Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black

The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black choke tube promises to deliver tighter, more effective patterns when hunting turkey, particularly when paired with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads. Carlsons, a well-known name in shotgun chokes, designed this tube specifically for Benelli Crio-choked 12-gauge shotguns, aiming for optimal performance with modern turkey ammunition. I was intrigued by the potential for improving my success rate in the turkey woods.

I’ve struggled in the past with inconsistent patterns from my Benelli Crio barrel. Many times I’ve missed easy shots because the spread was too wide. After missing what I thought was a chip shot at a Tom last season, I decided it was time to get serious about my choke setup and ensure I’m putting the maximum amount of pellets on the target.

Unboxing the Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and smooth black finish. It felt like a quality piece of equipment. The weight was balanced, and the threading looked precise, promising a good fit in my Benelli Super Black Eagle II.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Carlsons. I looked at chokes from Patternmaster and Trulock, but chose Carlsons based on their reputation for quality and consistent performance, plus the appealing price point. My first impression was definitely positive. I was eager to get it to the range and see how it performed.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range. I set up a turkey target at 40 yards, a typical distance for many of my hunts. I primarily used Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads, as recommended, along with some Federal Premium turkey loads for comparison.

The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black performed admirably in dry, mild conditions. The patterns were noticeably tighter than with my factory choke. The Long Beard shells printed incredibly tight groups, with the vast majority of the pellets landing within a 12-inch circle at 40 yards. After the first few shots I knew this was a big improvement!

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a spring turkey season, the Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black continues to perform consistently. I’ve put over 50 rounds through it and cleaned it after each range session and hunt. There are no signs of wear or tear.

The choke has held up remarkably well. I even took it on a hunt where I was caught in a downpour. Cleaning the choke afterwards was simple and straightforward. Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlsons offers a significant improvement in pattern density and consistency, giving me greater confidence in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black

Specifications

The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is designed for Benelli Crio Plus-choked 12-gauge shotguns. Its specific constriction is optimized for turkey hunting. It features a durable black finish and is built to withstand the rigors of the field.

• Type: Choke Tube
• Gauge: 12 Gauge
• Choke Size: Turkey
• Model: Benelli Crio Plus
• Finish: Black

These specifications are critical for achieving optimal performance with turkey loads. The specific constriction ensures tight patterns, while the durable construction guarantees longevity. This choke helps place more pellets in a vital area at longer ranges.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black excels in delivering tight, dense patterns at typical turkey hunting distances. Its performance inspires confidence. It significantly reduces the chances of a missed or wounded bird due to pattern deficiencies.

While it performs exceptionally well with Winchester Long Beard loads, it also provides good patterns with other premium turkey ammunition. There is very little to complain about with this choke. It’s a well-designed piece of equipment that does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It greatly exceeded my expectations based on previous turkey chokes.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is built with high-quality materials and a durable black finish. The choke tube is easy to install and remove. The construction feels robust.

The choke’s design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. There’s no specific “ergonomics” to discuss beyond its ease of installation and removal. There’s very little learning curve involved with using it.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is built to last. Regular cleaning after use will ensure years of reliable performance. The black finish helps protect against corrosion.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only a choke tube wrench and some solvent for cleaning. The durable construction should withstand years of use under normal hunting conditions. I have every expectation that this choke tube will outlast my shotgun.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It’s a standalone choke tube. Aftermarket choke tube wrenches can make installation and removal easier.

There are no customization options for the choke tube itself, but pairing it with different brands and types of turkey ammunition allows for fine-tuning performance. The choke is designed to work seamlessly with any Benelli Crio Plus-compatible shotgun. Many after-market choke wrenches are available if the user desires.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black