Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder Review

Getting Up Close with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

My quest for a more consistent pattern with my 28-gauge Benelli often felt like chasing ghosts in a dense fog. Standard chokes, while serviceable, were leaving me wanting that extra bit of control, particularly on those challenging sporting clay targets. I’d been reading about aftermarket options, and the reputation of Carlson’s Choke Tubes for their quality and consistency, especially in specialized applications, piqued my interest. Specifically, the need for a cylinder choke designed for competitive shooting, ensuring maximum shot string spread without sacrificing pattern integrity at moderate ranges, led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder. I’d considered generic replacements, but the specificity of the Benelli Crio Plus system demanded a dedicated solution to avoid potential fitment issues or damage. My initial impression upon unboxing this cylinder choke was one of quiet confidence; the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel felt substantial and precisely machined, hinting at a durable and reliable performance. It was a moment of practical satisfaction, knowing I had a tool designed for a specific purpose, ready to be put through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder to the Test

First Use Experience

My maiden voyage with this Carlson’s choke tube was at my local sporting clays course. I’d installed it on my Benelli M2 28 gauge just before the first station, a moderately challenging driven bird target that often requires a wide pattern to break cleanly. The installation was straightforward, a testament to the precise threading that matches the Benelli Crio Plus system. On the first station, the difference was immediately apparent. The clays, previously requiring a near-perfect lead, seemed to “explode” with greater authority. Conditions were typical for late spring – mild temperatures with a gentle breeze, and no significant dust or moisture to challenge the choke’s materials. Its operation was entirely intuitive; it’s a choke tube, after all, but the immediate performance enhancement was a pleasant surprise, making me eager for the next target.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks have now turned into months, and this cylinder choke has become a permanent fixture on my 28-gauge Benelli for clays. I’ve put it through numerous sporting clay rounds, some involving back-to-back shooting on busy days, and it has held up remarkably well. There are absolutely no signs of wear and tear on the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel; no cracks, no stiffness, and certainly no drop in performance. Cleaning is as simple as expected: a quick wipe-down with a bore snake and a light application of gun oil after each outing keeps it pristine. Compared to the factory choke tube I used previously, this Carlson’s model consistently delivers a more uniform and effective pattern. While I haven’t experienced any catastrophic failures, the robust construction suggests it could handle far more demanding use than typical sporting clays require.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is engineered with a set of specifications clearly geared towards competitive shotgunning. It’s constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity even with frequent use and exposure to various elements. This choke tube is designed specifically for the Benelli Crio Plus shotgun system, guaranteeing a perfect fit and reliable function with compatible Benelli models. It’s a 28 gauge choke, meaning it’s tailored for this specific, lighter gauge shotgun. The Choke Type is Cylinder, which offers the widest possible pattern for a given load, ideal for close to medium-range targets common in sporting clays. The specified Diameter is 0.55 in, a standard measurement for a cylinder choke in this gauge. It’s a Non-Ported design, which is typical for sporting clay chokes where porting can sometimes alter shot string dynamics in unpredictable ways. Finally, it comes with a Choke Wrench for easy installation and removal, and it is proudly made in the USA.

These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits for the shooter. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel guarantees that this choke will resist the erosive effects of shot and powder residue, maintaining its precise dimensions over time. The Benelli Crio Plus specific fit means you won’t experience any wobble or issues that can arise from using ill-fitting chokes, ensuring consistent patterning. The Cylinder constriction, with its 0.55 in diameter, is the key to achieving that essential wide pattern for breaking clays consistently at typical sporting clay distances. Unlike more restrictive chokes that might be better suited for longer shots, the cylinder pattern minimizes the chance of missing a target because the shot payload is too concentrated. The absence of porting also means a cleaner aesthetic and a predictable performance profile, which is often preferred in competitive shooting where every variable is scrutinized.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – throwing a consistent and effective pattern – the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder excels. For sporting clays, where targets often present themselves at ranges from 15 to 35 yards, this cylinder choke delivers a beautifully open and even pattern. I’ve observed significantly fewer “flyers” or missed segments within the pattern compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes or less specialized aftermarket options. The clays consistently break into small pieces, indicating a well-formed shot string that envelops the target. This performance is precisely what one expects from a dedicated sporting clay choke.

