The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a statement. It promises tighter patterns and more ethical harvests. It is designed specifically for Beretta Optima HP shotguns, this choke tube boasts a construction of 17-4 stainless steel with a non-reflective matte black finish.
For years, I’ve chased longbeards with varying degrees of success, often blaming my patterns for those missed opportunities. I needed a reliable choke that could consistently deliver tight patterns with a variety of loads, especially when switching between lead and TSS. The promise of better patterns and less crippled birds is what drew me to this particular Carlsons choke.
My first impression was solid. The Carlsons choke arrived in simple but effective packaging. Lifting it out, the weight and feel of the 17-4 stainless steel instilled immediate confidence. Compared to the factory choke and a couple of aftermarket options from Trulock and Patternmaster that I own, the Carlsons choke felt more substantial, the matte black finish giving it a tactical edge. It felt like a serious piece of gear, ready to go to work.
I chose this Carlsons choke over others primarily for its reputation and compatibility with my Beretta Optima HP. The Bone Collector branding adds a touch of swagger, but the promise of pattern-tested performance sealed the deal. My initial impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. Could this choke really live up to the hype, or would it be another addition to the pile of “almost good enough” hunting gear?
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP 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 Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black was at the range, patterning it with various loads. The day was overcast and slightly damp, mirroring typical turkey hunting conditions. The choke screwed in smoothly and securely into my Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus.
I started with standard lead loads, moving onto nickel-plated, copper-plated, and finally, a few TSS shells. The patterns were noticeably tighter than my factory choke, especially with the TSS loads. The Carlsons choke seemed to consistently put more pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.
The Carlsons Bone Collector choke was easy to use; no special tools were needed for installation or removal. I experienced no issues with the choke loosening or any noticeable recoil increase. The only slight surprise was how dirty the choke got after only a few shots of lead; the matte finish showed powder residue quite easily.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, it has proven to be a reliable performer. The choke has held up well to repeated use and cleaning. There are no signs of wear or damage to the steel or the finish.
Cleaning has been straightforward, requiring just a solvent and brush after each hunt. Compared to my experiences with other chokes that sometimes required excessive scrubbing to remove plastic wad residue, this one cleans up fairly easily. It definitely outperformed my previous budget choke and instilled much more confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is specifically designed for Beretta Optima HP 12-gauge shotguns. It is an extended choke tube, meaning it protrudes slightly beyond the end of the barrel. This aids in pattern constriction.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. This material is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high pressures. The matte black finish reduces glare and helps prevent spooking wary turkeys.
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Choke Type: Extended Turkey
- Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel
- Finish: Matte Black
- Compatibility: Beretta Optima HP
These specifications are important because they dictate the choke’s durability, performance, and suitability for turkey hunting. The stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of the field, while the extended design and tight constriction promote dense patterns at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns. It reliably puts a high percentage of pellets in the vital zone at 40 yards. This is crucial for ethical turkey hunting.
Its strength lies in its ability to handle a variety of shot types and sizes, especially TSS. The choke handles the higher pressures of modern turkey loads without issue. However, the choke tube is extremely tight. It is recommended to use #4 shot or smaller for optimal patterning.
Overall, this choke exceeded my expectations. It provided the confidence I needed to take longer shots ethically.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is designed for durability and functionality. The 17-4 stainless steel construction is robust and inspires confidence. The matte black finish is non-reflective and aesthetically pleasing.
The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench. The extended design provides a visual cue that it’s properly installed. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, being made from 17-4 stainless steel, is built to last. With proper care, it should provide many seasons of reliable service. Regular cleaning with a solvent and brush is all that’s needed to maintain its performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it’s compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Beretta Optima HP chokes. No other customization options are available beyond the choke itself.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight patterns, especially with TSS.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Matte black finish reduces glare.
- Compatible with a wide range of turkey loads (though best with #4 or smaller).
Cons
- Very tight constriction might not be ideal for close-range shots or larger shot sizes.
- Matte finish shows powder residue easily.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand consistent, long-range performance. It is ideal for those who primarily use lead or TSS loads and want to maximize their effective range. It is also excellent for hunters using Beretta Optima HP shotguns.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick brush where shots are typically under 20 yards might want to consider a more open choke. Those who are recoil-sensitive should also consider that tighter chokes can sometimes increase felt recoil. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Beretta Optima HP Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. The price is justified by its performance, durability, and ability to deliver consistently tight patterns. It provides confidence in the field.
I would absolutely recommend this choke to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. It’s a solid piece of gear that delivers on its promises. If you’re tired of wondering if your patterns are up to par, give the Carlsons Bone Collector a try. You might just bag that longbeard you’ve been dreaming of.