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

Deep Dive into the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet

For any shotgun enthusiast, especially those gravitating towards the nuanced discipline of clay shooting, the right choke tube is more than just a component; it’s a critical extension of skill. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is designed to be precisely that – a refined piece of equipment for discerning shooters. As someone who’s spent over a decade putting gear through its paces across a spectrum of demanding environments, I approached this particular choke tube with a seasoned eye, looking for the subtle advantages that translate into tangible performance on the range.

My own journey to this specific choke tube was born from a desire to wring every bit of potential out of my 28-gauge Benelli, particularly for sporting clays and skeet. I’d been using a more generalized choke, and while it performed adequately, I felt there was an opportunity for enhanced pattern consistency and a more refined shot dispersal for closer, faster targets common in these disciplines. The standard offerings were functional, but I sought something that specifically catered to the open patterns required for skeet and the broader coverage needed for early sporting clay stations.

Upon initial inspection, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet presents itself with a quiet confidence. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction feels robust and precisely machined, hinting at a dedication to quality. It carries a satisfying weight, not overly heavy but substantial enough to feel durable. The matte black finish is subtle and practical, avoiding any flashy distractions.

While I considered a few other brands known for aftermarket choke tubes, the specific compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus system and the clear designation for Sporting Clay and Skeet use made Carlson’s the most logical choice. My initial impression was one of understated quality – a tool built for purpose, without unnecessary embellishments. It offered a sense of immediate relief, knowing I was fitting a component designed to enhance, rather than merely replace, the existing capability of my firearm.

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

My testing grounds for this choke tube were primarily the skeet and sporting clay fields. This involved countless rounds fired across various shooting stations, simulating the dynamic target presentations these disciplines demand. I specifically focused on its performance at closer ranges, where skeet targets are typically engaged, and the initial targets presented on sporting clay courses.

The choke performed admirably under repeated firing, even in less-than-ideal conditions. I experienced a light drizzle during one outing, and the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of corrosion or performance degradation. It was also subjected to the inevitable dusty conditions of a gravel range during practice sessions, and cleanup remained straightforward.

Ease of installation was a pleasant surprise. Given that it’s a specific fit for the Benelli Crio Plus system, it threaded in smoothly and seated perfectly. There was no discernible wiggle or looseness, which is always a primary concern with any firearm component. My only initial quirk was remembering to torque it to the manufacturer’s recommended specification, which is a standard but important step for optimal performance and safety.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, averaging two range days a week, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet has proven itself to be a reliable performer. Its consistent pattern delivery has become a familiar comfort, allowing me to focus more on my shooting mechanics rather than the performance of my equipment. I have not encountered any signs of premature wear, such as thread damage, internal scoring, or external marring, despite its regular installation and removal for pattern testing with different loads.

Maintenance has been minimal, primarily consisting of a quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth after each outing and a more thorough cleaning with a bore snake and choke tube cleaner every few weeks. The non-ported design simplifies cleaning, as there are no ports to become clogged with powder residue. Compared to some budget choke tubes I’ve used in the past, which sometimes developed slight looseness or showed noticeable pattern degradation after extensive use, this Carlson’s model has maintained its integrity and performance remarkably well.

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

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is engineered with specific dimensions and materials to optimize performance in its intended roles. It is crafted from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material chosen for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, which is crucial for a component exposed to repeated firing and varying environmental conditions. This particular choke tube features a Skeet constriction, which translates to an open pattern designed for close-range targets.

The diameter is precisely measured at 0.547 inches, which is standard for a skeet choke in a 28-gauge shotgun using the Benelli Crio Plus system. This specific diameter is fundamental to achieving the desired shot dispersal. It is designed to fit Benelli Crio Plus choke tube systems, ensuring a perfect fit and seal within compatible Benelli shotguns. The black color is a practical, non-reflective finish that blends well with most shotgun barrels.

