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

From Curiosity to Confidence: My Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Full Review

The world of shotgun accessories can often feel like a labyrinth of specifications, each promising subtle, yet significant, performance gains. For a long time, I operated with the factory-standard chokes on my Benelli, content with their general performance. However, a persistent nagging thought about optimizing patterns, particularly for the precise demands of sporting clays, led me to explore aftermarket options. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Full caught my eye with its straightforward promise: enhancing pattern density for a specific gauge and discipline. My previous experiences with Carlson’s products have generally been positive, so when the opportunity arose to test this particular choke tube, I welcomed it. Initial impressions were solid; the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel felt robust, and the black finish was understated yet professional. I’d briefly considered other manufacturers but found Carlson’s reputation for quality and compatibility with Benelli Crio Plus systems to be a deciding factor. This wasn’t an impulse buy, but a considered step to refine my shooting setup, and the initial feel of the choke tube brought a quiet sense of anticipation.

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

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this choke tube were the familiar stations of my local sporting clays course. The goal was clear: observe any tangible difference in pattern performance at various yardages, from close flushing targets to longer crossers. I fitted the Carlson’s choke tube to my Benelli Crio Plus 28 gauge shotgun, a process that was as seamless as expected, given the specified compatibility. The Choke Wrench included made the initial installation a quick, tool-less affair. I ran a box of my preferred sporting clays loads through it, paying close attention to the clay breaks and perceived pattern tightness on discarded targets. Unlike some complex aftermarket components, this choke tube offered an immediate, intuitive performance. There were no surprises, no fiddly adjustments needed beyond the initial screw-in, just a straightforward application of its intended function.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months and multiple shooting sessions, this sporting clay choke tube has become a permanent fixture in my shotgun. It has seen everything from humid summer days at the range to brisk, dewy mornings, and its performance has remained consistently reliable. There has been absolutely no indication of wear and tear; the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction seems to shrug off the rigors of frequent shooting and cleaning. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a standard cleaning after a session, much like any other choke tube. Compared to the factory choke I previously used, or even some of the more aggressively ported aftermarket options I’ve tried on other guns, this Carlson’s model offers a balanced blend of constriction without any perceived drawbacks in recoil or muzzle jump. Its simplicity is its strength; it just works, shot after shot.

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

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Full is meticulously engineered for a specific application. It features a Full choke constriction, designed to deliver tighter patterns than more open chokes. The material is a high-quality 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, renowned for its strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity even with heavy use. This choke tube system is specifically designed for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns, guaranteeing a precise fit and secure seating. The diameter is listed at 0.531 inches, a critical measurement that dictates the degree of constriction. It’s a non-ported design, meaning it relies solely on its internal dimensions for pattern enhancement, which often translates to a cleaner aesthetic and potentially quieter operation. The manufacturer, Carlson’s Choke Tubes, is a well-respected name in the industry, and this particular model is made in the USA. Each unit comes individually, packaged with a helpful Choke Wrench for easy installation and removal.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary role, this Sporting Clay Full choke tube excels. It consistently delivers tighter, more uniform patterns downrange, a crucial factor for cleanly breaking clay targets at distance. The difference, while perhaps subtle to an untrained eye, is noticeable in the consistency of pattern density on target analyses. I observed fewer flyers and a more concentrated shot cloud, which translates directly to increased confidence and effectiveness when engaging sporting clays. The Full constriction is effective for longer presentations and provides a forgiving margin for error on shots that might otherwise be borderline. While it’s not designed for close-in work, where more open chokes would be preferable, its performance within its intended range is, without question, its greatest strength. It meets and, in terms of pattern consistency, often exceeds expectations for a choke tube in this price category.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Full is elegantly functional. The black finish is matte and non-reflective, a practical choice that avoids distracting glare on the shooting line. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel provides a substantial feel, indicating robust construction without being overly heavy. Threading it into the shotgun’s barrel is smooth, with no hint of binding, a testament to the precise machining. The knurled exterior offers a sufficient grip for hand-tightening, and the included wrench makes secure installation effortless. While not a visually ostentatious component, its understated design speaks to its purpose: performance over flash. There’s no learning curve here; it integrates seamlessly into the shotgun’s operation.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and my extensive testing, the durability of this choke tube is exceptional. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel is inherently resistant to wear, erosion, and corrosion, meaning it’s built to last for countless shooting seasons. I haven’t encountered any deformation, pitting, or loosening of threads, even after repeated installation and removal. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a solvent-soaked patch and a soft cloth after each use. The non-ported design means there are fewer crevices for carbon buildup, simplifying the cleaning process considerably. For its intended application, this choke tube should prove to be a long-term, reliable component for any Benelli Crio Plus 28 gauge owner. There are no obvious failure points to be concerned about.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Full comes with one essential accessory: a Choke Wrench. This tool is perfectly sized and designed for easy installation and removal, a thoughtful inclusion that enhances immediate usability. Beyond this, there are no other included accessories, as the product is a single, specific choke tube. However, customization is not its primary forte; rather, its strength lies in its specialization. While you could theoretically swap it out for different constrictions from Carlson’s line or other compatible manufacturers, the inherent value here is in its specific Full constriction for sporting clays. It’s designed to be a dedicated piece of equipment for a particular shooting discipline.

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

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

This choke tube is an excellent choice for serious sporting clays shooters who own a Benelli Crio Plus 28 gauge shotgun and are looking to optimize their performance on longer presentations. If you find yourself wanting tighter patterns for those challenging crossers or reaching out to break distant clays, this model is a direct solution. It’s also well-suited for experienced shotgunners who appreciate precision components and understand the role of choke constriction in pattern performance. Anyone seeking a durable, reliable, and purpose-built accessory for their 28 gauge Benelli should seriously consider this option.

Conversely, new shooters or those who primarily shoot close-range game birds or skeet might find the Full choke to be too restrictive and would benefit more from an Improved Cylinder or Modified choke. If you own a Benelli with a different choke tube system (e.g., Benelli Crio, or Mobil Choke), this specific model will not be compatible. For those who prioritize versatility across many shooting disciplines with a single choke, a more generalized constriction might be a better fit.

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Full stands as a testament to focused engineering and quality manufacturing. For the dedicated 28 gauge sporting clays enthusiast with a compatible Benelli platform, this choke tube delivers precisely what it promises: tighter, more consistent patterns that translate to improved target engagement. The robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction ensures longevity, while the non-ported, Full constriction is ideal for the demands of the sport. Priced competitively at $58.49, it offers substantial value for the performance enhancement it provides. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any serious sporting clays shooter looking to refine their 28 gauge Benelli’s performance on the course. It’s a small investment for a noticeable improvement in shot-to-shot consistency.