First Thoughts on the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range
Over my decade-plus career in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless choke tubes come and go, each promising tighter patterns and superior performance. The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range immediately caught my eye with its aggressive porting and claims of reduced recoil coupled with denser patterns, a combination that, if true, could significantly enhance a 20-gauge shotgun’s capabilities at extended ranges. Having spent years trying to squeeze every last bit of performance out of my shotguns, especially for waterfowl hunting, I was keen to see if this Carlsons choke lived up to the hype.
I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to improve my patterns, especially when hunting wary birds at longer distances. The promise of reduced recoil from the porting was also very appealing, as I often spend entire days on the marsh.
The Carlsons choke arrived in a simple, no-frills package, the matte black finish giving it a serious, business-like appearance. The porting was clean and precisely machined, and the overall build quality felt robust and durable, inspiring confidence. Compared to standard flush-mounted chokes, the extended design and wrench-less installation were definite pluses. My initial impression was that this was a serious piece of gear designed for serious shooters. I chose this choke over others because of its ported design, which promised reduced recoil and muzzle jump, something I found appealing for quicker follow-up shots when hunting dove. I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see how it performed on the range and in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range was at my local sporting clays range, a perfect environment for testing pattern density and recoil reduction. I mounted it on my Benelli Montefeltro 20 gauge, and used a variety of 20 gauge loads, from 7/8 oz target loads to 1 oz field loads. The weather was mild and dry, ideal for consistent shooting.
The most immediate thing I noticed was the slightly reduced muzzle jump, allowing for noticeably faster target acquisition on follow-up shots. The choke installed easily, and I was very pleased with how easy it was to clean compared to some of my other chokes. There were no initial issues, and I was impressed with the consistent patterns I was seeing at the 30-40 yard mark.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, both at the range and during dove and duck season, the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range has proven to be a reliable performer. There are no signs of wear and tear on the choke itself, despite the constant use and cleaning. I’ve found it easy to clean with standard choke tube cleaners, and it still looks like new.
Compared to other extended range chokes I’ve used, the Carlsons choke provides a more consistent pattern with a wider range of ammunition. It has significantly improved my hit rate on longer shots, making it a valuable addition to my hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range
Specifications
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:
- Type: Benelli Crio Plus. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of Benelli 20-gauge shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system.
- Series: Cremator Ported Choke Tubes. The Cremator series is designed for enhanced pattern density and reduced recoil.
- Gauge: 20. Designed specifically for 20-gauge shotguns.
- Constriction: Long Range. This choke provides a tight pattern ideal for extended distances.
- Diameter: .592. The .592 diameter gives a tight constriction, giving you the best possible range.
These specifications matter because they directly affect the choke’s ability to deliver consistent and effective patterns at longer ranges. The Crio Plus compatibility ensures a secure and reliable fit in compatible Benelli shotguns. The tight constriction delivers increased pellet density at further distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range excels in its primary function: extending the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun. The Triple Shot Technology (TST) truly works, providing more uniform patterns than other chokes. The porting helps reduce muzzle jump and recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
The choke’s greatest strength is its ability to consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at 40 yards and beyond. One minor weakness is that the very tight pattern may not be ideal for closer shots (inside 25 yards), where a more open choke would be preferable. The choke has exceeded my expectations, turning my 20-gauge into a more effective long-range tool for both hunting and sporting clays.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons choke is well-designed and built with high-quality materials. The use of premium 17-4 stainless steel ensures durability and corrosion resistance. The extended design allows for easy, wrench-less installation and removal.
The matte black finish gives it a sleek, non-reflective appearance. There is no real learning curve; simply screw it into your compatible Benelli 20 gauge shotgun, and it is ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. Regular cleaning with a standard choke tube cleaner is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Given the robust construction, I expect this choke to last for many years of heavy use. Cleaning is a breeze, and after several months of regular use, there are no signs of rust or corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality, but choke tube cases are highly recommended. Choke tube wrenches can be used, but aren’t necessary due to the extended design. It is compatible with all Benelli Crio Plus 20 gauge shotguns.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range
Pros
- Noticeably reduced muzzle jump and recoil, resulting in faster follow-up shots.
- Consistently tight and dense patterns at extended ranges, significantly improving hit rates.
- Easy, wrench-less installation and removal, making it convenient to switch chokes in the field.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Improved long-range performance for 20-gauge shotguns, making them more versatile for hunting and sporting clays.
Cons
- Very tight pattern may not be ideal for close-range shots (inside 25 yards).
- The porting, while effective, can result in slightly increased muzzle noise.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range?
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range is perfect for waterfowl hunters, dove hunters, and sporting clays enthusiasts who want to extend the effective range of their Benelli 20-gauge shotgun. It is also great for shooters who are sensitive to recoil, as the porting does a good job of reducing felt recoil.
This choke may not be the best choice for shooters who primarily hunt in dense cover where shots are typically very close. Also, those who are highly sensitive to muzzle noise might want to consider a non-ported choke instead. A choke tube case and a high-quality bore cleaner are must-have accessories.
Conclusion on Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Long Range is a well-designed and effective choke that delivers on its promises. For $48.49, it’s a very good value, considering the performance gains it offers.
I would absolutely recommend this choke to anyone looking to enhance the long-range capabilities of their Benelli 20-gauge shotgun. If you’re tired of crippling birds at longer distances and want to reduce recoil, give the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke a try – you won’t be disappointed!