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

Breaking Down My First Experience with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Mod

As an experienced gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on, real-world application across diverse environments, I’m always on the lookout for components that elevate performance. My recent pursuit for an enhanced choke tube for my Benelli shotgun led me directly to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Mod. This particular model, crafted by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, promises precision for sporting clay enthusiasts.

My previous choke tube, a factory offering, had served adequately but lacked the refined patterning and consistency I desired for competitive shooting. The specific challenge was achieving tighter, more predictable shot strings at medium to longer sporting clay distances, where even slight variations can impact scores. I considered a few other aftermarket options, including some custom-machined tubes, but Carlson’s reputation for quality and their specific sporting clay configurations held my attention.

Upon receiving this Carlson’s choke tube, my initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction felt robust, and the matte black finish exuded a professional, understated aesthetic. There was an immediate sense of relief and quiet satisfaction, knowing I was holding a piece of equipment engineered for a specific, demanding purpose.

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

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were the familiar skeet and trap fields of my local shooting club, specifically focusing on the sporting clay course. I fitted the Carlson’s choke tube to my Benelli Crio Plus 28ga shotgun, ensuring a snug and secure connection. The included choke wrench made this a straightforward process, even for someone who hasn’t swapped tubes in a while.

I experienced the choke tube’s performance across a variety of targets: fast incomers, challenging quartering birds, and crossing clays at varying ranges. The conditions were typical for a late spring day – mild temperatures with a slight breeze, but no significant moisture or extreme elements to contend with. Throughout the day, the choke consistently delivered tighter patterns than my previous tube, noticeably improving my breaks on distant targets.

The ease of use was immediately apparent; there was no significant learning curve. It simply performed its intended function without fuss. My only minor surprise was how readily it seemed to handle the recoil and cycling of the 28-gauge loads without any hint of loosening or shifting, which can sometimes be an issue with other tubes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and multiple shooting sessions, including a competitive sporting clay event, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Mod has held up remarkably well. It’s become my go-to choke tube for this specific discipline. Daily use involves swapping it with other chokes for different target presentations, and it has maintained its perfect fit and function.

Durability has been excellent; there are no visible signs of wear and tear on the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. The matte black finish remains pristine, with no scuffs or chips, even after being repeatedly handled and tightened. I haven’t noticed any degradation in patterning performance; it continues to produce the same consistent, tight patterns as it did on day one.

Maintenance for this choke is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each use is generally sufficient. For more thorough cleaning, a simple soak in a mild solvent followed by a rinse and dry is all that’s needed. There are no intricate parts to worry about, and the non-ported design means less surface area to trap fouling. Compared to some more complex or ported chokes I’ve used, this model is far easier to keep clean and in optimal condition. It easily outperforms many budget options in terms of pattern consistency and build quality, and frankly, it performs on par with some higher-end, significantly more expensive tubes I’ve encountered.

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

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Mod is a thoughtfully designed component for discerning shotgunners. Its core material is 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, a blend known for its superior strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, making it ideal for the stresses of shotgun firing. The choke tube system is specifically engineered for Benelli Crio Plus barrels, ensuring a precise and secure fit without any play or potential for damage.

This particular model is a Modified choke, offering a constriction that strikes an excellent balance for sporting clays. The stated diameter is 0.538 in, which translates to a predictable constriction for consistent shot patterns. Its Black finish is not just for aesthetics; it adds a layer of durability and reduces glare. The fact that it’s non-ported simplifies maintenance and avoids the potential for port noise, which some shooters prefer to avoid.

The choke tube is designed for Benelli shotguns, specifically those utilizing the Crio Plus system, and it’s sold individually as a quantity of 1. Crucially, it includes a choke wrench, a welcome accessory that ensures users have the right tool from the start. The USA origin speaks to a commitment to domestic manufacturing standards. These specifications collectively contribute to a component that is both robust and finely tuned for its intended purpose.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Mod is to improve shot pattern consistency and extend effective range for sporting clay shooting, and it excels at this. My testing consistently showed tighter, more uniform patterns compared to the standard factory choke I was using previously. This translates directly to more consistent target breaks, especially on those longer, more challenging presentations.

The Modified constriction is perfectly suited for the varied distances encountered on a sporting clays course. It provides enough constriction for reliable performance on distant targets without over-constricting and causing excessive pattern degradation at closer ranges. Its strength lies in its unwavering consistency; shot after shot, the pattern density and uniformity remained remarkably stable.

