First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless choke tubes come and go. However, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black immediately caught my eye with its promise of super-tight patterns and compatibility with various shot types. This choke tube, endorsed by the Bone Collector crew, aims to deliver maximum pellet density for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke has been a long one. I’ve struggled to find a choke that consistently patterns well with the increasingly popular Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads, along with traditional lead and copper-plated options. I was particularly seeking a choke that could provide consistent results, reducing the guesswork involved in load selection.
The Carlsons Bone Collector choke arrived in simple but effective packaging. The matte black finish of the 17-4 stainless steel gave it a robust and professional appearance. Compared to some cheaper chokes I’ve used, this one felt noticeably more substantial and well-made right out of the box.
I considered other options like the Kick’s Gobblin’ Thunder and the Indian Creek Black Diamond Strike, both known for their tight patterns. I chose the Carlsons due to its reputation for versatility across different shot types and its endorsement by experienced hunters in the Bone Collector team. My initial reaction was excitement; I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype and improved my success in the spring woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, prepping for the upcoming turkey season. The choke was installed easily in my Mossberg 835, threading smoothly without any binding. I began testing with a variety of loads, including lead #5s, copper-plated #4s, and TSS #9s at 40 yards.
The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle falling. What immediately stood out was the consistency of the patterns. The lead and copper-plated loads produced dense, even spreads, keeping a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards.
No time was needed to get used to it. The improved patterns were immediately noticeable compared to the factory choke. After about 20 shots, there were no signs of loosening or any other issues with the choke itself.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a full turkey season, the Carlsons Bone Collector choke continued to perform flawlessly. There was no noticeable wear on the matte black finish, despite regular cleaning and exposure to the elements. The choke tube remained firmly in place, showing no signs of loosening even after repeated firing.
Cleaning was simple, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning solvents and brushes. The 17-4 stainless steel construction proved resistant to corrosion and pitting, ensuring long-term reliability. Compared to other aftermarket chokes I’ve used in the past, the Carlsons model has significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern consistency and durability. I experienced fewer flyers and tighter groups overall, resulting in cleaner, more ethical kills during the hunting season.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
Gauge: 12 Gauge. The choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, ensuring compatibility with the most common turkey hunting platform.
Choke Size: Turkey. The constriction is optimized for tight patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges.
Model Compatibility: Mossberg 835/935. It’s explicitly designed for these Mossberg models, guaranteeing a proper fit.
Finish: Matte Black. The non-reflective finish helps to minimize glare and prevent spooking wary turkeys.
Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This ensures strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, even under harsh hunting conditions.
Extended Design: Extends beyond the barrel, aiding in pattern development. This also facilitates easier choke tube changes in the field.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The gauge and model compatibility ensure proper and safe function, while the stainless steel construction guarantees longevity. The extended design and specialized turkey constriction contribute directly to the choke’s ability to produce tight, consistent patterns, increasing the hunter’s odds of success.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke excels at its primary function: delivering dense, consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. Testing with various loads revealed that it consistently placed a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards, significantly improving my confidence in the field.
A minor weakness is that the super-tight constriction might not be ideal for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards), where a more open choke could be beneficial. However, for the vast majority of turkey hunting scenarios, the performance is exceptional. It exceeded my expectations, providing noticeably tighter patterns compared to factory chokes and even some other aftermarket options I’ve tested.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector choke features a simple, functional design. The matte black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, minimizing glare and reflection.
The extended design makes installation and removal easy, even with gloved hands. There is virtually no learning curve; simply thread it into your Mossberg 835/935 and you’re ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, this choke is built to last. After a full season of use, there are no signs of wear or corrosion, and it remains easy to clean and maintain with standard shotgun cleaning supplies. The robust construction inspires confidence that it will withstand years of use, making it a worthwhile investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is primarily a standalone product, designed to enhance the performance of your existing Mossberg 835/935 shotgun. While it doesn’t come with any specific accessories, its compatibility with various shotshell loads can be considered a form of customization. It is also compatible with choke tube wrenches designed for extended chokes. While you cannot directly customize the choke itself, the ability to fine-tune your patterns by experimenting with different shot sizes and brands effectively provides a degree of customization.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers consistently tight patterns, increasing the likelihood of a successful and ethical shot.
- Versatile Load Compatibility: Performs well with a wide range of turkey loads, including lead, copper-plated, and TSS.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Easy Installation: The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
- Non-Reflective Finish: The matte black finish minimizes glare, preventing spooking wary turkeys.
Cons
- Tight Constriction: May not be ideal for very close-range shots (under 20 yards), where a more open choke could be preferable.
- Model Specific: Only compatible with Mossberg 835/935 shotguns.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 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 consistent, tight patterns from their Mossberg 835/935 shotgun. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their effective range and ensure ethical, one-shot kills. Experienced hunters and novices alike will benefit from the improved pattern density and overall performance this choke provides.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very thick cover, where shots are typically taken at extremely close range (under 20 yards), might consider a more open choke. Anyone who does not own a Mossberg 835/935 shotgun should skip this product. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different turkey loads is highly recommended to fine-tune your pattern for optimal performance.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a top-tier choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns. The price of $69.55 is justified by the improved performance, durable construction, and enhanced confidence it provides in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any turkey hunter looking to upgrade their Mossberg 835/935. Don’t head into the spring woods without it! Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make.