The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended) Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve relied on factory choke tubes, accepting them as “good enough” for my waterfowling needs. This year, however, with a promising early teal season on the horizon, I decided to finally explore the world of aftermarket chokes and enhance my Browning Invector-Plus 20 gauge. I landed on the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended), hoping to tighten my patterns and improve my hit ratio on those fast-flying birds.
I needed a choke tube that would consistently deliver tight, even patterns at moderate distances, something the factory-supplied modified choke wasn’t always providing. My desire was for more pellets on target, particularly at the 25-35 yard range where most of my teal hunting takes place.
The Carlson’s choke arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive; the blued finish looked clean and professional, and the extended portion featured knurling for easy installation and removal. Compared to a standard flush-mounted choke, the Carlson’s extended design offers better protection for the muzzle and makes swapping chokes in the field much easier, even with gloved hands.
I considered a Briley choke, renowned for their precision, and a Patternmaster, known for their unique wad-stripping design. The Carlson’s offering, however, struck the right balance of price and features, promising improved patterns without breaking the bank.
I was cautiously optimistic. While I had read positive reviews, I was eager to see if the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended) would truly live up to the hype and deliver the denser patterns I was seeking.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended) to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local gun club’s patterning board, a crucial step before trusting any new choke tube in the field. I used a variety of 20 gauge loads, including both lead and steel shot, to get a comprehensive understanding of the Carlson’s choke’s performance. The weather was typical for late summer – warm and humid, with a slight breeze.
Installation was a breeze, thanks to the knurled extension. I simply screwed the choke in by hand until it was snug. The extended portion also made it easy to identify the choke constriction at a glance.
Immediately, I noticed a significant difference in pattern density compared to my factory modified choke. The Carlson’s choke produced tighter, more consistent patterns, particularly with steel shot. There were fewer flyers and a more even distribution of pellets within the target area.
There were no immediate issues or surprises, aside from the noticeably improved pattern density. The choke performed as advertised, throwing consistent, mid-range patterns.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple teal hunts in varying weather conditions, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended) has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite frequent use and exposure to moisture. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to keep it in top condition.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction inspires confidence. I’ve hunted in light rain and muddy conditions, and the choke shows no signs of rust or corrosion.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each hunt, I remove the choke, clean it with a solvent, and apply a light coat of oil.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlson’s choke consistently delivers superior pattern density and improved effective range. It has noticeably improved my hit ratio on teal and other waterfowl.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended)
Specifications
- Product Name: Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended)
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Choke System: Browning Invector-Plus
- Constriction: Mid-Range (typically Improved Cylinder or Light Modified)
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
- Finish: Blued
- Type: Extended
- Compatibility: Designed for Browning Invector-Plus 20 gauge shotguns.
- Shot Material: Suitable for lead, steel, and other non-toxic shot.
These specifications are critical for optimal shotgun performance. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, while the extended design offers easy removal and visual confirmation of the choke constriction.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended) excels at delivering consistent, dense patterns at moderate ranges. It significantly improves pattern density compared to factory chokes, resulting in more pellets on target.
Its strength lies in its ability to consistently produce reliable patterns with both lead and steel shot. The weakness is that it is a mid-range choke and not meant for extreme long-range shots.
It definitely meets my expectations. This choke has improved my accuracy and confidence in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke is constructed from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel, giving it a robust and durable feel. The extended design provides easy identification and removal, even with gloved hands.
The knurled extension adds to the user-friendly design. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance. The choke is resistant to corrosion and wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended) doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it’s a standalone product. It is, however, compatible with any Browning Invector-Plus 20 gauge shotgun.
It’s also compatible with choke tube cases and wrenches designed for extended choke tubes. You can mix and match it with other chokes from Carlson’s or other manufacturers, provided they are designed for the Browning Invector-Plus 20 gauge system.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended)
Pros
- Delivers significantly tighter and denser patterns compared to factory chokes.
- Made from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Extended design with knurled extension allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloves.
- Suitable for use with both lead and steel shot, providing versatility for different hunting situations.
- Noticeably improves hit ratio on waterfowl and other game at mid-range distances.
Cons
- The blued finish may show wear over time with heavy use.
- Being a mid-range choke, it’s not ideal for extremely long-range shots.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended)?
Perfect for waterfowl hunters, particularly those targeting teal, wood ducks, and other birds at moderate ranges. It’s also a great choice for upland bird hunters seeking improved pattern density in their 20 gauge shotgun. Any shooter wanting tighter patterns from their Browning Invector-Plus 20 gauge shotgun would also benefit.
Those who consistently shoot at extremely long ranges (beyond 40 yards) might want to consider a full choke or a specialized long-range choke instead. Shooters who primarily hunt in tight cover where shots are very close may prefer a cylinder or skeet choke.
A choke tube wrench is a useful, but not strictly necessary, accessory. A good cleaning solvent and bore brush are essential for maintaining the choke’s performance.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended)
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 07365 Delta Waterfowl Browning Invector-Plus 20 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued (Extended) is an excellent upgrade for any 20 gauge shotgun owner looking to improve their pattern density and effective range. Its durable construction, easy installation, and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment.
At a price of $39.10, the value proposition is undeniable. The improved pattern density and increased hit ratio more than justify the cost.
I would definitely recommend the Carlson’s choke to any waterfowl or upland bird hunter seeking to enhance their shotgun’s performance. It has noticeably improved my shooting and given me more confidence in the field. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make.