Its main strength lies in its ability to consistently produce a wide, uniform pattern without compromising the integrity of the shot string. This translates directly into more broken targets. A potential area for improvement, though minor and perhaps subjective, is that the absolute tightest patterns you might achieve with a skeet or improved cylinder choke are not possible here, but that is inherent to the cylinder design and its intended purpose. For its intended application, it meets and exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point and the gains in target-breaking potential.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is a perfect marriage of function and form, prioritizing practical application. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel gives it a solid, well-machined feel, and the matte black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to reduce glare on the field. It feels robust and substantial without being overly heavy. The threading is crisp and precise, threading into my Benelli receiver with satisfying smoothness, indicative of tight manufacturing tolerances.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for its purpose: installation and function. The knurled section at the end is subtle but provides enough grip for hand-tightening and removal, though the included Choke Wrench makes securing it fully a breeze. There’s no learning curve; it simply works as intended once installed. The markings, though minimal, clearly indicate its constriction and gauge, which is all that’s needed.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, the durability of this choke tube is exceptionally high for its intended use. I anticipate this choke will easily last for tens of thousands of rounds, potentially outlasting the barrel it’s installed in, provided it’s properly maintained. Its resistance to corrosion and wear from shot is a significant advantage.

Maintenance is straightforward; a light cleaning with a standard bore solvent and a quality gun oil after each use is sufficient to keep it in peak condition. I’ve noticed no signs of fouling building up excessively or any specific areas that are difficult to clean. The primary concern with any choke tube is thread damage, but the robust construction and perfect fit with the Benelli Crio Plus system mitigate this risk considerably.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder comes with a key accessory: a Choke Wrench. This is essential for proper installation and removal, ensuring you can tighten the choke sufficiently for a secure fit and then remove it without excessive force. Beyond this, there are no other included accessories, and customization options for a choke tube itself are limited by its very nature.

However, its compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus system means it integrates seamlessly with a wide range of Benelli shotguns that utilize this proprietary threading. This compatibility is its primary “customization” feature – it allows Benelli owners to readily adopt a specialized choke designed for optimal performance in a discipline where shot patterns are paramount.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder?

This choke tube is an excellent investment for any sporting clays enthusiast who owns a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke system. If you regularly compete in or practice sporting clays and are looking to maximize your clay-breaking success, this is a must-have. It’s particularly beneficial for shooters using the 28-gauge, where pattern density and uniformity are critical for success at common clay distances.

Individuals who primarily engage in disciplines requiring very tight patterns at extended ranges, such as long-range waterfowl hunting or precise upland game shooting at distance, might find the Cylinder constriction too open for their needs. Those shooters would be better served by extended range chokes like Improved Cylinder, Modified, or even Full chokes. For those who purchase it, ensuring you have a good quality bore cleaner and a light gun oil for routine maintenance will keep this choke performing optimally for years.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is a straightforward, high-performance accessory that delivers precisely what it promises for the sporting clays shooter. Its robust construction from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel and its dedicated fit for the Benelli Crio Plus system ensure reliability and longevity. The performance gain in terms of consistent, wide patterns is undeniable, translating directly into more broken clays and a more enjoyable shooting experience.

At its price point of $58.49, this choke tube offers exceptional value, providing a significant upgrade over standard factory chokes for its intended purpose without requiring a hefty investment. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any sporting clays shooter who uses a compatible Benelli shotgun and wants to refine their performance. It’s a simple, effective upgrade that makes a real difference on the course, and for the dedicated clays competitor, it’s an easy decision.