Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube is a specialized offering designed for waterfowl hunters using Benelli Crio Plus 20-gauge shotguns. This 2-pack, featuring a Mid Range (MR) and Long Range (LR) choke, promises tighter, denser patterns for improved downrange performance. As someone with over a decade of experience in outdoor and tactical gear, particularly shotguns and their accessories, I was eager to see if these chokes lived up to the hype.
I’ve always been chasing that perfect pattern, that ideal balance between spread and density. Years ago, I missed a drake mallard because my pattern was too wide at the range I thought was dialed in. I needed a choke system that could provide consistent, predictable patterns at varying distances.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes arrived in simple, functional packaging. The chokes themselves felt solid and well-made, with a clean black finish. My initial impression was that these were quality aftermarket chokes, noticeably different in heft compared to the factory-installed chokes in my Benelli.
I considered similar choke sets from Briley and Patternmaster. I opted for the Carlson’s due to their reputation for quality and performance, coupled with a price point that felt more accessible. I was excited to test these chokes in the field and see if they could truly enhance my waterfowl hunting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes at my local shooting range. I was preparing for the upcoming duck season. The weather was typical for late summer in the Midwest: humid with a slight breeze.
The MR choke performed admirably at 30 yards, producing a consistent, even pattern. The LR choke tightened things up considerably at 40 yards, with fewer flyers and a denser core. I had no problems installing or removing the chokes using the included wrench.
I was initially surprised by how much denser the long-range choke was at 40 yards. It felt more effective than my previous full choke from another manufacturer.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes throughout an entire waterfowl season, I can confidently say they hold up well. There were no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to rain, mud, and occasional saltwater spray. Cleaning was simple. A quick wipe-down with a bore brush and some solvent kept them in pristine condition.
These chokes have proven to be more reliable than the factory chokes that came with my Benelli. I experienced occasional pattern inconsistencies with the factory chokes, something I haven’t encountered with the Carlson’s. I believe this is because of the 25% longer parallel section.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube boasts several key specifications. These include:
- Gauge: 20
- Choke Tube System: Benelli Crio Plus
- Choke Type: Mid Range (MR) and Long Range (LR)
- Diameter: 0.605 inches (MR) and 0.595 inches (LR)
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
- Finish: Black
- Additional Features: Non-Ported
- Included Accessories: Choke Wrench
The 20-gauge designation makes it ideal for lighter, faster-handling shotguns, perfect for quick shots in tight cover. The Benelli Crio Plus system ensures a secure and consistent fit within compatible Benelli shotguns. The 17-4 stainless steel construction guarantees excellent corrosion resistance and durability, essential for harsh hunting environments.
The choke diameters directly impact pattern density. A smaller diameter results in a tighter pattern, suitable for longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes excel in their primary function: producing consistent and effective shot patterns. The MR choke provides a balanced spread for typical waterfowl distances, while the LR choke extends your effective range on those longer shots. The tighter, denser patterns significantly improved my hit ratio.
The chokes deliver on their promise of tighter patterns. They consistently produced improved results compared to factory chokes. The only slight drawback is the LR choke’s limitation on steel shot size and velocity, requiring careful ammo selection.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes are designed with functionality in mind. The black finish blends seamlessly with most shotgun barrels. The knurled end allows for easy installation and removal with or without the included wrench.
The build quality feels robust. The chokes inspire confidence in their ability to withstand the rigors of regular use. The laser markings are clear and easy to read, even in low light conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability. After a full season of use, there are no signs of wear or corrosion. The chokes are easy to clean with standard shotgun cleaning supplies, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Proper maintenance involves cleaning after each use. A light coat of gun oil on the threads will prevent seizing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 2-pack comes with a choke wrench. This wrench makes swapping chokes in the field much easier. While there are no additional customization options directly associated with these specific chokes, they are compatible with various choke tube cases and organizers.
Aftermarket choke wrenches with ergonomic grips are available. These can provide a more comfortable and secure grip during choke tube changes.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube
Pros
- Significantly improved pattern density compared to factory chokes, leading to better hit ratios.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Knurled end allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
- Clear laser markings make choke identification simple and quick.
- Improved Effective Range extends your range for clean kills.
Cons
- Long Range choke has limitations on steel shot size and velocity.
- Only comes with two chokes which might not be enough for some hunters wanting more versatility.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking to improve their pattern density and extend their effective range with a Benelli Crio Plus 20-gauge shotgun. They are also suitable for sporting clay shooters who want consistent patterns with their 20-gauge shotgun. This choke set is ideal for hunters who primarily use lead or smaller steel shot sizes.
Hunters who require more versatility or frequently shoot larger steel shot at high velocities should consider other options. Also, those with shotguns that do not utilize the Benelli Crio Plus choke system will need to find chokes compatible with their system. A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube case to protect the chokes during transport and storage.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube
Overall, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20GA Delta Waterfowl 2-Pack Choke Tube is a worthwhile investment for any serious waterfowl hunter using a compatible 20-gauge Benelli shotgun. The improved pattern density and durable construction provide a noticeable advantage in the field. The price is justified considering the performance and longevity of these chokes.
I would highly recommend these chokes to anyone looking to enhance their shotgun’s performance. The tighter patterns and ease of use make them a valuable addition to any hunter’s gear. Don’t let another duck season pass you by with subpar patterns; upgrade to Carlson’s Choke Tubes and experience the difference!