What Makes Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Stand Out?
In the world of shotgun chokes, where consistency and performance are paramount, the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel promises a specialized solution for bismuth shot. This choke tube, crafted from durable 17-4 PH stainless steel and designed for Beretta/Benelli Mobil systems, aims to optimize patterns when using bismuth ammunition, a popular alternative to lead. Its specific design for bismuth, coupled with the Rob Roberts Gun Works reputation, immediately piqued my interest.
I’ve spent years struggling to find a choke that truly maximized the potential of bismuth loads, especially in older shotguns not designed for steel. My search was driven by a desire for cleaner kills on waterfowl using non-toxic shot in environmentally sensitive areas. This choke promised a solution tailored to bismuth, which is what caught my attention.
Upon receiving the Biz Raptor, the first thing I noticed was its robust construction. The 17-4 PH stainless steel felt incredibly solid, suggesting a choke built to withstand years of use and abuse in the field. Initial handling confirmed my expectations regarding the build quality.
Compared to a standard modified choke and a ported waterfowl choke I’ve used extensively, the Biz Raptor felt noticeably heavier and more substantial. I had also been considering a Briley extended choke, but the specialized design of the Biz Raptor for bismuth and the reputation of Rob Roberts Gun Works ultimately swayed my decision. My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism; specialized chokes often promise more than they deliver.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel took place at my local sporting clays range, using a Benelli Montefeltro with various 12-gauge bismuth loads. I patterned the choke at 30 and 40 yards, comparing it to my standard modified choke with the same ammunition. The weather was clear, with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for evaluating pattern density.
The initial results were impressive: the Biz Raptor consistently produced tighter, more uniform patterns with bismuth than my modified choke. There were no noticeable flyers or gaps in the pattern, even at the longer 40-yard range. The choke installed easily and seated perfectly in my Benelli barrel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two waterfowl hunts and multiple range sessions, the Rob Roberts Gun Works Biz Raptor has proven to be a reliable performer. There has been no visible wear or corrosion despite exposure to wet conditions and regular cleaning. I clean all my chokes after each use, and the Biz Raptor is no more difficult to maintain than any other stainless-steel choke.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard chokes and bismuth ammunition, the Biz Raptor offers a noticeable improvement in pattern consistency and effective range. It instilled confidence in my ability to ethically harvest waterfowl at longer distances using bismuth shot, which justifies the purchase in my opinion. The results were consistently better with the Biz Raptor.
Breaking Down the Features of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Specifications
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns utilizing the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube system. It is constructed from 17-4 PH stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Its primary purpose is to optimize the performance of bismuth shot, providing improved pattern density and consistency compared to standard choke tubes.
The 17-4 PH stainless steel is crucial because it resists rust and wear, essential for withstanding the corrosive nature of some shotshell propellants and the harsh environments often encountered during hunting. The Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern is a common standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of popular shotguns. The specialized constriction is tailored to the unique properties of bismuth shot, which tends to pattern differently than lead or steel.
Performance & Functionality
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel excels at its intended purpose: tightening and evening out patterns with bismuth ammunition. It noticeably improves pattern density at longer ranges, resulting in more consistent and ethical kills on waterfowl. The design has produced a choke that truly improved my pattern.
The choke’s main strength is its ability to maximize the potential of bismuth shot, allowing hunters to achieve performance closer to that of lead without the environmental concerns. One potential weakness is its specialized design; it may not perform optimally with other types of ammunition such as steel or lead. It significantly exceeds expectations if you use bismuth ammo.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rob Roberts Gun Works Biz Raptor is a straightforward, functional design. Its robust stainless-steel construction inspires confidence, and its weight feels appropriate for a choke of this type. The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench.
The build quality is excellent; the stainless steel is precisely machined, and the choke seats perfectly in the barrel. There is no noticeable learning curve; simply install the choke and pattern your shotgun with bismuth loads to determine its optimal range. It is simple to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 17-4 PH stainless steel construction, the Rob Roberts Gun Works Biz Raptor should last for many years with proper care. Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, making it well-suited for use in harsh environments. Regular cleaning with a solvent designed for firearms is all that’s required to maintain the choke in good condition.
The choke appears easy to maintain and repair. However, should the choke threads become damaged, replacement is typically the most practical solution. Durability is excellent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Its compatibility with the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system means it can be used with any standard choke wrench designed for that thread pattern. No accessories needed.
The primary customization option is selecting the correct choke constriction for your specific shooting needs and the type of bismuth ammunition you are using. Rob Roberts Gun Works may offer other constrictions in the Biz Raptor line.
Pros and Cons of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Pros
- Optimized for bismuth shot: Provides significantly improved pattern density and consistency compared to standard chokes.
- Durable 17-4 PH stainless steel construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Easy to install and maintain: Compatible with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke wrenches and requires minimal maintenance.
- Ethical harvesting: Enables cleaner kills on waterfowl at longer distances using non-toxic bismuth ammunition.
- Reputable manufacturer: Rob Roberts Gun Works is known for producing high-quality choke tubes.
Cons
- Specialized design: May not perform optimally with ammunition other than bismuth.
- Price: More expensive than standard, general-purpose choke tubes.
Who Should Buy Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is perfect for waterfowl hunters who primarily use bismuth ammunition and seek to maximize its performance. This choke is also suitable for those hunting in areas where non-toxic shot is required and want to achieve consistent, ethical kills. It is ideal for ethical waterfowl hunters.
Those who primarily shoot steel or lead shot, or who prefer a more versatile, general-purpose choke tube, should skip this product. Someone who shoots mostly steel shot should avoid this choke.
A high-quality choke wrench and a reliable gun-cleaning solvent are must-have accessories. There are no other modifications needed.
Conclusion on Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200308 Biz Raptor Mobil 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is a specialized choke tube that delivers on its promise of optimizing bismuth shot performance. It provides noticeable improvements in pattern density and consistency, resulting in cleaner kills and increased confidence in the field.
The price is justified for hunters who rely on bismuth and demand the best possible performance from their ammunition. I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking to improve their bismuth patterns. It is a worthwhile investment for bismuth shooters.
If you’re serious about bismuth, the Rob Roberts Gun Works Biz Raptor is a game-changer. Add it to your gear and experience the difference!