Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes Review

What Makes the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes Click?

When you’re chasing waterfowl, the difference between a cripple and a clean kill often comes down to the shot you send downrange. After years of trying various options, I found myself needing a more consistent pattern from my Benelli 20 gauge, particularly for those longer, wind-assisted shots common on the bay. This led me to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes. Crafted from robust 17-4 Stainless Steel, this choke tube promised improved shot delivery and the extended design offers a crucial advantage in sight picture and ease of installation. My initial impression upon holding it was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering; it felt substantial and well-finished, a good sign for something designed to withstand the rigors of repeated firing and outdoor exposure. While I briefly considered a standard flush-mount option from a lesser-known brand, the reputation of Carlson’s and the specific design for the Crio/Crio Plus system sealed the deal. It brought a sense of anticipation, a feeling that I had finally found a piece of equipment that might elevate my performance in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were the familiar patterns of a local waterfowl marsh during the pre-dawn chill. I mounted the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes onto my Benelli M2 20 gauge, and the extended section made threading it in by feel, even with numb fingers, remarkably straightforward. The first few shots were at stationary targets of various sizes at 30, 40, and 50 yards. The constriction, designed for optimal waterfowl loads, delivered noticeably tighter and more uniform patterns than my previous choke. Even with a light dusting of marsh grit on the firearm, the choke held its performance without any jamming or erratic firing. There were no immediate issues or surprises, only the quiet satisfaction of seeing predictable results downrange.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of a full hunting season, this particular choke tube became a permanent fixture on my shotgun. It endured countless rounds of various hunting ammunition, from lead BBs to heavier steel loads. Despite being exposed to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental drop onto soft ground (thankfully, not hard concrete), the 17-4 Stainless Steel construction showed no signs of wear beyond superficial cosmetic scratches. Cleaning was as simple as removing the choke tube and wiping it down with a bore snake and a light application of gun oil; the non-ported design made this process even quicker, as there were no ports to clog with fouling. Compared to previous choke tubes that sometimes required fiddling or showed signs of internal wear after heavy use, this Carlson’s model has proven itself to be remarkably durable and consistently reliable, easily outperforming some pricier alternatives I’ve used.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes is precisely engineered for Benelli firearms utilizing the Crio/Crio Plus choke system. Its construction from 17-4 Stainless Steel is a significant factor in its resilience and resistance to corrosion. The extended design means it protrudes roughly 3/4 of an inch from the barrel, which aids in easier installation and removal, as well as providing a more consistent sight picture. This choke tube is specifically a 20 Gauge model and is non-ported, contributing to its ease of cleaning and a quieter shooting experience. Each purchase is for a single choke tube, manufactured in the USA. The choice of Black finish offers a sleek, low-glare appearance that blends well with most shotgun stocks.

These specifications translate directly into user benefits. The 17-4 Stainless Steel ensures longevity and resistance to the pressures and heat generated by firing shotshells. The extended design makes a practical difference in how quickly and accurately you can swap chokes between different hunting situations or even between shots if necessary. The non-ported feature is a subtle but appreciated detail for hunters who dislike the extra noise and potential for debris accumulation associated with ported tubes.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – pattern control – the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes excels. It is designed to enhance shot pellet energy and uniformity downrange, which is crucial for ethical waterfowl hunting. I observed a marked improvement in pattern density at typical duck and goose ranges, with fewer “flyers” and a more consistent spread of shot. This translates directly into cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds, which is the ultimate goal for any responsible hunter.

The strengths of this choke tube lie in its predictable performance and durability. It consistently delivered tight patterns with my preferred waterfowl loads, be they steel or bismuth. Its weakness, if one could call it that, is its specialization; it’s specifically for the Benelli Crio/Crio Plus system, meaning it won’t fit other shotgun makes or models. For its intended purpose and platform, however, it meets and exceeds expectations, offering a noticeable upgrade over standard factory chokes.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes is a blend of functional necessity and thoughtful engineering. The black, non-reflective finish is practical for hunting, minimizing any potential glare that could spook wary birds. The extended portion is knurled just enough to provide a secure grip for hand-tightening or removal, but not so aggressive that it feels rough or snag-prone.

Ergonomically, the extended length is a boon. It allows for easier manipulation, especially when wearing gloves, and provides a visual cue that you’re running an aftermarket choke. The internal machining appears precise, contributing to the excellent pattern performance. There’s no real “learning curve” to using an extended choke tube; it’s designed to be a direct replacement, and this model fits that brief perfectly.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is where this choke tube truly shines. The 17-4 Stainless Steel is inherently strong and resistant to the corrosive effects of ammunition primers and atmospheric moisture. After extensive use, there were no signs of galling, cracking, or deformation.

Maintenance is commendably simple. Because it is non-ported, there are no small holes to get clogged with carbon or lead residue. A quick wipe-down with a cleaning patch and some solvent, followed by a light coat of oil, is usually sufficient to keep it in prime condition. This ease of maintenance is a significant advantage for hunters who are often in less-than-ideal cleaning conditions afield.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific product, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes, is essentially a single, specialized component. Therefore, it does not typically come with accessories. However, Carlson’s does offer a wide range of other choke tubes in different constrictions and for various firearm models, allowing for customization of your shotgun’s performance. The inherent customization here is the ability to select different constrictions for different shooting scenarios, though this particular model is focused on waterfowl distances.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes?

This choke tube is an ideal upgrade for any serious waterfowl hunter who owns a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio/Crio Plus choke system. If you shoot a 20 Gauge Benelli and are looking to maximize your effectiveness in the field, especially for those mid-to-long-range shots common in duck and goose hunting, this is a worthwhile investment. Hunters who appreciate ease of maintenance and a robust, reliable piece of equipment will find it particularly appealing.

Those who own Benelli shotguns with different choke systems (like MobilChoke or standard Benelli Invector) should look at Carlson’s other offerings. Similarly, if you primarily hunt smaller game at very close ranges, a more open choke might be preferable, but for waterfowl, this model is hard to beat. I’d recommend pairing it with high-quality waterfowl loads; while it works with many, premium ammunition often showcases its full potential.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 20 Gauge Delta Waterfowl Extended Choke Tubes is more than just an accessory; it’s a performance enhancer for the dedicated waterfowl hunter. Its robust construction from 17-4 Stainless Steel ensures it will withstand years of demanding use, while the extended, non-ported design offers practical advantages in handling and maintenance. The improvement in shot pattern consistency it provides is undeniable, leading to cleaner hunts and a more ethical approach to harvesting waterfowl. While its specificity to the Benelli Crio/Crio Plus system means it’s not a universal fit, for those who meet that criteria, it represents excellent value. If you’re looking to get the most out of your 20 Gauge Benelli in the duck blind or goose pit, this choke tube is a highly recommended upgrade that delivers tangible results.