Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

When you’re out on the sporting clay course, every detail matters, and that includes the choke tube in your scattergun. I recently found myself needing a reliable, dedicated cylinder choke for my 20-gauge Browning, specifically for the faster-paced game of sporting clays. My old trusty one was showing its age, and a neighbor recommended I look into Carlson’s. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder caught my eye as a straightforward, no-nonsense option built for this exact purpose.

This particular choke tube promised to deliver consistent patterns, crucial for those fleeting clay targets. I was looking for something that would reliably throw a wide pattern without over-choking, which is exactly what a cylinder bore is designed for. Given the reputation of Carlson’s Choke Tubes for producing quality shooting accessories, I had high hopes.

My initial impression upon unboxing was positive. The piece felt solid and well-machined, with a matte black finish that blended seamlessly with my shotgun’s barrel. It seemed to be a direct replacement for my existing Invector Plus system, which was a relief. I’d considered a more expensive aftermarket option, but the price point and specific design of this Carlson’s model made it the more practical choice. This felt like a sensible upgrade, promising to refine my shooting experience without unnecessary bells and whistles.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Carlson’s choke tube was at a local sporting clays course, a mix of covered stands and open fields. I fitted it onto my Browning 20-gauge just before stepping onto the first station. The installation was straightforward; it threaded in smoothly without any signs of cross-threading or resistance, a testament to its precision manufacturing.

I tested it across various challenging stations, from close-range presentations to slightly longer crossers. The weather was fair, mild with a slight breeze, and the clay targets were standard white ones thrown at moderate speeds. The most immediate observation was the consistency of the pattern; shots that felt right on target resulted in solid breaks, with no apparent flyers or overly tight spreads that would make close shots problematic.

It was remarkably intuitive to use; there was no learning curve involved, as it performed exactly as a cylinder choke should. The ease of installation and immediate performance meant I could focus entirely on my shooting rather than on adjusting to new equipment. I didn’t encounter any unexpected issues or quirks, which, for a firearm component, is precisely what you want.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and numerous rounds of sporting clays, this choke tube has proven its worth. It’s become my go-to for this gauge and discipline, seeing consistent use at least twice a week. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder has held up exceptionally well.

Despite the constant firing and exposure to recoil, there are no visible signs of wear and tear on the exterior or internal threading. It remains as snug and reliable as the day I installed it, with no loosening or play developing. The matte black finish has resisted minor scuffs from handling, and the internal bore remains clean with routine cleaning.

Maintenance is as simple as it gets for a choke tube: a quick wipe-down with a bore snake and a light application of gun oil after each use keeps it in pristine condition. Compared to some older, more generic chokes I’ve used in the past, which could sometimes develop slight tightness or wear patterns, this Carlson’s model feels much more robust. It’s performed flawlessly where lesser components might have started to show their age.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder comes with a clear set of specifications designed for its intended purpose. It is constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material known for its strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity even under heavy use. The Gauge is specifically 20, making it compatible with a wide range of popular sporting shotguns.

This choke tube utilizes the Browning Invector Plus (+) Choke Tube System, a widely adopted standard that guarantees excellent fit and function in compatible Browning firearms. The Choke Type is Cylinder, meaning it offers the widest possible shot pattern without constriction, ideal for close-to-medium range targets common in sporting clays. The specified Diameter is 0.63 inches, which is the standard bore diameter for a 20-gauge cylinder choke, ensuring no alteration to the shot column.

The Gun Make is listed as Browning, indicating its primary intended fitment, though the Invector Plus system itself is used by other manufacturers. It comes as a single Quantity, as expected for a choke tube. A significant feature is that it is Non-Ported, which some shooters prefer for a cleaner aesthetic and to avoid potential noise or gas dispersal issues, though porting can sometimes reduce recoil.

The Included Accessories are practical, featuring a Choke Wrench which is invaluable for installation and removal, especially when the choke might be tight. Lastly, its Country of Origin is the USA, often a signifier of quality manufacturing standards for many consumers.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this choke tube is to deliver a consistent, wide pattern, and it excels at this task. For sporting clays, where targets can appear rapidly at varying distances, a cylinder choke is indispensable for achieving good breaks. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder consistently throws dense, even patterns at typical clays distances, say from 15 to 35 yards.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and adherence to the cylinder bore specification. This means predictable performance with minimal variation between shots, allowing the shooter to focus on lead and timing. What works very well is the reliability of the pattern density, leading to more consistent target destruction.

