Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Review

What Makes Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Stand Out?

Shotgun chokes. For many, they’re an afterthought, a necessary evil screwed into the end of a beloved scattergun. But for serious waterfowlers, especially those targeting geese and open-water ducks at longer ranges, a high-performance choke tube can be the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day of near misses. Enter the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless.

My search for a truly effective long-range choke for my 20-gauge Browning Silver Hunter was driven by years of watching birds flare just outside my effective range. Factory chokes and some aftermarket options simply couldn’t deliver the consistent, dense patterns I needed to confidently reach out and touch those wary waterfowl.

The Rob Roberts choke arrived in simple, functional packaging. My initial impression was that this was a serious piece of kit, machined from 17-4 PH Stainless Steel and exhibiting a level of fit and finish well above the mass-produced factory tubes. The internal cuts and porting were visibly different from anything I’d used before, suggesting a design focused on pattern optimization.

Compared to a Briley extended choke and a Carlson’s Cremator, the RR3 Raptor immediately felt more robust. The Rob Roberts choke promised long-range performance specifically tailored for geese and open-water ducks, something the others didn’t explicitly target. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this choke could finally close the gap on those frustratingly distant birds.

My first impression was one of excitement. This wasn’t just another choke tube; it felt like a purpose-built tool designed to solve a specific problem, engineered to put more birds on the ground.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the Rob Roberts Gun Works RR3 Raptor occurred during a late-season goose hunt on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The conditions were brutal: frigid temperatures, a stiff wind off the Chesapeake Bay, and wary geese that had seen it all. I tested the choke with a variety of 20-gauge loads, focusing on 3-inch shells with BB and #2 shot.

The RR3 Raptor consistently delivered tighter, more uniform patterns at 40 yards than any choke I had previously used. Even in the challenging wind, the patterns held together remarkably well, with fewer flyers and a dense core of pellets. I was able to cleanly harvest several geese that would have been outside my effective range with other chokes.

Installation was simple and straightforward, just like any Invector Plus choke. The real “getting used to it” factor was psychological; having the confidence to take longer shots, knowing the choke was performing as designed. After a few shots at some patterning boards and a few more successful shots in the field, any hesitation was gone.

There were no functional issues or surprises. The choke threaded in smoothly, and remained tight throughout the day’s shooting, requiring no adjustment.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of waterfowl hunting, the Rob Roberts RR3 Raptor has become my go-to choke for long-range shots. It has held up exceptionally well, with no signs of wear or corrosion despite exposure to harsh weather and saltwater.

The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction has proven its worth, resisting rust and maintaining its finish even after repeated exposure to moisture. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a standard choke tube brush and solvent.

In comparison to my previous choke experiences, the RR3 Raptor has been a game-changer. I’m consistently achieving longer, more accurate shots, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. It has exceeded my expectations and has become an indispensable part of my waterfowl hunting setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless

Specifications

The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns with the Browning Invector Plus choke system. It is constructed from high-quality 17-4 PH Stainless Steel for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. This choke is engineered to produce tight, consistent patterns at long ranges, specifically for geese and open-water ducks.

The choice of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel ensures the choke can withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting, resisting rust and wear even in harsh environments. Its design, with carefully calculated internal cuts and porting, manipulates the shot column for optimal pattern density and reduced recoil. The Invector Plus compatibility makes it easy to install and swap out with other chokes.

Performance & Functionality

The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor excels at its intended purpose: delivering dense, consistent patterns at extended ranges. It noticeably tightens the shot pattern compared to factory chokes, allowing for confident shots on distant birds. The choke functions flawlessly, providing reliable performance in various weather conditions.

The main strength is its ability to extend effective shooting range. A potential weakness could be its tight pattern at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), where it might result in a less forgiving shot. The RR3 Raptor definitely meets and often exceeds expectations for long-range waterfowl hunting, however.

Design & Ergonomics

The RR3 Raptor is a simple, functional design, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel gives it a solid, durable feel. It weighs slightly more than some extended chokes, but the added weight is negligible once installed.

Installation is incredibly user-friendly, requiring only a choke tube wrench. There’s no learning curve involved; simply screw it in and go.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction ensures the RR3 Raptor is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple: clean with a choke tube brush and solvent after each use, and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, as an Invector Plus choke, it is compatible with a wide range of choke tube wrenches available from various manufacturers.

There are no specific customization options for the RR3 Raptor itself. The user can experiment with different shot sizes and shell brands to fine-tune performance to their specific needs and shotgun.

Pros and Cons of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200301 RR3 Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless