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

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

For years, my go-to rig for tight sporting clay setups involved a carefully selected set of choke tubes that offered a balance of constriction and pattern density. However, after a particularly frustrating season of inconsistent performance with my older tubes on my Benelli, the need for a specific upgrade became undeniable. I was seeking something that would reliably tighten the pattern just enough for those mid-range birds without sacrificing too much spread for closer targets, a delicate dance on the sporting clays course. After much deliberation, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified caught my eye. It promised enhanced consistency and was built for the Crio Plus system, which is crucial for my particular Benelli shotgun.

The initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel felt substantial and well-machined, a significant step up from some of the lesser-quality tubes I’d encountered. The black finish offered a sleek, professional look, and it came with a handy choke wrench, which is always a welcome inclusion. I had considered some other brands, but Carlson’s reputation for producing reliable aftermarket shotgun accessories, coupled with the specific fit for the Benelli Crio Plus system, ultimately steered my decision. My first reaction was a quiet sense of optimism; this choke tube felt like it was built to perform.

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

First Use Experience

My maiden voyage with this Improved Modified choke tube was on a crisp autumn morning at my local sporting clays course. The weather was clear, with a light breeze, conditions that usually favor consistent performance. I installed the choke tube on my Benelli Crio Plus 28 gauge, which felt like a glove – a snug, secure fit with no wobble whatsoever.

The first few stations involved typical sporting clays presentations: rising crossers, driven targets, and incomers. From the outset, I noticed a distinct improvement in pattern tightness at the expected ranges for an Improved Modified. Birds that I might have chipped or lost with my previous setup were now breaking cleanly. The performance remained remarkably consistent across various target presentations, even when I wasn’t in perfect position.

There were no immediate issues or surprises; the choke tube simply performed as advertised. Its ease of use was immediately apparent; screwing it in and out with the provided wrench was straightforward, and it locked into place with a satisfying click. The non-ported design meant a slightly quieter shooting experience compared to some ported alternatives, which I appreciated throughout the day.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months and countless rounds on the sporting clays course, this Carlson’s choke tube has proven its mettle. It has been subjected to the rigors of frequent use, including exposure to dust, a light drizzle on a couple of occasions, and the usual temperature fluctuations of outdoor shooting. Despite this varied exposure, its performance has remained exceptionally consistent.

I have not observed any significant wear and tear on the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. The black finish, while not immune to the occasional scuff from range bag contact, has held up admirably. There are no visible cracks, no stiffness in its threading, and most importantly, no discernible drop in pattern performance.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick clean with a bore snake and a light application of a quality gun lubricant after each session is all that’s needed. I make sure to unscrew and check it periodically, especially after exposure to moisture, to prevent any potential corrosion. Compared to some of the generic choke tubes I’ve used in the past, this Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified choke tube feels like a more robust and reliable component. It has certainly outperformed my expectations for long-term durability.

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

Specifications

Let’s delve into the details that make this choke tube stand out. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a name synonymous with quality shotgun accessories. It’s crafted from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material chosen for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, ensuring it can withstand the pressures of firing and environmental elements. The choke tube is specifically designed for the Benelli Crio Plus system and is chambered in 28 gauge, making it a perfect fit for compatible Benelli shotguns.

The choke constriction is Improved Modified, offering a pattern density that is tighter than a Modified choke but more open than an Improved Cylinder. This specific constriction is ideal for sporting clays, providing effective shot delivery at intermediate distances without overly compromising pattern spread. The diameter of 0.535 inches is precisely engineered for the 28 gauge bore, and the choke tube itself is non-ported, which can contribute to a smoother shooting experience with less perceived recoil and noise. This choke tube comes as a single unit, a quantity of 1, and includes a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. It’s proudly made in the USA.

These specifications are not just technical jargon; they translate directly into tangible benefits on the range. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel ensures that this choke tube will last for years, resisting the wear and tear of repeated firing and cleaning. The precise diameter and Benelli Crio Plus compatibility mean a perfect fit, eliminating any concerns about gas escaping around the seal, which can affect pattern consistency. The Improved Modified constriction is a sweet spot for many sporting clay targets, offering a good balance for various presentations. Finally, its non-ported design contributes to a cleaner shooting experience, which is always a plus.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – shaping the shot pattern – the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified excels. Its Improved Modified constriction consistently delivers dense, even patterns at the intended ranges for sporting clays. I’ve observed a noticeable increase in clean breaks on targets compared to my previous choke tubes, particularly on those slightly farther away or those requiring a precise shot.