A potential weakness, though not inherent to this specific model but rather to the cylinder choke type itself, is its limited effectiveness at longer ranges. If your sporting clays course features many extended shots, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more constriction. However, for its intended purpose of closer targets, it meets and often exceeds expectations, especially considering its accessible price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is utilitarian and robust. Constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, it feels substantial and durable in the hand. The matte black finish is functional, minimizing glare and offering a degree of scratch resistance, blending well with most shotgun barrels.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for function, not flair. The knurled end provides sufficient grip for installation and removal with the included wrench, and the smooth internal bore ensures unimpeded shot passage. There’s no learning curve; it fits and functions like any other high-quality Invector Plus choke.

Practical design details like the clear marking of its type (Cylinder) and gauge are essential for quick identification. The non-ported design contributes to a cleaner look and feel, which some shooters will appreciate. The overall feel is one of solid, dependable engineering, built to withstand the rigors of regular shooting without complaint.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, this choke tube is built to last. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction is a significant factor in its longevity. Under normal sporting clays usage, which involves repeated firing and recoil, it’s reasonable to expect this choke to last for many thousands of rounds.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A standard cleaning after each shooting session with a bore brush and cleaning patches, followed by a light oiling, is all that’s required to keep it in top condition. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel means you don’t have to worry excessively about rust or degradation from moisture.

The only potential failure point for any choke tube, this one included, would be cross-threading during installation or attempting to force it into a non-compatible firearm. However, assuming correct installation and proper care, the build quality suggests a very long service life. There are no obvious weak points in its design that would suggest premature failure.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory that comes with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is a Choke Wrench. This is a crucial item for anyone who frequently swaps chokes, making the process significantly easier and safer than trying to use pliers or other makeshift tools. It provides excellent leverage for both tightening and loosening the choke.

Regarding customization, this particular model is a dedicated cylinder choke. Therefore, there are no user-adjustable features or interchangeable components on the choke tube itself. Its purpose is singular: to provide a fixed cylinder constriction. However, its compatibility with the Browning Invector Plus (+) Choke Tube System means it can be swapped with other Invector Plus chokes from Carlson’s or Browning, allowing for a range of constrictions depending on your shooting needs and discipline.

While no other accessories are included, the ability to easily interchange it with other Invector Plus tubes means you can tailor your shotgun’s performance on the fly. This is a standard feature of most modern choke systems and one that users of this product will appreciate for its flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder?

This choke tube is an excellent choice for any sporting clays or skeet shooter who uses a 20-gauge Browning shotgun with the Invector Plus system. It’s ideal for those who primarily shoot at closer ranges and want a predictable, wide pattern for effective target breaks. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills cylinder choke that performs consistently round after round, this model is a strong contender.

Those who should probably skip this specific choke tube are individuals using shotguns with different choke systems (e.g., Invector, Invector-DS, MobilChoke, or factory non-interchangeable barrels). Also, if your primary focus is on disciplines requiring tight patterns at extended ranges, such as trap shooting at longer distances or certain types of hunting, a cylinder choke might not be the optimal choice. For such scenarios, a skeet, improved cylinder, or modified choke would be more appropriate.

A must-have accessory for any choke tube is a quality choke tube cleaner and a small bottle of gun oil for maintenance. For those who own multiple choke tubes, a dedicated choke tube case or organizer is also highly recommended to prevent loss and damage.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Browning Invector Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder delivers exactly what it promises: reliable, consistent performance for the sporting clays enthusiast. Its construction from durable stainless steel ensures it will be a trusted part of your kit for years to come, and the USA manufacturing adds a layer of confidence. The included choke wrench is a thoughtful addition that enhances its usability right out of the box.

Considering its performance, durability, and price point, the value proposition is undeniable. It offers a significant upgrade in pattern consistency for a modest investment, making it an easy recommendation for its intended use. If you own a 20-gauge Browning with the Invector Plus system and are looking for a dedicated cylinder choke for sporting clays, this is a purchase you won’t regret. It’s a straightforward, effective tool that enhances your shooting experience without unnecessary complexity.