First Impressions of Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube
The Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube promises an upgrade to your shotgun’s performance at a competitive price point. Made from 17-4 stainless steel and coated with Black Nitride, it boasts enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. Its extended design aims for tighter, more consistent patterns, making it attractive to hunters and competitive shooters alike.
I’ve always been a fan of tinkering with my shotguns to find that perfect pattern. Factory chokes are often a compromise, leaving room for improvement. I wanted a choke tube that could handle a variety of shot types, provide consistent patterns, and withstand the rigors of frequent use in diverse weather conditions.
The tube arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My first impression was that it felt solid and well-machined. The black nitride finish gave it a sleek, professional look, far exceeding my expectations for a choke in this price range. Compared to the factory Benelli choke, the Kaw Valley Precision tube felt noticeably more robust. I considered a Carlson’s choke, a popular brand, but the price point of the KVP combined with the black nitride finish swayed me. I also considered a Briley, but the Kaw Valley Precision tube seemed to provide similar features at a fraction of the cost.
I was excited to see if this affordable upgrade could truly improve my shotgun’s performance. I wasn’t disappointed with the appearance and build quality right out of the box.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube at my local shooting range. I used it with a variety of 12-gauge loads, including target loads, buckshot, and steel shot. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze.
The choke tube was easy to install using a standard choke tube wrench. I noticed an immediate improvement in pattern density with target loads at 30 yards. There were no issues with cycling or extraction, and the choke tube remained securely in place throughout the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube has held up exceptionally well. I’ve used it extensively during dove and pheasant hunting trips, as well as numerous range sessions. There are no signs of significant wear and tear despite exposure to mud, rain, and dust.
Cleaning the choke tube is a breeze. A quick scrub with a brass brush and solvent removes any powder residue. It outperforms the factory choke that came with my Benelli.
Breaking Down the Features of Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube
Specifications
The Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube boasts the following specifications:
- Made from high-grade 17-4 Stainless Steel: This material offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, crucial for withstanding the harsh conditions encountered during hunting and shooting.
- Black Nitride Coating: The coating enhances surface hardness and wear resistance, further extending the lifespan of the choke tube.
- 12 Gauge: Designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns chambered for the Benelli Crio Plus choke system.
- Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube System: Ensures proper fit and function with Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus system.
- Extended Design: Provides a longer forcing cone or parallel section compared to flush chokes, purportedly leading to more consistent patterns.
- Laser Engraved Restriction: Clearly marks the choke restriction on the end of the tube for easy identification.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the choke tube’s performance and longevity. The 17-4 stainless steel and black nitride coating ensure that the choke tube can withstand repeated use and exposure to harsh environments without corroding or wearing down. The extended design is intended to produce tighter, more consistent shot patterns, which is crucial for hunting and competitive shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube performs admirably. It delivers consistent and predictable shot patterns across a range of distances and shot types. The patterns are noticeably tighter than those produced by the factory choke, especially at longer ranges.
The choke’s primary strength lies in its ability to improve pattern density and consistency. I found that I was able to achieve more ethical and effective kills while hunting. A minor weakness is that tighter constrictions may not be ideal for very close-range targets. It meets my expectations and provides a noticeable improvement over factory chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube features a simple, yet effective design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels robust and well-made. The black nitride finish adds a touch of style and enhances the choke tube’s resistance to wear and corrosion.
The choke tube is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench. There’s no noticeable learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the materials used and the black nitride coating, I expect the Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube to last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
Maintaining the choke tube is straightforward. A quick cleaning after each use is all that’s typically required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Benelli Crio Plus chokes.
There are no inherent customization options for a choke tube. However, users can choose from a variety of constrictions to suit their specific needs and shooting preferences.
Pros and Cons of Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube
Pros
- Improved Pattern Density: Provides tighter, more consistent patterns than factory chokes, increasing effective range and improving accuracy.
- Enhanced Durability: Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel with a black nitride coating for exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent performance and durability at a competitive price point.
- Easy Installation: Installs quickly and easily using a standard choke tube wrench.
- Versatile Performance: Compatible with a wide range of shot types, including lead, steel, and tungsten.
Cons
- Tighter constrictions may not be ideal for very close-range targets.
- No included choke tube wrench.
Who Should Buy Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube?
The Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is perfect for hunters who want to improve their shotgun’s performance and increase their effective range. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters looking for tighter, more consistent patterns. Anyone who owns a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus choke system can benefit from this upgrade.
Those who primarily shoot at very close range (e.g., skeet shooting) may not see as significant an improvement with tighter constrictions. Someone completely new to shotguns may not immediately appreciate the benefits of aftermarket chokes.
A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory. Choke tube grease is also recommended to prevent the choke tube from becoming seized in the barrel.
Conclusion on Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube
The Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is an excellent upgrade for any Benelli shotgun owner looking to improve their shotgun’s performance. It provides a noticeable improvement in pattern density and consistency, is incredibly durable, and comes at a very reasonable price.
The price of $29.49 is more than justified given the performance and durability offered.
I would absolutely recommend the Kaw Valley Precision Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube. If you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your shotgun’s performance, this is it. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!