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

How the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Full Changed My Routine

As a seasoned gear enthusiast with a decade of diverse real-world experience, I’ve learned that sometimes the most impactful upgrades come from the smallest components. My quest for enhanced consistency and tighter patterns from my Benelli shotgun led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Full. This particular choke tube promised a distinct advantage for sporting clays, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

For years, I’d been relying on the factory-provided chokes, which, while adequate, left room for improvement, especially when breaking targets at longer distances. I found myself compensating for slightly wider patterns, and I knew there had to be a more precise solution. The desire for a more definitive constriction, specifically a full choke for those challenging longer shots, drove me to seek out aftermarket options.

My initial impression upon unboxing was positive. The choke tube felt substantial, a testament to its 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction. The black finish was uniform and appealing, and it exuded a sense of robust quality that immediately reassured me. While I briefly considered other brands, Carlson’s reputation for quality and their specific focus on shotgun performance made them my clear choice for this upgrade. A sense of quiet confidence settled in; I felt I had found the right tool for the job.

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

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Full was on a crisp autumn morning at my local sporting clays course. I fitted the choke tube into my Benelli, which was a straightforward process using the included Choke Wrench. The threading felt smooth, and it seated perfectly, a good sign of precise manufacturing.

I tested it across a variety of stations, from close-range presentations to those demanding reach. The performance was immediately noticeable; targets at the longer distances broke with a more decisive “pop.” The pattern density felt significantly improved, offering a greater sense of control and confidence with each shot. Even when I subjected it to a light dusting of clay dust and the occasional mist from dew-covered fields, the choke maintained its performance without a hitch.

The ease of use was a significant plus. Swapping it out before the round and then back to a more open choke for a simulated rabbit presentation was quick and painless. There were no surprises or quirks, just a seamless integration into my shooting routine. It felt like a natural extension of the firearm, delivering on its promise of enhanced performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and countless rounds on the sporting clays course, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Full has proven its mettle. It has held up exceptionally well to repeated use, exposure to the elements, and even the occasional bump against my gear bag. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, no cracks, and the constriction remains as precise as the day I installed it.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick clean with a bore snake and a light application of choke tube lubricant after each significant shooting session is all it requires. I haven’t encountered any issues with it seizing or becoming difficult to remove, which speaks volumes about its build quality.

When compared to the factory chokes I’ve used previously, this specific model from Carlson’s stands out. It offers a noticeable improvement in pattern performance and consistency that budget chokes often lack. It truly elevates the shooting experience for clay sports, making those challenging shots more achievable.

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

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Full is engineered with specific goals in mind, evident in its detailed specifications. It is constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity and durability in various conditions. This choke tube is designed for the Benelli Crio Plus system, guaranteeing a precise fit for compatible Benelli firearms.

The Full choke type is key to its intended performance, providing a tight constriction for extended range shots. Its specific diameter is listed as 0.595 in, which contributes to the enhanced pattern density desired for sporting clays. This is a single choke tube unit, and it comes complete with a Choke Wrench for easy installation and removal. The non-ported design contributes to its simplicity and reliability, focusing all the energy down the barrel.

These specifications translate directly into user benefits. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel means you can expect years of reliable service without worrying about rust or degradation, even with regular use in damp environments. The Benelli Crio Plus compatibility ensures a secure and accurate fit, preventing any inconsistencies that could arise from a poor mating. The Full constriction is precisely engineered to deliver the tightest patterns from the available options, which is crucial for breaking targets at greater distances on the sporting clays field. The inclusion of the Choke Wrench is a thoughtful addition, allowing for immediate use right out of the box.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Full is to deliver tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges, and it excels in this regard. For sporting clays, this translates into a higher percentage of broken targets at station distances where many competitors might struggle. The perceived increase in ballistic efficiency is remarkable; shots that previously might have been marginal now result in a clean break.

Its main strength lies in its ability to consistently throw dense patterns. This improved uniformity means more shot pellets reach the target, significantly increasing the probability of a successful break. The most significant weakness, if it can even be called that, is that it’s only a full choke; this limits its utility for closer shots where a more open choke would be beneficial. It meets and significantly exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, particularly when compared to standard factory chokes.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is straightforward and functional, prioritizing performance over ornate aesthetics. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel material not only provides durability but also gives the choke a solid, reassuring weight. The black finish is understated and professional, blending seamlessly with most shotgun aesthetics.

Ergonomically, it’s a simple component that installs into the firearm. Once properly seated, it becomes an integral part of the shotgun’s operation. There are no complex controls or surfaces to interact with beyond installation and removal. The clean, non-ported design contributes to its ease of handling and ensures that all gas pressure is directed towards projectile propulsion.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and my extended testing, this choke tube is built for the long haul. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel is highly resistant to wear and corrosion, suggesting it will last for many thousands of rounds. It’s designed for regular use and doesn’t require any special precautions beyond standard firearm care.

Maintenance is minimal. A periodic cleaning with a good quality bore solvent and a light application of lubricant is sufficient to keep the threads clean and functioning smoothly. I haven’t encountered any issues with carbon buildup or corrosion, even after shooting various types of ammunition. Its durability means it’s a one-time purchase for a significant performance upgrade.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Full comes with one essential accessory: a Choke Wrench. This simple tool is crucial for proper installation and removal without damaging the choke or the shotgun’s threads. Beyond this, there are no other included accessories, as the product is a singular component designed for a specific firearm system.

Customization, in this context, refers to selecting the right choke for the application. While this is a Full choke, Carlson’s offers a range of other chokes for the Benelli Crio Plus system, allowing users to tailor their shotgun’s performance to different shooting disciplines or conditions. This particular model is designed specifically for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns, so it’s not directly compatible with other Benelli choke systems or those from different manufacturers without an adapter, which is generally not recommended for performance-critical components like chokes.

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

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

This choke tube is an excellent choice for any serious sporting clays shooter who owns a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke system. If you find yourself consistently engaging targets at the outer limits of your effective range and want to improve your hit percentage, this is a worthwhile upgrade. It’s particularly beneficial for those who prioritize consistency and a denser shot pattern for better target breaks.

Shooters who primarily engage in close-quarters hunting or use their shotgun for tactical applications might find a Full choke too restrictive. They would be better served by more open choke constrictions like Improved Cylinder or Modified. For those shooters, exploring other options within Carlson’s range or from other manufacturers might be more appropriate.

For those looking to maximize their sporting clays experience, I highly recommend investing in a set of chokes to match various shooting scenarios. Having a Full choke in conjunction with an Improved Cylinder or Modified choke tube from Carlson’s would provide a comprehensive setup for virtually any sporting clays course.

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Full is a standout component that delivers on its promises. Its robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction and precise engineering for the Benelli Crio Plus system result in tangible performance gains on the sporting clays course. The ability to throw tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges significantly enhances a shooter’s effectiveness and confidence.

Considering its performance benefits, the price of approximately $58.49 is more than justified for the significant improvement it offers. It’s an investment that pays dividends in broken targets and a more enjoyable shooting experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any sporting clays enthusiast with a compatible Benelli shotgun who is looking to fine-tune their firearm for maximum performance. It’s a simple, effective upgrade that makes a real difference.