First Thoughts on the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Turkey season is more than just a hunt; it’s a tradition, a test of skill, and a communion with the wild. For years, I’ve chased gobblers across rugged terrain, always striving for that perfect shot, that clean harvest. When Carlsons introduced their Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, I knew I had to get my hands on it to see if it could elevate my turkey hunting game.
The allure of a choke tube designed in collaboration with the Bone Collector team was strong. I was looking for tighter, more consistent patterns from my trusty 20-gauge Benelli, a gun I’ve come to rely on but felt could benefit from a more specialized choke for turkey. This product promised just that.
Upon unboxing, the choke tube exuded quality. The matte black finish looked durable and non-reflective. Its heft suggested solid construction and precise machining from the 17-4 stainless steel. Compared to the factory choke and a couple of aftermarket tubes I’ve used in the past, the Carlsons Bone Collector choke felt significantly more robust. My first impression was one of anticipation, eager to see if it lived up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at the local range, a familiar environment to zero in on the performance. The weather was typical for early spring – cool, damp, and with a slight breeze. I cycled through a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads, ranging from standard lead to copper-plated and even some TSS (Tungsten Super Shot).
The immediate difference was noticeable. Patterns at 30 and 40 yards were significantly tighter than with my previous choke tubes. I could clearly see more pellets in the vital zone of a turkey target. There were no malfunctions, no excessive recoil, just consistent and devastating patterns.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past two turkey seasons, the Carlsons Bone Collector choke has become an integral part of my setup. It has weathered everything from torrential downpours to dusty, arid conditions without a hint of corrosion or degradation. The choke tube remains easy to clean and threads in and out of my Benelli flawlessly.
The choke has proven itself remarkably durable. After repeated use and cleaning, there are no signs of wear and tear. This choke consistently outperforms any other choke I’ve used in this shotgun. This choke has provided ethical and clean harvests.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is specifically designed for 20-gauge Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance. Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, the choke is built to withstand the rigors of heavy use and harsh environments. Its matte black finish is non-reflective, crucial for avoiding spooking wary turkeys. The choke features a “Turkey” size constriction. This provides extremely tight patterns at longer ranges.
The choke is an extended tube, meaning it protrudes slightly beyond the end of the barrel. This extended design facilitates easier installation and removal. The specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s effectiveness. They increase pattern density, durability, and overall hunting success.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector choke excels in delivering exceptionally tight and consistent patterns. This provides the confidence needed for clean and ethical turkey harvests. It has been tested with a wide range of shot sizes (4 through 10). The choke’s performance is noteworthy because it reliably puts more pellets in the vital area.
The only potential improvement would be clearer guidance on specific load pairings for different hunting scenarios. However, this is a minor point, and the Carlsons Bone Collector choke significantly exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector choke boasts a robust and functional design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides exceptional durability. The matte black finish adds a touch of stealth. The extended design makes installation and removal easy, even with gloved hands.
The choke is user-friendly with no learning curve. The choke simply threads into the barrel.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction of the Carlsons Bone Collector choke ensures exceptional longevity. With proper care and cleaning, this choke should last for many seasons. Maintenance is straightforward. Simply clean the choke after each use with a solvent and choke tube brush.
This will remove any residue. This will help to prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is primarily a standalone performance upgrade. No specific accessories are included with the choke itself. The primary customization option is selecting the appropriate shotshell load.
While there aren’t external accessories for the choke, its compatibility with various shotshell loads essentially provides a form of customization. This allows hunters to fine-tune their patterns for specific hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns. More pellets on target equals more ethical harvests.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. Built to withstand harsh conditions.
- Features a non-reflective matte black finish. Helps to maintain concealment in the field.
- Extended design allows for easy installation and removal. Quick changes in the field are now simpler.
- Compatible with a wide range of turkey loads (4-10 shot). Versatility is essential for different hunting situations.
Cons
- May require some experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern for a specific shotgun. This is common with any choke tube.
- The very tight constriction may not be ideal for extremely close-range shots (inside 20 yards). Hunters must be aware of the situation and adjust accordingly.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
Perfect for: Dedicated turkey hunters using a 20-gauge Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus choke system. Ideal for those seeking tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges. Also a great fit for hunters who demand durable, reliable equipment.
Who should skip this product? Those who primarily hunt turkeys at very close ranges (under 20 yards) might find the tight constriction too limiting. Also, individuals who do not own a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus system should choose a choke tube designed for their specific shotgun model.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality shotshell carrier is essential for quick reloading in the field. A reliable rangefinder assists with accurately determining distances to ensure ethical shots.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black has proven to be an exceptional addition to my turkey hunting setup. It delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns, significantly increasing my confidence in the field.
At $69.55, the price is justified by the improved performance, durability, and ethical hunting it facilitates. I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Bone Collector choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of their 20-gauge Benelli. Upgrade your choke, and elevate your hunt.