First Thoughts on the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga.
Shotgun chokes. They’re often overlooked, treated as an afterthought in the grand scheme of shotgun ownership. But, trust me, after a decade spent chasing everything from flushing quail in the Texas brush to wary waterfowl descending on a frigid Maryland marsh, I’ve learned that the right choke tube can make all the difference. That’s why I was eager to get my hands on the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga., a name synonymous with quality and performance in the shotgun world.
My old factory choke, a modified, had served me well enough. But I’d been noticing inconsistent patterns at longer ranges, especially when using steel shot for waterfowl. I needed a choke that could tighten those patterns up, providing greater confidence on those longer shots where a clean kill is paramount. I wanted something that could consistently deliver a dense, even pattern at 40 yards and beyond. This is where Carlsons Choke Tubes come in, and the “Full” constriction promises exactly what I need.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the Carlsons choke’s construction. It felt solid, well-machined, and the stainless steel gave it a premium feel compared to the blued steel of my factory choke. It has a reassuring weight that speaks to quality craftsmanship. I was hoping for a precision fit and a noticeable improvement in pattern density.
Compared to some extended chokes on the market, the flush-mount design of the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. appealed to me. I prefer a clean, streamlined look, and I wasn’t looking to add unnecessary length or weight to my Benelli. While other brands, like Briley or Patternmaster, offer compelling options, I chose the Carlsons for its reputation for consistent performance, reasonable price of $24.99, and its flush-mounted design.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to put it through its paces and see if it could live up to the hype. The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. promised to be a game-changer, and I couldn’t wait to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to truly test the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. came during an early teal season hunt on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The conditions were classic for that time of year: humid, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into a downpour. This also provided a great test for the choke’s weather resistance. We were hunting over decoys in a flooded cornfield, anticipating quick, close-range shots at darting teal.
The ease of installation was immediately apparent. The Carlsons choke screwed in smoothly and snugly with the provided choke wrench, fitting perfectly flush with the muzzle of my Benelli. I spent the morning using steel #4 shot. The difference in pattern density was immediately noticeable at 30 yards. Pellets were consistently clustered in a tighter circle, which inspired immediate confidence.
Initially, I was impressed. The tighter pattern definitely translated to cleaner kills on those teal that ventured a little further out. I experienced no issues with extraction or fouling, and the choke remained secure throughout the morning, even after repeated firing.
Extended Use & Reliability
Now, several months and countless rounds later, I have a solid understanding of how the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. performs under a variety of conditions. It’s been used during dove season in the dusty fields of central Texas, duck hunting in the frigid, salty marshes of the Chesapeake Bay, and even a few rounds of sporting clays on sunny afternoons.
The choke has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of corrosion or wear, despite being exposed to harsh weather and various types of ammunition. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. It’s proven to be durable and exceptionally reliable.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlsons offering is a clear step up in terms of pattern consistency and overall performance. It consistently delivers tighter, more even patterns, giving me greater confidence on those longer shots. It has outperformed expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga.
Specifications
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. is a flush-mounted choke tube designed specifically for Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:
Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is the standard bore diameter for a wide range of shotguns, making it a versatile option.
Choke Size: Full. A “Full” choke constriction is designed to produce the tightest patterns at longer ranges, typically 40 yards and beyond. It’s ideal for waterfowl hunting and other applications where longer shots are common.
Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This material is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, ensuring a long lifespan even under harsh conditions.
Ammunition Compatibility: Steel, Lead, & Hevi-Shot. This versatility is crucial, as it allows users to choose the appropriate ammunition for their specific hunting or shooting needs without damaging the choke tube.
Warranty: Carlsons Lifetime Warranty. This is a testament to the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality and durability of their product.
Origin: Made in the USA. Supporting American manufacturing is a bonus for many consumers.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. performs exactly as advertised: it delivers tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. The increased pattern density translates directly to improved hit probability and cleaner kills, especially on waterfowl and upland birds.
The choke’s strength lies in its ability to maintain consistent performance regardless of the ammunition used. However, a possible weakness is that its tight pattern is not ideal for close-range engagements, where a wider spread is more desirable. It excels in open fields and across water, but not in dense brush. It meets my expectations, and then some.
Design & Ergonomics
The flush-mounted design of the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It maintains the original balance and feel of the shotgun, avoiding the added weight and length associated with extended chokes.
The build quality is excellent. The stainless steel construction feels solid and durable, and the choke threads smoothly into the Benelli’s barrel. There is no learning curve associated with the Carlsons choke. Its straightforward design and easy installation make it user-friendly for both experienced and novice shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction of the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. ensures its longevity. With proper care and maintenance, this choke tube should last for many years.
Maintenance is simple: after each use, I remove the choke, clean it with a bore brush and solvent, and apply a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion. Occasional inspection of the threads is also recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the standard choke wrench. However, its compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus choke system means that it can be used with a wide range of aftermarket choke tubes and accessories.
Although no customization is possible with this product, many owners choose to carry a variety of chokes for different hunting and target shooting scenarios.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga.
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at long ranges, increasing hit probability.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- The flush-mounted design maintains the shotgun’s balance and aesthetics.
- Compatible with steel, lead, and Hevi-Shot ammunition for versatility.
- Backed by Carlsons Lifetime Warranty, offering peace of mind.
Cons
- The tight pattern may not be suitable for close-range shooting situations.
- Requires a choke wrench for installation and removal, which can be inconvenient in the field if forgotten.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga.?
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently take longer shots at ducks and geese. It is also a great choice for turkey hunters seeking tight patterns for ethical and effective kills. It is also well suited to sporting clay shooters who regularly engage targets at extended distances.
This choke may not be the best choice for upland bird hunters who primarily hunt in dense cover, where close-range shots are the norm. It is also less suitable for those seeking a more open pattern for beginners.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench. Carrying a choke tube case with other constriction options is also recommended for maximum versatility.
Conclusion on Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga.
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. is a well-made, reliable, and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent patterns at long ranges. Its durable stainless steel construction, flush-mounted design, and ammunition versatility make it a worthwhile investment for any serious shotgun enthusiast.
At a price of $24.99, the value proposition is undeniable. It offers a significant performance upgrade over factory chokes without breaking the bank.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Full 12 ga. to anyone looking to improve their long-range shooting performance. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities, give this choke a try. You won’t be disappointed. Upgrade your Benelli today and experience the Carlsons difference!