The quantity is listed as 1, meaning you receive a single choke tube. A key feature is that it is Non-Ported, meaning it lacks the gas-escape ports found on some competition chokes; this simplifies cleaning and is preferred by many for a cleaner aesthetic and consistent performance. It is manufactured in the USA, a mark of quality for many firearm enthusiasts.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is to deliver consistent, open patterns at close to medium ranges, ideal for skeet and the initial stages of sporting clays. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. My pattern tests with various 28-gauge loads consistently showed a broad, even spread of shot, ensuring that targets presented at typical skeet distances were reliably broken.

Its strength lies in its predictable pattern density. The open constriction ensures that the shot is not overly concentrated, which is vital for skeet where targets are often engaged at close quarters and a tighter pattern could result in missing altogether. The non-ported design contributes to this by preventing any potential alteration of gas flow that could affect pellet flight. A minor point for consideration, though not a weakness, is that for very tight targets at extreme sporting clay distances, a slightly more restrictive choke might be preferred, but for its intended skeet and close sporting clay applications, it excels.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Carlson’s choke tube is focused on functionality and durability. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel gives it a premium feel, suggesting it’s built to last. The matte black finish is understated and resists glare, which is a practical consideration in bright shooting conditions.

Ergonomically, it’s a choke tube – its ‘feel’ is primarily when installing and removing it. The machining is precise, allowing for smooth threading into the barrel. The knurled section at the muzzle end, while subtle, provides just enough grip for hand-tightening or removal when needed, though the included choke wrench is recommended for proper installation and removal, especially when hot. There’s no real learning curve here; it’s a drop-in component that works as expected.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction and the non-ported design, durability is a significant asset. I anticipate this choke tube will last for many, many thousands of rounds under normal shooting conditions. The material is inherently resistant to wear and corrosion, and the lack of ports means fewer potential points for carbon buildup or stress fractures.

Maintenance is straightforward: a quick wipe-down with a solvent-soaked cloth to remove powder residue and a light application of a lubricant for the threads before reinstallation is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning, a standard choke tube brush works effectively. There are no complex parts to worry about; it’s a solid piece of machined metal. I haven’t encountered any failure points, and given the quality of materials and construction, I don’t foresee any significant concerns regarding its longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet comes with one essential accessory: a Choke Wrench. This tool is crucial for proper installation and removal, especially when the choke tube is warm from firing. While the choke tube itself is designed for a specific purpose and isn’t directly customizable in terms of its constriction or material, its compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus system means it’s part of a broader ecosystem of shotgun accessories.

Beyond the included wrench, there aren’t really ‘customization options’ for the choke tube itself in the traditional sense. Its value lies in its fixed Skeet constriction and its compatibility with specific shotgun models. However, its effectiveness can be enhanced by pairing it with appropriate ammunition; lighter, faster loads often perform optimally with open chokes like this one.

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

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

This choke tube is an excellent choice for sporting clay and skeet shooters who own a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke tube system. If you primarily shoot 28-gauge and find yourself engaging targets at closer distances, this choke will significantly enhance your performance. It’s ideal for individuals who appreciate the precision and reliability of quality firearm components and seek to optimize their shotgun for specific disciplines.

However, this choke tube is not for you if you shoot disciplines requiring tighter patterns, such as trap or longer-range sporting clay stations, or if your shotgun does not use the Benelli Crio Plus system. Those looking for a multi-choke set with various constrictions will need to explore other options. For those who fit the intended profile, I’d also recommend ensuring you have a good supply of quality 28-gauge ammunition suitable for clay shooting to fully leverage the choke’s capabilities.

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is a testament to focused engineering for a specific purpose. It delivers precisely what it promises: consistent, open patterns that are crucial for success in skeet and the early stages of sporting clays. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, coupled with the non-ported design, ensures both durability and ease of maintenance, while the Made in USA tag speaks to its quality manufacturing.

At its price point of $58.49, it offers outstanding value for money, providing a significant performance upgrade for Benelli Crio Plus users without breaking the bank. While its specificity means it won’t suit every shotgunner, for the intended audience, it’s an easy recommendation. If you shoot skeet or close-range sporting clays with a compatible Benelli, upgrading to this Carlson’s choke tube is a sensible investment that will likely improve your hit ratio and overall shooting enjoyment.