Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack promises to be a game-changer for waterfowl hunters using Benelli shotguns. Offered by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this set includes close, mid, and long-range chokes designed for optimal performance with various loads. The heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel construction and extended design are features that immediately caught my eye, promising durability and enhanced pattern density.
My quest for tighter, more consistent patterns with steel shot led me to this particular choke tube set. I was consistently frustrated by the inconsistent patterns I was getting with the factory-supplied chokes in my Benelli. I needed something that could handle steel, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth loads without compromising pattern integrity.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the robust feel and clean finish of each choke tube. The black blued finish provided a professional and durable look. The weight felt substantial, indicating quality materials, and the extended design suggested easy installation and removal.
I considered similar choke tube sets from Briley and Patternmaster, but Carlson’s Choke Tubes‘ reputation for quality and value, combined with the specific design for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus barrels, swayed my decision. The price point was also more appealing than some of the higher-end alternatives. I picked these over the others for their reputation and the specific application to Benelli shotguns.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if these chokes would live up to the hype and deliver the tighter, more consistent patterns I desperately needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at a local sporting clays range, followed by a teal hunting trip in early September. I primarily focused on the mid-range choke for clays and swapped between the close and mid-range during the hunt, depending on the distance of the incoming birds. The clays course provided the perfect opportunity to evaluate pattern consistency, while the teal hunt offered a real-world application for fast-flying targets.
Performance was noticeably improved, even in slightly windy conditions on the range. With steel shot, the patterns were tighter and more uniform compared to my factory chokes. The teal hunt was the real test and the close-range choke provided quick kills at closer range.
Installation was simple with the extended design allowing for easy hand tightening. Initially, I experienced no issues, and the chokes performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including multiple duck and goose hunts in varying weather conditions, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack continues to perform exceptionally well. There are no issues after long term use.
The chokes show minimal signs of wear, with only slight discoloration on the exterior from exposure to moisture and cleaning solvents. The heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel has proven to be exceptionally durable, resisting corrosion and maintaining its integrity. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps them in excellent condition.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes set offers a significant improvement in pattern density and consistency, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer cripples. They have significantly outperformed the factory chokes.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack boasts several key specifications:
- Gauge: 12 Gauge – This ensures compatibility with standard 12-gauge shotguns.
- Choke Tube System: Benelli Crio Plus, Benelli Crio – Designed specifically for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio and Crio Plus choke system.
- Choke Type: Close Range, Mid Range, Long Range – Offers versatility for various hunting scenarios and target distances.
- Material: Heat-Treated 17-4 Stainless Steel – Provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- Construction: Non-Ported – Helps maintain consistent patterns and reduces muzzle debris compared to ported chokes.
- Quantity: 3 – A complete set covering a wide range of hunting situations.
- Gun Make: Benelli – Made specifically for Benelli shotguns.
- Country of Origin: USA – This ensures high-quality manufacturing standards.
- Color: Black – This is for an aesthetically pleasing design.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the performance and longevity of the choke tubes. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures the chokes can withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting, while the range of choke constrictions provides the flexibility to adapt to different hunting situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack excels in its primary function: delivering consistent, dense patterns at varying distances. I’ve observed improved accuracy with both steel and Hevi-Shot loads, resulting in cleaner kills.
The strengths lie in the consistent pattern performance and the versatility of having three distinct chokes for different scenarios. A potential weakness is the lack of a choke tube case, which would be a welcome addition to protect the chokes during storage and transport. The tubes have exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The extended design of the chokes facilitates easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands in cold weather. The black blued finish provides a professional and durable aesthetic.
The chokes are user-friendly, requiring no special tools for installation or removal. There’s virtually no learning curve associated with their use.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, these chokes are built to last. With proper care and cleaning, they should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use. Minimal maintenance is required for these tubes.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack does not come with any additional accessories beyond the three chokes themselves. A choke tube wrench is recommended for tightening, although hand tightening is usually sufficient.
While the chokes themselves don’t offer direct customization, they are compatible with various 12-gauge ammunition types, allowing hunters to tailor their load selection for optimal performance. They work well with the choke wrench I already had.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
Pros
- Improved Pattern Density: Delivers tighter, more consistent patterns for cleaner kills.
- Versatile Range: Includes close, mid, and long-range chokes for various hunting scenarios.
- Durable Construction: Made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Extended design allows for simple hand tightening.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Provides noticeable improvement in accuracy with steel and Hevi-Shot loads.
Cons
- Lack of Choke Tube Case: No dedicated case for storage and protection.
- No Wrench Included: Choke tube wrench not included in the package.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is perfect for waterfowl hunters using Benelli shotguns with Crio or Crio Plus choke systems seeking improved pattern density and versatility. It is also a must-have for hunters using steel, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth loads.
Hunters satisfied with their factory chokes or those using shotguns incompatible with the Crio/Crio Plus system should skip this product.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is a worthwhile investment for waterfowl hunters seeking enhanced performance from their Benelli shotguns. The improvement in pattern density and the versatility of having three distinct chokes make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal.
The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the durability of the materials.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their shooting. Upgrade your Benelli today and experience the difference!