Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is a specialized choke tube designed to enhance the performance of Browning shotguns in sporting clay competitions. This cylinder choke is part of Carlson’s broader line of choke tubes, renowned for their quality and precision. It’s designed for shooters who need a wide, consistent pattern at close range, making it ideal for certain sporting clay presentations.
I’ve always sought that perfect balance between spread and pattern density for close-in shots on the sporting clays course. That desire led me to research different cylinder chokes, eventually settling on the Carlson’s option due to its reputation and materials. I wanted a choke that would give me confidence on those tricky, fast-moving targets.
Unboxing the choke, I was immediately impressed by the sleek black finish and the substantial feel of the stainless steel. The machining looked clean and precise, indicating a high level of quality control. It felt like a durable piece of equipment.
Compared to a Briley or a Trulock choke (both reputable brands), the Carlson’s offered a more affordable option without sacrificing apparent quality. I opted for the Carlson’s specifically for its price point and excellent reviews regarding consistent patterns. I also considered a Patternmaster, but that seemed like overkill for my needs.
My first impression was excitement. I was eager to get to the range and see if it would improve my scores on those devilish close-range presentations.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder at my local sporting clays range, specifically on stations known for close, fast-crossing targets. I shot approximately 100 rounds of standard 20 gauge target loads through my Browning Citori with the Carlson’s choke installed. The weather was dry and mild, perfect for shooting.
The choke performed exactly as expected, producing a wide, even pattern that consistently broke targets at distances of 15-25 yards. I found it particularly effective on report pairs where the second target was very close. The ease of hitting these targets was noticeably improved compared to using a more restrictive choke.
Installation was a breeze, and the included choke wrench made tightening and loosening simple. There were no issues with threading or fit within the barrel. No real time was needed to get used to the choke, as it performed as expected.
The only surprise was how much confidence the choke gave me. Knowing I had a wide pattern allowed me to focus more on lead and less on precise aiming, leading to higher scores.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of regular use (approximately 1000 rounds), the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder continues to perform flawlessly. There has been no degradation in performance or pattern consistency. It’s still my go-to choke for close-range sporting clays presentations.
The black finish shows no signs of wear, and the threads remain clean and sharp. The choke is made of 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, which resists corrosion and wear. Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a gun cleaning solvent after each use, and apply a light coat of oil to the threads.
Compared to a cheaper, generic choke I used previously, the Carlson’s is significantly more reliable and consistent. The pattern is much more even, and the build quality inspires confidence. The Carlson’s choke has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is designed specifically for Browning shotguns with the Invector Plus choke system. The gauge is 20 gauge, ensuring compatibility with 20 gauge shotguns. The choke type is a Cylinder choke, offering no constriction.
The choke tube is made of 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, known for its strength and resistance to corrosion. The diameter of the choke is 0.63 inches. It is a non-ported choke tube.
These specifications are crucial for consistent pattern performance and durability. The stainless steel construction ensures the choke can withstand the stresses of repeated firing. The Cylinder designation indicates that the choke has no constriction, resulting in a very open pattern.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder excels at producing a wide, even pattern at close ranges (15-25 yards). This is ideal for sporting clays targets that are close, fast, and require a quick shot. The consistent patterns lead to more broken targets and improved scores.
The primary strength is its ability to consistently deliver a wide pattern without excessive holes or inconsistencies. A minor weakness is that it’s not suitable for longer-range targets, but that’s not its intended purpose. The choke meets and exceeds my expectations for close-range performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is well-machined from high-quality stainless steel. The black finish is both attractive and durable. The choke is easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
The choke is user-friendly; no special tools or expertise are needed for installation or use. The sleek design and solid construction exude quality.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction ensures that the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. Cleaning with a gun cleaning solvent and applying a light coat of oil to the threads after each use is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder comes with a choke wrench. There are no other accessories included, as it is a standalone choke tube.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, it is compatible with any 20 gauge Browning shotgun that uses the Invector Plus choke system. This allows shooters to customize their overall shotgun setup with different barrels, stocks, and other accessories.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder
Pros
- Produces a very wide and even pattern at close ranges, ideal for sporting clays.
- 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction ensures excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
- Noticeably improves scores on close-range sporting clays presentations.
- Affordable price point compared to other high-quality choke tubes.
Cons
- Not suitable for longer-range targets due to the very open pattern.
- The black finish might show scratches over time with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is perfect for sporting clays shooters who frequently encounter close, fast-moving targets. It’s also a great choice for beginners who are still developing their aiming skills, as the wide pattern provides a larger margin for error. Hunters who shoot quail or other birds at very close range could also benefit.
This choke might not be ideal for shooters who primarily engage targets at longer distances, or those who prefer more restrictive chokes for tighter patterns. Someone who needs to shoot trap singles from the 16 yard line should skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality choke tube case to protect the choke when it’s not in use.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is a well-made, effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of providing a wide, consistent pattern at close ranges. It’s constructed of durable stainless steel, easy to install, and noticeably improves scores on challenging sporting clays presentations.
The price is justified by the quality of construction and the performance benefits. The $52.49 price tag represents excellent value.
I would absolutely recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder to any shotgun shooter who wants to improve their close-range accuracy and break more targets. It has earned a permanent place in my shooting bag. Go get yours today and start smashing clays!