What Makes Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge Stand Out?
Turkey hunting is a game of precision, and a tight, consistent pattern is the key to filling your tag. That’s where the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge comes in, promising to deliver the kind of pattern density that separates success from near-misses. Rob Roberts Gun Works has built a solid reputation among serious turkey hunters, and this choke tube is designed to live up to that name.
I had a frustrating season last year, with several birds spooked due to less-than-ideal patterns at longer ranges. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver a tight, dense pattern out to 40 yards and beyond. This choke promised to deliver just that, so I decided to give it a try.
The choke arrived well-packaged and, upon initial inspection, the build quality felt immediately apparent. The choke has a robust feel that inspires confidence. It’s heavier than the factory choke that came with my Benelli, but not excessively so.
I considered other popular chokes like the Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and the Primos Jelly Head Max. Ultimately, I chose the Rob Roberts Gun Works choke because of the company’s reputation for custom choke designs tailored for specific loads and distances, coupled with the numerous positive reviews highlighting its consistent performance. I was hoping for a “set it and forget it” solution, and this seemed like the best bet.
My first impression was positive: it looked like a quality piece of gear. I was excited to see how it would perform with my preferred turkey loads.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge was at my local outdoor range, on a crisp autumn morning. I patterned the choke with several different 12-gauge turkey loads, ranging from standard lead #5s to premium tungsten blends.
The results were immediately impressive. Even with standard lead loads, the patterns were noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my factory choke. The choke excelled with the heavier, denser tungsten loads, producing incredibly tight patterns at 40 yards with minimal flyers.
The choke was easy to install and remove, requiring only a standard choke wrench. There were no issues with fit or finish. One minor surprise was the significant increase in recoil, likely due to the tighter constriction.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and numerous range sessions, the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear, and the choke tube remains easy to clean.
A bit of solvent and a bore brush after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. Comparing this choke to previous experiences with cheaper aftermarket chokes, the Rob Roberts Gun Works choke far surpasses them in terms of pattern consistency and overall durability. It has absolutely exceeded my expectations, turning my shotgun into a true turkey-slaying machine.
Breaking Down the Features of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Rob Roberts Gun Works. This name is synonymous with quality and performance in the turkey hunting world.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is designed for use with 12-gauge shotguns.
- Choke System: Optima Plus. This choke is specifically threaded to fit Benelli shotguns using the Optima Plus choke system.
- Diameter: 0.66 inches. This constriction is optimized for tight, dense patterns with a variety of turkey loads.
- Construction Material: High-quality steel. This ensures durability and resistance to wear and tear.
These specifications are critical for turkey hunting. The 0.66-inch diameter creates the tight pattern necessary for long-range shots, while the steel construction guarantees the choke will withstand the pressures of heavy turkey loads.
Performance & Functionality
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge excels at delivering incredibly tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges. This dramatically increases the effective range of your shotgun.
Its strength is undoubtedly its ability to produce a dense, lethal pattern at 40 yards and beyond. The one area that could be improved is perhaps the documentation; more information on optimal load pairings would be useful. Overall, it far exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with precise machining and a durable finish. The weight is noticeable but not cumbersome, contributing to a feeling of quality.
Installation is straightforward, requiring only a standard choke wrench. The choke is designed to be user-friendly, with no complicated adjustments or modifications required.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality steel construction ensures excellent durability. The choke is designed to withstand the repeated pressures of heavy turkey loads.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only routine cleaning with solvent and a bore brush. With proper care, this choke should last for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The choke comes as a standalone unit, without any additional accessories. While there are no specific customization options directly for the choke itself, the choice of ammunition is key to optimizing its performance.
Experimenting with different turkey loads is essential to finding the perfect combination for your shotgun and hunting conditions. The choke is compatible with all standard 12-gauge turkey loads designed for use with choke tubes.
Pros and Cons of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge
Pros
- Incredibly tight and consistent patterns at long ranges. This dramatically increases your effective range and improves your chances of a clean kill.
- High-quality construction for exceptional durability. You can rely on this choke to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting season after season.
- Easy to install and maintain. Simple to use and requires minimal upkeep.
- Compatible with a wide range of 12-gauge turkey loads. Provides flexibility in ammunition selection.
- Proven Rob Roberts Gun Works performance. This choke tube has a stellar reputation within the turkey hunting community.
Cons
- Can significantly increase recoil. Be prepared for a heavier kick.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other choke tubes. However, the performance justifies the price.
Who Should Buy Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the tightest possible patterns at extended ranges. This choke is ideal for hunters using Benelli shotguns with the Optima Plus choke system.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who primarily hunt turkeys at close range may not need this choke. A quality red dot sight can further enhance accuracy and quick target acquisition.
Conclusion on Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200184 Final Strut Turkey Choke Optima Plus 12 Gauge is a top-tier choke tube that delivers exceptional performance. It offers unmatched pattern density and consistency for serious turkey hunters.
The price is justified by the choke’s high-quality construction and performance advantages. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to anyone looking to maximize the effective range of their 12-gauge Benelli shotgun. If you’re serious about turkey hunting, invest in the Rob Roberts Gun Works Final Strut and watch your success soar.