First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Turkey hunting is a serious game, and the right gear can make all the difference between coming home with a bird or heading back empty-handed. That’s why I was excited to get my hands on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black. This choke tube, promising tighter patterns and increased range, seemed like the perfect addition to my Benelli.
My aging factory choke was no longer cutting it, producing inconsistent patterns beyond 30 yards. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver dense, lethal patterns at longer distances, increasing my chances of bagging a tom. After researching various options, I settled on the Carlsons Bone Collector due to its reputation for quality and the Bone Collector endorsement.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel and matte black finish of the Carlsons choke. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gave it a reassuring heft, and the extended design looked aggressive. Compared to my factory choke, the Carlsons tube felt significantly more robust and precisely machined. My initial excitement was high; this seemed like the upgrade I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Carlsons Bone Collector came at my local shooting range, patterning it with several different turkey loads. I was eager to see if the hype matched the reality. The weather was clear and calm, perfect for testing accuracy.
The choke proved easy to install, threading smoothly into my Benelli’s Crio Plus system. I started with lead #5 shot, then moved to #4 copper plated, and finally TSS #9 shot, firing at targets set at 30 and 40 yards. The patterns at 30 yards were impressively tight, with a dense core of pellets in the kill zone. At 40 yards, the patterns remained effective, though with a slightly wider spread. I did notice that the choke seemed to perform better with heavier shot loads, specifically the copper plated #4 and TSS #9.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a full turkey season, the Carlsons Bone Collector has proven to be a reliable performer. It has endured wet, muddy conditions during spring hunts, and dry, dusty conditions during the off-season. There are no signs of rust or corrosion on the matte black finish.
Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a bore brush and solvent to remove powder residue. Compared to my previous choke, the Carlsons tube requires less frequent cleaning, likely due to the high-quality stainless steel. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability, significantly improving my confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is designed specifically for 12-gauge Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system. It features a turkey-specific constriction that is designed to produce extremely tight patterns with a variety of turkey loads. The choke is machined from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, offering exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
The matte black finish reduces glare, preventing spooking wary birds. It extends beyond the end of the barrel, making it easier to grip and change. These specifications are crucial for turkey hunting, where tight patterns and stealth are essential for success.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector excels at its primary function: delivering dense, consistent patterns at extended ranges. The tighter constriction results in a significantly higher pellet count in the vital zone compared to a standard choke. This is especially noticeable with tungsten and TSS loads, where the increased density translates to devastating terminal performance.
The primary strength of this choke is its ability to consistently produce tight patterns with a variety of loads. One area for potential improvement would be clearer guidance on optimal load selection for different ranges, as some experimentation is required to find the perfect combination. However, once dialed in, the Carlsons Bone Collector outperforms most factory chokes by a significant margin, consistently exceeding my performance expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons choke is built with high-quality materials and precise machining. Its weight is substantial enough to feel robust without adding unnecessary bulk to the shotgun. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands.
The matte black finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, minimizing glare. There is virtually no learning curve; simply screw it in and pattern it with your preferred loads.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Bone Collector is built to withstand years of use in harsh conditions. The choke is resistant to rust and corrosion, even after exposure to rain, mud, and saltwater spray. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a bore brush and solvent.
Given its robust construction and ease of maintenance, the Carlsons Bone Collector should provide reliable performance for many seasons. Its durable design ensures it will withstand the rigors of turkey hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector does not come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone choke tube. However, it is compatible with a wide range of 12-gauge Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system. While there are no specific customization options for the choke itself, shooters can experiment with different turkey loads to fine-tune their patterns for optimal performance.
The choke’s compatibility with various loads and its ease of installation make it a versatile addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. The fact it works seamlessly with any Benelli Crio Plus shotgun right out of the box is extremely convenient.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns with a variety of turkey loads, significantly increasing effective range.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel with a non-reflective matte black finish, ensuring long-lasting performance and stealth.
- Extended design allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
- Compatible with all Benelli shotguns using the Crio Plus choke system, providing a simple upgrade.
- Noticeable improvement over factory chokes, especially with premium turkey loads like TSS.
Cons
- Requires some experimentation to find the optimal load for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
- The super tight constriction might not be ideal for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards).
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the tightest patterns and longest effective range from their Benelli shotgun. It is an excellent upgrade for those who are dissatisfied with the performance of their factory choke and want to maximize their chances of success. This choke is also well-suited for hunters who use premium turkey loads, such as TSS or heavy shot, as it allows them to fully realize the potential of these high-performance ammunition options.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very dense cover, where shots are typically taken at extremely close range (inside 20 yards), might want to consider a more open choke for greater pattern spread. A must-have accessory is a variety of different turkey loads to pattern your shotgun with, because every gun is different.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a high-quality choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and increased range. The price of $69.55 is well-justified, considering the improved performance and durable construction. It’s an investment that will pay off in more successful hunts.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to upgrade their Benelli shotgun. If you’re tired of missed opportunities and want to maximize your chances of bagging a tom, the Carlsons Bone Collector is an excellent choice. Go ahead and give yourself the edge you deserve this turkey season.