Let’s Talk About 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 aftermarket choke designed to maximize the performance of Winchester Long Beard XR turkey loads in 20 gauge Benelli shotguns with Crio or Crio Plus choke systems. Marketed as a devastating combination when paired with Winchester’s Shot-Lok technology, it promises tighter patterns and extended range, making it a serious contender for any turkey hunter looking to up their game. This choke tube aims to deliver superior downrange performance, turning your 20 gauge Benelli into a gobbler-grabbing machine.
My quest for this choke stemmed from a frustrating experience last spring. I missed aTom at 45 yards, convinced my factory full choke wasn’t delivering the tight patterns needed for ethical and effective shots at that distance. I needed a choke specifically designed for modern turkey loads, promising denser patterns at longer ranges.
Upon unboxing, the Carlson’s choke had a solid, robust feel. The black finish was clean and even, and the ports were precisely machined, a testament to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes’s commitment to quality. It definitely felt like a step up from the factory choke.
Compared to a standard full choke and a competitor’s extended ported turkey choke (not specifically designed for Long Beard XR), the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube stood out. Its .568 diameter felt more optimized for long-range performance compared to the factory choke. I chose this choke due to its specific marketing for Winchester Long Beard XR and the promise of improved patterns with this ammunition.
My initial impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. I was eager to get to the range and see if it lived up to the hype, hoping it would transform my 20 gauge into a true long-range turkey weapon.
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
The first test took place at my local shooting range, patterned at 30 and 40 yards. I was using Winchester Long Beard XR #5 shot out of my 20 Gauge Benelli Montefeltro. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for patterning.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube produced noticeably tighter patterns than my factory full choke. At 30 yards, the majority of the shot was concentrated within a 12-inch circle, with good pellet distribution.
The choke installed easily with the provided wrench, and I noticed a slight reduction in recoil due to the ported design. The only initial surprise was just how tight the patterns were, requiring a very precise aim.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube has proven reliable. There are no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to rain and mud. The choke continues to thread smoothly into the barrel.
Cleaning involves removing the choke after each hunt and scrubbing it with bore cleaner and a nylon brush. This process is straightforward, and the 17-4 Stainless Steel construction seems resistant to fouling. It has definitely outperformed my previous choke in terms of pattern density and range.
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 manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes. It’s finished in a non-reflective black.
Constructed from 17-4 Stainless Steel, this choke is built for durability and resistance to corrosion. The 20 Gauge choke is designed for Benelli shotguns with the Crio/Crio Plus choke tube system, making it a specific fit.
It’s a Turkey choke, designed to produce extremely tight patterns at longer ranges. The 0.568 in Diameter provides a very tight constriction, ideal for maximizing the effectiveness of turkey loads.
This choke is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio/Crio Plus system. Each package contains 1 choke tube and includes a choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
The inclusion of Ported design helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump, providing more stable follow-up shots. This choke is proudly made in the USA.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the choke’s performance and durability. The stainless steel construction ensures long-term reliability in harsh hunting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube excels at delivering extremely tight patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It dramatically extends the effective range of my 20 gauge, providing confidence for shots beyond 40 yards.
The primary strength is its ability to consistently produce dense patterns, ensuring multiple pellets hit the vital zone of a turkey’s head and neck. A potential weakness is that the extremely tight patterns require precise aiming, leaving little room for error. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern density at extended ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with precise machining and a durable finish. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction gives it a solid, weighty feel, inspiring confidence in its longevity.
Installing and removing the choke is easy with the included wrench, making it user-friendly. There is no noticeable learning curve, though patterning the choke with your specific load is essential.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures excellent corrosion resistance and long-term durability. With proper cleaning and maintenance, this choke should last for many seasons.
Cleaning is simple: remove the choke after each hunt, spray it with bore cleaner, and scrub it with a nylon brush. It requires minimal effort to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube comes with a choke wrench. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself.
It is compatible with any 20 gauge Benelli shotgun that utilizes the Crio or Crio Plus choke system. I’ve found it works best with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition, but it’s worth experimenting with other turkey loads to find the optimal combination.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube
Pros
- Exceptional pattern density with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
- Extended effective range for 20 gauge turkey hunting.
- Durable 17-4 Stainless Steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Ported design helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Extremely tight patterns require very precise aiming.
- Specifically designed for Long Beard XR, may not perform as well with other loads.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Ported 20 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Turkey Choke Tube?
This choke is perfect for turkey hunters using a 20 gauge Benelli with Crio/Crio Plus chokes who want to maximize the range and effectiveness of their shotgun, particularly those using Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It’s ideal for hunters who prioritize pattern density and are willing to practice precise aiming.
Hunters who prefer a more forgiving pattern or who primarily hunt at very close ranges may not benefit as much from this choke. Hunters who do not own a Benelli with Crio/Crio Plus chokes should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a quality optic or red dot sight to aid in precise aiming. Different shot sizes within the Long Beard XR line may provide different patterns.
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 game-changer for serious turkey hunters using a 20 gauge Benelli and Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It delivers exceptional pattern density and extends the effective range, providing a significant advantage in the field.
The price is justified by the improved performance and durable construction. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to optimize their turkey hunting setup.
I would highly recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize the performance of their 20 gauge Benelli. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, this choke is a must-have.