The main strength of this choke tube is its pattern consistency. Whether I’m using target loads or specific sporting clays ammunition, the patterns remain remarkably uniform, which instills confidence with every shot. Another significant strength is its perfect fit with the Benelli Crio Plus system; there’s no looseness or gas leakage, which is paramount for reliable performance.

A potential area where some shooters might seek an alternative is if they require a more open pattern for very close targets or a significantly tighter pattern for extremely long shots. While the Improved Modified is versatile, it doesn’t offer the extreme ends of the choke spectrum. However, for the vast majority of sporting clays scenarios, its performance is more than adequate, meeting and often exceeding expectations for its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is purely functional, which is exactly what you want in a choke tube. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel gives it a robust feel, and the black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, reducing glare. The machining is precise, with clean threads that engage smoothly with the shotgun’s barrel.

Ergonomically, it’s a piece of equipment that you install and forget about, which is the highest compliment. The knurled exterior band provides just enough grip for easy handling when screwing it in or out with your fingers or the included choke wrench. There’s no real learning curve; it’s a simple screw-in component.

Practical design details like the clear ‘IM’ marking etched onto the exterior are invaluable for quickly identifying the choke when transitioning between stations. The non-ported design is a deliberate choice that contributes to its clean lines and straightforward functionality.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, this choke tube is built for longevity. Under normal sporting clays use, I anticipate it will last for many years, potentially decades, without significant degradation. It’s designed to withstand the high pressures generated by shotgun shells and the rigors of cleaning.

Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe-down after each shooting session and occasional cleaning with a solvent and bore brush keeps it in optimal condition. It’s important to ensure the threads are clean and lightly lubricated to prevent galling or seizing, a good practice for any screw-in choke tube.

The primary potential point of concern, common to all choke tubes, is ensuring it’s properly tightened before firing to prevent gas leakage. However, with the precise Benelli Crio Plus fit, this is less of a worry than with some universal systems. I haven’t experienced any failures, but keeping the threads clean is key to preventing any future issues.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is a choke wrench. This simple but effective tool makes installation and removal effortless, ensuring you can switch chokes quickly between shots or stations if needed. It’s a thoughtful inclusion that adds immediate value.

In terms of customization, this choke tube is designed for a specific shotgun system. While it’s not something you’d “customize” like a firearm’s grip or sights, its beauty lies in its specialized fit. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly with the Benelli Crio Plus system, meaning you don’t need adapter rings or worry about compatibility issues. If you have a different Benelli model or choke system, you would need to look for a different Carlson’s choke tube.

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

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

This choke tube is an excellent choice for any shooter who owns a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke system and participates in sporting clays, skeet, or trap shooting. If you’re looking to refine your pattern for mid-range targets and achieve more consistent breaks, this Improved Modified choke is a significant upgrade. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate precision engineering and materials that promise longevity.

Those who should probably skip this product are Benelli owners with older choke systems (like Mobil or Standard Benelli) or owners of shotguns from other manufacturers. If your primary focus is hunting where extremely wide or extremely tight patterns are paramount, you might need a different choke constriction altogether. For those using this choke, ensuring you have a good quality cleaning kit and a reliable choke wrench (which is included) are the only must-haves to keep it performing optimally.

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is, without a doubt, a stellar performer for its intended purpose. Its robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, coupled with the precise Benelli Crio Plus fit, translates into reliable and consistent patterning that instills confidence on the sporting clays course. The Improved Modified constriction strikes a perfect balance for a wide variety of clay targets, and the non-ported design adds to a comfortable shooting experience.

At its price point of $58.49, this choke tube offers exceptional value, providing performance and durability often found in more expensive alternatives. I would readily recommend it to any Benelli Crio Plus owner seeking to enhance their shotgun’s performance for clay sports. It’s a straightforward, effective upgrade that delivers tangible results, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious shooter.