First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is more than just a choke tube; it’s a promise of tight patterns and ethical harvests. Manufactured by Carlsons Choke Tubes, this choke is built for the dedicated turkey hunter who demands precision and performance. It’s designed to work with a wide range of shot types, making it a versatile tool in the field.
I had been struggling with inconsistent patterns from my existing choke, leading to missed opportunities and frustrating hunts. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver dense, even patterns at extended ranges. I was hoping the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke could solve this problem and improve my success rate.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the Carlsons Bone Collector. The matte black finish gives it a non-reflective, tactical look, and the 17-4 stainless steel construction feels incredibly robust. The extended design is also a plus, offering a larger gripping surface for easy installation and removal.
Compared to a standard flush-mount choke and a cheaper aftermarket option I’d previously used, the Carlsons immediately felt like a significant upgrade. The fit and finish were noticeably superior, and the extended design seemed much more practical than fiddling with a wrench to change chokes. My first impression was excitement; I was eager to get to the range and see if it performed as good as it looked.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke was at my local shooting range, patterning various turkey loads at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was slightly overcast with a mild breeze, offering decent testing conditions. Installation was a breeze thanks to the extended design; I simply hand-tightened it into my shotgun’s barrel (a Benelli Super Black Eagle II with Invector Plus threads).
The difference in pattern density compared to my previous choke was immediately apparent. The Carlsons Bone Collector consistently produced tight, even patterns with both lead and copper-plated shot. There were no noticeable flyers, and the majority of pellets were concentrated in the vital zone of a turkey target.
I experienced no issues with installation, removal, or cycling of shells. It performed exactly as advertised, and my confidence soared.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlsons Bone Collector, I can confidently say it’s a reliable and durable piece of gear. It has seen a variety of conditions, from early morning dew to light rain, without any signs of rust or corrosion. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a brush and solvent is all it takes to keep it in top condition.
The 17-4 stainless steel has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or deformation despite repeated use. The choke remains easy to install and remove, even after numerous rounds. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper chokes that would often loosen or pattern poorly after repeated use, the Carlsons Bone Collector has consistently delivered exceptional performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black boasts several key specifications:
Gauge: 12 Gauge, designed for compatibility with 12-gauge shotguns. This makes it a widely accessible option for most turkey hunters.
Choke Size: Turkey, indicating a very tight constriction optimized for dense patterns at longer ranges. This tight constriction is crucial for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
Model: Invector-Plus, specifying its compatibility with shotguns that utilize the Invector-Plus choke system, commonly found in Browning, Winchester, and Mossberg models. This is a vital consideration when purchasing to ensure proper fit.
Finish: Matte Black, providing a non-reflective surface that minimizes visibility in the field. This is essential for avoiding spooking wary turkeys.
Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This robust construction guarantees a long lifespan even under harsh conditions.
Construction: Precision-machined from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel. This manufacturing process ensures consistent performance and a precise fit.
These specifications are vital because they directly impact the choke’s performance and reliability. The tight constriction and durable materials contribute to consistent, ethical harvests.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke excels at its primary job: delivering extremely tight and consistent patterns. My testing showed that it consistently places a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.
Its strength lies in its ability to handle a wide range of turkey loads effectively. I tested it with lead, copper-plated, and bismuth shot, all with excellent results. One potential weakness is its extremely tight constriction; while ideal for long-range shots, it might be too tight for very close-range encounters.
Overall, it exceeded my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in pattern density and consistency compared to my previous choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlsons Bone Collector is exceptional. The 17-4 stainless steel feels solid and durable, and the matte black finish is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The extended design makes installation and removal easy, even with gloved hands. There is no learning curve; it’s a simple, intuitive product to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 stainless steel construction, the Carlsons Bone Collector is built to last. After a full season of use, there are no signs of wear or corrosion.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick cleaning with a brush and solvent after each use is sufficient to keep it in top condition. Its robust design suggests it will withstand many seasons of hard use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke doesn’t come with any additional accessories; it’s a standalone product designed to enhance the performance of your existing shotgun. The primary customization aspect is choosing the right shotshell load to match the choke’s tight constriction for optimal patterning. While not a customization in the traditional sense, experimenting with different shot sizes (4 through 10) is encouraged to find the ideal combination for your specific firearm. It is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun barrel that utilizes the Invector-Plus choke system.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Consistently delivers extremely tight and dense patterns, significantly increasing the chances of a clean, ethical kill.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring a long lifespan and resistance to corrosion even in harsh hunting conditions.
- The extended design allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands, making choke changes quick and convenient in the field.
- Compatible with a wide variety of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, bismuth, hevi-shot, tungsten, and TSS, offering versatility for different hunting situations.
- The matte black finish reduces glare and reflection, minimizing the risk of spooking wary turkeys.
Cons
- The extremely tight constriction may not be ideal for very close-range encounters (under 20 yards), potentially resulting in overly dense patterns and damaged birds.
- Requires careful patterning with different shot sizes and loads to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun, which can be time-consuming and require purchasing multiple types of ammunition.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is perfect for the serious turkey hunter who demands precision and consistency. It’s ideal for hunters who frequently take shots at 30-40 yards and want to maximize their chances of success. This choke is also a great investment for those who want a durable and reliable product that will last for many seasons.
Hunters who primarily hunt in dense cover where shots are typically very close-range (under 20 yards) might want to consider a more open choke. Novice turkey hunters who are still learning the basics of patterning their shotgun might also benefit from starting with a less specialized choke.
A must-have accessory is a selection of different turkey loads (shot sizes 4 through 10) to pattern with the choke and determine the optimal combination for your specific shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a premium choke that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. Its ability to consistently produce tight, dense patterns makes it a valuable tool for any serious turkey hunter.
At $69.55, the price is justified by the choke’s durable construction, exceptional performance, and ability to handle a wide range of turkey loads. I would absolutely recommend the Carlsons Bone Collector to any hunter looking to improve their pattern density and increase their chances of a successful and ethical turkey hunt. Stop missing opportunities and start putting more birds on the ground. Invest in a Carlsons Bone Collector and experience the difference a quality choke can make!