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

What Makes the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full Stand Out?

As an equipment specialist with a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’ve encountered countless tools and components. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full arrived at a point where I needed a specific improvement for my 28-gauge Benelli, focusing on tighter patterns for sporting clays. This model immediately caught my eye due to its specialized nature and the reputation of Carlson’s Choke Tubes for quality.

My previous choke tube, while functional, was beginning to show its age and wasn’t quite delivering the consistent performance I expected for competitive shooting. I was looking for something that would provide that extra bit of precision without sacrificing reliability. I briefly considered other aftermarket options but found their proprietary systems less appealing than the Benelli Crio Plus standard this Carlson’s tube adheres to.

Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of robust craftsmanship. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction felt substantial, and the Black finish was uniform and smooth, hinting at a product built to endure. There was an immediate sense of satisfaction, knowing I had a component engineered for a specific, demanding task.

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

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were the clays fields at my local club, specifically during a rigorous practice session focused on challenging station setups. I opted to install the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full immediately, eager to see its impact. The installation itself was straightforward, requiring no specialized tools beyond the included Choke Wrench, which fit snugly and allowed for easy tightening.

The performance was noticeable right out of the gate. Targets at distance, which had previously been a bit more forgiving, now broke with a satisfying crispness, indicating tighter, more consistent patterns. Even in slightly breezy conditions that often cause clay targets to drift, the tighter shot string from this extra full choke seemed to compensate effectively.

There were no significant issues, but I did note that the increased constriction required a slightly more precise lead on closer targets; this was more of a user adjustment than a fault of the choke tube. It was an intuitive swap, requiring no prolonged learning curve to understand its function, though mastering its full potential on different target presentations would take practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of consistent use, including multiple sporting clay outings and some informal trap practice, the Carlson’s choke tube has held up exceptionally well. Its primary function, projecting a tight pattern, remains undiminished. I’ve found myself intentionally engaging targets at longer ranges during practice, knowing this tube will reliably perform.

Durability has been a strong suit; there are no visible signs of wear, such as cracks, deep scratches, or any degradation of the Black finish, even after repeated installations and removals. I’ve subjected it to typical workshop conditions, and it has shrugged off dust and the occasional light wipe-down with a solvent rag.

Maintenance has been minimal and straightforward. A quick application of a choke tube lubricant before installation and a basic cleaning after a shooting session are all that’s needed. Compared to previous choke tubes I’ve used from various manufacturers, this Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full feels like it’s built for the long haul, outperforming many budget options and holding its own against more premium offerings in terms of build quality and sustained performance.

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

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a precision-engineered component designed to enhance shot pattern consistency for specific shooting disciplines. It is manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a reputable name in shotgun accessories.

• Choke Tube System: This choke tube is specifically designed for the Benelli Crio Plus system, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable function within compatible Benelli shotguns. This compatibility is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
• Gauge: It is chambered for the 28 gauge shotshell, a popular choice for its balance of manageable recoil and effective pattern density.
• Choke Type: The designation Extra Full indicates a very tight constriction, designed to deliver the densest possible shot pattern at longer ranges. This is ideal for sporting clays where precise engagement of targets at varying distances is common.
• Material: Constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, this choke tube offers superior strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. This robust material is essential for handling the pressures of firing shotshells.
• Color: The choke tube features a Black finish, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, helping to reduce glare.
• Diameter: A diameter of 0.526 inches is specific to the tight constriction of an extra full choke for the 28 gauge. This precise measurement is key to achieving the advertised pattern density.
• Gun Make: It is explicitly designed for Benelli firearms that utilize the Crio Plus choke system.
• Quantity: This product is sold as a single unit, providing one choke tube per purchase.
• Additional Features: It is Non-Ported, meaning it lacks the vents found on some choke tubes. For this application, non-ported typically offers a slightly more predictable recoil impulse and less muzzle blast.
• Included Accessories: A Choke Wrench is included, which is a thoughtful addition that allows for immediate installation and removal without needing to purchase an extra tool.
• Country of Origin: Manufactured in the USA, often implying adherence to stringent quality control standards.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is to control the spread of shot. In its Extra Full constriction, it excels at creating a remarkably dense and consistent pattern, especially out to 40-50 yards and beyond. This tight grouping is absolutely critical for cleanly breaking targets on sporting clay courses, where a single pellet can make the difference between a hit and a miss.