A potential weakness, though minor for many, is that it’s a Modified choke. For extreme close-range targets or specific disciplines like skeet, a more open choke might be preferred. However, within the context of its intended use for sporting clays, it meets and exceeds expectations. The price point also represents excellent value for the performance gains it offers.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is a testament to functional simplicity. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel feels substantial and well-machined, giving it a premium feel. The matte black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, reducing glare and offering a subtle, professional look.

Ergonomically, once installed, it becomes an integrated part of the firearm, so direct ergonomic interaction is minimal. However, the external knurling for grip during installation and removal is well-executed, providing sufficient purchase without being abrasive. The overall feel is one of robust engineering, built to withstand repeated use and exposure to the elements.

There are no complex controls or adjustment mechanisms. The design prioritizes reliability and straightforward functionality. The precision machining is evident in how smoothly it threads into the barrel, with no resistance or cross-threading issues encountered. The inclusion of a choke wrench further enhances the user-friendly design, ensuring proper installation.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the durability of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Mod appears to be excellent. Constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, it is built to withstand the rigors of regular shooting. I anticipate it will last for many thousands of rounds without any significant degradation in performance.

Maintenance is exceptionally straightforward. Its non-ported design means fewer nooks and crannies for lead and powder residue to accumulate. A simple wipe-down after shooting is often enough, and a more thorough cleaning is quick and easy with standard bore cleaners.

The only potential failure point with any choke tube is improper installation or the use of damaged ammunition, which could potentially damage the threads or the tube itself. However, assuming proper care and use, this choke tube should provide reliable service for a very long time. Its robust construction makes it less susceptible to accidental damage compared to lighter materials.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Mod is a functional choke wrench. This is an essential item that often needs to be purchased separately for other choke tubes, so its inclusion is a definite plus. It’s sturdy and fits the external serrations of the choke tube perfectly, allowing for easy installation and removal.

Regarding customization, this particular model is designed to be a specific Modified choke for the Benelli Crio Plus system. Therefore, the customization is in selecting this specific choke for your specific needs rather than modifying the choke itself. It’s not designed for interchangeable components like different choke lengths or internal chokes. Its compatibility is limited to Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke tube system; it will not fit other Benelli models or different shotgun brands.

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

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

This choke tube is an exceptional choice for serious sporting clay shooters who own a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke tube system. If you are looking to upgrade from a factory choke and desire improved pattern performance, especially on mid-to-longer range targets, this is an ideal candidate. It’s also a solid option for anyone who values durability and ease of maintenance in their shotgun accessories.

Those who should probably skip this product include individuals who do not own a compatible Benelli shotgun, or who shoot gauges other than the 28ga. Furthermore, if you frequently switch between very open (like Cylinder or Skeet) and very tight chokes (like Full or Extra Full) within a single round of sporting clays, you might find this Modified choke too limiting. It’s best suited for shooters who have identified the Modified pattern as their preferred choice for the majority of sporting clay presentations.

A must-have accessory, already included, is the choke wrench. Beyond that, ensuring you have good quality ammunition suitable for the 28 gauge is paramount, as even the best choke tube cannot compensate for poor shells. For extended cleaning, a good quality solvent and a cleaning rod with a bore brush are recommended to keep the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel in pristine condition.

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

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 28ga Black Sporting Clay Mod is a precision-engineered component that delivers on its promise of enhanced performance for sporting clay enthusiasts. Its robust 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction, coupled with a perfectly executed Modified constriction, provides reliable and tight patterns that translate to more consistent target breaks. The ease of maintenance afforded by its non-ported design and its specific fit for the Benelli Crio Plus system make it a practical and high-performing choice.

Considering its price of $58.49, the value proposition is outstanding. It offers performance gains that rival much more expensive choke tubes, making it an accessible upgrade for many shooters. The inclusion of a choke wrench adds further value, providing everything needed for immediate installation and use.

I would personally recommend this choke tube to any sporting clays shooter who owns a compatible Benelli shotgun and is looking to optimize their 28ga performance. If you appreciate well-made, reliable equipment that directly contributes to improved shooting results, this Carlson’s choke tube is a worthwhile investment. It’s a testament to quality craftsmanship, offering tangible benefits without an exorbitant price tag.