First Thoughts on the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS is designed for the serious turkey hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s performance. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this choke promises optimum patterns at varying distances and reduced recoil thanks to its ported design.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke has been a long one. After years of inconsistent patterns with factory chokes, I was seeking a solution that offered tighter, more reliable groupings at both close and extended ranges. The promise of reduced recoil from the ported design was also appealing, as those heavy turkey loads can take a toll after a day in the woods.
Upon receiving the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS, I was immediately impressed with the build quality. The aircraft-grade stainless steel felt robust, and the non-reflective blue finish was a welcome touch, preventing any unwanted glare that could spook a wary tom. Compared to the factory choke, this felt like a significant upgrade.
I considered other chokes on the market, including those from Briley and Patternmaster. Ultimately, the Carlson’s choke won me over due to its blend of features and reputation for producing consistent patterns. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential for improved accuracy and a more comfortable shooting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS was during a turkey hunt in the dense forests of eastern Tennessee. I tested the choke with various turkey loads, including both lead and copper-plated shot, at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards.
The performance was immediately noticeable. Patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent than with my previous choke, especially at the 30-yard mark. The ported design did seem to mitigate recoil slightly, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if needed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and several range sessions, the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS has proven its worth. It continues to deliver consistent, tight patterns with a variety of loads.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear despite regular use in diverse weather conditions. Maintenance is simple; a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. Compared to other aftermarket chokes I’ve used, this one has consistently outperformed them in terms of pattern density and recoil reduction.
Breaking Down the Features of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS
Specifications
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS is designed for 12-gauge shotguns with a Benelli Crio Plus choke system. The Super Full constriction is specifically bored to achieve optimal patterns at both short and long ranges.
The choke tube is constructed from aircraft-grade stainless steel for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. Its ported design allows gases to escape quickly, reducing both recoil and muzzle jump. A non-reflective blue finish is applied to minimize glare and prevent spooking game.
Performance & Functionality
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS excels at delivering tight, dense patterns, crucial for ethical and effective turkey hunting. The choke consistently produced lethal patterns at distances out to 40 yards during my testing.
The ported design noticeably reduced recoil compared to non-ported chokes, making follow-up shots faster and more comfortable. One minor weakness is that the ports can accumulate residue after extensive use, requiring more thorough cleaning. Overall, the choke significantly exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke tube’s construction from aircraft-grade stainless steel lends it a robust and durable feel. The blue, non-reflective finish is a thoughtful touch that minimizes glare and adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Installation is straightforward, requiring no special tools. The choke fits securely and seamlessly with the Benelli Crio Plus system.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless-steel construction ensures the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS is built to last. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will keep it functioning optimally for years.
The Lifetime Warranty offered by Carlson’s Choke Tubes provides additional peace of mind. This shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the durability of their product.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, its compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus system allows for easy interchangeability with other chokes in the same system.
Users can experiment with different brands and types of turkey loads to fine-tune their pattern for maximum effectiveness. While no physical customization is possible, load selection is key to optimizing performance.
Pros and Cons of CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns at varying distances, crucial for ethical turkey hunting.
- Ported design effectively reduces recoil and muzzle jump, improving shooter comfort and follow-up shot speed.
- Constructed from durable aircraft-grade stainless steel with a non-reflective blue finish for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain, seamlessly integrating with shotguns featuring the Benelli Crio Plus choke system.
- Backed by a Lifetime Warranty from Carlson’s Choke Tubes, providing peace of mind and assurance of quality.
Cons
- Ported design can accumulate residue requiring more thorough cleaning compared to non-ported chokes.
- The super-full constriction is optimized for turkey hunting and may not be suitable for other types of shotgun shooting.
Who Should Buy CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS?
Perfect for: Serious turkey hunters looking to improve their shotgun’s performance and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns. It’s also great for those seeking to reduce recoil when shooting heavy turkey loads.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who primarily use their shotgun for upland birds or other types of game where a more open choke is preferred.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality bore brush and solvent for regular cleaning are essential. Experimenting with different turkey loads is also recommended to find the optimal pattern for your specific shotgun.
Conclusion on CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS
The CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS is a game-changer for serious turkey hunters. Its ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns, coupled with its recoil-reducing design, makes it a worthwhile investment.
At $44.49, the price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the durable construction. I would highly recommend this choke to anyone looking to maximize their shotgun’s effectiveness during turkey season.
If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and punishing recoil, give the CARL CHOKE TUBE 12GA TKY PORTED BEN CRIO PLUS a try. You might just bag that trophy tom you’ve been dreaming of.