Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube Review

All About the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube: Start Here

When you’re chasing elusive gobblers, every ounce of performance from your shotgun matters, and that includes the choke. My search for a more consistent pattern for my Benelli M2 20 gauge led me directly to the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube. As an equipment specialist with over a decade of practical experience across varied environments, I’m always looking for enhancements that translate to tangible results. This particular choke tube from Carlson’s Choke Tubes promised improved ballistic performance specifically for turkey hunting, a pursuit where precise shot placement is paramount.

My previous choke was functional but lacked the specialized constriction needed for tight patterns at extended ranges, a common predicament when birds get wise. I considered a few other aftermarket options, but Carlson’s reputation for quality and their specific .580 constriction for turkey hunting made this model the standout choice. Out of the box, the initial impression was one of solid engineering; the 17-4 Stainless Steel construction felt robust, and the extended design hinted at ease of use and improved handling. It brought a sense of quiet optimism that this might just be the upgrade I needed to finally harvest that wary tom.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on a familiar outdoor range, set up to mimic typical turkey hunting scenarios with various target distances. I ran a variety of reputable 20-gauge turkey loads through it, focusing on brands known for their premium shot performance. The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube screwed in smoothly, seating perfectly into the Benelli Crio Plus system without any fuss.

Its performance was immediately noticeable; patterns tightened significantly, even at distances that previously showed frustrating stringing. I experienced zero issues with fit or function, and the extended portion offered a convenient grip for installation and removal. The choke’s non-ported design meant no added blast or concussion, keeping the shooting experience clean and comfortable, even with heavier loads.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several hunting seasons and countless practice sessions, this choke has proven its mettle. It’s become a permanent fixture on my 20-gauge Benelli for turkey season, and it consistently delivers tight, even patterns with my preferred loads. I’ve subjected it to the rigors of early morning dew, dusty field conditions, and even the occasional accidental drop on soft earth without any detrimental effects.

Durability is exceptional; there are no visible signs of wear on the internal constriction or the external finish. Cleaning is as simple as any other choke tube, requiring a quick wipe-down and a light application of lubricant to ensure smooth operation for future use. Compared to other chokes I’ve used, including some factory options, this extended turkey choke from Carlson’s offers superior, repeatable performance and a significant leap in reliability for critical hunting situations.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube

Specifications

The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube is meticulously crafted for the Benelli Crio Plus system, ensuring perfect compatibility. It boasts a dedicated Turkey choke type with a specific .580 constriction, a crucial factor for achieving dense patterns at longer ranges. The material is high-grade 17-4 Stainless Steel, offering excellent resistance to corrosion and wear, which is vital for outdoor equipment.

This extended choke tube protrudes slightly from the barrel, providing an easier grip for installation and removal, a small but significant ergonomic advantage. It is non-ported, which I personally prefer for turkey hunting as it avoids unnecessary muzzle blast that could potentially alert game or distract the shooter. Manufactured in the USA, it reflects a commitment to quality and domestic production.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – pattern density – the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube excels. It consistently produces exceptionally tight patterns with quality turkey ammunition, significantly extending effective range and increasing the probability of clean, humane harvests. This choke has transformed my 20-gauge from a capable medium-range tool into a formidable long-range gobbler getter.

The strengths are undeniable: superior pattern consistency and increased effective range. Its only minor weakness, if one can call it that, is that it is highly specialized; it’s not designed for general upland game or waterfowl. Using this choke for anything other than turkey hunting would result in overly tight patterns at close range, making it less versatile, but that’s precisely its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction gives the choke tube a reassuring heft and premium feel. Its black finish is durable and resists scratching from routine handling. The extended design not only aids in handling but also subtly alters the visual balance of the shotgun, which I found surprisingly comfortable during extended periods of carrying.

The knurled gripping surface on the extended portion ensures a secure purchase, even with cold or slightly damp hands. Installation and removal are straightforward, requiring no special tools beyond what’s typically included with a shotgun cleaning kit. There’s no discernible learning curve; it integrates seamlessly into the Benelli Crio Plus system.

Durability & Maintenance

Built from 17-4 Stainless Steel, this choke tube is designed for longevity and resistance to the elements. After extensive use, it shows no signs of pitting, corrosion, or structural compromise. The precise internal machining that defines its .580 constriction remains perfectly intact, indicating excellent durability.

Maintenance is minimal; a simple cleaning after each outing is sufficient. I’ve never experienced any issues with it seizing in the barrel, even after being exposed to various weather conditions. Its robust construction suggests it will last for many hunting seasons to come, making it a reliable long-term investment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube itself is the primary accessory for your shotgun, a direct upgrade to its ballistic capability. It comes as a single unit, with no additional accessories included, as its purpose is singular: to optimize turkey loads. It is specifically designed for the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system, meaning it’s not compatible with other Benelli systems like the standard Benelli or Mobilchoke.

While there are no further customization options for this specific choke tube, its compatibility with the wide range of specialized turkey ammunition available makes it a highly effective system. The emphasis here is on a specialized component performing its intended role at the highest level.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube?

This choke tube is an absolute must-have for any serious turkey hunter using a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke system. If you primarily hunt gobblers and aim for clean shots at moderate to longer distances, this Carlson’s model will dramatically improve your effectiveness. It’s for the shooter who understands the nuances of shotguns and wants to squeeze every bit of performance out of their 20-gauge for this specific application.

Conversely, if you own a Benelli with a different choke system (like Standard Benelli or Mobilchoke), this choke tube will not fit. Additionally, casual shotgun users or those who hunt a variety of game might find a more general-purpose choke tube more suitable. For optimal performance, I highly recommend pairing this choke with high-quality, dedicated turkey loads from manufacturers known for their bismuth or high-density shot offerings.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube

The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube is a precision instrument designed for a singular, critical purpose: bringing down turkeys with authority. Its 17-4 Stainless Steel construction, specific .580 constriction, and extended design coalesce into a product that delivers on its promises with remarkable consistency. For its price of $58.49, the performance boost it provides to a Benelli Crio Plus 20 gauge is exceptional value, transforming a good shotgun into a truly specialized turkey hunting machine.

I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any turkey hunter who owns a compatible Benelli shotgun. It’s a small investment that yields significant dividends in pattern performance and confidence in the field. If you’re looking to tighten your patterns and extend your effective range when pursuing springtime gobblers, this choke tube is an upgrade you won’t regret.