsons Black Cloud choke in various hunting scenarios, I can confidently say that it has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it in everything from early-season teal hunts in warm, humid conditions to late-season mallard hunts in freezing temperatures. The titanium coating has proven to be exceptionally durable, showing no signs of rust or wear. Cleaning is also a breeze.
The choke has remained consistent over time, delivering tight, even patterns. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, and it still performs flawlessly. It consistently outperforms the factory choke. It definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated
Specifications
The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke tube is designed specifically for Benelli and Beretta 12-gauge shotguns. It’s an extended choke tube meaning that it protrudes slightly beyond the end of the barrel. This aids in pattern development.
The choke is constructed from high-quality steel and features a durable titanium coating. The titanium coating helps prevent rust and corrosion while also reducing wad buildup. This choke is explicitly designed for steel shot and is safe to use with all steel shot sizes. It’s optimized for Federal Black Cloud ammunition but performs well with other steel loads, too.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Black Cloud choke excels at extending the effective range of your shotgun with steel shot. It consistently delivers tight, dense patterns at distances of 40 yards and beyond. The FliteControl Wad in Black Cloud ammunition is designed to stay with the shot column longer, resulting in tighter patterns and increased downrange energy. The titanium coating helps to minimize wad buildup.
While the choke is optimized for Black Cloud ammunition, it performs admirably with other quality steel loads. However, performance may vary depending on the specific load and shotshell size. The main weakness of this choke is that it is specifically designed for steel shot and should not be used with lead or other non-toxic alternatives, like bismuth, unless explicitly stated by Carlson’s.
The Carlsons Black Cloud choke meets and exceeds expectations. It enhances the performance of my Benelli and helps me bag more birds.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Black Cloud choke is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove from the shotgun. The smooth titanium coating not only looks great but also provides a comfortable grip. The overall build quality is excellent, with precise machining and a durable finish.
There is no learning curve. Simply screw it into your shotgun and start shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Black Cloud choke is built to last. The high-quality steel construction and durable titanium coating ensure that it can withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting. Regular cleaning is recommended to prevent buildup of plastic wad residue, but it is very easy to do. With proper care, this choke should last for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for this particular model. However, Carlson’s offers a wide range of other choke tubes and shotgun accessories that can be used to further customize your shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated
Pros
- Exceptional pattern density with steel shot, especially with Federal Black Cloud ammunition.
- Durable titanium coating that resists rust and corrosion.
- Extended design for easy installation and removal.
- Optimized for long-range performance, increasing effective range.
- Improved shot consistency for more ethical and successful hunts.
Cons
- Specifically designed for steel shot; not recommended for lead or other non-toxic alternatives without verification.
- Limited to Benelli/Beretta 12-gauge shotguns.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated?
The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke tube is perfect for waterfowl hunters who use Benelli or Beretta 12-gauge shotguns and primarily shoot steel shot, especially Federal Black Cloud ammunition. It’s also ideal for hunters looking to extend their effective range and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns. This choke is also great for upland bird hunters who hunt in areas where non-toxic shot is required.
Hunters who primarily use lead or other non-toxic alternatives, or who don’t own a compatible shotgun, should skip this product.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. I also recommend having a good quality gun cleaning kit to keep the choke clean and free of residue.
Conclusion on Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated
Overall, the Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of improved performance with steel shot. The tight patterns, durable construction, and easy installation make it a valuable addition to any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal.
At $47.99, the price is definitely justified. The improved performance and increased range make it worth the investment. I highly recommend the Carlsons Black Cloud choke to anyone looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential with steel shot. Equip yourself with the Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated and watch your success in the field soar!