First Thoughts on the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
As an avid turkey hunter with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of choke tubes come and go. Carlson’s is a name I trust, known for producing quality chokes that deliver consistent patterns. This year, I was looking for an edge – something to maximize the potential of my trusty 20-gauge Benelli Crio Plus and the potent Winchester Long Beard XR turkey loads. The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black promised exactly that: optimized patterns for those specific shells.
My go-to choke for the past few seasons has been a generic extended turkey choke. While it performed adequately, I always felt I could squeeze a bit more performance out of my setup, especially at longer ranges. Unboxing the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and clean black finish. It looked like a quality piece of hardware.
Compared to my old choke, this Carlson’s tube felt more substantial, like it was built to withstand the rigors of the hunt. I considered a few other specialized turkey chokes, but the Carlson’s reputation and the specific claim of optimized performance with Long Beard XR shells swayed me. My initial excitement was definitely high. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black was during a spring turkey hunt in the dense forests of Pennsylvania. The weather was typical for early spring: damp, with a persistent drizzle. I set up my blind overlooking a small clearing known for attracting strutting toms.
The ease of installing the choke was a plus. It threaded smoothly into my Benelli Crio Plus barrel without any binding or excessive force. During the hunt, I had two opportunities to test the choke. The first was a tom that hung up just beyond my comfort zone, at around 45 yards. Confident in the Carlson’s choke’s performance claims, I took the shot. The resulting pattern was impressively tight and even, dropping the bird in its tracks. There were no noticeable holes or flyers in the pattern. It exceeded my expectations significantly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of turkey hunting, the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black has proven its worth time and time again. It has consistently delivered tight, dense patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR shells. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, from dry and dusty days to soaking wet mornings, without any noticeable degradation in performance.
The choke tube shows no signs of wear and tear. The black finish remains intact, and the threads are still clean and smooth. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to keep it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with generic chokes, the Carlson’s offering is a clear winner in terms of both performance and durability. The pattern density is superior, and it instills confidence when taking those longer shots.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
Specifications
Type: Choke Tube. Specifically designed for maximizing shotgun performance.
Gauge: 20 Gauge. It’s important to use the correct gauge choke tube for safety and optimal performance.
Choke Size: Turkey. Specifically designed for tight patterns at longer ranges, ideal for turkey hunting.
Model: Benelli Crio Plus. Compatible with Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system.
Finish: Black. The black finish provides corrosion resistance and a low-profile look.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black excels at producing exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with turkey loads, particularly Winchester Long Beard XR. This enhanced pattern density translates to increased effective range and greater confidence in making clean kills. The choke’s optimized constriction and internal geometry contribute to its superior performance.
Its only real weakness, if you can call it that, is its specialization. It’s designed for turkey hunting with specific loads. It is not ideal for other game or shooting disciplines that require a more open pattern. Overall, it exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black features a robust steel construction. It provides a solid and durable feel. The black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds a layer of protection against corrosion.
The choke threads smoothly into Benelli Crio Plus barrels. No specialized tools are needed for installation or removal. The extended design allows for easy identification and wrench access. There is no learning curve involved. It is a simple “screw in and go” installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The robust steel construction and corrosion-resistant black finish ensure the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is built to last. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain its performance. This choke tube is backed by Carlson’s Lifetime warranty. It is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black itself doesn’t have accessories. However, its performance can be further enhanced by using it in conjunction with high-quality turkey loads, such as Winchester Long Beard XR. There aren’t really any modifications available for choke tubes, as they are already optimized for their specific purpose.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR turkey loads.
- Increases effective range for confident shots at longer distances.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant black finish.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no specialized tools.
- Backed by Carlson’s Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Specialized for turkey hunting and not ideal for other game or shooting disciplines.
- Performance is optimized for specific loads; results may vary with other brands.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black?
This choke tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a 20-gauge Benelli Crio Plus shotgun and primarily use Winchester Long Beard XR turkey loads. It’s an excellent upgrade for those seeking to maximize their shotgun’s performance and extend their effective range. Hunters who prioritize tight, consistent patterns and reliable performance in various weather conditions will also benefit from this choke.
Those who should skip this product include hunters who use other shotgun models or gauges. Also, those who primarily hunt other game animals, or those who are not committed to using Winchester Long Beard XR shells. A must-have accessory would be a choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal, although it can usually be done by hand.
Conclusion on Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is a game-changer for serious 20-gauge Benelli turkey hunters. Its ability to consistently deliver tight, dense patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR shells is truly impressive. At a price of $48.70, the value proposition is outstanding. The performance gains and increased confidence it provides are well worth the investment.
I would absolutely recommend this choke tube to any turkey hunter looking to take their game to the next level. If you’re ready to experience tighter patterns and longer, more effective shots, then don’t hesitate to add the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black to your arsenal. Go get yours and bag that longbeard!