Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube Review

Uncovering the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube: Real Review

As an experienced gear specialist, I’m always on the hunt for components that enhance performance and deliver consistent results. My journey with shotgunning, particularly turkey hunting, has led me to evaluate numerous choke tubes, each promising tighter patterns and improved lethality. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube presented itself as a strong contender, specifically designed for the Benelli Crio Plus system and geared towards the demanding requirements of turkey hunting. The need for a specialized turkey choke arose from inconsistent patterns with standard chokes, leading to missed opportunities and frustration in the field. I considered a few other aftermarket options, but Carlson’s reputation for quality and compatibility with Benelli systems ultimately swayed my decision. My initial impression upon unboxing this unit was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering; it felt substantial and well-machined.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on a familiar outdoor range, specifically set up to simulate turkey hunting scenarios with paper targets at various distances common for a gobbler engagement. I tested this choke with several popular turkey loads, focusing on Federal Premium 3rd Degree and Remington Nitro-Mag Turkey loads. The performance was immediately noticeable; patterns tightened significantly, and the distribution of shot felt more uniform and predictable.

Under typical late-season hunting conditions, which involved cool mornings and occasional light rain, the choke performed without a hitch. It was intuitive to install, requiring no special tools beyond a standard choke tube wrench. I simply screwed it into my Benelli M2, torqued it down, and headed to the patterning board.

One minor surprise was the sheer density of the pattern at 40 yards; it was almost too good, making me want to push the limits of my shotgun’s effective range. There were no immediate issues or quirks; the installation was smooth, and the choke seated perfectly without any wobbling.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full turkey season and numerous practice sessions, this choke tube has become a permanent fixture on my Benelli. It has endured repeated removal and installation, exposure to dust, mud, and the occasional drop on the dirt floor of my garage without showing any significant wear.

The durability of the 17-4 stainless steel is evident; there are no noticeable scratches or pitting beyond minor cosmetic scuffs from handling. Maintenance has been straightforward: a quick wipe down with a silicone cloth after each use and an occasional light application of choke tube lubricant. Compared to the factory choke tubes I’ve used in the past, which often showed wear more readily, this Carlson’s offering feels far more robust.

It has consistently delivered tight, consistent patterns, which is crucial for successful turkey hunting where a clean, humane kill is paramount. I haven’t experienced any degradation in performance, even after hundreds of rounds through it.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube is constructed from robust 17-4 Stainless Steel, a material known for its strength and corrosion resistance. This specific model features a 0.650 inch diameter constriction, precisely engineered for optimal turkey hunting loads. It is designed to fit the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Benelli shotguns.

The choke tube is non-ported, which can contribute to quieter operation and prevent debris from interfering with the shot string. Its extended design means it protrudes from the barrel, making installation and removal easier, and also often aids in slightly improved ballistic performance by allowing for a more gradual constriction. The black finish provides a non-reflective surface, which is beneficial for hunting.

The diameter of 0.650 inches is a crucial specification for turkey hunting, as it’s designed to hold a dense pattern of shot out to longer ranges. This constriction is tighter than standard hunting chokes, focusing on delivering a lethal payload to the turkey’s vital zone. The 12-gauge designation confirms its application for most standard hunting shotguns.

Performance & Functionality

This choke tube absolutely excels at its primary job: producing incredibly tight and uniform patterns for turkey hunting. When paired with appropriate turkey loads, the result is a consistent pellet distribution that maximizes the chances of a clean kill at respectable distances. I found that even standard magnum turkey loads performed exceptionally well, but premium, specialized turkey loads truly shone with this constriction.

The main strength of this choke is its ability to deliver exceptional pattern density at ranges of 40-50 yards, which is often necessary when dealing with wary gobblers. Its weakness, if one can even call it that, is that it’s too specialized for general waterfowl or upland bird hunting; using it for those purposes would result in excessively tight patterns and potentially missed opportunities on fast-moving targets. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, offering a significant performance upgrade over generic chokes.

Design & Ergonomics

The extended design of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube is a key ergonomic advantage. It protrudes about 1.5 inches from the muzzle, making it very easy to grip and manipulate, even with gloved hands. The knurled texture on the extended portion provides additional purchase, preventing slippage during installation or removal.

The overall build quality feels superb. The 17-4 Stainless Steel has a smooth, precise finish, and the internal constriction is flawlessly machined. There are no rough edges or imperfections that could potentially disrupt the shot column. The black finish is durable and non-glare, which is essential for hunting applications where avoiding bright reflections is important.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, this choke tube is built to last a lifetime of hunting. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction is inherently resistant to corrosion and wear, making it ideal for harsh outdoor environments. I haven’t observed any signs of cracking, deformation, or significant surface damage despite regular use.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving wiping it down after each use and occasionally applying a light lubricant to the threads to ensure smooth installation and prevent seizing. I would advise against using abrasive cleaners or tools that could scratch the finish or damage the internal constriction. The non-ported design also means there are fewer parts to trap debris or require deep cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube comes as a single unit, with no additional accessories included. However, its strength lies in its direct compatibility and specialization for the Benelli Crio Plus system. While no direct customization is offered for this particular choke tube itself, Carlson’s offers a wide range of other choke tubes for various gauges and firearm systems, allowing for extensive customization across different shotguns.

The importance of using the correct choke tube system cannot be overstated, and this model is specifically tailored for the Benelli Crio Plus system. Using it in a different Benelli model (e.g., standard Benelli or Benelli Vinci) could result in a poor fit or even damage. The primary “customization” is selecting the correct constriction (0.650″ in this case) and ensuring it’s designed for your specific shotgun model.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube?

This choke tube is an absolute must-have for any serious turkey hunter who owns a Benelli shotgun equipped with the Crio Plus choke system. If you are looking to maximize the effectiveness of your turkey loads and achieve consistent, ethical kills at longer ranges, this is the choke for you. It’s for the hunter who values precision, reliability, and the confidence that comes from knowing their equipment is performing at its peak.

Conversely, if you own a Benelli with a different choke system (e.g., standard Benelli, Vinci, or a different brand of shotgun altogether), this choke tube will not fit and should be avoided. Likewise, if you are looking for a multi-purpose choke for various types of bird hunting, you would be better served by a more versatile turkey choke or a standard hunting choke. For those who primarily hunt waterfowl or upland game, this specialized turkey choke would be overkill.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube is, without question, a top-tier component for dedicated turkey hunters using compatible Benelli shotguns. Its precision engineering, robust construction, and the undeniable improvement in pattern performance at extended ranges make it an outstanding investment. The price point, around $58.49, is incredibly reasonable for the performance gains and durability it offers, especially when compared to the cost of premium ammunition or specialized hunting trips.

I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any hunter who fits the specific criteria of owning a Benelli Crio Plus shotgun and pursuing turkeys. It transforms a good shotgun into a truly exceptional turkey hunting tool, providing the confidence and capability needed for successful hunts. If you’re ready to upgrade your turkey game, this Carlson’s choke is a smart and effective choice.