Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Review

Table of Contents

First Thoughts on the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises tighter, denser patterns for waterfowl hunters who demand maximum range. Carlsons claims this extended choke, built from 17-4 stainless steel, will significantly improve shot consistency at longer distances. I’ve always been a proponent of maximizing effective range, not by pushing ethical boundaries, but by ensuring cleaner, quicker kills, and I was eager to see if this choke could deliver.

My biggest frustration in past waterfowl seasons has been inconsistent shot patterns with factory chokes, leading to wounded birds and missed opportunities. I was searching for a choke that could provide tighter patterns at 40 yards and beyond, specifically for my Benelli Super Black Eagle II. Several competitors offered similar extended chokes, but the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl line stood out due to its reputation for quality steel and pattern consistency, plus the specific Delta Waterfowl branding suggested a design honed for waterfowl hunting.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the sleek, black finish and the solid feel of the choke. The knurled end gave a good grip for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands. The laser-marked constriction and size were clear and easy to read, a simple but essential feature often overlooked. My initial impression was that this was a well-made, purpose-built choke that would hopefully translate to improved performance in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test with the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black was on a frigid January morning in the flooded timber of Arkansas. I paired the choke with 3-inch, #2 steel shot, a common load for ducks in this area. Conditions were challenging: a biting wind, intermittent rain, and wary ducks that flared at the slightest movement.

The difference in pattern density compared to my factory modified choke was immediately noticeable at 40 yards. Ducks that previously might have escaped with a few stray pellets were now folding cleanly. The improved pattern consistency inspired confidence, allowing me to take longer shots with a higher probability of success. I experienced no issues with installation, extraction or any other functionality.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of hunting in diverse conditions, from the salt marshes of coastal North Carolina to the frozen fields of Canada, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven to be incredibly durable. The black finish shows minimal wear, and the choke threads remain clean and easy to operate. I clean the choke after every hunt with a standard choke tube brush and solvent.

The Carlsons choke consistently outperforms my previous aftermarket chokes in pattern density at extended ranges. This improvement translates directly into fewer cripples and cleaner kills, significantly enhancing my overall hunting experience. It is a dependable upgrade.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

Specifications

Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is a standard shotgun gauge, making the choke compatible with a wide range of 12-gauge shotguns.
Choke size: Long Range. Designed for tighter patterns at longer distances, typically 40 yards and beyond.
Model: Benelli/Beretta. Specifically designed to fit Benelli and Beretta 12-gauge shotguns with Mobilchoke threads.
Finish: Black. Aesthetically pleasing and provides some corrosion resistance.
Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This high-quality steel offers excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
Construction: Extended. The extended design allows for a longer parallel section for tighter patterns and easier removal.
Markings: Laser marked constriction and size. Provides easy identification of the choke’s characteristics.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand the rigors of hunting, while the extended design and laser markings contribute to user-friendliness. The long-range constriction allows hunters to confidently engage targets at distances that might be beyond the effective range of other chokes.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It delivers consistently tighter and denser patterns at longer ranges compared to factory chokes. This translates to increased confidence in the field and more ethical, effective shots.

One of the strengths is its ability to maintain a consistent pattern with various steel shot loads. The weakness is the potential for over-choking at closer ranges (inside 30 yards), leading to smaller, less forgiving patterns. It definitely meets my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The choke is well-built and feels substantial without adding noticeable weight to the shotgun. The black finish is durable and aesthetically pleasing, blending seamlessly with most shotgun finishes. The knurled end provides a secure grip for easy installation and removal, even in cold or wet conditions.

Installation is straightforward, requiring no special tools. The laser markings are clear and easy to read, even in low light. This choke does have a very slight learning curve due to the longer effective range.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. After a full season of hard use, the choke shows minimal signs of wear. Maintaining the choke is simple: regular cleaning with a choke tube brush and solvent is all that’s required to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black does not come with any additional accessories. However, it’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Benelli/Beretta Mobilchoke threads. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, its performance can be further enhanced by experimenting with different shot sizes and loads. It should be noted that Carlsons offers many other chokes in the Delta Waterfowl line, so you can easily customize your choke selection for other ranges.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

Pros

Significantly tighter and denser patterns at long ranges. This translates to cleaner kills and increased confidence in the field.
Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction. Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
Easy to install and remove with knurled end. Provides a secure grip, even with gloved hands.
Clear laser markings for easy identification. Simplifies choke selection in the field.
Specifically designed for waterfowl hunting. Pattern is tailored to the needs of waterfowlers.

Cons

Can over-choke at close ranges. Not ideal for shots inside of 30 yards, requiring careful shot selection depending on range.
Price may be slightly higher than some budget choke tubes. Though the performance justifies the cost.

Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who frequently take shots at longer ranges (40 yards and beyond). It is well-suited for experienced shooters who understand the importance of pattern density and are willing to fine-tune their loads for optimal performance. It’s also beneficial for hunters who prioritize ethical harvests and seek to minimize crippling birds.

This choke might not be the best choice for beginners or hunters who primarily hunt in close-quarters environments such as dense flooded timber where shots are typically under 30 yards. In these situations, a more open choke (such as improved cylinder or modified) would likely be more effective.

A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different shot sizes and loads is also highly recommended to achieve the best possible pattern for your specific hunting conditions and shotgun.

Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a high-quality choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, denser patterns at longer ranges. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability, and the user-friendly design makes it easy to install and remove. While it may not be suitable for all hunting situations, it is an excellent choice for serious waterfowl hunters who demand maximum performance.

The price of $39.10 is justified by the improved performance and durability compared to factory chokes. I would absolutely recommend this choke to any waterfowl hunter looking to extend their effective range and improve their success in the field. Upgrade your shotgun with the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black and experience the difference a quality choke can make.