The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises to extend the reach of your 20-gauge shotgun, specifically for waterfowl hunting. Designed by Carlsons, this choke tube aims to deliver tighter patterns at longer distances, giving hunters an edge in the field. I was immediately intrigued by its claim of improved long-range performance and the reputation of Carlsons for producing quality choke tubes.
My quest for this particular choke tube stemmed from my increasing frustration with crippling birds at longer ranges. Standard choke tubes simply weren’t providing the consistent patterns needed to ethically harvest waterfowl beyond 35 yards. I had been searching for a choke that could reliably deliver more pellets on target at those extended distances, improving my hit probability and reducing the chances of wounding birds.
The choke tube arrived in simple, functional packaging, nothing fancy, which I appreciate. Upon unboxing, the black 17-4 stainless steel construction immediately gave a sense of quality and durability. The weight felt substantial, a good sign that it was built to withstand the rigors of repeated shooting and harsh weather conditions.
Compared to the factory-supplied choke tubes that came with my Beretta 20 gauge, the Carlsons choke was noticeably longer and heavier. I had also considered a Patternmaster choke, known for their unique wad-stripping technology, but ultimately opted for the Carlsons due to its more traditional constriction design and Carlsons’s solid reputation. My initial excitement was high, hoping this would be the solution to my long-range patterning woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, using a portable patterning board set up at 40 yards. I primarily used 3-inch Federal Black Cloud ammunition, a popular waterfowl load known for its tight patterns. The weather was typical for late fall: overcast and damp, with a slight breeze.
The first few shots through the Carlsons choke were eye-opening. The patterns were noticeably tighter than with my Modified choke, with a dense core of pellets consistently impacting within a 20-inch circle at 40 yards. There were no malfunctions or issues with installation; the choke screwed in smoothly and securely.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the waterfowl season, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my gear. It has withstood multiple hunts in varying conditions, from drizzling rain to near-freezing temperatures. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any plastic wad residue.
The choke shows no signs of wear or corrosion despite exposure to the elements. Compared to previous hunts where I relied on a Modified choke, the Carlsons has noticeably improved my success rate at longer ranges. My confidence in taking those 40-45 yard shots has increased significantly.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke boasts several key specifications. First, it is designed for 20-gauge Benelli and Beretta shotguns. Made from 17-4 stainless steel, it’s built for durability and corrosion resistance.
The choke features a black finish for a non-reflective appearance, ideal for hunting situations. The long-range constriction (a diameter of .590) is intended to produce tighter patterns at extended distances. This specific constriction and material choice are vital for optimizing pattern density and minimizing pellet deformation, translating to more consistent and ethical kills at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke excels in its primary function: extending the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun. Its tight constriction delivers patterns that are noticeably denser at 40-50 yards compared to more open chokes. The choke delivers on its promise of improved long-range performance.
One minor weakness is that, due to its tight constriction, it’s not ideal for close-range shots (within 25 yards). At those distances, the pattern can be too tight, leading to potential misses. The Carlsons choke tube definitely meets my expectations for long-range waterfowl hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons choke is robustly built with a durable finish. The choke installs and removes easily, using a standard choke wrench. The black finish is practical and prevents glare.
There is no learning curve to using the choke. Simply screw it in, and you are ready to shoot.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability, even with frequent use and exposure to harsh conditions. Routine cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain its performance. The robust design and materials suggest it will last for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke comes as a standalone unit. No additional accessories are included. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, you can experiment with different loads and shot sizes to fine-tune your patterns.
The choke is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Benelli/Beretta Mobilchoke systems.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns at extended ranges (40-50 yards).
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Non-reflective black finish for concealment.
- Noticeably improves hit probability on long-range waterfowl shots.
Cons
- Pattern may be too tight for close-range shots (under 25 yards).
- No included accessories or customization options.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter birds at longer ranges (35-50 yards). It’s also great for hunters using a Benelli or Beretta 20-gauge shotgun looking to improve their pattern density and ethical harvesting. Hunters primarily targeting birds at close ranges (within 25 yards) should consider a more open choke.
A choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Patterning board and various ammunition types will assist with optimal load selection.
Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Benelli/Beretta 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke delivers on its promise of improved long-range performance. The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern density and increased hit probability at extended distances. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any waterfowl hunter looking to extend their effective range and ethically harvest more birds.
If you are tired of crippling birds at longer ranges, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke is a worthwhile investment. Get yours today and experience the difference!