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

Let Me Tell You About the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet

For any shotgun enthusiast, especially those who frequent the clay sports, the right choke tube can be the difference between a good day and a great one. I recently found myself in the market for a specialized choke for my Benelli, specifically for sporting clays and skeet, where pattern density and consistency are paramount. After sifting through a few options, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet caught my eye. It’s a purpose-built piece of equipment from Carlson’s, a brand I’ve come to trust over the years for their quality and innovation in shotgun accessories.

The need arose from a desire to tighten my shot patterns for those slightly longer clay targets without sacrificing too much on the closer presentations, a common balancing act in the sporting discipline. My old, generic choke was performing adequately, but I felt there was room for improvement, especially in the consistency of my patterns. I considered a slightly more open choke, but the “Skeet” designation on this Carlson’s model suggested a broader application that could handle both disciplines effectively. It arrived promptly, and my first impression was one of solid, well-machined craftsmanship.

First Use Experience

My initial foray with the Carlson’s choke was at my local clay range, under clear, crisp morning skies. I fitted it into my Benelli Crio Plus 20 gauge, and the installation was smooth; it threaded in with a satisfying precision, indicating a good manufacturing tolerance. I started with standard skeet loads, and the difference was immediately apparent on the patterning board. The dispersion was notably tighter and more uniform than with my previous choke, which is exactly what you want for those decisive second shots on errant clays.

During a full sporting clays round, I found myself appreciating the choke’s performance across a variety of target presentations. It handled the closer incomers with a respectable spread, preventing over-pelletization, while still delivering impressive patterns on the longer crossers and incomers. Even after a few hours of shooting, with the barrel warming up and exposure to typical range dust, the choke showed no signs of performance degradation. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet felt intuitive; there was no significant learning curve, just a simple swap and immediate positive results.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use across numerous sporting clays and skeet outings, this Carlson’s choke tube has become a staple in my range bag. I’ve subjected it to everything from the dry, dusty conditions of summer ranges to the slightly damp environments of early spring shoots, and it has held up admirably. There are no discernible cracks, no stiffness in the threading, and critically, no drop in pattern performance. It continues to deliver consistent, reliable patterns shot after shot.

Cleaning and maintenance are refreshingly straightforward. A quick clean with a bore snake and a light application of gun oil after each outing keeps it in pristine condition. Compared to some budget chokes I’ve used in the past, which could sometimes exhibit slight wear marks or require more frequent attention, this Carlson’s model feels built to last. It truly performs on par with, if not exceeding, the performance I’ve experienced with other premium choke tubes in its class.

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

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is a finely tuned component designed for specific shotgun platforms. It is manufactured from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material renowned for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, making it ideal for the harsh environment inside a shotgun barrel. This particular choke is designed for the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system, ensuring a precise fit for compatible Benelli shotguns.

The gauge it’s built for is the 20 Gauge, a popular choice for its balance of power and manageability. As its name suggests, this is a Skeet choke type, meaning it provides a slightly more open pattern than a Cylinder bore, optimized for the close-range targets common in skeet shooting while also offering excellent performance for sporting clays. The diameter is listed at 0.62 inches, which translates to a specific constriction designed for effective patterning at typical skeet and sporting clay distances. It is Non-Ported, meaning it lacks the vents found on some chokes, which can sometimes affect shot string and recoil management, though for clay sports, this is generally a non-issue for pattern quality. The choke is a single unit, sold as a Quantity: 1, and comes with a Choke Wrench for easy installation and removal. Its sleek Black finish not only looks good but also offers a layer of protection. This entire piece of precision engineering is proudly made in the USA.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet absolutely delivers. Its Skeet constriction is perfectly calibrated for its intended purpose, providing excellent pattern density at the distances typically encountered in both skeet and sporting clays. I found the patterns to be consistently tight and evenly distributed, with very few flyers. This uniformity translates directly into better target acquisition and break percentages.

The strengths of this choke are its exceptional pattern consistency and its versatility across the two disciplines it’s designed for. It excels at breaking closer targets without blowing them apart and maintains sufficient pattern integrity for targets at slightly extended ranges. A minor consideration, rather than a weakness, is that for very long-range sporting clay targets, a tighter choke might be preferred, but for its intended role, it performs admirably. It meets and often exceeds expectations for a specialized choke tube in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is focused on function and durability. The use of 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel gives it a substantial, well-built feel. It’s not flimsy; it feels like a component that can withstand repeated firing and the rigors of being swapped in and out. The Black finish is applied smoothly and evenly, giving it a professional look that complements most shotguns.

Ergonomically, the choke itself is designed to be installed and removed using the provided choke wrench, which is a standard and effective method. The threading is precise, ensuring it seats correctly without any wobble or difficulty. There’s no real “ergonomic” aspect to the choke itself as it sits within the barrel, but its precise fit contributes to a seamless user experience. The Non-Ported design keeps the external profile simple and snag-free.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, I anticipate this choke tube will have an exceptionally long lifespan under normal usage. I’ve seen stainless steel components endure harsh conditions for decades, and this is no exception. It resists fouling exceptionally well, and even after a day of shooting, the lead and plastic residue cleans off with minimal effort.

Maintenance is minimal. A brush and solvent for the interior, and a light wipe-down for the exterior, are all that’s generally needed. The USA manufacturing is a good indicator of quality control. I haven’t encountered any failure points, and I don’t foresee any common issues like cracking or thread stripping with responsible use. It’s built for the long haul.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is a component that typically stands alone. The primary accessory included is the Choke Wrench, which is essential for installation and removal. Beyond that, this particular choke is designed for the Benelli Crio Plus system, meaning its compatibility is specific to Benelli shotguns utilizing this system.

There are no direct “customization options” for the choke tube itself once purchased, as it’s a fixed constriction. However, the broader customization comes from owning multiple chokes for different shooting disciplines or conditions. This Skeet choke, specifically, is part of a larger lineup from Carlson’s that allows shooters to choose the exact pattern they need for their particular firearm and application. It’s built to integrate seamlessly with its designated shotgun platform.

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

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

This choke tube is an excellent choice for any shooter who owns a compatible Benelli shotgun (one that uses the Benelli Crio Plus system) and participates regularly in sporting clays or skeet. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking to enhance their target acquisition and break percentages at common clay game distances. If you’re a serious clay enthusiast or someone looking to improve their scores with a reliable and well-made component, this choke is a strong contender.

Conversely, shooters with Benelli shotguns that do not use the Crio Plus system, or those who primarily shoot waterfowl or other hunting scenarios requiring different pattern densities (like Improved Cylinder or Modified), would need to look at other choke tube options. Those seeking a choke for extreme long-range shooting might also find this specific Skeet constriction too open. A must-have accessory is the choke wrench that comes with it; if you lose it, you’ll need a replacement to easily service your choke.

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet stands out as a top-tier accessory for the discerning clay shooter. Its robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, coupled with precise manufacturing and a well-thought-out Skeet constriction, delivers consistently excellent patterning performance. For its price point, the value is undeniable, offering a significant upgrade in performance for any compatible Benelli shotgun owner.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any clay sports shooter who uses a Benelli with the Crio Plus system. It’s a reliable, durable, and highly effective component that will undoubtedly help you break more targets. If you’re looking to refine your shotgun’s performance for sporting clays and skeet, this Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is an investment that will pay dividends in improved scores and greater shooting enjoyment.