The Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of choke tubes. However, the Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated immediately caught my eye with its promise of enhanced long-range performance and a durable titanium finish. I was seeking a choke tube that could truly extend my effective range with steel shot, particularly for waterfowl hunting in areas where lead is prohibited.
The Carlsons choke tube arrived in simple, but effective packaging. The titanium coating gleamed, hinting at a robustness that cheaper chokes often lack. Picking it up, it felt solid and well-machined, not flimsy or lightweight like some of the generic options I’ve encountered.
Before settling on this Carlsons choke, I considered the Briley Spectrum Extended choke and the Patternmaster Code Black Duck choke. I ultimately chose the Carlsons Black Cloud due to its specific design for steel shot and the positive reviews regarding its patterning capabilities at longer distances. My initial feeling was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism; I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated was a goose hunt in the Saskatchewan prairies. The weather was typical for late autumn: cold, with a biting wind and occasional drizzle. The Carlsons choke tube, paired with my Benelli Montefeltro 20 gauge, performed admirably under these challenging conditions.
The choke installed easily and securely, and I immediately noticed an improvement in pattern density at distances beyond 40 yards. Before, my patterns with the factory modified choke were starting to open up significantly at that range, leaving gaps that could allow birds to slip through. The Carlsons choke held the pattern together tighter, resulting in cleaner, more effective kills. There were no issues with the choke loosening during the course of the hunt, which is a common problem with some aftermarket tubes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of waterfowl hunting and numerous trips to the sporting clays range, the Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite being exposed to harsh weather, mud, and the corrosive effects of modern steel shotshells, the titanium coating remains largely intact. The only visible wear is some minor discoloration around the muzzle, which is purely cosmetic.
Cleaning the choke is straightforward. A quick soak in solvent and a scrub with a bronze brush remove any plastic wad residue or powder fouling. So far, the Carlsons choke has significantly outperformed the factory chokes that came with my shotgun. I’ve seen tighter, more consistent patterns with a wider variety of steel shot loads.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated
Specifications
The Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke tube boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:
- Gauge: 20 Gauge – This choke is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
- Configuration: Invector Plus – The Invector Plus system is Browning’s longer choke thread system, which generally produces improved patterns compared to shorter systems.
- Constriction Type: Long Range – Designed for extended distances, the choke creates a tighter pattern for improved accuracy at 40 yards and beyond.
- Constriction Diameter: .600 – This diameter provides a tight constriction, optimizing patterns for steel shot at longer ranges. This may not be ideal for very close-range hunting.
- Material: Steel – The steel construction ensures durability and resistance to the high pressures generated by steel shotshells.
- Finish: Titanium Coated – The titanium coating provides exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear, extending the choke’s lifespan.
- Chokes Included: 1 – The package includes a single choke tube.
- Brand: Carlsons – A reputable manufacturer known for producing high-quality choke tubes and shotgun accessories.
- Model: Black Cloud – Specifically designed for use with Federal Black Cloud ammunition, but works well with other steel shot loads.
- Category: Choke Tubes – Designed to tighten the shot pattern for extended range.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s ability to effectively control the shot pattern at longer distances. The combination of the tight constriction and the steel construction ensures that the choke can withstand the rigors of steel shot, while the titanium coating provides long-lasting protection against the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated excels at its primary job: extending the effective range of my 20-gauge shotgun with steel shot. The tighter patterns it produces result in more consistent and ethical kills on waterfowl, especially at distances beyond 40 yards. There is a noticeable reduction in pellet spread, which translates to a higher percentage of pellets hitting the target.
The choke’s strengths lie in its ability to maintain pattern density at longer ranges and its exceptional durability. One weakness, however, is that the tight constriction may result in patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards). For those situations, a more open choke (such as skeet or improved cylinder) would be a better choice. Overall, the Carlsons Black Cloud has exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Black Cloud features a simple, functional design. The titanium coating not only provides excellent protection but also gives the choke a sleek, professional appearance. The choke is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench. The extended design makes it easy to identify the choke without having to remove it from the shotgun.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated appears built to last. The steel construction and titanium coating provide exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion. With proper cleaning and maintenance, this choke should provide years of reliable service. Maintaining the choke is relatively simple: cleaning it after each use is necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated comes as a standalone choke tube, with no additional accessories included. Customization is limited, as the choke cannot be modified internally. It is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun that uses the Invector Plus choke system. Many shooters pair this choke with Federal Black Cloud ammunition for optimal performance, but it works well with a wide variety of other steel shot loads.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated
Pros
- Exceptional long-range performance with steel shot. Consistently tighter patterns result in cleaner kills at extended distances.
- Durable steel construction with a titanium coating. Provides excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and the harsh effects of steel shotshells.
- Easy to install and remove. Compatible with any standard choke wrench.
- Noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to factory chokes. Increases the effective range of your shotgun.
- Reputable brand known for quality and reliability. Carlsons is a trusted name in the shotgun accessory market.
Cons
- Tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range shots. Patterns can be too tight for hunting situations inside 20 yards.
- Single choke tube included. Requires purchasing additional chokes for different hunting scenarios.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated?
The Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated is perfect for waterfowl hunters who primarily use steel shot and frequently take shots at longer ranges (40 yards and beyond). This choke is also an excellent choice for sporting clays shooters who want to improve their long-range accuracy. It is also great for hunters who are required to use non-toxic shot.
Those who primarily hunt in close quarters (e.g., timber hunting for ducks) or prefer to use lead shot should skip this product, as the tight constriction may not be suitable for those applications.
A must-have accessory for this choke is a high-quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Also, experimenting with different brands and sizes of steel shot is recommended to find the optimal load for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated
Overall, the Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promise of enhanced long-range performance with steel shot. The titanium coating provides excellent durability and the tighter patterns result in more ethical and successful hunts.
At a price of $47.99, the Carlsons Black Cloud represents a solid value proposition. The improvement in pattern density and the added durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters and sporting clays enthusiasts.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Black Cloud Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated to anyone looking to extend the effective range of their 20-gauge shotgun with steel shot. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!