The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is a chess match against a wily opponent, and the right equipment can be the difference between a successful hunt and an empty freezer. That’s why I was particularly intrigued by the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black. Carlsons promises tighter patterns and increased range, crucial for ethically harvesting these magnificent birds.
For years, I’d relied on a factory full choke in my trusty 20-gauge, but the patterns were always a bit…generous. I lost a bird last season because of it, a humbling experience that pushed me to upgrade my setup. The Carlsons choke, endorsed by the Bone Collector crew, seemed like the answer.
The packaging was simple but effective, and the choke tube itself felt substantial in my hand. Its matte black finish gave it a tactical, no-nonsense look, and the extended design suggested a longer parallel section for improved shot string consistency. Compared to the factory choke, the Carlsons offering exuded quality.
I considered a couple of other aftermarket chokes from Briley and Trulock, known for their precision. Ultimately, the Bone Collector endorsement and the promise of compatibility with various shot types, including TSS, swayed me. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was the local shooting range, a controlled environment where I could pattern the choke with various loads. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for evaluating performance. Installation was a breeze, screwing in smoothly with no binding.
The difference in pattern density compared to my old choke was immediately apparent. At 30 yards, the Carlsons choke delivered a significantly tighter and more consistent spread of pellets. There were fewer fliers and a much more defined core. This initial experience gave me confidence.
However, I did notice a slight increase in recoil, likely due to the tighter constriction. No significant issues arose during the first session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After months of use, both at the range and in the turkey woods, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black has proven its worth. There are no signs of wear, even after repeated cleanings and exposure to harsh weather. A quick scrub with solvent and a bronze brush keeps it looking and performing like new.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction has held up flawlessly, resisting rust and corrosion. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper aftermarket chokes that quickly degraded, this one is a clear step up in quality. The Carlsons choke consistently delivers tight, lethal patterns at ethical ranges, exceeding my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system. It’s crafted from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. The matte black finish reduces glare and prevents spooking wary turkeys.
The “Extended Turkey” designation indicates a tight constriction optimized for long-range shots, typically around .555-.560″ for a 20 gauge, depending on the specific bore dimensions. This tight constriction focuses the shot pattern, increasing the number of pellets in the vital head and neck area. The choke is pattern-tested with shot sizes #4 through #10.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns with a variety of turkey loads. Its primary strength is its ability to extend effective range, allowing for ethical shots at distances beyond those achievable with a standard choke. The recommendation to use more open chokes with larger shot sizes is extremely important to heed.
However, the extremely tight constriction means that the pattern is less forgiving at closer ranges (inside 20 yards). The choke meets and exceeds expectations for long-range performance, but requires careful load selection and range estimation for optimal results.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke is well-built, with a clean, precise finish and smooth threading. The 17-4 stainless steel feels durable and inspires confidence. There is no real “ergonomics” per se for a choke tube, however installation is easy, requiring no special tools.
The matte black finish minimizes glare, a critical consideration when hunting in bright sunlight. While there’s no real learning curve for installation, patterning the choke with different loads is essential to understanding its performance characteristics.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability and resistance to corrosion. Regular cleaning with a bore solvent and a brush is all that’s needed to maintain peak performance. This choke is built to last for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black doesn’t come with any included accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no real “customization options” available directly for the choke. However, a choke wrench is highly recommended for easy and secure installation and removal.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- Compatible with a wide range of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and TSS.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Matte black finish minimizes glare and prevents spooking wary turkeys.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- The very tight constriction can result in overly tight patterns at close ranges.
- Recoil may be slightly increased compared to more open chokes.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is perfect for experienced turkey hunters who prioritize long-range accuracy and consistent patterns. It is ideal for those hunting in areas where shots beyond 30 yards are common. This choke is also a great choice for hunters who want to experiment with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for their shotgun.
This product might not be the best choice for beginners or those who primarily hunt in thick cover where close-range shots are the norm. Hunters who are sensitive to recoil may want to consider a ported choke to mitigate the increased kick. A good choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a well-made, high-performing choke tube that lives up to its promise of delivering tight, lethal patterns at extended ranges. The price of $69.55 is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and performance. It’s an investment that can significantly increase your chances of success in the turkey woods.
I wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize their effective range and improve their pattern density. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Invector Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a worthy addition to your arsenal. Equip yourself, pattern your shotgun, and get ready to hear that sweet sound of a gobbler hitting the ground.