First Thoughts on the HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
Turkey hunting is a tradition steeped in patience, skill, and the right gear. The right choke can be the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day in the woods. HEVI-Shot is a name synonymous with quality ammunition and performance-enhancing shotgun accessories.
For years, I struggled with inconsistent patterns from my trusty 20-gauge Benelli Crio Plus when turkey hunting. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. That’s what led me to explore the HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported).
Out of the box, the choke is undeniably well-made. The black finish is sleek and durable, the knurled fore-end provides a secure grip for hand tightening, and the ports at the muzzle hint at its recoil-reducing capabilities. It has a solid feel, suggesting the 17-4 stainless steel construction can withstand the rigors of the hunt.
I considered other extended range turkey chokes from Carlson’s and Primos, but I was ultimately swayed by HEVI-Shot’s reputation for specifically optimizing their chokes for their ammunition. The promise of achieving consistently tight patterns with HEVI-Shot turkey loads was too compelling to ignore. My initial reaction was hopeful, bordering on excited – if this choke performs as advertised, it could significantly improve my success rate this spring.
Real-World Testing: Putting HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the HEVI-Shot choke was at my local shooting range, patterning it with various 20-gauge turkey loads, including HEVI-Shot Mag Blend. The weather was cool and clear, perfect for evaluating the choke’s performance. Installation was incredibly easy; the knurled fore-end allowed me to hand-tighten it securely onto my Benelli Crio Plus barrel.
The immediate improvement in pattern density was noticeable. The point of impact was centered. And the patterns were significantly tighter than with the factory modified choke. There was a slight reduction in felt recoil thanks to the ported design. I was surprised by how consistent the patterns were across different brands of ammunition, although HEVI-Shot loads undeniably performed best.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the HEVI-Shot choke for an entire turkey season, as well as several practice sessions leading up to it, I can confidently say it has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion. The black finish still looks pristine.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick scrub with a shotgun bore brush and solvent removes any residue. Compared to my experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the HEVI-Shot choke consistently delivered tighter, more reliable patterns at longer ranges. This choke has exceeded my expectations, significantly boosting my confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
Specifications
The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is specifically designed for 20-gauge Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system. It’s an extended range choke intended for maximizing pattern density at distances beyond the capabilities of standard chokes.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The exterior features a black finish for added protection and a non-reflective appearance. It is also designed with ported vents near the muzzle to reduce recoil and muzzle jump.
Performance & Functionality
The HEVI-Shot choke excels at delivering exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges. This is crucial for turkey hunting, where precise shot placement is essential for a clean and ethical kill. The ported design effectively mitigates recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more comfortable.
While the choke performs admirably with various turkey loads, it’s optimized for use with HEVI-Shot ammunition. It’s hard to find anything that significantly needs improvement, although some shooters might prefer a non-ported version for slightly higher velocities. This choke certainly meets and even exceeds my expectations for long-range turkey hunting performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The HEVI-Shot choke boasts a robust build quality, thanks to the 17-4 stainless steel construction. While adding a bit of weight to the muzzle, the added weight helps to dampen recoil. The knurled fore-end is a practical design feature, allowing for easy hand tightening and removal without the need for specialized tools.
The choke is incredibly user-friendly. The extended design makes it easy to identify and change in the field. There’s virtually no learning curve; simply screw it in and start patterning.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the choke will withstand years of use and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Regular cleaning with a shotgun bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain optimal performance. The durability of the choke gives me confidence that it will be a reliable tool for many hunting seasons to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HEVI-Shot 230123 choke itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone product. There are no customization options directly related to the choke, although shooters can experiment with different HEVI-Shot and other premium turkey loads to fine-tune their patterns. The choke is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system, limiting its compatibility with other brands.
Pros and Cons of HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges, crucial for ethical turkey hunting.
- The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance.
- The ported design noticeably reduces recoil and muzzle jump, improving shooter comfort and follow-up shots.
- The knurled fore-end allows for easy hand tightening and removal, simplifying field adjustments.
- Optimized for HEVI-Shot ammunition, maximizing performance and pattern density.
Cons
- Specifically designed for Benelli Crio Plus 20-gauge shotguns, limiting compatibility with other brands.
- The ported design may slightly reduce muzzle velocity compared to non-ported chokes.
Who Should Buy HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)?
The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is perfect for serious turkey hunters who prioritize consistent, long-range performance. It’s especially well-suited for those who use a Benelli 20-gauge shotgun with the Crio Plus choke system and prefer HEVI-Shot ammunition. This choke is also a great choice for hunters who are sensitive to recoil and appreciate the added comfort provided by the ported design.
This product is not ideal for hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at close range (within 20 yards) or those who use shotguns from brands other than Benelli. Hunters who prefer non-ported chokes for slightly higher velocities should also skip this product. A must-have accessory for this choke is a selection of premium 20-gauge turkey loads, ideally HEVI-Shot‘s offerings, to achieve optimal pattern density and performance.
Conclusion on HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is a top-tier turkey choke that delivers on its promise of extended range performance. Its durable construction, recoil-reducing design, and optimized compatibility with HEVI-Shot ammunition make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters.
At $43.99, the price is justified by the choke’s exceptional performance and build quality. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any Benelli 20-gauge owner looking to improve their turkey hunting success. Upgrade your setup, head to the woods, and experience the difference that a quality choke can make – you won’t be disappointed!