The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Made a Bold First Impression
When I first saw the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This choke tube, crafted by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, promises optimized performance with bismuth shot, a critical factor for waterfowl hunting where lead is restricted. Its extended range and durable construction immediately piqued my interest, hinting at improved patterns and longevity in the field.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a choke that consistently delivered tight, even patterns with bismuth. The inconsistent performance often resulted in crippling birds at longer ranges, something I’m vehemently against. I needed a choke that could reliably extend my effective range and ensure clean kills, especially when using non-toxic shot.
The choke arrived in simple, functional packaging. The first thing I noticed was the heft of the 17-4 stainless steel. It felt incredibly solid and well-made, a stark contrast to some of the cheaper, mass-produced chokes I’ve used in the past. The extended design also gave it a more aggressive, tactical look.
I considered several other chokes before settling on the Bismuth Bone Buster. Some competitors offered similar constrictions, but the reputation of Carlson’s Choke Tubes for quality and pattern consistency ultimately swayed my decision. Others didn’t specifically advertise bismuth compatibility, a key requirement for my needs.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality was undeniably impressive, but I was eager to see if it lived up to its name in the field. I was hoping for tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges, and slightly nervous about the investment paying off.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster during the early teal season on a local marsh. Conditions were typical for early September: warm, humid, and with a light breeze. I primarily shot 1 1/8 oz loads of #4 bismuth shot.
Installation was a breeze, screwing smoothly into my Remington 870’s barrel. The first few shots at 30 yards revealed a noticeably denser pattern than my previous choke. The teal folded cleanly, indicating a significant improvement in pellet distribution and downrange energy.
I didn’t experience any issues during the first outing. The choke performed flawlessly, and the improved pattern density gave me a noticeable confidence boost. I felt like I could finally reliably take those slightly longer shots without worrying about crippling birds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the waterfowl season, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. It consistently produces tight, even patterns with various bismuth loads, even in colder, wetter conditions later in the season. I have never experienced a failure to eject or any other operational issues.
The choke shows minimal signs of wear and tear despite being subjected to harsh marsh environments. A quick cleaning after each hunt is all it takes to maintain its pristine condition. The 17-4 stainless steel appears to be highly resistant to corrosion.
Compared to my previous choke, the Carlson’s choke significantly outperforms it in both pattern density and effective range. I am consistently connecting on shots at distances that were previously marginal, resulting in fewer crippled birds and a more ethical hunting experience. It has far exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is designed specifically for 12-gauge Remington shotguns. It is constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for corrosion resistance and long-lasting performance. The choke features an extended design for improved pattern consistency and easy installation/removal.
The choke is optimized for use with bismuth shot, providing consistent patterns with non-toxic ammunition. Its extended range design allows for tighter patterns at longer distances. This enhances the hunter’s ability to take ethical shots. The precise constriction is engineered to deliver consistent performance with a variety of bismuth loads.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster excels in its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns with bismuth shot at extended ranges. Its accuracy is excellent, consistently placing a high percentage of pellets within a 30-inch circle at 40 yards. This ensures ethical kills and reduces the risk of crippling birds.
The choke’s strength lies in its ability to maintain pattern density at longer distances. Some improvement could be made to pattern uniformity with larger shot sizes, but overall performance is excellent. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a bismuth-specific choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bismuth Bone Buster’s build quality is exceptional. The 17-4 stainless steel feels incredibly durable and well-machined. It adds a minimal amount of weight to the end of the barrel, not enough to negatively impact handling.
The choke is incredibly user-friendly. It screws in easily and securely with no specialized tools required. No noticeable learning curve exists, and its extended design simplifies installation and removal.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that this choke is built to last. It is highly resistant to corrosion, even in harsh marsh environments. It should withstand years of regular use with proper care.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all that is required to maintain optimal performance. No specialized repairs are needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone choke tube designed to directly replace the factory choke in a Remington 12-gauge shotgun. No customization options are available for the choke itself.
However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Remington shotguns. This allows for easy installation and removal. It’s designed to function optimally as is.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight and even patterns with bismuth shot.
- Extended range allows for ethical shots at longer distances.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and remove without specialized tools.
- Significantly improves pattern density compared to factory chokes.
Cons
- Pattern uniformity with larger shot sizes could be slightly improved.
- No included choke tube wrench.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel?
This choke is perfect for waterfowl hunters who are required to use non-toxic shot, particularly bismuth. It is ideally suited for those seeking to extend their effective range and ensure clean kills on ducks and geese. It is a must-have for anyone wanting more consistent patterns.
Hunters who primarily use lead shot or those who only hunt at very close ranges may not fully appreciate the benefits of this choke. Those satisfied with the performance of their current choke may not see a significant improvement. Those looking for budget-friendly options might explore cheaper chokes.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. A high-quality bore solvent is helpful for cleaning and maintaining the choke. A selection of different bismuth shot sizes and loads would allow for optimal pattern testing and selection.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is an excellent investment for waterfowl hunters who rely on bismuth shot. It delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges. The durable construction ensures that it will withstand years of use in harsh conditions.
At $53.51, the price is justified by the significant improvement in performance and the increased confidence it provides in the field. It is a relatively small investment that can significantly improve your hunting success. The enhanced performance and ethical kills are worth the price.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster to any waterfowl hunter looking to optimize their performance with bismuth shot. Don’t settle for crippling birds. Invest in the Bismuth Bone Buster and experience the difference a quality choke can make!