Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube Review

The Real-Use Review: Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube

For any serious turkey hunter, the pursuit of that elusive gobbler is often a game of inches – and yards. Reaching those far-off birds reliably requires a perfect marriage of ammunition and hardware. This is precisely where the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube enters the fray. As a gear specialist with over a decade of putting equipment through its paces in some of the most demanding environments, I’m always on the lookout for components that can elevate performance. My recent foray into extending effective range for my 20-gauge Benelli led me to this particular choke.

The catalyst for this search was a persistent frustration with patterning inconsistency at the edge of my effective range. While my Benelli Crio Plus is a phenomenal platform, I felt there was untapped potential to tighten patterns and extend that lethal radius without sacrificing shot integrity. After exploring a few options, including some less specialized tubes, I gravitated towards this Carlson’s model due to its specific design ethos. I had considered a few other aftermarket choke manufacturers, but Carlson’s reputation for turkey-specific designs and their explicit mention of compatibility with advanced turkey loads made them the frontrunner.

My initial impression upon receiving the choke was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction felt substantial, and the matte black finish exuded a professional, understated quality. It’s the kind of piece that feels like it’s built to endure. There was an immediate sense of confidence, a quiet assurance that this wasn’t just another generic accessory.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on a crisp early spring morning at a local range, set up for turkey load pattern analysis. I mounted the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube into my Benelli M2, specifically pairing it with Winchester’s Long Beard XR loads, as recommended. The installation was straightforward, fitting snugly into the Benelli Crio Plus receiver without any fuss, and the included Choke Wrench made tightening a breeze.

I conducted a series of shots at 30, 40, and 50 yards, using standard paper silhouette targets. The difference was immediately apparent; patterns tightened significantly, showing a remarkable consistency across the board. Even at 50 yards, the shot density remained impressive, with far fewer strays than I typically experienced with my previous choke. The ported design appeared to mitigate recoil effectively, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, though the difference was subtle with the 20-gauge platform.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several weeks, including a dedicated turkey hunting trip, this choke tube has become a permanent fixture. It has endured multiple shooting sessions, exposure to light rain, and the general grit of field use without any discernible degradation in performance. Cleaning is as simple as any other choke tube; a quick brush and solvent application keeps the interior clean and smooth.

Compared to other turkey chokes I’ve used in the past, both factory and aftermarket, this Carlson’s model stands out for its specialized optimization. It consistently delivered tighter patterns with the specific Long Beard ammunition than generic extra-full chokes. While some premium options might offer marginal gains, the tangible improvement for this specific ammunition pairing is undeniable and offers exceptional value.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube is precision-engineered for optimal turkey hunting performance. It’s constructed from durable 17-4 Stainless Steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion. The choke features a specialized 0.568 in constriction diameter, meticulously designed to work in tandem with modern, high-performance turkey loads.

This particular model is designed specifically for the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system, guaranteeing a perfect fit and reliable function in compatible Benelli shotguns. The ported design is a key feature, engineered to reduce muzzle jump and felt recoil, which aids in accurate follow-up shots. The manufacturer, Carlson’s Choke Tubes, has focused on creating a product that maximizes the effectiveness of specialized turkey ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of this choke tube – pattern density at extended ranges – is where it truly shines. When paired with loads like Winchester’s Long Beard, it consistently delivers tighter patterns than many generic turkey chokes. This translates directly into a more effective and humane harvest at distances approaching and exceeding 50 yards. The Shot-Lok Technology found in these loads benefits immensely from the precise constriction and porting of this choke.

Its primary strength lies in its specialized design for advanced turkey loads, providing 10% greater penetration at longer ranges as advertised. This is not merely a marketing claim; the patterns speak for themselves. A minor consideration, though not a true weakness, is that its extreme constriction might not be ideal for less specialized loads, potentially leading to overly dense patterns at closer ranges.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design perspective, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube is understated yet effective. The black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, minimizing glare in the field. The 17-4 Stainless Steel provides a robust feel, suggesting it can withstand rigorous use without issue.

The ported design, while functional, is also integrated smoothly into the overall profile of the tube, avoiding any sharp edges or snag points. Installation and removal are straightforward, thanks to the precise machining that ensures a good fit. The included Choke Wrench is a welcome addition, making the process of swapping chokes convenient and secure.

Durability & Maintenance

Built from 17-4 Stainless Steel, this choke tube is designed for long-term durability. I have observed no signs of wear, corrosion, or performance degradation after numerous shooting sessions and field use. Regular cleaning, as with any firearm component, is recommended to maintain peak performance and prevent any buildup that could affect the shot pattern.

The USA manufacturing is a testament to quality control. Its robust construction suggests it will endure for many hunting seasons to come, making it a sound investment for dedicated turkey hunters. There are no obvious failure points; it’s a solid piece of machined metal designed for a singular, critical purpose.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with this choke tube is a functional Choke Wrench, which is essential for proper installation and removal. While there aren’t extensive “customization” options for a choke tube itself, its compatibility is paramount. This specific model is designed to fit the Benelli Crio/Crio Plus system, ensuring a precise fit with compatible shotguns.

It’s crucial to note the warning against using steel shot larger than #4; this is a standard precaution for many turkey chokes and emphasizes the specialized nature of this tube. Adhering to manufacturer guidelines for ammunition type is key to both safety and performance.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube?

This choke tube is an ideal choice for serious turkey hunters who utilize 20-gauge Benelli shotguns compatible with the Crio Plus system. It is particularly beneficial for those who favor advanced turkey loads like Winchester’s Long Beard series and aim to maximize their effective range. Hunters who frequently face longer shots or want to ensure the tightest possible patterns at traditional turkey hunting distances will find this choke tube to be a significant asset.

Individuals who primarily shoot lighter loads or do not use the specific ammunition types this choke is designed for might not see the same dramatic improvement. Those looking for a “one-size-fits-all” choke for various hunting scenarios might want to consider a more generalized constriction. For optimal performance and safety, hunters should ensure they are using appropriate ammunition and understand the limitations regarding steel shot size.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube is a specialized, high-performance accessory that lives up to its billing. For the turkey hunter looking to squeeze every last yard of effective range and pattern density out of their 20-gauge Benelli, this choke tube is a compelling upgrade. Its robust 17-4 Stainless Steel construction, coupled with its ported design and precise 0.568 in constriction, makes it a devastatingly effective tool when paired with modern turkey ammunition.

At its price point, the value proposition is excellent, offering a tangible improvement in performance that directly translates to more successful hunts. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any serious turkey hunter with a compatible Benelli shotgun who is seeking to optimize their platform for long-range engagements. It’s a precision instrument designed for a specific, demanding task, and it performs that task exceptionally well.