First Thoughts on the 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 promises tighter patterns and increased range with bismuth ammunition, a crucial aspect for waterfowl hunters and upland game enthusiasts alike. Carlson’s is a well-respected name in the choke tube industry, known for producing quality products designed to enhance shotgun performance. This particular choke is designed for 12-gauge Remington shotguns and aims to maximize the effectiveness of bismuth loads, which are becoming increasingly popular as a non-toxic alternative to lead.
My aging Remington 870 has been a faithful companion for years, but its factory choke leaves something to be desired when using bismuth shot for duck hunting. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges, particularly with the non-toxic bismuth loads I’m now required to use. The claims of extended range and optimized bismuth performance caught my eye immediately.
Upon unboxing, the choke tube felt solid and well-machined. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gives it a robust feel, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of the field. Compared to the factory choke tube, the Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster is noticeably longer, indicating a potentially more gradual constriction for improved pattern density. I chose this choke over a similar offering from a lesser-known brand primarily due to Carlson’s reputation for quality and precise manufacturing.
My initial impression is one of cautious optimism. While I’m excited about the potential for improved performance, the real test will be how it performs in the field. The solid construction and reputable brand name give me confidence that the Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster will live up to its claims.
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 Bismuth Bone Buster at my local shooting range, patterning it with various brands of 12-gauge bismuth ammunition at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was typical for early spring: slightly overcast with a light breeze. Installing the choke was straightforward, simply threading into my Remington 870’s barrel after removing the factory choke.
The immediate results were impressive. Patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent compared to my previous setup. There were fewer flyers and a denser core, particularly with the bismuth loads I typically use for duck hunting. After the first-time use, I didn’t experience any issues, and the choke performed as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and a few early-season goose hunts, the Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster has proven to be incredibly reliable. It has consistently delivered tight, even patterns, even in damp conditions. There are no signs of wear or tear, even after being subjected to regular cleaning and the occasional accidental bump against a tree.
Maintenance is simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it clean and functioning flawlessly. Compared to my previous choke tube, the Carlson’s performs significantly better, especially at longer ranges. The improved pattern density has translated into more ethical and successful hunts.
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 utilizing the Rem Choke system. It is an extended range choke, meaning it extends beyond the end of the barrel for a longer constriction. The choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The 12-gauge compatibility ensures it fits a wide range of Remington shotguns. The extended design allows for a more gradual constriction, resulting in tighter patterns and increased range. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the choke will withstand repeated use and exposure to the elements, providing long-lasting performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster excels at its primary function: delivering tighter, more consistent patterns with bismuth ammunition at extended ranges. Its accuracy is excellent, providing consistent shot placement at 30-40 yards. It meets and even exceeds expectations.
The main strength of this choke is its ability to significantly improve pattern density, especially with bismuth loads. A minor weakness might be that it is specialized for bismuth, and other shot types may not perform as optimally. This choke’s superior performance makes it a significant upgrade over factory chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster is well-built and feels substantial in hand. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gives it a premium feel, and the extended design makes it easy to install and remove. There is no noticeable learning curve; it is a simple screw-in replacement for your existing Rem Choke.
The choke’s simple, functional design contributes to its ease of use and overall effectiveness. The robust construction inspires confidence and suggests it will withstand years of use in the field.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster is highly durable. With proper care, it should last for many years of hunting and shooting. Maintenance is straightforward: simply clean it with a bore brush and solvent after each use.
Its corrosion resistance ensures it will withstand exposure to moisture and other environmental factors. The ease of maintenance contributes to its long-term value.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster does not come with any additional accessories, as it is a self-contained unit. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself, but it is compatible with any Remington 870 shotgun that accepts Rem Chokes. While not a customization per se, trying different brands and shot sizes of bismuth ammo to find the optimal load for your gun with this choke is highly recommended.
Its compatibility with standard Rem Choke threads means it can be used with a variety of Remington shotguns. The choke’s performance can be further enhanced by pairing it with high-quality bismuth ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns with bismuth ammunition, increasing effective range.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no specialized tools.
- Noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to factory chokes.
- Carlson’s reputation for quality and precision manufacturing.
Cons
- Optimized specifically for bismuth loads; performance with other shot types may vary.
- The extended design adds slight weight to the end of the barrel.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel?
The Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster Rem Choke 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is perfect for waterfowl hunters and upland game enthusiasts who primarily use bismuth ammunition. It is also a great choice for anyone looking to improve the pattern density and effective range of their Remington 870 shotgun. Anyone required to use non-toxic shot will find this choke invaluable.
This product might not be ideal for shooters who primarily use lead or steel shot, as the choke is specifically designed for bismuth. Hunters who prefer very short-range shooting may also find a more open choke to be more suitable.
A must-have accessory would be a choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal, although it can be installed by hand. Experimenting with different brands and loads of bismuth ammo is highly recommended.
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 a worthwhile investment for any Remington 870 owner who uses bismuth ammunition. Its ability to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges makes it a significant upgrade over factory chokes. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
At $53.51, the price is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern density and the increased effective range. This choke offers excellent value for the money, especially for hunters who rely on bismuth loads.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster to anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Remington 870 when using bismuth ammunition. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!