Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube Review

The Honest Truth About the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube

For years, my shotgunning experience has spanned everything from casual plinking to serious waterfowl hunting and competitive clay shooting. When it comes to optimizing shot patterns, especially for the nuanced art of turkey hunting, I’ve learned that the choke tube isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a critical component that can make or break your shot. My particular Benelli 28 gauge, a wonderfully nimble scattergun, deserved an upgrade for its dedicated turkey season role. I was looking for a choke tube that promised tighter patterns at longer ranges, something more specialized than the standard options. After a bit of research, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube stood out.

The need for this specific choke arose from a frustrating experience last season. While my trusty Benelli performed admirably, I felt that I was leaving some potential pattern density on the table at the edge of ethical shot distances. I had been relying on a more general-purpose extended choke, but the demanding nature of turkey hunting, with its precise shot placement requirements, called for something specifically engineered for the task. I briefly considered some higher-end, custom-machined chokes, but their price point seemed excessive for a single component. Carlson’s, known for offering quality without astronomical costs, felt like the right balance. My first impression upon arrival was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering. The matte blue finish felt robust, and the extended design hinted at the precision it was built to deliver.

First Use Experience

My initial outing with this Carlson’s choke took place at a local private range, specifically set up for pattern testing. I loaded up with some premium 28-gauge turkey loads, the kind that pack a punch and are designed for tight shot columns. The choke screwed in smoothly, a reassuring sign of good machining and proper fitment for my Benelli Crio Plus system.

On the pattern board, the difference was immediately apparent. Shots that had previously spread to the edges of a pie plate now formed a much denser, more consistent circle. I tested at 30, 40, and even 50 yards, and the choke consistently delivered impressive results. The extended design also made it slightly easier to get a visual on the choke when transitioning between shots, a minor but appreciated ergonomic benefit.

Conditions were clear and calm, so I can’t speak to its performance in adverse weather yet, but the initial patterning was exceptionally encouraging. There were no surprises or quirks; it simply did exactly what it was designed to do with impressive efficacy. It felt intuitive to use, much like any other quality choke tube, but the performance was a clear step up.

Extended Use & Reliability

As the season progressed, this Carlson’s turkey choke became a permanent fixture on my Benelli. I hunted in a variety of environments, from dense woods to more open fields, and the choke performed admirably in all of them. Its ability to consistently put shot on target, even when I had to make a slightly longer shot than I might have preferred, instilled a great deal of confidence.

After several weeks of rigorous use, including multiple hunts and countless practice sessions on the pattern board, there are no discernible signs of wear and tear. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube remains as solid and reliable as the day I installed it. The matte blue finish has held up well, showing only minor scuffs from being tucked into my gear bag, nothing that impacts its function.

Maintenance has been straightforward; a quick clean with a bore snake and some standard firearm cleaning solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. I haven’t noticed any performance degradation, such as a loss of pattern density or increased shot stringing. Compared to some of the budget chokes I’ve used in the past, which sometimes required frequent re-tightening or showed premature wear, this Carlson’s model feels built to last. It’s a stark contrast to those chokes that might loosen up after a few shots or start to show visible signs of damage after only moderate use.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is a precisely engineered component designed for optimal turkey hunting performance. Manufactured from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, this material choice provides exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, crucial for longevity in outdoor environments. The choke tube extends approximately one inch from the end of the barrel, a design feature that helps manage shot release and promotes tighter patterns.

A key specification is the 1.050″ parallel section, which is specifically engineered by Carlson’s to produce the most effective patterns with their shotgun chokes. This extended parallel section is critical for controlling the shot pellet’s release from the choke, leading to more consistent and dense patterns downrange. The choke tube features a matte blue finish, offering a non-reflective surface that is also durable and resistant to the elements.

