HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) Review

First Thoughts on the HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)

The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) promises to enhance the performance of my Benelli Crio Plus shotgun, specifically for waterfowl hunting at moderate ranges. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the field and on the range, I’m always looking for gear that gives me a competitive edge without sacrificing reliability or breaking the bank. I’ve been experiencing inconsistent patterns with factory chokes at that crucial 30-40 yard range, leading to more cripples than clean kills, and I’m hoping this choke addresses that.

I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tighter, more uniform patterns with steel shot at mid-range distances, giving me greater confidence in my shots. My Benelli Crio Plus has been a dependable workhorse, but its factory choke tubes left something to be desired, especially when using non-toxic shot. I was particularly intrigued by the HEVI-Shot name, knowing their reputation for producing high-density, high-performing shotshells and chokes designed to maximize their effectiveness. The promise of a ported design also piqued my interest, as I’m always looking for ways to mitigate recoil for quicker follow-up shots.

The choke arrived in a simple, functional package. Its black finish and ported design give it a serious, business-like appearance, which I appreciate. The 17-4 stainless steel construction immediately communicated durability and resistance to the harsh conditions often encountered in waterfowl hunting. Picking it up, it felt solid and well-made, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand repeated use and exposure to the elements.

I considered the Carlson’s Cremator and the Patternmaster Code Black Duck chokes, both popular choices in the waterfowl hunting community. Ultimately, I went with the HEVI-Shot choke because of my positive experiences with their ammunition. I believe the HEVI-Shot choke would be specifically optimized for their shot, offering potentially superior pattern density and consistency. At its price point of $31.49, it felt like a relatively low-risk investment to potentially improve my in-field performance.

I was cautiously optimistic. While I’ve used aftermarket chokes before with mixed results, the HEVI-Shot name and ported design gave me a sense that this choke might actually live up to its promises. It was a relatively inexpensive upgrade, and I hoped it would translate into cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds.

Real-World Testing: Putting HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range choke out to a local sporting clays course to pattern it before the waterfowl season. I used HEVI-Shot ammunition, as well as Winchester and Federal steel shot, to see how the choke performed with various loads. The weather was overcast with a light drizzle, simulating typical waterfowl hunting conditions.

The choke installed easily, threading smoothly into my Benelli’s Crio Plus barrel. On the pattern board at 35 yards, the HEVI-Shot ammunition produced a noticeably denser and more consistent pattern than the other steel shot loads. The choke seemed to perform best with shot sizes #2 and #4. Recoil felt marginally reduced thanks to the ported design, making faster follow-up shots easier.

Extended Use & Reliability

After using the HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range choke for an entire waterfowl season, I’m happy to report that it has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion despite being exposed to rain, mud, and saltwater on multiple hunts. It has become an indispensable piece of my waterfowl setup.

Cleaning the choke is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to remove any fouling or residue. Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket chokes, this HEVI-Shot choke has consistently delivered tighter and more reliable patterns, leading to cleaner kills and a noticeable improvement in my shooting confidence. It has definitely outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)

Specifications

The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is designed for 12-gauge Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system. It features a mid-range constriction, optimized for shots typically taken between 25 and 40 yards. The choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength and corrosion resistance, and finished with a black coating.

This choke is specifically designed to optimize pattern density and consistency at mid-range, which is crucial for ethical and effective waterfowl hunting. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand the pressures and abrasiveness of steel shot, preventing deformation and maintaining consistent performance over time. The ported design helps vent gases, theoretically reducing recoil and muzzle jump for quicker follow-up shots.

Performance & Functionality

The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range choke excels at producing dense and consistent patterns with steel shot at mid-range distances. Its accuracy is excellent, consistently placing a high percentage of pellets within a 30-inch circle at 35 yards with HEVI-Shot ammunition. The slightly reduced recoil makes faster follow-up shots easier, which is beneficial when dealing with flocks of fast-moving waterfowl.

The only slight weakness I’ve observed is that pattern density can become a little too tight at closer ranges (under 25 yards), potentially leading to missed shots. Overall, the choke significantly meets and exceeds my expectations for a mid-range waterfowl choke.

Design & Ergonomics

The HEVI-Shot choke features a simple, functional design. Its build quality is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels robust and the black finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. It weighs slightly more than the factory chokes, but the difference is negligible.

The choke is incredibly user-friendly. It simply threads into the barrel like any other choke tube and requires no special tools for installation or removal. There is no learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its 17-4 stainless steel construction, the HEVI-Shot choke is built to last. It shows no signs of wear and tear after a full season of use in harsh conditions. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a bore brush and solvent.

The choke’s durable construction ensures that it will provide reliable performance for many seasons to come. Its ease of maintenance makes it a hassle-free addition to any waterfowl hunter’s gear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range choke doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond basic packaging. There are no customization options for this specific model. However, it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Benelli Crio Plus chokes.

There are no inherent customization options. It’s a straightforward, purpose-built choke tube.

Pros and Cons of HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)