CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS Review

First Thoughts on the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS

The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS promises to be a game-changer for sporting clays enthusiasts. From Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a brand known for quality and precision, this ported choke tube aims to deliver tighter patterns and reduced recoil. This 12GA Ported Modified Crio/Crio+ choke tube is specifically designed for Benelli Crio and Crio Plus shotguns, a popular choice among competitive shooters. I was looking for a choke tube that could improve my consistency on the clays course, and the positive reviews surrounding the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS piqued my interest.

My need for a new choke stemmed from inconsistent breaks at longer distances. My factory modified choke wasn’t quite cutting it, leaving frustrating feather breaks on edge-on targets. The promise of tighter patterns and reduced recoil from a ported design led me to explore Carlson’s offerings, specifically the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS.

Unboxing the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS, the first thing I noticed was the solid construction. The blued finish looked durable and well-applied. The porting was clean and precise, giving the choke tube a distinct, aggressive look.

Comparing it to my factory Benelli modified choke, the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS felt slightly heavier. I also compared it to a Briley extended choke I use for trap, and the Carlson’s felt like a good middle-ground between the lightweight factory choke and the heavier Briley. The extended design also offers some degree of barrel protection, which I appreciate.

I was excited to try it out; the build quality and reputation suggested a noticeable improvement over my factory choke. The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS gave me the impression that it’s a serious piece of equipment for serious shooters.

Real-World Testing: Putting CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS at my local sporting clays range on a typical Saturday morning. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I shot a variety of presentations, including crossing targets, teal, and rabbit targets.

The first thing I noticed was the slightly reduced recoil compared to my factory modified choke. It wasn’t a dramatic difference, but it was noticeable, allowing for faster follow-up shots. The patterns seemed tighter, consistently breaking targets at distances where I would usually only chip them.

Installation was simple, threading smoothly into my Benelli Crio barrel without any issues. After the first round, I thoroughly checked the choke for any loosening, but it remained firmly in place.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of regular use, the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS has held up exceptionally well. I typically shoot 2-3 rounds of sporting clays per week, putting several hundred shells through it. There are no signs of wear and tear; the blued finish remains intact, and the threads are still clean and smooth.

Cleaning the choke is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent removes any powder residue. I always apply a thin coat of choke tube grease before reinstalling it to prevent seizing. Compared to my experience with cheaper aftermarket chokes, the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS has been significantly more reliable and easier to maintain.

The performance continues to impress. I consistently achieve tighter patterns and cleaner breaks, especially on longer shots. This choke tube has undeniably improved my scores and boosted my confidence on the sporting clays course.

Breaking Down the Features of CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS

Specifications

The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS 12GA Ported Modified Crio/Crio+ boasts several key specifications. It is designed for 12-gauge Benelli Crio and Crio Plus shotgun barrels. Its modified constriction is ideal for sporting clays at medium ranges.

The choke tube is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The ported design helps to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. It features an extended design, providing easy installation and removal and some added barrel protection.

These specifications are crucial for enhancing performance. The stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting reliability. The ported design contributes to shooter comfort and faster follow-up shots. The modified constriction provides a versatile balance between pattern density and spread.

Performance & Functionality

The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS performs its job exceptionally well. It delivers consistent, tight patterns, significantly improving hit percentages on the sporting clays course. The reduced recoil allows for faster target acquisition and more comfortable shooting sessions.

Its strengths lie in its pattern consistency and recoil reduction. The choke tube reliably produces dense patterns at the ranges it’s designed for. The only potential weakness is that the modified constriction may not be ideal for extremely close-range targets, where a more open choke would be preferable. Overall, the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS exceeds my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in performance compared to my factory choke.

Design & Ergonomics

The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS features a well-thought-out design. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove without tools, although a choke tube wrench is recommended for stubborn removals. The porting is precisely machined and doesn’t interfere with cleaning or maintenance.

The build quality is excellent, with the stainless steel construction feeling robust and durable. While it adds a slight bit of weight to the end of the barrel, the added weight is negligible. There is essentially no learning curve; simply install the choke tube and start shooting.

Durability & Maintenance

The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a bore brush, solvent, and choke tube grease.

The stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion, further extending its lifespan. Given the quality of materials and construction, repairs should be minimal to nonexistent with proper use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS doesn’t come with any accessories, but its compatibility with Benelli Crio/Crio Plus barrels makes it widely accessible. While there aren’t specific customization options for this particular choke tube, Carlson’s offers a wide range of choke constrictions and designs to suit different shooting disciplines.

It is compatible with most standard choke tube wrenches. The extended design also allows for easy identification of the choke constriction at a glance.

Pros and Cons of CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS