The Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless choke tubes come and go. However, the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated immediately piqued my interest with its promise of optimized performance with Federal’s Black Cloud ammunition. It promised to enhance the FliteControl wad’s efficiency, and the titanium coating hinted at durability.
My waterfowl hunting trips had become increasingly frustrating. Patterns were inconsistent at mid-range, leading to missed opportunities and wounded birds. I needed a choke tube that could tighten my patterns with steel shot without damaging the barrel.
Upon unboxing, the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke exuded quality. The titanium coating gave it a sleek, durable feel, and the extended design offered a substantial grip for easy installation. The choke looked and felt more robust than my existing Briley and Patternmaster chokes.
I’d previously experimented with ported chokes, hoping for tighter patterns, but was often disappointed by their finicky performance. I chose the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke because it claimed to work seamlessly with Black Cloud ammunition, offering consistent results without the drawbacks of porting. My first impression was excitement tempered with cautious optimism, hoping this choke could finally deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke during the early teal season on a flooded rice field in Arkansas. The conditions were typical: humid, slightly windy, and with a mix of close-range and mid-range shots. The choke threaded smoothly into my Benelli Super Black Eagle II, requiring no special tools.
My first few shots with the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke and Federal Black Cloud ammunition were eye-opening. At 35 yards, the patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my previous modified choke. I noticed fewer stray pellets and more clean kills.
There were no immediate issues or surprises after the initial outing. The choke performed exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of waterfowl hunting and several trips to the sporting clays range, the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke has proven its worth. The titanium coating shows no signs of wear, even after repeated exposure to mud, water, and harsh cleaning solvents. Cleaning is simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it performing optimally.
Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke consistently delivers tighter, more reliable patterns with steel shot at mid-range distances. This choke has significantly improved my confidence in the field. It has not disappointed me in the slightest.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated
Specifications
The Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns with WinChoke threads. It’s an extended choke tube constructed from titanium-coated steel. This coating provides excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
The choke is designed for mid-range shooting and is safe to use with all sizes of steel shot, even at velocities exceeding 1550 fps. It’s specifically optimized for use with Federal Black Cloud ammunition featuring the FliteControl wad. The design minimizes wad buildup and allows the Flitestopper shot to perform effectively.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke excels at producing tight, consistent patterns with steel shot at mid-range distances (30-45 yards). The improved patterns result in more ethical and effective shots on waterfowl and game birds. Its performance is particularly noticeable when paired with Federal Black Cloud ammunition.
The choke’s strength lies in its consistent performance with a wide range of steel shot sizes and velocities. A potential weakness could be that it is optimized for Federal Black Cloud, so results with other ammunition may vary slightly. The choke definitely meets expectations, providing tighter patterns than a standard modified choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke features a durable titanium-coated steel construction. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove without needing specialized tools. It threads smoothly into compatible shotguns. The added weight is negligible and doesn’t affect the shotgun’s balance.
The choke is incredibly user-friendly, with no learning curve. Installation is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The titanium coating ensures that the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will keep it functioning optimally for years. The choke is designed for long-term use under harsh conditions.
Maintenance is simple and requires minimal effort.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone product. No further customization is generally necessary. However, a choke tube wrench can be useful for tightening or loosening the choke, especially in muddy or wet conditions.
This choke is designed specifically for shotguns with WinChoke threads, limiting compatibility with other thread patterns.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated
Pros
- Tighter, more consistent patterns with steel shot at mid-range.
- Titanium coating provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Optimized for Federal Black Cloud ammunition, enhancing FliteControl wad performance.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no specialized tools.
- Safe to use with all steel shot sizes, even at high velocities.
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Federal Black Cloud ammunition; performance may vary with other brands.
- Limited compatibility, only fits shotguns with WinChoke threads.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated?
The Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated is perfect for waterfowl hunters, upland bird hunters using steel shot, and sporting clays shooters looking for tighter patterns at mid-range distances. It’s ideal for those who frequently use Federal Black Cloud ammunition and want to maximize its performance.
This product may not be necessary for hunters who primarily shoot lead or other non-steel shot, or those who only hunt at very close ranges where pattern tightness isn’t as critical.
A choke tube wrench is a useful accessory to ensure the choke is properly tightened.
Conclusion on Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated
The Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke 12 Gauge Mid-Range Steel Titanium Coated has proven to be a valuable addition to my hunting gear. Its ability to consistently deliver tighter patterns with steel shot, particularly with Federal Black Cloud ammunition, has significantly improved my success in the field. The titanium coating ensures durability and longevity.
At $45.90, the price is justified by the improved performance and build quality. For any serious waterfowl or upland bird hunter using steel shot, this choke tube is a worthwhile investment.
I would highly recommend the Carlsons Black Cloud WinChoke to anyone seeking enhanced pattern performance and reliability with steel shot. Don’t miss out on cleaner kills and more successful hunts – upgrade your choke today!