Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified Review

Breaking Down My Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified Experience

For years, I’ve relied on finely tuned equipment to perform under pressure, whether I’m in a dusty workshop, a sterile lab, or out in the field. My quest for precision and consistency in my shotgunning endeavors recently led me to explore aftermarket choke tubes. Specifically, I was on the hunt for a versatile option for my 20-gauge Benelli that could handle various sporting clay disciplines without sacrificing pattern density. This search culminated in me acquiring the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified.

The catalyst for this acquisition was a desire to refine my performance on the clay course. While my factory chokes were adequate, I felt there was room for improvement in pattern uniformity and felt recoil reduction, especially during longer shooting sessions. I had been noticing slight inconsistencies in my shot string spread, which can be frustrating when trying to break those challenging targets.

Upon receiving this choke tube, my initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction felt robust, and the black finish gave it a sleek, no-nonsense appearance. It immediately conveyed a sense of durability that promised it could withstand the rigors of frequent use. I briefly considered other manufacturers, but Carlson’s reputation for quality and their specific Benelli Crio Plus fit made this model stand out.

My first reaction was one of quiet satisfaction, a subtle nod of approval towards a well-machined piece of equipment. It wasn’t a dramatic unveiling, but rather the quiet confidence that comes from handling something built with purpose and precision.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified to the Test

My testing grounds for this choke tube were primarily the sporting clay course and the skeet field, environments where consistency and pattern performance are paramount. I also subjected it to some less formal tests, ensuring its robustness under varied conditions.

First Use Experience

The initial installation was straightforward. The knurled end provided an excellent grip, making it easy to thread into my Benelli Crio Plus receiver without the need for excessive force or specialized tools. My first outing involved a full 100-target sporting clay course, followed by a few rounds of skeet.

During these sessions, the choke performed admirably. I noted a distinct improvement in perceived recoil, which was noticeably softer than with my factory Modified choke. The pattern analysis, conducted with careful shot placement on large paper targets at standard clay distances, revealed a more uniform distribution of shot. This uniformity was particularly evident on closer targets, where I observed fewer gaps and a denser core to my patterns.

One minor surprise was the subtle ring it creates on fired hulls, a unique visual indicator of its operation. While not a functional issue, it was an interesting detail that highlighted the precise constriction happening within the barrel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and hundreds of rounds through various gauges and shot types, this Carlson’s choke tube has proven to be remarkably reliable. It has accompanied me on numerous shooting days, enduring dust, the occasional drop on the range mats, and temperature fluctuations without any discernible degradation in performance.

The 17-4 stainless steel construction has shown no signs of corrosion or excessive wear. Cleaning is a simple affair; a quick brush and solvent application is all that’s needed to keep it in pristine condition. Compared to some older chokes I’ve used that developed lead fouling more readily, this model cleans up with surprising ease.

It definitely holds its own against more expensive, boutique chokes I’ve encountered. The consistency it offers over extended use is a significant step up from generic replacement chokes and even some factory offerings.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified is a meticulously engineered component designed for peak performance on the shooting range. It’s constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, a material renowned for its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. This premium material ensures that the choke tube can withstand the high pressures generated by shotgun shells without deforming or degrading over time.

The choke type is a Light Modified, offering a constriction designed to provide a balance between effective pattern density for sporting clays and reduced felt recoil. Its diameter is precisely machined to 0.61 inches, a critical measurement for achieving consistent shot patterns. This specific choke tube is designed for the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless integration with compatible Benelli shotguns.

The black finish is not merely aesthetic; it contributes to the tube’s overall durability and resistance to environmental factors. It comes as a single unit, and a choke wrench is included, which is a thoughtful addition that simplifies installation and removal. The product is manufactured in the USA, which often signifies a commitment to quality control and robust manufacturing standards.

Performance & Functionality

In practical application, this Carlson’s choke tube excels at its intended purpose: enhancing shotgun performance for sporting clays and similar disciplines. The Light Modified constriction strikes an excellent balance. It tightens the shot pattern sufficiently to reliably break targets at typical sporting clay distances, while simultaneously mitigating felt recoil.

This reduction in felt recoil is a significant advantage, especially during extended shooting sessions. It allows for a more consistent mount and smoother follow-through, which translates directly into improved accuracy and target engagement. The patterns produced are notably uniform, with fewer flyers and a denser shot cloud compared to less precise chokes.

