Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black promises to be a game-changer for waterfowlers seeking tighter patterns at extended distances. This choke tube, from the reputable manufacturer Carlsons, is designed specifically for 20-gauge shotguns with a WinChoke configuration. The combination of 17-4 stainless steel construction and a long-range constriction makes it an intriguing option for hunters looking to improve their effective range.

For years, I’ve chased waterfowl across various landscapes, from flooded timber in Arkansas to windswept marshes along the Eastern Shore. Like many hunters, I’ve always sought that extra edge, that little bit of improvement that turns near misses into clean kills. I needed a choke tube that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at longer ranges in my 20-gauge, and the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke seemed like a promising solution.

Upon unboxing, the Carlsons choke tube exudes quality. The black finish is even and durable, and the weight feels substantial, suggesting the use of high-grade materials. The 17-4 stainless steel gives a feeling of confidence, hinting at longevity and resistance to the elements.

I considered several other long-range choke tubes, including offerings from Briley and Patternmaster. However, the Carlsons choke stood out because of its specific design for waterfowl and its more affordable price point. While premium options offer incremental performance gains, the Carlsons appeared to offer a compelling balance of performance and value.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality was undeniably solid, and the reputation of Carlsons as a reputable choke manufacturer fueled my anticipation. Now, it was time to see if it would live up to its promise in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black during a late-season duck hunt in the Mississippi Delta. Conditions were challenging, with a stiff crosswind and sporadic rain. The ducks were wary and reluctant to commit to the decoys, requiring longer shots than usual.

Initially, I patterned the choke with a variety of 20-gauge loads, including steel shot in sizes #2 and #4. The results were impressive, with noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns at 40 yards compared to my factory modified choke. The improved pattern density gave me the confidence to take ethical shots at birds that would have been out of range previously.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use throughout the remainder of the waterfowl season, the Carlsons choke has proven to be exceptionally reliable. There were no signs of wear or corrosion, despite being exposed to mud, rain, and saltwater. Cleaning was straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe down with a gun cleaning solvent and a bore brush.

Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons has consistently delivered more consistent and predictable patterns. I’ve found that I can confidently extend my effective range by 5-10 yards, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer crippled birds. This improvement in performance has been particularly noticeable on windy days, where the tighter patterns help to minimize the impact of wind drift.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black

Specifications

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black boasts several key specifications:

• Gauge: 20 Gauge. This ensures compatibility with 20-gauge shotguns, a popular choice for waterfowl hunting due to its lighter recoil and adequate shot capacity.
• Choke Size: Long Range. This constriction is designed to deliver tighter patterns at extended distances, typically beyond 40 yards.
• Model: Invector/WinChoke. This configuration makes it compatible with shotguns that utilize the WinChoke/Invector choke system.
• Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface, minimizing glare.
• Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This high-strength stainless steel offers exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan even in harsh conditions.
• Constriction Diameter: .590. This precise constriction diameter is what dictates the tightness of the shot pattern.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke excels at its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns at long range. Its performance in the field has been remarkable, consistently producing dense patterns that result in ethical and effective kills. The choke tube’s ability to maintain pattern integrity at extended distances provides a significant advantage when dealing with wary waterfowl.

One notable strength is the consistent pattern density, reducing the likelihood of gaps in the pattern that can lead to wounded birds. A minor weakness is that very tight chokes can sometimes be overly specialized; optimal performance requires careful load selection. The Carlsons choke meets and exceeds my expectations for a long-range waterfowl choke tube.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlsons choke is built with high-quality materials and a durable black finish. Its weight is substantial, giving a feeling of quality and reliability. Installation is simple, requiring only a choke tube wrench. The black finish is a nice touch, as it reduces glare and helps to conceal the choke tube from wary birds.

The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills. The choke tube is easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands. There is no learning curve, and it performs exactly as expected.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke will last for many seasons of hard use. It shows no signs of wear or corrosion, even after being exposed to harsh weather conditions. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use. The choke’s robust construction and corrosion-resistant materials make it a durable and reliable addition to any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black itself does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard WinChoke/Invector choke tube wrench. There are no further customization options for this specific choke tube. The choke is designed to be a standalone performance upgrade, and it does not require any additional modifications to function optimally.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Delta Waterfowl WinChoke 20 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black