This particular model is designed to fit the Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus choke system, ensuring a precise and secure fit for compatible Benelli shotguns. The stated diameter for this turkey choke is 0.515 inches, which translates to a very tight constriction. This tight constriction is vital for turkey hunting, as it focuses the shot payload into a smaller, more lethal pattern at typical engagement distances. It is explicitly stated that no steel shot larger than #4 may be used in this choke tube, a critical safety and performance guideline to prevent damage and ensure effective patterning.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function – delivering tight, consistent patterns for turkey hunting – the Carlson’s turkey choke performs exceptionally well. It reliably tightens the shot pattern of my 28-gauge shotgun to a degree that noticeably increases the effectiveness of my shots at range. The density of the pattern at distances of 40 to 50 yards is remarkable, ensuring that enough pellets strike the vital zone for a humane harvest.

The primary strength of this choke is its ability to create a devastatingly effective pattern with appropriate loads. It lives up to its “Turkey” designation by focusing shot with precision. A weakness, however, is the strict limitation on shot size; the prohibition of steel shot larger than #4 means that if you prefer larger steel pellets for specific game or conditions, this choke tube is not suitable. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, providing a significant upgrade over more general-purpose chokes for turkey hunting.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Carlson’s choke is fundamentally functional and robust. The use of 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel gives it a substantial feel, instilling confidence in its durability. The matte blue finish is practical, reducing glare in the field and offering a pleasing aesthetic that complements most shotgun finishes.

Ergonomically, the extended design is a notable benefit. It protrudes about an inch from the barrel, providing a larger surface area to grip when installing or removing the choke. This makes changes in the field much simpler and quicker, especially with cold hands or while wearing gloves. The knurled section at the end offers additional grip. There is virtually no learning curve; it installs and functions like any other quality choke tube.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on the materials and initial testing, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is built for long-term durability. The 17-4 stainless steel is known for its strength and resistance to wear, which is essential for a component subjected to the pressures of firing. I anticipate this choke tube will last for many hunting seasons with proper care.

Maintenance is straightforward, involving regular cleaning to remove fouling and prevent corrosion. A quick wipe-down with a bore solvent and a light application of gun oil is sufficient to keep it in excellent condition. The extended design actually makes cleaning easier as the internal surfaces are more accessible. A potential concern, though not yet realized, is the possibility of overtightening; while it has a good grip, using a choke tube wrench is always recommended for proper installation and removal to avoid damaging the threads or the receiver.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific product is the choke tube itself, a single unit. It does not come with additional accessories. The primary “customization” is the choice of choke constriction and type offered by Carlson’s for various shotgun systems. This turkey choke is specifically designed for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus systems.

Compatibility with other brands is limited to the specified Benelli choke system. However, Carlson’s does offer choke tubes for a vast array of other shotgun manufacturers and models, allowing users to find their specialized choke needs across different firearms. The focus here is on its specific application, not broad interchangeability with other firearm platforms.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube?

This choke tube is an ideal purchase for any hunter who owns a Benelli shotgun with the Crio or Crio Plus choke system and specifically targets turkeys. If you’re looking to maximize the effectiveness of your 28-gauge for turkey hunting, this choke is a game-changer. It’s perfect for those who appreciate precise shot placement and want to extend the effective range of their firearm with appropriate loads.

However, those who prefer to use larger steel shot sizes (e.g., #3 or BB) for turkey hunting or other applications should look elsewhere. Additionally, if you own a Benelli shotgun with a different choke system (like the standard Benelli or Benelli Mobilchoke), this specific model will not fit. For owners of compatible Benelli shotguns, I would strongly recommend pairing this choke with high-quality, specialized 28-gauge turkey loads. Using a choke tube wrench for installation and removal is also a wise accessory to ensure proper torque and protect the threads.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is a superb upgrade for any Benelli Crio/Crio Plus owner serious about turkey hunting. It delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns, providing the confidence needed for ethical shots at various distances. The build quality is evident, and the extended design adds a practical touch of user-friendliness.

For its price, the performance gains are substantial, making it an excellent value proposition. It has become an indispensable part of my turkey hunting kit. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any owner of a compatible Benelli shotgun looking to enhance their turkey hunting success. It’s not just a part; it’s an investment in more effective and satisfying hunts.