Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi Review

First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi

The world of shotgun chokes can be a rabbit hole of technical jargon and subtle performance differences. That’s why, after years of relying on factory-provided chokes, I decided it was time to explore aftermarket options for my Browning and Mossberg .410 shotguns. The Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi choke promised tighter patterns and improved consistency, which immediately piqued my interest.

My goal was to improve my scores at the local sporting clay range. I was consistently missing those longer, more challenging shots, and I suspected my factory modified choke wasn’t cutting it. Unboxing the choke revealed a robust, well-machined piece of steel with a deep, even bluing. It felt substantial in my hand, hinting at the Carlson’s reputation for quality.

I considered Trulock and Briley chokes, both respected names in the shotgun world. However, the Carlson’s offering was more readily available and offered a compelling price point. My initial impression was positive; the choke looked and felt like a premium product, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi at my local sporting clays range on a clear, sunny Saturday. I primarily used it with my Browning Citori .410, alternating between lead and copperplated shot. The choke installed easily and snugged down securely with a choke wrench.

The first few stations revealed an immediate difference. I noticed visibly tighter patterns at the longer-range targets, easily crushing clays that I would have typically chipped or missed entirely. The .410 can be a challenging gauge, but the Carlson’s choke seemed to give it a real boost in effective range.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi has become a mainstay in my shotgun case. It has proven to be remarkably durable, showing no signs of rust or wear despite exposure to various weather conditions. Cleaning is simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it performing like new.

Compared to the factory-provided chokes, the Carlson’s choke consistently delivers tighter, more consistent patterns. This has translated directly into higher scores on the sporting clays course. It has exceeded my expectations for an aftermarket choke at this price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi

Specifications

The Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi choke is designed for use with both Browning Invector Plus and Mossberg 500 shotguns chambered in .410 bore. It is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for exceptional durability. The choke is designed to throw tighter, denser patterns than flush mount chokes because of a longer parallel section.

This “Modified” constriction is ideal for sporting clays, providing a balance of pattern density and spread. The longer parallel section is key to achieving these tighter patterns, allowing the shot to stabilize before exiting the barrel. The compatibility with both lead and steel shot adds versatility.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It consistently produces tighter, more even patterns than factory-provided chokes, particularly at distances beyond 30 yards. The increased pattern density provides a noticeable advantage when engaging challenging sporting clays targets.

The main strength of this choke is its ability to improve the effective range of the .410 shotgun. It does meet expectations, and surpasses them when considering the price. One area for potential improvement might be offering a knurled exterior for easier hand-tightening (though a wrench is always recommended).

Design & Ergonomics

The choke’s design is simple and functional, featuring a blued finish for corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance. The build quality is excellent, with precise machining and a durable finish. It adds minimal weight to the shotgun and does not affect its balance noticeably.

The choke is user-friendly and requires no specialized tools for installation or removal. It provides a solid and reliable fit in both my Browning and Mossberg shotguns.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. With proper cleaning and maintenance, this choke should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a bore brush and solvent. The durable finish resists fouling and makes cleaning easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi choke does not come with any accessories. However, Carlson’s offers a wide range of choke tubes in various constrictions to suit different shooting disciplines and target distances. Using a quality choke wrench is recommended.

This choke is compatible with any Browning Invector Plus or Mossberg 500 shotgun chambered in .410. It is designed to work with a variety of lead, steel, copperplated, nickel, and Hevi-Shot loads. It is important to avoid using steel shot larger than BB in chokes tighter than Full constriction, as specified by Carlson’s.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi

Pros

  • Consistently tighter, denser patterns improve effective range.
  • Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
  • Improved target breaks on sporting clays course.
  • Easy to install and maintain.
  • Excellent value for the price.

Cons

  • No knurled exterior for hand-tightening (requires a choke wrench).
  • Patterning is crucial to determine optimal load.


Who Should Buy Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi?

The Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi is perfect for sporting clays shooters and small game hunters using a .410 shotgun. It is especially beneficial for those seeking to improve their pattern density and extend the effective range of their shotgun. This choke offers a noticeable performance upgrade over factory-provided chokes.

Those who primarily shoot at very close range (under 20 yards) or prefer a more open pattern might not fully appreciate the benefits of this choke. Shooters should also make sure to avoid using steel shot larger than BB, as specified by Carlson’s. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy and secure installation.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi

The Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi choke is an excellent addition to any .410 shotgun used for sporting clays or small game hunting. Its improved pattern density and increased effective range provide a noticeable performance advantage. At a price of $41.49, it offers exceptional value for the money.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s choke to anyone looking to upgrade their .410’s performance. This choke is a worthwhile investment that will improve your shooting experience. Don’t settle for mediocre patterns; step up to the Carlson’s Browning Inv Plus/Moss 500 .410 Sporting Clay Modi and experience the difference for yourself.


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