The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises tighter, more consistent patterns for waterfowl hunting, and after a decade in the field, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. I’ve spent countless hours tweaking my shotgun setup, always chasing that perfect pattern for those challenging longer shots on pressured birds. The lure of improved performance with steel shot, a necessity in many hunting areas, was particularly appealing.
For years, I struggled with inconsistent patterns using factory chokes, especially when switching to steel shot. Many of my friends swore by aftermarket chokes, and my constant struggles with crippling birds at longer ranges finally made me concede. After researching various options, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl series stood out due to its reputation for quality construction and specifically designed waterfowl patterns.
Unboxing the choke tube, I immediately noticed the robust feel of the 17-4 stainless steel. The black finish was clean and professional. The knurled end provided a confident grip. Compared to the flush-mounted factory chokes I was used to, the extended design exuded a sense of purpose and quality. I had considered a Patternmaster choke at first but the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl was more appealing to me due to the reviews I read about its consistent and even patterns.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to hit the range and see if this choke could truly transform my shotgun’s performance. It was a stark difference compared to some cheaper aftermarket chokes I’d handled previously, which felt flimsy and poorly machined. I felt confident that the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke would solve my pattern issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black was at my local sporting clays range. The weather was typical for early spring: damp and a bit breezy. I wanted to pattern the choke before taking it into the field. I started with some basic shots at the 30-yard mark to see how the pattern held up.
The difference was immediately noticeable compared to my old choke. The pattern was significantly tighter and more consistent, with fewer fliers. I then moved back to 40 and 50 yards to test the effective range of the choke. Even at these longer distances, the pattern remained dense and lethal.
I did find that the choke needed a bit more torque during installation than my factory chokes. I used a dedicated choke wrench to ensure a snug fit. The extended design of the choke made switching it out in the field a breeze, even with gloved hands. I encountered no issues with the choke loosening or coming undone during my shooting session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full waterfowl season and numerous trips to the range, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite being exposed to harsh weather conditions and the corrosive nature of some shotgun cleaning solvents. Cleaning the choke is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a bore brush and solvent after each use. I have noticed the black finish showing minimal wear on the knurled portion of the extended tube.
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has dramatically improved my success rate on longer shots during waterfowl hunts. I’ve seen fewer crippled birds and cleaner kills, resulting in more ethical hunting. It far outperforms my previous factory choke setup in terms of pattern density and consistency. This choke has proven to be more reliable than I initially expected.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is designed for Invector Plus threaded 12-gauge shotguns. It’s constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength and corrosion resistance. The black finish provides an added layer of protection and a sleek aesthetic.
The choke features an extended design, protruding slightly beyond the end of the barrel for easy installation and removal. The constriction is laser-marked on both the end and the body of the choke for quick identification. Its extended parallel section is 25% longer than standard chokes. This extended parallel section is key to producing the denser patterns Carlsons is known for.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black excels at its primary function: delivering tighter, more consistent patterns at mid to long ranges. My pattern testing revealed a significant improvement in pellet distribution compared to my factory chokes. This choke allows for ethical and effective shots on waterfowl at distances that were previously challenging.
While the choke performs exceptionally well with steel shot, it is also compatible with lead, tungsten, and other non-toxic shot types. The choke meets or exceeds expectations for both pattern performance and ease of use. I wish I had made the investment sooner.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is outstanding. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels solid and durable. The extended design and knurled end make installation and removal effortless.
The choke is easy to handle, even with wet or gloved hands. The laser-marked constriction markings are clear and easy to read. There isn’t really a learning curve for utilizing this choke.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is built to last. The choke has withstood repeated use in harsh conditions without showing any signs of significant wear or corrosion. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a basic cleaning after each use. The durable steel construction will give the average waterfowl hunter years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube does not come with any included accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard choke wrenches designed for Invector Plus threaded shotguns. There are no specific customization options available for the choke itself.
However, pairing this choke with a high-quality shotgun shell can further enhance performance. Experimenting with different shell brands and shot sizes is recommended to find the optimal combination for your specific hunting conditions and shotgun. Shell choice is critical to getting the best performance from any choke.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Tighter, more consistent patterns for improved long-range performance.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting reliability.
- Compatible with steel, lead, and other non-toxic shot types.
- Easy installation and removal with extended design and knurled end.
- Laser-marked constriction markings for quick identification.
Cons
- May require more torque during installation than factory chokes.
- The black finish can show wear over time.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
This choke tube is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who demand consistent and ethical performance at extended ranges. It’s also a great choice for sporting clays enthusiasts looking to improve their accuracy and break more targets. Anyone who hunts waterfowl with steel shot will benefit from the improved patterns offered by the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black.
Hunters who primarily hunt waterfowl at very close ranges (inside 20 yards) might not fully appreciate the benefits of this choke. Also, those unwilling to properly clean and maintain their shotgun and choke tubes may not experience optimal longevity. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory for proper installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a well-built, high-performing choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns. The $74.49 price is justified by the improved performance and durable construction. The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a worthwhile investment if you hunt waterfowl.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any serious waterfowl hunter looking to improve their long-range accuracy and ethical hunting practices. Upgrade your shotgun today and see the difference for yourself. You won’t regret it.