The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting, for me, is more than just a sport. It’s a tradition, a challenge, and a connection to the land that goes back generations in my family. To consistently harvest those wary toms, you need every advantage you can get, and that starts with optimizing your shotgun. That’s what led me to the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black.
I needed a choke tube that could deliver consistently tight patterns at longer ranges, especially with modern turkey loads. The Carlsons, known for their quality and precision, seemed like a promising option. I ordered it online, and when it arrived, I was immediately impressed by the packaging. It felt like a serious piece of equipment.
My previous choke was a basic, flush-mounted model that came with my Benelli Nova. While it was adequate for closer shots, I found its patterns spread too quickly beyond 30 yards, leading to more misses than I cared to admit. I had considered other extended chokes from Patternmaster and Kicks, but ultimately chose the Carlsons due to its reputation for consistent performance and the Bone Collector branding, which, admittedly, appealed to my inner hunter. The matte black finish also matched my shotgun perfectly, a small detail, but one I appreciated.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a bit of anticipation. The choke felt solid and well-made in my hand. The extended design gave me confidence that it would deliver the tighter patterns I was after. I was eager to get it to the range and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at my local shooting range, a gravel pit nestled in the hills. The weather was crisp and clear, perfect for patterning my shotgun. I set up a turkey target at 40 yards, a distance where I’d missed a few birds in the past, and loaded up some 3-inch, #5 shot turkey loads.
The first shot was…remarkable. The pattern was noticeably tighter than with my old choke, with the majority of the pellets concentrated in the head and neck region of the target. I tested it with different loads too. Federal Premium, Winchester Long Beard, and even some budget-friendly Rio turkey loads, all performed admirably. The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke seemed to handle them all with ease.
I was particularly impressed with how the choke performed in slightly windy conditions. The tighter patterns seemed to buck the wind better than my previous setup, maintaining accuracy even with a slight crosswind. There were no issues with installation or extraction; the choke threaded smoothly into my Benelli Nova.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and countless range sessions, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. It still delivers tight, lethal patterns at 40 yards and beyond. I’ve taken multiple birds at distances I wouldn’t have dared attempt before.
The choke tube itself shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The matte black finish has held up well, even after being exposed to mud, rain, and the occasional accidental bump against a tree. Cleaning and maintenance are incredibly simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent after each use is all it takes to keep it in top condition.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is a significant upgrade. It has improved my confidence in the field and, more importantly, has resulted in more successful hunts. It has truly transformed my shotgun into a dedicated turkey-killing machine.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge. This choke is designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns, a common and versatile gauge for turkey hunting.
- Choke Type: Turkey. The constriction is optimized for tight patterns at extended ranges, ideal for turkey hunting scenarios.
- Compatibility: Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke. This choke is designed to fit shotguns that use the Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of popular models.
- Construction Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This high-strength stainless steel provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring a long lifespan even in harsh conditions.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a tactical appearance, blending seamlessly with most shotguns.
- Extension: Extended. The extended design provides a longer parallel section, resulting in tighter, more consistent patterns and easier installation/removal.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and longevity of the choke. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the choke can withstand the pressures of heavy turkey loads without damage or deformation. The extended design allows for a longer shot string to stabilize, leading to tighter patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black performs its job exceptionally well. It delivers consistently tight patterns at extended ranges, allowing for ethical and effective shots on wary turkeys. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to factory chokes, especially at distances beyond 30 yards. Reliability has been flawless; it has never failed to perform as expected, even after hundreds of rounds.
The choke excels at producing tight patterns with a variety of turkey loads, but it is less effective with lighter target loads. It is designed for a specific purpose, and it fulfills that purpose admirably.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels solid and robust, and the matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The choke is lightweight and does not significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.
Installation and removal are simple, thanks to the extended design that provides a larger gripping surface. There is no noticeable learning curve; it’s as easy as screwing it in and heading to the range.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the choke will last for many years with proper care. It’s resistant to corrosion and wear, even in harsh environments.
Maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient to keep it in optimal condition. There are no special tools or procedures required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke does not come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. However, it’s compatible with a wide range of shotgun models that utilize the Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke system.
While there are no specific customization options for the choke itself, you can experiment with different turkey loads to find the combination that produces the tightest patterns in your specific shotgun. This is often the key to maximizing the performance of any turkey choke.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers consistently tight patterns at extended ranges, increasing your effective range and chances of success.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance even in harsh conditions.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: Simple to install, remove, and clean, making it user-friendly for all experience levels.
- Improved Confidence: The consistent performance of the choke inspires confidence in the field, allowing you to take ethical shots with certainty.
- Versatile Load Compatibility: Works well with a variety of turkey loads, giving you the flexibility to choose the best load for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Target Loads: The tight constriction is not optimal for lighter target loads used for clay shooting or practice.
- Specialized Use: Designed specifically for turkey hunting and may not be suitable for other types of hunting or shooting.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
Perfect for turkey hunters who are looking to improve their shotgun’s performance and extend their effective range. It is also well-suited for hunters who prioritize durability and reliability in their equipment.
This product might not be the best choice for individuals who primarily use their shotgun for target shooting or other types of hunting that require more open patterns. Someone needing a more versatile choke for varied game would be better served by something else.
A must-have accessory to pair with this choke is a quality set of patterning targets. Experimenting with different loads is crucial to finding the optimal combination for your shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli/Beretta Mobil Choke Extended 12 Gauge Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is an excellent investment for serious turkey hunters. The choke is well worth the cost given the improved performance and durability.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their shotgun’s pattern density and extend their effective range.
If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want to maximize your chances of success, don’t hesitate. Upgrade to the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke and experience the difference for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.