Let’s Dive into Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685
The Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 is a choke tube designed for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns, promising tighter patterns and increased accuracy at longer ranges. Marketed towards hunters and competitive shooters, this choke tube aims to improve shot placement and reduce muzzle jump.
I’ve been searching for a choke tube that would extend my effective range when hunting waterfowl. Inconsistent patterns with factory chokes led me to look for a precision option.
Upon opening the package, the Trulock choke impressed me with its solid construction and sleek black finish. The weight felt substantial, suggesting quality materials, and the machining appeared precise.
Compared to the factory Benelli choke and a Briley extended choke I’ve used, the Trulock appears more robust. I chose the Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 because of its specific design for the Benelli Crio Plus system and its claim of enhanced long-range performance.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype and improved my downrange performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 at my local shooting range, patterning it with various loads of steel and lead shot at 40 and 50 yards. The weather was mild, with a slight crosswind, creating ideal testing conditions.
The Trulock choke was easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench. Initially, I noticed a significant reduction in muzzle jump compared to the factory choke, which helped maintain sight alignment.
After the first few shots, I was pleased with the visibly tighter patterns. There were no malfunctions or unexpected behavior during the initial testing session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two waterfowl hunting trips, the Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 has proven to be a reliable performer. It has consistently delivered tighter, more consistent patterns than my previous chokes.
The black finish shows minimal signs of wear, even after exposure to wet conditions and rigorous cleaning. The choke tube remains easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Trulock has exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern density and range. This has resulted in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds.
Breaking Down the Features of Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685
Specifications
The Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 is designed for 12-gauge shotguns. Its compatibility is specifically with the Benelli Crio Plus choke system.
The choke is constructed from high-strength 17-4 stainless steel. This provides excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
The finish is a non-reflective black. This helps to minimize glare and prevent spooking game.
Trulock advertises its effective range as 45+ yards. This suggests that the choke provides optimal performance at longer distances.
The choke tube features a unique internal groove design. This is intended to create tighter, more consistent patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 performs its job admirably, delivering noticeably tighter patterns than the factory choke tubes I’ve used. This translates to increased accuracy and greater effective range, particularly when hunting waterfowl or shooting clays.
The main strengths are its ability to produce consistent patterns and reduce muzzle jump. The potential weakness is that the tighter patterns may be too restrictive for close-range shooting.
The choke meets and slightly exceeds my expectations. The claim of improved long-range performance is definitely accurate.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the 17-4 stainless steel providing a solid and durable feel. The weight is well-balanced, and the choke fits snugly into the Benelli Crio Plus barrel system.
The Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 is extremely user-friendly. It installs easily with a choke wrench and requires no specialized knowledge.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures a long lifespan, even with regular use in harsh conditions. Regular cleaning with a standard shotgun cleaning kit is all that’s required to maintain the choke’s performance.
The Trulock choke should easily last for many years with proper care. The simple design makes repair unlikely to be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. However, a choke wrench is necessary for installation and removal (sold separately).
While there are no specific customization options for this particular choke, Trulock offers a wide range of other chokes for different purposes and gauges. The Trulock choke is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Benelli Crio Plus systems.
Pros and Cons of Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685
Pros
- Significantly tighter patterns at longer ranges, improving accuracy and effective range.
- Reduced muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
- High-quality 17-4 stainless steel construction, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install and maintain, making it user-friendly for both experienced and novice shooters.
- Specifically designed for Benelli Crio Plus system, guaranteeing a perfect fit.
Cons
- Tighter patterns might be too restrictive for close-range shooting.
- May require some experimentation with different loads to find the optimal performance combination.
Who Should Buy Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685?
Perfect for: Hunters seeking to extend their effective range on waterfowl or upland game, competitive shooters needing consistent patterns for breaking clays, and anyone looking for a high-quality, durable choke tube for their Benelli Crio Plus shotgun.
Who should skip this product? Those who primarily hunt at very close ranges (under 30 yards) where a more open choke would be preferable, or shooters who are satisfied with the performance of their factory chokes.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality choke wrench is essential for installing and removing the choke tube. Experimenting with different shot sizes and loads will help to dial in the optimal performance for specific hunting or shooting situations.
Conclusion on Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685
The Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 is a well-designed and durable choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and increased accuracy at longer ranges. Its high-quality construction and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters and competitive shooters.
The price of $53.49 is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the long-lasting durability of the product. I would personally recommend the Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 to anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Benelli Crio Plus shotgun.
If you’re ready to take your shooting to the next level and improve your downrange accuracy, give the Trulock PHCRP Precision Hunter 12 Gauge PHCRP12685 a try. You won’t be disappointed!