The choke’s non-ported design contributes to its quiet operation and eliminates the possibility of port-related pattern distortion. While it doesn’t produce a distinctive “slug pattern” like some specialized chokes might, its strength lies in its consistent performance with various shot types, including lead, copper-plated, and Hevi-Shot. The product’s description explicitly states that lead, copper-plated, nickel, Hevi-shot, Bismuth or even lead “shot” will NOT work in these chokes. This is a crucial clarification, as it indicates the specific shot materials the choke is designed to optimize.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The black coating provides a non-glare finish, which can be beneficial in bright shooting conditions. The knurled end is a standout ergonomic feature, providing superior grip for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands or when the tube is slightly fouled.

The 17-4 stainless steel material lends a satisfying heft and perceived quality. It feels substantial without being overly heavy, contributing to a balanced feel in the shotgun. The flush-mount design ensures a clean profile, preventing snags and maintaining the shotgun’s classic lines.

The manufacturing precision is evident in the smooth threading and the precise internal constriction. There is no discernible wobble or looseness when properly installed, which is critical for consistent performance. The inclusion of a choke wrench demonstrates an understanding of the user’s needs, making the entire experience from unboxing to shooting more convenient.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel is a key indicator of this choke tube’s long-term durability. This material is highly resistant to wear, corrosion, and the erosive effects of gunpowder and shot. I have no doubt that this choke will provide reliable service for many years, even with regular, heavy use.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A periodic cleaning with a standard shotgun bore solvent and a nylon brush is typically sufficient to remove any fouling. The non-ported design means fewer crevices to clean and less chance of carbon buildup impacting performance.

There are no obvious weak points in its construction. Its robust material and straightforward design mean that failure is unlikely under normal operating conditions. The only real “maintenance” concern is ensuring it’s the correct choke system for your firearm, as mismatched chokes can lead to damage or poor performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified comes with a very practical accessory: a choke wrench. This is not always included with aftermarket chokes, so its presence is a welcome addition that enhances immediate usability.

While this specific choke tube is a fixed constriction for a particular purpose (Light Modified for sporting clays), Carlson’s offers a wide range of choke tube options within the Benelli Crio Plus system. This allows users to customize their shotgun’s performance by selecting different constrictions (e.g., Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full) based on their shooting discipline and ammunition. The compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus system means it integrates seamlessly with a broad range of Benelli shotguns, offering a degree of inherent customization through selection.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified?

This choke tube is an excellent choice for sporting clay enthusiasts and skeet shooters who own a Benelli shotgun compatible with the Crio Plus system. It’s ideal for those looking to gain a competitive edge through improved pattern performance and reduced shooter fatigue. If you find yourself wanting more consistent breaks on your clays and a more comfortable shooting experience, especially during long days at the range, this is a strong contender.

Individuals who primarily use lead, copper-plated, or Hevi-Shot ammunition will benefit immensely from its specialized design. It’s also a great option for those who appreciate durable, high-quality firearm components and prefer a flush-mounted, non-ported design. If you are someone who values precision engineering and long-term reliability in your equipment, this choke tube will serve you well.

However, those who need a single choke tube to cover an extremely wide range of shooting scenarios, from very close-range bird hunting to long-range rifle-caliber slugs, might find a more versatile (perhaps adjustable) system or a broader set of fixed chokes more suitable. Also, anyone planning to use shot types explicitly excluded by the product’s specifications should look elsewhere.

For optimal performance, pairing this choke with good quality target loads suitable for sporting clays is recommended. Consider also investing in a good choke tube cleaner and a small brush to maintain its pristine condition for years to come.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified stands out as a precisely engineered component that delivers on its promises. The blend of 17-4 stainless steel construction, the thoughtful knurled end for easy handling, and the optimized Light Modified constriction create a synergy that significantly enhances the shooting experience for its intended purpose. It’s a testament to Carlson’s commitment to quality that a product at this price point offers such tangible improvements in recoil management and pattern consistency.

The value proposition is strong; for less than sixty dollars, you gain a durable, high-performing accessory that can genuinely elevate your clay shooting game. While its specific limitations regarding certain shot types and its fixed constriction are worth noting, these are carefully defined aspects that allow for specialized optimization.

I can confidently recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Light Modified to any sporting clay or skeet shooter who owns a compatible Benelli shotgun and primarily uses appropriate ammunition. It’s a smart investment for anyone serious about refining their performance and enjoying a more comfortable day on the course.