Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube is designed to optimize patterns with modern “Big Game” and “Laser Duck” loads, specifically those replicating Prairie Storm (PS) performance in Benelli Crio Plus shotguns. As a shotgun enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the field, I’m always on the lookout for accessories that can elevate my hunting and shooting experiences. The claims of improved pattern performance and reduced flyers piqued my interest, making me eager to put this choke tube to the test.
I was seeking a choke tube that could tighten my patterns at longer ranges while using premium ammunition, aiming for consistent and ethical kills during waterfowl season. My first impression was positive, noting the robust construction and the knurled extension for easy identification and installation. It seemed like a well-thought-out design, promising an upgrade over standard factory chokes.
Compared to Briley or Patternmaster choke tubes, the Carlson’s offering stood out for its more budget-friendly price point while promising similar performance enhancements. I ultimately chose the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube for its blend of affordability and performance claims, hoping to achieve tighter patterns without breaking the bank. Initial excitement mingled with a healthy dose of skepticism, eager to see if it could truly live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a local sporting clays range, simulating hunting scenarios with varying distances and target presentations. I primarily used 20-gauge Prairie Storm ammunition, precisely the loads the choke was designed for. The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, providing decent conditions to assess pattern consistency.
The choke tube noticeably tightened my patterns at 30-40 yards, resulting in more consistent breaks on the clay targets. There were no noticeable issues during the first use, and the choke installed easily with the included wrench. I was pleasantly surprised by the immediate improvement in pattern density compared to my factory modified choke.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during both clay shooting and actual waterfowl hunts, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube has proven to be a reliable performer. The choke tube still looks new. Routine cleaning after each use has kept it in pristine condition.
The choke tube has shown no signs of wear and tear, maintaining its tight seal and consistent performance. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick cleaning with a choke tube brush and solvent after each shooting session. It has exceeded my expectations, providing consistent patterns and increased confidence in my shots.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube is specifically designed for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns in 20 gauge. Constructed from 17-4 Stainless Steel, it offers enhanced durability and resistance to corrosion. The Titanium colored choke tube extends slightly beyond the muzzle, featuring a knurled section for easy hand tightening and removal.
This choke tube is designed to replicate a Light Modified (LM) choke constriction optimized for Prairie Storm ammunition and similar loads. Its longer parallel section is engineered to reduce flyer pellets and improve overall pattern consistency. This translates to tighter, more effective patterns at longer ranges, increasing the likelihood of clean kills in hunting situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube performs admirably in tightening patterns, especially with the ammunition it was designed for. It consistently delivers denser patterns at 30-40 yards, making it ideal for waterfowl hunting and sporting clays. The only potential weakness is its specialized design, which may not be optimal for all types of ammunition.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube meets my expectations for a choke tube designed to enhance pattern density with specific ammunition. Its optimized constriction and extended parallel section deliver noticeable improvements in pattern consistency and range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube boasts a robust build quality, constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel. The Titanium finish not only looks good but also aids in corrosion resistance. The knurled extension provides a secure grip for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
The installation process is straightforward, requiring no specialized tools beyond the included choke wrench. The extended design makes it easy to identify the choke tube at a glance, preventing accidental mix-ups in the field.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 Stainless Steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use in harsh environments. Regular cleaning with a choke tube brush and solvent is sufficient to maintain its performance and prevent corrosion. With proper care, it should last for many seasons of hunting and shooting.
This choke tube is designed for easy maintenance and requires no specialized tools or procedures. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. While it is specifically designed for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns, it is not compatible with other choke tube systems. There are no additional customization options for this particular choke tube.
While customization is limited, the compatibility with Benelli Crio Plus shotguns allows users to pair it with a wide range of aftermarket accessories such as shell holders, slings, and sights.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube
Pros
- Delivers significantly tighter patterns with Prairie Storm ammunition, increasing effective range and improving hit probability.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 Stainless Steel for long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- The Titanium finish looks great and provides additional protection against the elements.
- The knurled extension allows for easy hand tightening and removal, even with gloved hands.
- Noticeable performance gains compared to factory chokes, especially at longer ranges.
Cons
- Performance is optimized for specific ammunition types, and may not be ideal for all loads.
- Only compatible with Benelli Crio Plus shotguns, limiting its versatility.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube is perfect for waterfowl hunters who use Benelli Crio Plus shotguns and prefer shooting Prairie Storm ammunition. Sporting clays enthusiasts seeking tighter patterns for long-range targets will also benefit from its performance. This choke tube is an excellent upgrade for anyone looking to maximize the effectiveness of their Benelli shotgun with specialized ammunition.
This product may not be suitable for shooters who prefer using a wide variety of ammunition types or those who own shotguns with different choke tube systems. Also, those seeking a more versatile choke tube for different hunting scenarios may want to consider other options. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality choke tube case to protect the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus PS Choke Tube during transportation and storage.
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-designed and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns with specific ammunition. Its durable construction, ease of use, and noticeable performance gains make it a worthwhile upgrade for Benelli Crio Plus shotgun owners. The price is justified by the enhanced performance and increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would personally recommend this choke tube to any waterfowl hunter or sporting clays enthusiast looking to maximize their shotgun’s performance with Prairie Storm ammunition. It’s a simple yet effective upgrade that can significantly improve your shooting experience. Upgrade your Benelli today and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make!