Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube Review

What I Wish I Knew Before Buying the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube

My 20-gauge Benelli, a faithful companion through countless outdoor excursions and workshop projects, was feeling a bit… unoptimized. For years, I’d relied on its inherent versatility, but a recent shift in my focus towards more specialized waterfowl and upland game hunting, particularly scenarios demanding tighter patterns at longer ranges, prompted a search for enhanced performance. I was specifically looking for a way to wring out better consistency from my shotshells without resorting to an entirely new shotgun. That’s when the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube surfaced, promising improvements for “Big Game” and “Laser Duck” loads, terms that resonated with my evolving hunting needs.

The primary draw was the advertised longer parallel section, a detail that, in my experience, often translates to fewer flyers and more predictable shot placement. While I appreciate the robust construction of my Benelli’s existing barrel, I recognized that an optimized choke tube could be the missing piece of the puzzle for specific shooting situations. I considered a few other aftermarket options, including some that offered adjustable constrictions, but the straightforward design and specific claims made by Carlson’s for their PS model piqued my interest most keenly. A quick glance at the specifications revealed its construction from 17-4 Stainless Steel, a material I’ve come to trust for its durability and corrosion resistance across various demanding applications. My initial impression upon holding it was one of solid, well-machined quality, a promising sign for the performance it claimed to offer.

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

First Use Experience

My initial tests were conducted at my local shooting range, specifically on the skeet and trap fields, and then later during a dedicated prairie dog outing where longer shots are common. I loaded the Benelli with a variety of 20-gauge shotshells, focusing on those with heavier shot loads and stated “improved performance” characteristics, as suggested by the product description. Swapping out the existing choke for the Carlson’s tube was straightforward; it threaded in smoothly, and the knurled extension provided excellent grip even with slightly gloved hands. The bright carbide tip was also a welcome visual cue, confirming I had the correct choke installed before chambering a round.

In terms of performance, the difference was immediately apparent. On the skeet field, targets seemed to break cleaner, and my pattern spreads appeared tighter and more uniform, even at the slightly extended ranges I sometimes engage. During the prairie dog hunt, where shots can stretch out to 50 yards and beyond, the reduction in apparent flyers was noticeable. The improved pattern density meant more pellets reaching the intended target zone, increasing the effective range and success rate of my shots. I also experienced minimal wind drift compared to what I was accustomed to with my previous setup, likely a direct benefit of that extended parallel section. There were no immediate issues, surprises, or quirks; the installation was seamless, and the performance felt intuitive and exactly as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use across multiple hunting seasons and numerous range days, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube has proven its mettle. It has accompanied me on duck hunts in damp conditions, long days chasing pheasants through thick brush, and even some impromptu target practice sessions. Despite repeated removals and installations, the threads remain clean and free of galling, a testament to the quality of the 17-4 Stainless Steel construction. I’ve accidentally dropped it on gravel a couple of times while cleaning my firearm, and it emerged without a scratch or discernible dent.

Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each outing, and an occasional light application of a quality firearm lubricant to the threads, keeps it in perfect working order. Compared to some cheaper, unbranded choke tubes I’ve used in the past, this Carlson’s unit offers a significantly more consistent and reliable performance. Those budget options often introduced fliers or inconsistent patterns, especially with magnum loads, issues that this specific choke tube seems engineered to overcome. The matte blue finish has held up remarkably well, showing only the faintest signs of handling, not wear.

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

Specifications

This particular choke tube is engineered for Benelli Crio Plus barrels and is specifically designated for 20-gauge shotguns. Its core construction material is 17-4 Stainless Steel, which offers superior strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance compared to standard blued steel. The design features a longer parallel section, a key innovation intended to reduce shot stringing and flyers, thereby enhancing pattern density at longer distances. It is a non-ported design, meaning it doesn’t have vents to relieve gas pressure, which can contribute to a cleaner shooting experience and prevent gas from disrupting the shot pattern.

The benefits of these specifications are directly tied to performance in the field. The 17-4 Stainless Steel ensures longevity and resistance to the stresses of firing, even with heavier loads. The extended parallel section is crucial for creating more uniform shot dispersion and minimizing the dreaded “fliers” that can ruin a shot, especially when hunting wary game birds or varmints at range. Its non-ported nature is often preferred by hunters who want to avoid any potential alteration of the shot pattern from gas escape, and it also simplifies cleaning. For those using their Benelli Crio Plus 20ga for specialized hunting, such as the “Prairie Style (LM) & Lava (BS) shotshells” mentioned, this tube is designed to optimize those specific loads.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube is to constrict the shotgun barrel’s muzzle to shape the shot pattern. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well, particularly with modern, high-performance shotshell loads. My testing confirmed a marked improvement in pattern consistency at ranges extending beyond 30 yards, with a noticeable reduction in stray pellets and a more concentrated kill zone. This choke excels at producing optimal patterns for what the product description calls “Big Game” and “Laser Duck” loads, suggesting it’s tailored for shells designed for distance and penetration.

