The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting isn’t just a sport for me; it’s a tradition passed down through generations. Every spring, the woods call, and the challenge of outsmarting a wily gobbler is what I live for, demanding precision and reliability from my gear, especially my shotgun choke. When I first laid eyes on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, I knew it could be a game-changer.
My old choke, a generic model that came with my Remington 870, was producing inconsistent patterns. I was tired of missed shots and the frustration of knowing my setup wasn’t performing to its potential. The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke promised tighter patterns and improved performance with various shot types, a claim I was eager to verify.
The choke arrived in a simple but functional package. Immediately, the matte black finish and the extended design spoke of quality and purpose. The Carlson’s choke felt solid in my hand, with a weight that suggested durability without being cumbersome. It was noticeably different than the factory choke that came with my shotgun.
Compared to my old choke and similar offerings from competitors like Trulock and Briley, the Carlsons Bone Collector stood out due to its specific design for turkey hunting and the Bone Collector branding, suggesting collaboration with experienced hunters. While Trulock and Briley are known for their quality, I chose the Carlsons choke for its advertised specialization and potentially tighter patterns specifically for turkey loads. I hoped the pattern testing and collaboration with the Bone Collector team would offer the edge I needed.
My initial impression was one of excitement mingled with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this choke really deliver on its promise of tighter patterns and improved downrange performance? I couldn’t wait to get it to the range and find out if it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem 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 Rem Choke was at my local outdoor range. I set up targets at 30 and 40 yards, simulating typical turkey hunting distances. I tested a variety of loads, including lead, copper-plated, and bismuth, to see how the choke performed with each.
The difference between the Carlsons choke and my old one was immediately noticeable. The patterns were significantly tighter, with more pellets consistently hitting the vital zone. Even with cheaper, less consistent loads, the Carlsons choke managed to produce patterns that were more than adequate for ethical hunting. I felt an immediate sense of confidence in my setup.
Installation was straightforward, although I always recommend using choke tube lubricant when installing a new choke. There were no unexpected issues, and the choke seated perfectly in my Remington 870. The only slight surprise was how much louder the ported choke seemed compared to my old, un-ported model.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and numerous trips to the range, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke has proven its worth. It has consistently delivered tight, reliable patterns, contributing directly to successful hunts. I even took it out in a rainstorm to test its rust resistance.
The choke has held up remarkably well to the rigors of hunting. There are no signs of wear and tear, and the matte black finish remains in excellent condition. The 17-4 stainless steel construction appears to be as durable as advertised. It still looks new after a season of use.
Maintenance is simple; a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all it takes to keep the choke in top condition. The choke hasn’t shown any signs of rust, even after being exposed to wet conditions, which speaks to the quality of the stainless steel. Compared to past experiences with other choke tubes that required more frequent cleaning or showed signs of rust, the Carlsons choke has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and ease of maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is specifically designed for 12-gauge Remington shotguns. It is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
The choke is an extended model, meaning it extends beyond the end of the shotgun barrel, which helps with pattern consistency and provides a more aggressive look. The matte black finish minimizes glare, helping hunters remain concealed. The extended design makes it easier to swap chokes.
The choke is designed to work with all turkey loads, including lead, nickel-plated, copperplated, bismuth, hevi-shot, tungsten, and TSS. The pattern-tested constriction is optimized for tight patterns with shot sizes #4 through #10. Using shot sizes larger than #4 is not recommended for optimal performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke performs exceptionally well, delivering consistently tight and dense patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. The longer taper section minimizes flyers, putting more pellets on target. It’s reliable, easy to install, and contributes significantly to improved accuracy.
The choke’s primary strength is its ability to produce tight, consistent patterns with a wide range of turkey loads. The one minor weakness is that it is not designed for use with slugs or buckshot, limiting its versatility. However, it excels in its intended role. This choke greatly exceeded my expectations.
It has exceeded my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement over factory chokes and even some aftermarket models. I have experienced better downrange performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels robust, and the matte black finish is evenly applied and non-reflective. The choke has a good weight to it without being overly heavy.
The extended design makes it easy to install and remove the choke without tools in most situations. The choke has a sleek look. There is essentially no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The matte black finish is also resistant to scratches and wear. This choke is designed to last for many seasons of hard use.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning to remove powder residue and prevent rust. The choke has not shown any signs of corrosion, even after exposure to wet conditions, confirming its suitability for use in demanding environments. Proper lubrication is recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey does not come with any additional accessories. However, its compatibility with standard Remington 12-gauge chokes means that a wide range of choke wrenches and storage cases can be used.
The choke can also be paired with aftermarket sights and optics designed for turkey hunting to further enhance accuracy. The choke is compatible with Remington 12 gauge shotguns.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns compared to factory chokes, leading to improved accuracy and more ethical kills.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Compatibility with a wide range of turkey loads, providing flexibility in ammunition selection.
- Extended design facilitates easy installation and removal.
- Matte black finish reduces glare and enhances concealment in the field.
Cons
- Not suitable for use with slugs or buckshot, limiting its versatility to turkey hunting.
- The ported design can increase muzzle noise, which may be a concern for some hunters.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters who are looking to improve the performance of their Remington 12-gauge shotgun. It’s ideal for hunters who use a variety of turkey loads and demand consistent, tight patterns at typical hunting ranges.
Hunters who primarily use their shotgun for other types of hunting, such as deer or waterfowl, and require a more versatile choke should skip this product. Anyone who prefers a less noisy shotgun or has concerns about increased muzzle blast may want to consider a non-ported choke instead. Essential accessories would include a choke tube wrench and high-quality turkey ammunition.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a top-tier choke tube that delivers on its promises. The improved patterns and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. At $69.55, the price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re using a high-quality product.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of their Remington 12-gauge shotgun. If you’re serious about turkey hunting, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is an essential addition to your gear. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference it can make in the field!