Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black Review

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First Thoughts on the Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black

Turkey hunting is a game of precision, patience, and specialized gear. The Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black choke tube promises to tighten your patterns and extend your range, turning a frustrating hunt into a successful one. I was eager to get my hands on this choke to see if it could live up to the hype, especially when paired with the increasingly popular Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads.

Years of chasing gobblers have taught me that a mediocre choke can cost you a bird. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at longer distances. This led me to the Carlson’s choke, hoping it would provide the performance edge I was seeking.

The Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black choke arrives in a simple, functional package. It felt solid and well-machined upon initial inspection, with a clean, black finish. It looks and feels significantly more robust than the factory choke tubes that come standard with many shotguns.

Compared to a standard full choke, or even some other aftermarket turkey chokes I’ve used, the Carlson’s choke seemed to have a slightly longer extended section. I picked this over a similar choke from another manufacturer because of Carlson’s reputation for quality and the specific design focus on Long Beard loads. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the build quality seemed excellent, and I was excited to see how it would perform in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black was on a sprawling piece of farmland in central Missouri. The weather was cool and damp, typical for early turkey season. I was primarily using Winchester Long Beard XR shells, as the choke is designed to maximize their performance.

The Carlson’s choke threaded smoothly into my Browning Silver shotgun. It required no special tools or excessive force. Immediately, I patterned the gun at 30 and 40 yards, using turkey-head targets. The patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent than with the factory full choke. I didn’t experience any issues with installation or performance during that first session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of chasing gobblers, the Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black has proven its worth. It has endured everything from muddy fields to dusty woods without any noticeable degradation in performance or finish. I have hunted with it in both spring and fall turkey seasons.

The choke tube remains easy to clean, requiring only a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each hunt. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, even after exposure to moisture. Compared to cheaper aftermarket chokes I’ve used, the Carlson’s choke offers significantly improved consistency and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black

Specifications

Type: Extended. The extended design makes for easier installation and removal, and also helps protect the muzzle of your shotgun barrel.
Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns with the Browning Invector-Plus system.
Choke Size: Turkey. The “Turkey” designation signifies a very tight constriction designed for dense patterns at longer ranges.
Model: Invector-Plus. This choke is designed to fit Browning shotguns that use the Invector-Plus choke system.
Finish: Black. The black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and provides a degree of corrosion resistance.

These specifications are critical for optimal turkey hunting performance. The tight “Turkey” constriction maximizes pattern density, giving you greater effective range. Proper choke selection is crucial for ethical and successful hunts.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black performs its job exceptionally well. It delivers consistently tight and dense patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Its accuracy at 40 yards is impressive, making it a reliable choice for longer shots.

The main strength of this choke is its ability to produce consistent, kill-zone patterns at extended ranges. If there is a weakness, it would be that extremely close-range shots (inside 20 yards) might result in patterns that are too tight, potentially leading to a missed shot if the bird moves slightly. It definitely meets, and arguably exceeds, expectations for a dedicated turkey choke.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black choke has a simple, functional design. The black finish is understated and blends well with most shotgun finishes. The extended portion allows for easy hand tightening and removal.

The choke is easy to install and remove, even in the field. It requires no specialized tools and can be tightened by hand. There is essentially no learning curve; it’s a simple screw-in choke tube.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black is built to last. Constructed from high-quality steel, it can withstand the rigors of regular use and exposure to the elements. With proper care, it should provide many seasons of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed. The black finish helps protect against corrosion, further extending its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black choke doesn’t come with any additional accessories. As a choke tube, its primary function is to modify the shot pattern of your shotgun.

While there aren’t direct “customization” options, you can pair this choke with different brands and types of turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun. It is also compatible with choke wrenches designed for Invector-Plus chokes if you prefer to use one for tightening or loosening.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black

Pros

Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
Extended design allows for easy hand installation and removal.
Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
Noticeably increases effective range for turkey hunting.
Black finish provides corrosion resistance and a low-profile look.

Cons

May produce patterns that are too tight at extremely close ranges (under 20 yards).
Specifically designed for Invector-Plus shotguns, limiting compatibility.

Who Should Buy Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black?

This choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a Browning shotgun with the Invector-Plus choke system and primarily use Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Those seeking to maximize their effective range and ensure ethical, clean kills will greatly benefit from the Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black. It’s also ideal for hunters who prioritize durability and ease of maintenance in their gear.

Hunters who primarily hunt in very dense cover where shots are typically within 20 yards might want to consider a less restrictive choke. Those with shotguns that don’t utilize the Invector-Plus system will need to look for a compatible choke tube. A choke wrench for Invector-Plus chokes can be a helpful addition, though not strictly necessary.

Conclusion on Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black

The Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black is a well-designed and highly effective choke tube for serious turkey hunters. Its ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges, especially when paired with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition, makes it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. The build quality is excellent, ensuring years of reliable performance.

At $49.75, the price is justified by the improved performance and increased confidence it provides in the field. If you own a Browning shotgun with the Invector-Plus system and are looking to maximize your turkey hunting success, I would personally highly recommend the Carlsons Browning Invector Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Invector-Plus Black. Upgrade your setup and put more birds on the table!