What Makes Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Stand Out?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless choke tube isn’t just another piece of metal you screw into your shotgun. It represents a carefully engineered tool designed to optimize bismuth shot performance, leveraging Rob Roberts Gun Works’s years of choke tube innovation. Built from robust 17-4 PH stainless steel, this choke promises durability and a pattern specifically tailored for bismuth, a popular but often challenging shot material.
I’ve spent countless hours in duck blinds and upland fields, always chasing that perfect pattern. Bismuth shot became a staple for me when non-toxic shot requirements tightened, but I struggled to find a choke that consistently delivered tight, even patterns with it. That’s what led me to the Rob Roberts Gun Works Biz Raptor, hoping to finally unlock bismuth’s full potential in my 20-gauge.
Upon receiving the choke, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel and clean machining. The 17-4 PH stainless steel gives it a reassuring heft, hinting at its ability to withstand the rigors of the field. It’s a far cry from some of the cheaper, thinner chokes I’ve used in the past that felt almost disposable.
Compared to a standard factory Invector Plus choke and a Briley extended choke I own, the Biz Raptor is noticeably different in its internal geometry. The constrictions and angles within the Biz Raptor are visibly more complex, suggesting a more specialized design than just a simple constriction. My initial excitement was tempered with anticipation to see if this translated to improved patterns downrange.
My first impression was definitely one of cautious optimism. The quality was evident, but the real test would be its performance in the field. I was eager to see if the Biz Raptor could live up to its promise of taming bismuth shot.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor at my local shooting range, patterning it with a variety of 20-gauge bismuth loads from different manufacturers. The range offered a controlled environment to analyze the choke’s performance at 30 and 40 yards. The goal was to evaluate pattern density, consistency, and overall spread with the bismuth loads.
Performance was impressive, even in slightly windy conditions. The Biz Raptor consistently produced denser and more even patterns compared to my factory choke, especially with the bismuth loads it was designed for. There was a noticeable reduction in flyers and a more uniform distribution of pellets across the target.
The choke was easy to install and remove, requiring no special tools beyond a standard choke wrench. I quickly got used to swapping it in and out to compare patterns with other chokes. After the first few shots, I noticed that the choke was performing exceptionally well.
One minor surprise was how tight the patterns were at 30 yards with some of the faster bismuth loads. This required a slight adjustment in my aiming point to avoid overly concentrated patterns, a testament to the choke’s efficiency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a dove hunt and multiple trips to the sporting clays course, the Rob Roberts Gun Works Biz Raptor has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear, even after cleaning it with bore solvent and a choke tube brush after each use. The stainless-steel construction appears to be highly resistant to corrosion and pitting.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick scrub with a choke tube brush and a light coating of gun oil keeps it in top condition. This simplicity is crucial for anyone who spends a lot of time in the field and needs gear that’s easy to maintain. Compared to my previous experiences with standard chokes, the Biz Raptor has consistently delivered tighter, more reliable patterns, boosting my confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless
Specifications
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless choke is designed specifically for 20-gauge shotguns with the Browning Invector Plus (+) choke tube system. It’s constructed from 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, a material known for its high strength, corrosion resistance, and heat treatability. This choke is optimized for use with bismuth shot, ensuring optimal pattern density and performance.
The 20-gauge designation makes it compatible with a wide range of popular shotguns used for hunting and sporting clays. The Browning Invector Plus (+) choke tube system is a widely used standard, increasing its versatility. The use of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel means the choke can withstand repeated use and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Rob Roberts Gun Works Biz Raptor excels in delivering consistent and dense patterns with bismuth shot. It achieves this by carefully controlling the shot string as it exits the barrel, minimizing pellet deformation and maximizing pattern uniformity. While designed for bismuth, it also performs well with other non-toxic shot types, such as steel and tungsten.
Its strength lies in its ability to tame the often-erratic patterns produced by bismuth shot. A potential area for improvement could be offering different constrictions within the Biz Raptor line to cater to various hunting scenarios and distances. The choke meets and often exceeds my expectations, providing confidence in achieving clean, ethical kills in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The Biz Raptor is built with high-quality materials and precise machining. The stainless-steel construction not only ensures durability but also gives it a premium feel. Its weight is balanced, neither adding excessive bulk to the shotgun nor feeling flimsy.
The choke is user-friendly and installs easily with a standard choke wrench. There is no noticeable learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction, the Rob Roberts Gun Works Biz Raptor is built to last. It can withstand years of repeated use and exposure to the elements with proper care. Maintaining the choke is simple; a quick cleaning with a choke tube brush and solvent after each use is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor comes as a standalone choke tube, without additional accessories included. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, shooters can pair it with various 20-gauge shotguns that utilize the Invector Plus (+) system.
The choke’s compatibility with the Invector Plus system means it can be used with a wide array of aftermarket choke wrenches and storage cases. However, note that because of its design, the choke cannot be placed in both barrels of an over-under shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless
Pros
- Superior Pattern Density with Bismuth Shot: The Biz Raptor consistently delivers tighter, more even patterns compared to standard chokes, especially with bismuth. This translates to increased effective range and a higher probability of clean kills.
- High-Quality Construction: Made from 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, the choke is incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion, ensuring years of reliable performance.
- Easy to Install and Maintain: The choke installs easily with a standard choke wrench and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for hunters and shooters who value convenience.
- Versatile Compatibility: Designed for 20-gauge shotguns with the Browning Invector Plus (+) system, the Biz Raptor fits a wide range of popular firearms.
- Improved Confidence in the Field: Knowing that your shotgun is delivering optimal patterns provides a significant boost in confidence, leading to better shooting performance.
Cons
- Specialized for Bismuth: While it performs well with other shot types, its primary advantage is with bismuth. Shooters who primarily use steel shot may find other chokes equally effective.
- Single Barrel Limitation: The design prohibits use in both barrels of an over-under shotgun.
Who Should Buy Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor is perfect for hunters who rely on bismuth shot for waterfowl or upland game. This is especially true in areas where lead shot is restricted. Sporting clays shooters looking to optimize their pattern density and consistency with non-toxic shot will also benefit from this choke.
Those who primarily shoot steel shot or prefer more open patterns for close-range shooting might not find the Biz Raptor as advantageous. Over-under shotgun users who want identical chokes in both barrels will need to explore other options. A must-have accessory is a reliable choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200303 Biz Raptor Invector Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless is a well-engineered and durable choke tube that delivers on its promise of optimizing bismuth shot performance. Its superior pattern density, high-quality construction, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for hunters and sporting clays shooters who demand the best from their equipment.
At $145.99, the price is justified given the performance gains and the quality of materials used. Yes, I would personally recommend this choke to anyone looking to improve their bismuth shot patterns and overall shooting confidence. Upgrade your shotgun with the Biz Raptor and experience the difference a specialized choke can make!