First Thoughts on the Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles
The Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles choke tube promises tighter patterns and reduced recoil when firing buckshot through your Winchester shotgun. As someone who’s spent years advising hunters and tactical shooters, I’m always on the lookout for equipment that delivers tangible performance improvements. This choke claims to offer just that, and I was eager to see if it lives up to the hype.
My primary need was to tighten the spread of my 12-gauge when using buckshot for deer hunting in thick brush. The standard patterns were too wide, increasing the risk of a stray pellet causing injury or a clean miss. I’ve used ported chokes before, with mixed results regarding recoil reduction, but the promise of both recoil mitigation and pattern tightening made this Carlsons choke particularly appealing.
Out of the package, the choke felt solid and well-machined. The black finish was even and appeared durable. Compared to a standard flush-mounted choke, the extended length and porting of the Carlsons choke were immediately noticeable. I chose this choke over a similar model from Patternmaster due to its more aggressive porting design. Initial impressions were positive; I was excited to get to the range and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at my local shooting range, under partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures. I used a variety of 00 buckshot loads from Winchester, Federal, and Remington to assess pattern consistency. Installing the choke was straightforward, threading smoothly into my Winchester 1300’s barrel.
The most immediate difference I noticed was a slight reduction in perceived recoil, although it wasn’t dramatic. The ported design seemed to redirect some of the muzzle blast, lessening the upward flip. However, the pattern tightening was the star of the show. At 25 yards, the Carlsons choke produced consistently tighter groups than the factory-modified choke. There were no unexpected issues, and the choke performed as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use across multiple range sessions and a full deer season, the Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles choke has proven its worth. There are no signs of wear or corrosion, despite being exposed to various weather conditions. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel seems to be holding up well.
Cleaning is easy, usually just requiring a quick wipe-down with bore cleaner after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with buckshot chokes, the Carlsons choke provides a more consistent and reliable pattern. It has noticeably improved my confidence when using buckshot for hunting in dense cover.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles
Specifications
- Type: Extended. The extended design makes for easier installation and removal with gloved hands.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns.
- Choke Size: Extended. Expect about 1″ extension beyond the barrel’s end.
- Model: Invector. This indicates compatibility with Winchester’s Invector choke system.
- Finish: Black. This finish offers corrosion resistance and reduces glare.
- Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This material ensures durability and resistance to rust.
- Load Compatibility: Lead, Steel, and Hevi-Shot. This choke is versatile, working with a range of shot types.
- Steel Shot Restriction: No steel shot larger than BB or faster than 1550 FPS. Exceeding these limits could damage the choke or your shotgun.
These specifications are important because they dictate the choke’s intended use and limitations. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures long-term durability, while the load restrictions prevent potential damage from using overly powerful steel shot loads. The extended design also facilitates easier choke swaps in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles significantly improves buckshot patterns compared to standard chokes. Patterns tightened by an estimated 15-20% at 25 yards during my testing. The porting effectively reduces muzzle jump, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
The choke is easy to install and remove. It consistently delivered tighter patterns across different brands of buckshot. The limitations regarding steel shot size and velocity are a drawback for waterfowl hunters using larger steel shot. However, for its intended purpose with lead and Hevi-Shot buckshot, it excels.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s extended design makes it easy to grip, even with gloved hands, facilitating quick changes in the field. The black finish is non-reflective and durable, holding up well to regular use and cleaning. The ports are strategically placed to effectively redirect muzzle blast.
The choke adds a negligible amount of weight to the shotgun. It’s designed with functionality in mind, showing in its ease of use and durable construction.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. After months of use in various conditions, it shows no signs of rust or wear. Maintaining the choke is simple, only requiring a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use.
Given its robust construction, this choke should last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles does not come with additional accessories. Since it’s a choke tube, customization is primarily limited to selecting the appropriate choke for different shooting scenarios. It is compatible with any shotgun that uses the Winchester Invector choke system.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles
Pros
- Significantly tighter buckshot patterns improve accuracy.
- Ported design reduces recoil and muzzle jump for faster follow-up shots.
- Durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction ensures long life.
- Easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands.
- Compatible with lead, steel, and Hevi-Shot loads (within specified limitations).
Cons
- Limited to BB or smaller steel shot, with velocity below 1550 FPS.
- Recoil reduction, while noticeable, is not dramatic.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles?
The Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles is perfect for deer hunters using buckshot in dense cover. It’s also suitable for tactical shooters who need tighter patterns for improved accuracy and reduced collateral damage. Anyone using buckshot in their Winchester shotgun and wanting tighter patterns will benefit from this choke.
Waterfowl hunters who rely on larger steel shot sizes should skip this product. Those seeking a substantial reduction in recoil should explore other options, such as a muzzle brake combined with a standard choke.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. High-quality bore cleaner is recommended to maintain the choke’s cleanliness and performance.
Conclusion on Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles
The Carlsons Winchester 12 Gauge Buckshot Invector 17-4 Heat Treated Stainles is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking tighter buckshot patterns and slightly reduced recoil in their Winchester shotgun. The price of $51.99 is justified, considering the improved accuracy and durability it offers. It significantly enhances the effectiveness of buckshot loads for hunting and tactical applications.
I would personally recommend this choke to anyone looking to improve their buckshot performance, within the specified load limitations. It delivers on its promises and is a valuable addition to any shotgunner’s arsenal. Upgrade your shotgun and tighten those patterns; you won’t regret it!