Its strength lies in its ability to reliably deliver predictable patterns, giving the shooter confidence when engaging distant clays. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction undoubtedly contributes to its consistent performance, resisting deformation from repeated firing. However, this extreme constriction also means it is unforgiving of slightly rushed swings or imprecise leads on closer targets; a wider choke might be more forgiving in those situations.

For its intended purpose – sporting clays and potentially long-range pest control or specific hunting scenarios – it meets and often exceeds expectations. The consistent pattern density it produces is precisely what one would hope for from an extra full choke designed for accuracy.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is straightforward and functional, prioritizing performance over ornamentation. The Black finish is clean and understated, blending well with most shotgun aesthetics and reducing visual distraction. The machining is precise, with clean threads that engage smoothly into the barrel.

Ergonomically, its function is entirely external to the shooter’s immediate interaction, beyond the initial installation. The included Choke Wrench provides a good grip for tightening and loosening. The smooth exterior without sharp edges makes handling it during cleaning or swaps comfortable.

Practical design details include the clear Extra Full marking, which is vital for quick identification in a gun bag full of chokes. The Non-Ported design contributes to a cleaner look and simpler function, avoiding potential issues with ports becoming clogged.

Durability & Maintenance

Built from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, this choke tube is engineered for longevity and resilience. Under normal use for sporting clays, which involves regular firing but not continuous high-volume shooting like some professional contexts, it is likely to last for many years, if not decades.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A light application of quality choke tube lubricant or anti-seize compound on the threads before installation prevents galling and makes future removal easier, especially after exposure to powder residue. A simple wipe-down with a cleaning rag and solvent after a shooting session is typically sufficient to keep it clean.

Potential failure points for any choke tube usually involve thread damage from improper installation or cross-threading, or deformation from extreme over-pressures (which should not occur with standard ammunition). With proper care and use within its intended specifications, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full presents no obvious immediate concerns for durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a dedicated Choke Wrench. This simple yet essential tool ensures that the choke can be properly installed and removed, preventing damage to the threads or the choke itself.

Regarding customization, the nature of a choke tube is that its “customization” is in its selection based on constriction. This particular model offers an Extra Full constriction. While there are no user-replaceable parts or tunable elements on the choke tube itself, its value lies in its specific design for the Benelli Crio Plus system.

It is important to note that this choke tube is specifically designed to work with the Benelli Crio Plus gas system and barrel threading; it is not interchangeable with other Benelli choke systems (like Crio or standard Benelli/Mobil) or other manufacturers’ systems. Therefore, its “customization” is in choosing the right one for your specific shotgun model.

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

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

This choke tube is an excellent choice for sporting clay shooters who own a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke system and are looking to optimize their performance on longer targets. It is ideal for those who prioritize tight, consistent patterns and are confident in their ability to execute clean swings. Competitive shooters in disciplines that require precise shot placement at extended ranges will find this choke tube particularly beneficial.

Anyone who does not own a Benelli Crio Plus-compatible shotgun should look elsewhere, as this model will not fit other Benelli systems or shotguns from different manufacturers. Furthermore, novice shooters or those who prefer a more forgiving pattern for closer targets might find an Extra Full choke too restrictive and should consider a more open constriction like Improved Cylinder or Modified.

For those who fit the profile, ensuring they have appropriate cleaning supplies and potentially a choke tube lubricant to maintain the threads would be a wise complementary purchase.

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full is a high-quality, purpose-built component that performs exactly as advertised. Its robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, combined with its specific Extra Full constriction for the Benelli Crio Plus system, makes it a valuable upgrade for sporting clay enthusiasts seeking enhanced long-range accuracy. The included Choke Wrench adds to the user-friendly nature of the product right out of the box.

At its price point of $58.49, this choke tube offers exceptional value, delivering performance comparable to much more expensive options, provided it’s the correct fit for your firearm. The precision and consistency it imparts to shot patterns are undeniable, directly translating into improved clay-breaking success.

I would unequivocally recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Extra Full to any shooter who owns a compatible Benelli shotgun and aims to refine their performance on longer targets in sporting clays. It’s a testament to how a well-designed aftermarket component can significantly enhance the capabilities of an already fine firearm.