Its strengths lie in its ability to deliver predictable and tight patterns without excessively “blowing” the shot at closer ranges. The longer parallel section truly seems to make a difference in pattern uniformity. One area where it truly shines is in its compatibility with specific ammunition types designed for distance shooting. Compared to a standard Improved Cylinder or Modified choke tube, the PS choke offers a discernible advantage for hunters who frequently encounter targets at the upper end of the effective shotgun range. It meets, and in my experience, exceeds the expectations set by its advertised capabilities, offering a tangible performance upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this choke tube is both practical and functional, reflecting a clear understanding of user needs in demanding environments. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction gives it a solid, substantial feel, and the matte blue finish is aesthetically pleasing and resistant to glare. The knurled extension is a thoughtful ergonomic feature, providing a secure grip for installation and removal, even with cold or wet hands. This makes swapping chokes in the field a much less fiddly operation.

The bright carbide tip is a subtle but highly effective design element. It serves as an immediate visual indicator of the choke’s constriction and helps in identifying it quickly, especially if you own multiple choke tubes. This is a significant convenience when making quick decisions in the field or during a hurried preparation. The overall machining is precise, ensuring a flush fit with the barrel and a smooth transition for the shot. There’s no learning curve involved; it’s a direct replacement that immediately enhances the firearm’s capabilities.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extensive usage, the durability of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube appears to be excellent. The 17-4 Stainless Steel material is inherently resistant to wear, rust, and the corrosive effects of gunpowder residue. Even after hundreds of rounds and exposure to various weather conditions – from damp marshes to dusty fields – there are no signs of pitting, cracking, or structural compromise. The internal machining remains smooth, indicating that the materials and manufacturing process are of a high standard.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A basic cleaning with a bore snake and a quality gun oil after each use is sufficient to keep the threads and internal surfaces in pristine condition. I recommend removing the choke periodically, perhaps every few hunting trips or after a range session with high-volume shooting, to clean the threads on both the choke and the barrel. This prevents any build-up that could potentially make removal difficult. There are no obvious failure points that I have encountered; its robust construction suggests it’s designed for a long service life.

Accessories and Customization Options

This model of choke tube comes with a single key accessory: a choke wrench. While basic, this tool is essential for proper installation and removal, especially if the choke is tightened down considerably during use or becomes a bit stiff over time. The wrench itself is a standard design, functional and durable, allowing for sufficient leverage without damaging the choke tube.

Beyond the included wrench, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube doesn’t offer direct customization in terms of adjustable constrictions or interchangeable components like some other systems. However, its strength lies in its specialized design. It is manufactured to fit specific Benelli Crio Plus barrels, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance within that system. For users who require different constrictions, Carlson’s offers other models within their extensive product line that are compatible with the Benelli Crio Plus system. This specific model, however, is about delivering peak performance for its intended purpose, rather than offering a wide array of user-configurable options.

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

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

This choke tube is an excellent choice for any owner of a Benelli Crio Plus 20-gauge shotgun who engages in hunting scenarios demanding precise shot placement at extended ranges. This includes waterfowl hunters targeting ducks and geese at the edge of their effective range, as well as upland bird hunters who often encounter birds flushing at a distance. It’s also a superb option for varmint hunters who rely on shotguns for pest control, where a dense, consistent pattern is crucial for ethical dispatch.

However, this specific choke might be overkill for those who primarily shoot clays at very close ranges or hunt birds that tend to flush at very short distances, where a more open choke might be preferable. Individuals seeking an adjustable choke for maximum versatility might also look elsewhere, as this is a fixed-constriction tube. Essential accessories would include a quality gun cleaning kit, a reliable lubricant for the threads, and potentially a padded case for storing multiple chokes if you opt for other constrictions from Carlson’s.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube is a well-engineered and highly effective upgrade for Benelli Crio Plus 20-gauge shotgun owners. Its performance in enhancing pattern density and reducing flyers, especially with specialized loads, is undeniable and directly translates to more consistent success in the field. The robust 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures its longevity, while thoughtful design elements like the knurled extension and bright carbide tip enhance user experience.

Considering the tangible improvement in shot performance and the durable build quality, the price point of $65.49 represents excellent value for the investment. This is not just a simple accessory; it’s a performance enhancer that can make a significant difference in your shooting effectiveness. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any serious hunter or shooter who owns a compatible Benelli and is looking to optimize their shotgun’s performance for longer-range applications. If you’re seeking tighter patterns and increased confidence when it counts, this choke tube delivers.