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

Is the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder Right for You?

For any shooter looking to refine their pattern and extend the effective range of their 28-gauge Benelli shotgun, a quality choke tube is an essential component. I recently acquired the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder, a piece of equipment designed to deliver enhanced consistency for sporting clays. My own 28-gauge Benelli, a reliable companion, had been feeling a bit less predictable at longer distances, prompting this upgrade.

Initial impressions of this particular choke tube were strong. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction felt robust, and the black finish lent a discreet, professional look. I considered generic aftermarket chokes, but the specialized Benelli Crio Plus system demanded a dedicated solution. My immediate feeling was one of quiet confidence that this component would bring a noticeable improvement.

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

First Use Experience

My first experience with this choke tube was at a local sporting clays course, a venue that perfectly replicates the varied distances and presentations encountered in the sport. I fitted the choke tube onto my Benelli, noting the precise threading that indicated good manufacturing tolerances. The Improved Cylinder constriction, a versatile choice for clay shooting, was my starting point.

The performance in various conditions was immediately apparent. Targets at mid-range, typically around 30-40 yards, broke cleaner with more consistent patterns. Even on slightly longer presentations, the improved pellet distribution from this choke tube made a tangible difference. Installation was straightforward, and after a quick sight-in, it felt intuitive, requiring no special adjustments or acclimatization beyond what one would expect from a new choke.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use on the clays course, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder has held up exceptionally well. It has endured countless rounds, from brisk spring mornings to late autumn chill, without any degradation in performance. I’ve experienced no loosening of the threads, no noticeable wear on the internal choke surfaces, and the black finish remains intact.

Cleaning this choke tube is a simple affair, usually involving a quick brush and solvent after a range day. The non-ported design means fewer crevices for fouling to accumulate, which simplifies maintenance significantly. Compared to some older, more basic chokes I’ve used, this Carlson’s model feels like it’s built for the long haul, a stark contrast to some budget options that could lose their effectiveness or even get stuck after heavy use.

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

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder boasts a set of specifications designed for optimal performance in its intended role. It’s constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a material chosen for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity and durability in various environmental conditions. This choke tube is specifically designed for the Benelli Crio Plus system, guaranteeing a perfect fit and function with compatible Benelli shotguns.

The Improved Cylinder choke type provides a moderate constriction, approximately 0.544 in diameter, which is ideal for sporting clays where targets appear at varying distances. This diameter helps in creating a slightly tighter pattern than a Cylinder bore, offering improved range and better target breaks without overly constricting the shot pattern. The black finish not only adds a professional aesthetic but also offers an additional layer of protection against the elements. As a non-ported design, it avoids potential noise amplification or altered recoil impulse associated with ported chokes. The inclusion of a choke wrench with the single tube simplifies installation and removal.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder excels at delivering consistent and predictable shot patterns. The Improved Cylinder constriction is precisely engineered, resulting in a tighter and more uniform spread of shot compared to an open Cylinder choke. This translates directly to increased effectiveness on targets, especially those presenting at mid-range distances common in sporting clays.

The strength of this choke tube lies in its pattern consistency. I observed significantly fewer “flyers” or wide gaps in the shot string, leading to cleaner breaks on targets. While it’s not designed for extreme long-range shooting like a full choke, it significantly enhances the effective range of a 28-gauge shotgun for sporting purposes. Its reliability in delivering this performance, even after multiple shots in rapid succession, is a testament to its quality construction.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder is focused on function and compatibility. Its 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction provides a solid, substantial feel, conveying a sense of quality and durability. The smooth, black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to the overall clean lines of the shotgun.

Ergonomically, the choke tube integrates seamlessly with the Benelli shotgun’s barrel. The threading is precise, ensuring easy installation and removal without any binding or snagging. The non-ported design contributes to a cleaner profile and avoids any potential handling discomfort that can sometimes arise with ported tubes. Its dimensions are standard for its gauge and system, making it unobtrusive and allowing for a natural feel when shouldering the firearm.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a key hallmark of this Carlson’s choke tube. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel material is inherently robust, making it resistant to the pressures and stresses of firing. I have yet to observe any signs of significant wear, such as scoring or deformation, despite frequent use.

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. Due to its non-ported design, there are fewer areas for carbon buildup and plastic wad residue to lodge, simplifying the cleaning process. A quick clean with a standard bore solvent and brush after a shooting session is usually sufficient to keep it in optimal condition. For those seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance accessory, this model delivers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder comes with a single essential accessory: a choke wrench. This tool is perfectly suited for the job, allowing for secure tightening and loosening without damaging the choke or the barrel threads.

While this specific choke tube offers a fixed constriction, Carlson’s offers a range of other constriction options within the Benelli Crio Plus system, allowing shooters to customize their setup based on target presentations and personal preference. The USA origin of manufacture also speaks to a level of quality control that can be relied upon. Compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus system ensures it integrates smoothly with a wide array of Benelli shotguns designed for this specific choke system.

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

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

This choke tube is an excellent choice for sporting clays enthusiasts who own a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Benelli Crio Plus choke system and specifically shoot the 28-gauge. If you are looking to improve your target acquisition and break percentages at mid-range distances, this particular Improved Cylinder choke will serve you very well. It’s also ideal for shooters who prefer a straightforward, fixed constriction rather than managing multiple choke tubes.

However, shooters who require more versatility for different types of shooting, such as hunting small game where varying distances are common, might find a multi-choke system more beneficial. Those without a Benelli shotgun utilizing the Crio Plus system should look elsewhere, as this choke tube will not fit other Benelli models or other shotgun brands. For optimal performance, ensuring your shotgun is clean and properly threaded for choke tube installation is always recommended, though this choke tube is generally forgiving.

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Cylinder is a highly effective and well-made component that delivers on its promise of improved performance for sporting clays shooters. Its robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, precise manufacturing, and optimal Improved Cylinder constriction contribute to consistently better shot patterns. For its price of $58.49, the value derived from cleaner target breaks and enhanced confidence in your shot is substantial.

I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any owner of a compatible Benelli shotgun who participates in sporting clays or similar disciplines. It’s a dependable, durable upgrade that offers a noticeable improvement without unnecessary complexity. If you’re looking to get more out of your 28-gauge Benelli on the clay course, this Carlson’s choke tube is an excellent investment.