The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a statement. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill accessory; it promises tight patterns and ethical harvests, wrapped in a durable, non-reflective package.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke has been ongoing for years. Too often, I’ve witnessed frustrating patterns that left birds unscathed, a problem I hoped this choke could solve. The Carlsons choke promised to deliver denser, more consistent patterns, especially with the newer tungsten super shot (TSS) loads, a game-changer I couldn’t ignore.
Holding the choke for the first time, the heft of the 17-4 stainless steel was immediately noticeable. The matte black finish gave it a tactical, no-nonsense appearance, and the extended design implied a longer parallel section for tighter groupings. It felt substantial, like a precision instrument rather than a mass-produced part.
I considered other chokes, including some from Patternmaster and Trulock, but the Carlsons Bone Collector stood out for its brand reputation, purported pattern consistency, and aggressive marketing targeted specifically at turkey hunters. The promise of optimal performance with a variety of shot types, including TSS, was a significant deciding factor, pushing it ahead of the competition. My initial impression was excitement tempered with cautious optimism. I knew the real test would be on the range, patterning with my preferred loads.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first testing ground was the local shooting range, a controlled environment to assess the choke’s patterning capabilities. I used my Browning Silver Hunter 12 gauge, a reliable platform I’m intimately familiar with. I tested various loads, including lead #5, copper-plated #4, and TSS #9, all at 40 yards, the distance where most of my turkey encounters occur.
Conditions were ideal: dry and calm, providing a fair assessment of the choke’s performance. Installation was straightforward; the choke screwed in smoothly without any binding or forcing. The Carlsons Bone Collector added a noticeable extension to the barrel, giving the shotgun a slightly more aggressive look.
The initial shots with lead and copper-plated loads produced noticeably tighter patterns than my factory choke. The TSS, however, was truly impressive. The pattern was incredibly dense and even, with a high pellet count within a 10-inch circle, indicating lethal potential at my target distance. There were no immediate issues, but I did notice a slightly louder report, likely due to the ported design.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing and practice, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black has proven its worth. It has held up impeccably, showing no signs of wear despite repeated use and cleaning. The 17-4 stainless steel construction seems highly resistant to corrosion and fouling.
Maintenance is a breeze; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it clean and performing optimally. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, less precisely manufactured chokes, the Carlsons delivers consistent patterns and hassle-free performance. It definitely outperforms the factory choke that came with my Browning, offering a significant improvement in pattern density and consistency.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
- The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is specifically designed for 12 gauge Browning shotguns with the Invector DS (Double Seal) choke system. This ensures a precise fit and optimal performance in compatible firearms.
- It is an extended choke tube, protruding beyond the end of the barrel for improved constriction and pattern control. The extended design also makes it easier to install and remove without tools.
- Constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, the choke offers exceptional strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. This robust material ensures a long service life, even under harsh hunting conditions.
- The choke features a matte black finish, reducing glare and providing a low-profile appearance in the field. This non-reflective coating is beneficial for hunters seeking to minimize detection.
- Designed specifically for turkey hunting, the choke is optimized for use with shot sizes ranging from #4 to #10. This includes lead, nickel-plated, copper-plated, bismuth, hevi-shot, tungsten, and TSS ammunition, offering versatility for various hunting scenarios.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke’s performance and longevity. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures durability, while the extended design and optimized constriction contribute to tighter, more consistent patterns, critical for ethical and successful turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke excels at its primary job: delivering tight, consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to factory chokes, especially with TSS loads. It consistently places a high number of pellets within a vital area, increasing the odds of a clean kill.
The choke’s strength lies in its ability to handle a wide range of shot types while maintaining excellent pattern density. A minor weakness is the slightly louder report due to the ported design, but this is a small price to pay for the improved performance. It exceeds my expectations for a turkey choke, providing a noticeable advantage in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s build quality is excellent. The materials feel premium, and the matte black finish is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The extended design allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands. The weight is balanced, adding minimal bulk to the shotgun.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no special tools for installation or adjustment. There is virtually no learning curve; simply screw it in, pattern your shotgun, and you’re ready to hunt. The choke’s extended design and knurled end facilitate easy gripping, especially useful in cold or wet conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple: cleaning after each use with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient.
The choke’s corrosion-resistant properties prevent rust and pitting, further extending its lifespan. It’s a robust and dependable accessory that can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it’s designed to be a standalone performance upgrade. While there are no specific customization options for the choke itself, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket shotgun accessories.
It seamlessly integrates with popular shotgun slings, optics, and shell carriers. The choke is also compatible with various choke tube wrenches for easy installation and removal, though most users find they can tighten or loosen it by hand.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes.
- Exceptional performance with TSS ammunition, delivering lethal patterns at extended ranges.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction with a corrosion-resistant matte black finish.
- Easy installation and removal without the need for specialized tools.
- Versatile, compatible with a wide range of shot types, including lead, copper-plated, and tungsten.
Cons
- Slightly louder report due to the ported design.
- Relatively higher price point compared to some other turkey chokes.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance from their shotgun. It’s ideal for those using newer, high-performance ammunition like TSS and require a choke that can deliver consistently tight patterns. Experienced hunters who appreciate quality and durability will also find this choke a worthwhile investment.
This product might not be necessary for casual hunters who only occasionally pursue turkeys or primarily use inexpensive lead loads at close ranges. Those on a very tight budget may find cheaper alternatives that offer adequate performance for their needs.
A must-have accessory is a reliable choke tube wrench, although the extended design often allows for hand tightening. Pairing the choke with high-quality ammunition, particularly TSS, will maximize its effectiveness and pattern density.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Browning Invector DS Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a premium accessory that delivers on its promises. Its durable construction, optimized design, and exceptional performance with a variety of ammunition make it a standout choice for serious turkey hunters. The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern density and the increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to anyone looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential for turkey hunting. It’s a worthwhile investment that will undoubtedly lead to more successful and ethical hunts. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference a quality choke can make!