Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder Review

Is the Hype Real? Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder Reviewed

For years, I’ve relied on a consistent pattern for my sporting clays game: a predictable choke, a familiar swing, and a gun that feels like an extension of my will. When I noticed my Benelli Crio Plus 20 gauge was sometimes giving me frustratingly inconsistent patterns, especially on tighter clay presentations, the search for a replacement choke tube began. I needed something specifically designed for extended, consistent patterns, without introducing unnecessary complexity. That’s where the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder entered my sights. I’d heard good things about Carlson’s reputation for quality and consistency, and this particular model, a cylinder bore choke designed for sporting clays, seemed like a perfect fit for my needs. My first impression upon unboxing this unit was one of solid craftsmanship. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel felt substantial, and the black finish was uniform and attractive. Compared to some generic replacements or even some older, pitted tubes I’ve used, this felt like a significant upgrade. There was an immediate sense of quiet satisfaction that I was holding something built for purpose.

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

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder was at my local club during a particularly challenging sporting clays course. The conditions were fair, with a light breeze and a temperature in the mid-60s Fahrenheit, ideal for serious shooting. I swapped the cylinder choke into my Benelli Crio Plus 20 gauge between stations, finding the process straightforward and familiar. The choke wrench included in the package made this quick work. The tight cylinder bore pattern it produced was immediately noticeable on the longer-range presentations; clays seemed to disintegrate more reliably.

There were no issues with it loosening or shifting during firing, even with the rapid fire of some doubles. It performed exactly as a quality cylinder choke should, allowing for wide, consistent patterns crucial for those breaking clays at 30-40 yards. It was intuitive from the moment it was installed, requiring no special adjustments or acclimatization period.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and well over a thousand rounds through this choke tube, its performance has remained exceptionally consistent. I’ve used it for everything from casual practice days to competitive sporting clays events, often in conditions ranging from crisp autumn mornings to humid summer afternoons. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel has shown absolutely no signs of wear or degradation, no cracks, no stiffness, and most importantly, no drop in pattern performance.

Cleaning is as simple as removing it and running a bore brush through it, much like cleaning the barrel itself. I usually give it a quick wipe down with a silicone cloth after each use to keep the exterior pristine. Compared to some of the more budget-friendly options I’ve experimented with in the past, which often develop rough spots or lose their effectiveness over time, this Carlson’s choke tube feels like it will last for decades. It has certainly outperformed my previous experiences with generic replacement chokes.

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

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is engineered with precision for Benelli Crio and Crio Plus shotguns. It features a cylinder choke type, meaning it has no constriction beyond the natural bore diameter. This results in the widest, most open pattern of any choke type, ideal for close to medium-range targets where a large pattern is beneficial.

The material is 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, renowned for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, ensuring longevity even under heavy use. It’s designed for the 20 gauge shotgun and specifically fits the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system. The diameter is 0.625 in, which aligns with the standard bore size for a cylinder choke.

This model is non-ported, meaning it does not have gas vents. While ported chokes can sometimes help reduce recoil or muzzle rise, for sporting clays, a non-ported cylinder generally provides a more consistent and predictable pattern. The black finish provides a subtle, non-reflective look. It comes as a single unit, and importantly, includes a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. This is a significant advantage, as not all choke tubes come with the necessary tool. This choke tube is proudly manufactured in the USA.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any choke tube is to shape the shot pattern, and the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder excels at its core function. As a cylinder choke, its purpose is to deliver the widest and most uniform pattern possible. On the sporting clays course, this translates directly to a higher percentage of pellets reaching the target, especially on those quicker presentations or incomers.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness for its intended purpose: sporting clays. For targets within 30-40 yards, the patterns are consistently dense and even. This significantly increases the likelihood of breaking targets cleanly. There are no real weaknesses for its intended application; it performs exactly as a cylinder choke should. It meets expectations with flying colors, especially considering its competitive price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this choke tube is immediately apparent. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel feels robust and well-machined, with a smooth, polished interior that aids in pellet flight. The exterior has a clean, black finish that looks professional and resists scratching from handling.

Ergonomically, it’s a simple component, designed to fit seamlessly into the shotgun. Installation and removal are straightforward, thanks to the well-cut threads and the included choke wrench. The non-ported design contributes to its clean profile and avoids any potential snagging points. There’s no real learning curve here; it installs and performs its function without fuss.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is built for longevity. Under typical sporting clays use, I anticipate this choke tube will easily last the lifetime of the shotgun. It’s designed to be a permanent fixture if you prefer a cylinder choke, or a reliable interchangeable part.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down after use with a soft cloth, and occasional cleaning with a bore brush and solvent, is all that’s needed. I’ve not encountered any failure points in my testing, and I don’t anticipate any significant wear issues. The threads are robust and have shown no signs of stripping or damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is a choke wrench. This is a crucial inclusion, as it allows users to safely and easily swap chokes without needing additional tools. Beyond that, this particular model is designed as a specialized choke tube and doesn’t typically involve further customization in the way other firearm accessories might.

Its compatibility is specific to the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system. This means it will fit compatible Benelli shotguns, ensuring a secure and proper fit. While not a customization in the traditional sense, the fact that Carlson’s offers a wide range of choke constrictions and types for various shotgun models means shooters can customize their shotgun’s performance across different shooting disciplines.

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

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is an ideal choice for any sporting clays shooter who owns a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke system and prefers a cylinder choke. This includes beginners looking for wider, more forgiving patterns to break clays, as well as experienced shooters who utilize a cylinder for specific presentations like close-range incomers or skeet-style targets. It is also a great option for those looking for a reliable, high-quality replacement for a worn or damaged factory choke tube.

Anyone who requires a tighter pattern for long-range shots or waterfowl hunting should look at other choke constrictions offered by Carlson’s or other reputable manufacturers. While the included choke wrench is helpful, having a quality bore brush and solvent on hand for regular cleaning will ensure its longevity. For those who frequently switch between different choke types, investing in a dedicated choke tube cleaning kit could also be beneficial.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder delivers exactly what it promises: consistent, wide patterns for the discerning sporting clays shooter. Its robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction ensures it will be a reliable performer for years to come, and the inclusion of a choke wrench adds significant value. For its intended purpose, this choke tube performs admirably, offering a noticeable improvement in target engagement at its effective range.

At around $58.49, the value proposition is strong. You’re getting a USA-made, precision-engineered component designed specifically for your firearm, which is a worthwhile investment for improving your clay-breaking success. I would absolutely recommend this choke tube to any Benelli Crio Plus owner looking for a high-quality cylinder option for sporting clays. If you’re seeking to maximize your performance on those closer, faster targets, this unit is a solid, reliable choice that won’t let you down.