The Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a promise of tighter patterns and longer shots, especially when using Hevishot ammunition. Hevishot has built a reputation for quality, and this choke tube aims to extend that legacy to my trusty waterfowl shotgun. I was immediately intrigued by the claims of extended range and the use of durable 17-4 stainless steel, hinting at a product built for serious waterfowl hunters.
My quest for this specific choke tube stemmed from a frustrating season of missed opportunities. Ducks and geese were consistently flaring just outside my effective range, leaving me with empty skies and a growing sense of dissatisfaction. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver denser patterns at those critical extra yards, and the Hevishot name, coupled with its “Extended Range” designation, felt like the right solution.
Unboxing the Hevishot Hevi-Choke was a surprisingly understated experience. The black finish is clean and professional, and the weight felt substantial, suggesting a robust build. The 17-4 stainless steel construction was immediately apparent; this choke tube felt like it could withstand years of abuse in harsh hunting conditions.
I considered several other extended range chokes, including models from Carlson’s and Patternmaster. However, the specific pairing of Hevishot’s choke with their ammunition seemed like a synergistic approach. Plus, the Invector-DS compatibility was crucial as it’s the choke system my Browning uses.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The choke tube’s solid construction and the Hevishot reputation gave me confidence, but the true test would be on the water. I was eager to see if it could truly deliver the tighter, longer-range patterns I desperately needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hevishot Hevi-Choke was a frigid morning on the Chesapeake Bay, targeting sea ducks. The wind was howling, and a light rain was falling, creating challenging conditions for both me and the equipment. I used Hevishot 3-inch BB loads, specifically chosen to pair with the choke’s design.
The initial shots were eye-opening. I immediately noticed a tighter, more consistent pattern at the ranges I typically struggled with—around 40-50 yards. Sea ducks that would have previously flown away unscathed now crumpled convincingly. The choke performed flawlessly, even in the wet and windy conditions.
There was no initial issue, but one thing I did note was the importance of a good choke tube wrench, as the extended design makes it slightly more exposed to grit and grime, potentially making removal more difficult without the proper tool.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of waterfowl hunting in various environments, from flooded timber to open water, the Hevishot Hevi-Choke has proven to be remarkably reliable. It’s been through driving rain, freezing temperatures, and dusty fields, without a single malfunction. The 17-4 stainless steel has resisted rust and corrosion admirably.
Despite frequent use, the choke tube shows minimal signs of wear and tear. A few minor scratches are visible on the exterior black finish, but these are purely cosmetic. Cleaning is straightforward: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Hevishot Hevi-Choke delivers a noticeable improvement in pattern density and range. I feel much more confident taking longer shots, knowing that I have a tighter, more lethal pattern downrange. It has significantly outperformed the factory full choke that came with my shotgun.
Breaking Down the Features of Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range boasts several key specifications. It is designed for 12-gauge shotguns using the Invector-DS choke system. The “Extended Range” designation indicates it’s optimized for shots beyond typical full choke distances, typically 40-60 yards.
The choke tube is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. A black finish provides a sleek look and adds a layer of protection. As an extended choke, it protrudes slightly beyond the muzzle, making it easier to grip for installation and removal.
These specifications matter because they directly impact performance and longevity. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand the pressures and stresses of repeated shots, as well as the harsh environments often encountered by waterfowl hunters. The Extended Range design aims to tighten patterns at longer distances, increasing the likelihood of clean kills.
Performance & Functionality
The Hevishot Hevi-Choke excels at delivering tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges. It noticeably reduces the amount of “fliers” in the pattern, resulting in a denser, more effective shot cloud. This translates to increased confidence when taking longer shots and a higher success rate on waterfowl.
Its primary strength is its ability to consistently deliver lethal patterns at 40-50 yards. A potential weakness might be that it might be too tight for very close-range shots (inside of 25 yards), where a more open choke might be preferable. It more than meets my expectations for extended-range performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hevishot Hevi-Choke features a simple, functional design. The black finish is understated and practical. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides a reassuring sense of quality. There’s no learning curve involved; it functions just like any other choke tube, making it very user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 stainless steel construction, the Hevishot Hevi-Choke should last for many seasons with proper care. The choke is also very easy to maintain and repair, it should be cleaned regularly to prevent build-up of residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hevishot Hevi-Choke doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond standard choke tube packaging. Its primary customization lies in choosing the appropriate load for the desired range and target. While there are no direct modifications for the choke itself, its Invector-DS compatibility means it will work with any shotgun designed for that choke system.
Pros and Cons of Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Consistently tighter patterns at extended ranges (40-50 yards).
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Improved confidence in taking longer shots, leading to more successful hunts.
- Easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands.
- Black finish provides a sleek, non-reflective look.
Cons
- May produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (under 25 yards).
- Black finish can show scratches over time, though this is purely cosmetic.
Who Should Buy Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Hevishot Hevi-Choke is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter birds at extended ranges and want to improve their pattern density and consistency. It’s ideal for those using Hevishot ammunition, as the choke is designed to optimize its performance. Experienced hunters looking to maximize their effective range will find this choke tube a valuable addition to their gear.
Hunters primarily shooting in close-range environments (e.g., heavily wooded areas) might find this choke too tight for their needs. Those on a very tight budget might explore less expensive alternatives, though the Hevishot Hevi-Choke’s durability and performance justify its price. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Hevishot 85631 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Invector-DS 12 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a well-built, high-performing choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns at longer distances. For a reasonable $32.99, the price is definitely justified.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to any serious waterfowl hunter looking to extend their effective range and increase their success rate. It’s a worthwhile investment that will pay off in more birds in the bag and greater confidence in the field. If you’re serious about waterfowl hunting and want to maximize the performance of your shotgun, give the Hevishot Hevi-Choke a shot – you won’t be disappointed.