First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 promises tighter patterns at extended distances, a crucial performance enhancement for any serious shotgun user. Carlson’s is a well-respected name in choke tubes, known for their quality and performance.
My quest for this choke tube began with frustration. I was consistently experiencing underwhelming patterns with my Benelli SBE2 during waterfowl hunts. The factory chokes, while decent at close range, lacked the necessary density for clean kills beyond 35 yards. After weeks of research and reading numerous online reviews, the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 consistently emerged as a top contender.
Upon receiving the choke tube, the immediate impression was one of solid construction. The steel felt substantial and well-machined, far superior to some of the cheaper aftermarket options I’d encountered. Compared to the factory Benelli flush-mounted chokes, the Carlson’s extended design offers a slightly more aggressive look and the promise of improved patterning.
I considered other extended choke tubes from Patternmaster and Briley, but the Carlson’s tube offered a better balance of price and performance for my needs. Initial impressions were certainly exciting; I was eager to put it to the test and see if it lived up to the hype surrounding its long-range capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first trial run with the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 took place at my local sporting clays range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for testing. Installation was effortless; the choke screwed in smoothly and tightened securely with my choke wrench.
Right away, I noticed a difference in the breaks I was getting on the longer-range targets. Clays that previously only chipped were now turning into dust. The pattern seemed noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my improved cylinder choke, giving me more confidence on those challenging shots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve used it extensively during waterfowl season in conditions ranging from freezing rain to mild sunny days.
The choke tube shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to a fair amount of abuse. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. It significantly outperforms the factory chokes in long-range situations and has become my go-to choke for ducks and geese when shots are expected to be beyond 40 yards.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695
Specifications
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 is designed for 12-gauge Benelli shotguns with the Crio or Crio Plus choke system. It is a Long Range choke, designated as #3 LR/Full, with a constriction of .695 inches. This constriction is specifically designed to produce tight, dense patterns at longer distances.
This choke is intended to provide optimal patterns for lead shot at 30-45 yards and steel shot at 40+ yards. The extended design helps to reduce muzzle jump and recoil, aiding in faster follow-up shots. The Carlson’s choke tube is manufactured from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 excels at delivering consistent and tight patterns at extended ranges. This improved pattern density translates directly into more ethical and effective kills in hunting situations. It’s a specialty choke, designed for a very specific purpose, and it performs that purpose exceptionally well.
The increased confidence that comes from knowing your shotgun is patterning optimally at longer distances is a significant benefit in itself. While it’s not a magic bullet and requires proper aiming and shell selection, it provides a clear advantage over less constricted chokes when reaching out to those more distant targets. While not suitable for very close-range shooting, the choke meets expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 boasts a robust construction and a sleek, extended design. The black finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, complementing the overall look of my Benelli.
The extended design provides a slightly longer sight plane, which can aid in aiming. Installation and removal are simple, requiring only a standard choke tube wrench. There is no learning curve involved; it functions exactly as any other choke tube would, just with a significantly tighter pattern.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 is built to last. The use of heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel ensures excellent resistance to corrosion and wear, even under harsh conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward: simply clean the choke tube after each use with a bore brush and solvent to remove any residue. Regular cleaning will ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. However, its compatibility with Benelli shotguns means it can be used with various aftermarket choke tube wrenches.
While it does not offer customization in itself, the ability to easily switch between different choke tubes allows for adaptability to various hunting and shooting scenarios.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695
Pros
- Consistently tight, dense patterns at long ranges. This dramatically increases the effective range of your shotgun.
- Durable construction from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel. Guarantees long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Easy installation and removal. Requires only a standard choke tube wrench.
- Improved confidence in long-range shooting situations. Knowing your gun is performing optimally enhances the overall experience.
- Reasonably priced compared to other high-end choke tubes. Offers excellent value for the performance gained.
Cons
- Not suitable for close-range shooting. The tight pattern can result in blown-up targets or damaged game at close distances.
- May require some experimentation to find the optimal shell for best patterning. Shell selection becomes even more critical with a tight choke.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695?
This choke tube is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter longer-range shots. It’s also suitable for sporting clays enthusiasts who want to improve their performance on distant targets.
This is also an excellent option for turkey hunters needing to maximize pattern density at longer ranges, given the smaller target area. Those who primarily hunt in dense cover or shoot at very close ranges should avoid this product. This choke is not a magic bullet, and proper shooting fundamentals are still required.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance the long-range performance of their Benelli shotgun. The price of $49.99 is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern density and the increased confidence it provides in the field.
I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to any serious shotgunner seeking to extend their effective range and improve their overall shooting performance. If you’re looking to take your long-range game to the next level, grab a Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 and experience the difference for yourself.