First Thoughts on the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises to extend your effective range when waterfowl hunting. This choke, manufactured by Carlsons, is designed for Invector Plus 20-gauge shotguns and boasts a long-range constriction. Its 17-4 stainless steel construction and black finish hint at durability and weather resistance.
My quest for a reliable, long-range choke began last season when I missed several shots on geese that were just a bit beyond my comfortable range. I needed a choke that could tighten my patterns at longer distances without sacrificing pattern quality. I was searching for something that would give me that extra edge when targeting wary waterfowl.
Upon unboxing, the Carlsons choke felt solid and well-made. The black finish was even and appeared durable, while the stainless steel hinted at corrosion resistance – crucial for waterfowl hunting in wet conditions. The choke threads were cleanly cut, promising a smooth installation into my shotgun.
I considered the Briley Spectrum Extended choke and the Patternmaster Code Black Duck choke. Ultimately, I chose the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke because of its reputation for consistent patterns and its competitive price point. It felt like a great balance between quality and affordability.
My first impression was positive; the choke looked and felt like a quality piece of gear that would enhance my shotgun’s performance. I was excited to get it to the range and see how it performed in real-world conditions, and ready to see if it lived up to its promise of extended range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black at my local shooting range, focusing on pattern testing at 30 and 40 yards. The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, typical conditions for a fall waterfowl hunt.
The choke tightened my patterns noticeably at 30 yards compared to my factory modified choke. At 40 yards, the pattern still held together well, with fewer stray pellets. I found it very easy to install using a choke wrench, requiring no special tools or adjustments.
There were no immediate issues after my first session. The choke installed and removed smoothly, and I noticed no signs of damage or wear after approximately 50 shots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the waterfowl season, the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke has held up admirably. It has endured wet conditions, mud, and regular cleaning.
The black finish still looks new, and the stainless-steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent. It’s outperformed my expectations, consistently delivering tighter patterns than my previous chokes.
It gives me more confidence when taking longer shots at ducks and geese. This choke has proven its worth as a reliable and effective addition to my waterfowl hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube boasts several key specifications. It is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns with an Invector Plus choke system. The long-range constriction diameter is .600.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength and corrosion resistance. Its black finish provides additional protection and reduces glare. It is designed to deliver tighter patterns at longer distances, increasing effective range.
These specifications are crucial for waterfowl hunters who need to consistently hit targets at extended distances. The stainless-steel construction ensures longevity and reliability in harsh environments. The specific constriction diameter is what allows the choke to effectively tighten the shot pattern for increased downrange energy.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke performs exceptionally well at its intended purpose: extending effective range. It reliably delivers tighter, more consistent patterns than standard choke tubes.
Its main strength is its ability to maintain pattern density at longer distances. One area for possible improvement could be better labeling indicating which choke wrench size to use for installation. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a long-range waterfowl choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s design is simple and functional, prioritizing performance over flashy aesthetics. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides durability and corrosion resistance. It weighs a negligible amount, and thus does not meaningfully change the balance of the shotgun.
The choke is user-friendly and easy to install or remove using a standard choke wrench. There is no learning curve, and the installation is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply clean the choke after each use with a bore brush and solvent to remove any residue. Its robust construction promises years of reliable performance with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Invector Plus choke systems.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, you can pair it with different loads and shot sizes to fine-tune your patterns for specific waterfowl species and hunting conditions. Using high-quality shells can further enhance the choke’s performance and pattern consistency.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers significantly tighter patterns at longer ranges, improving effective shooting distance.
- Made from durable 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion.
- The black finish reduces glare, preventing spooking of waterfowl in bright conditions.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
- Competitively priced, offering excellent value for the performance it provides.
Cons
- Long-range constriction may produce patterns that are too tight for close-range shots, making it less versatile in dynamic hunting situations.
- The black finish, while durable, can show scratches and wear over time with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter birds at extended ranges and need tighter, more consistent patterns. It is also well-suited for hunters using 20-gauge shotguns who want to maximize their effective range without upgrading to a larger gauge.
Hunters who primarily hunt in tight, wooded areas where close-range shots are the norm should skip this product. Hunters seeking a more versatile choke that can handle both close and long-range shots might consider an improved cylinder or modified choke instead.
A must-have accessory is a good-quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different shot sizes and shell types is recommended to find the optimal load for this choke.
Conclusion on Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl Invector Plus 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube is a reliable and effective tool for extending your range when waterfowl hunting. Its durable construction, consistent patterns, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters.
The price is justified given the performance and durability it offers. I would personally recommend this choke to any 20-gauge shooter looking to improve their long-range accuracy.
If you’re tired of missing those long-distance shots, give the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl choke a try. It could be the difference between a frustrating day in the blind and a successful hunt.