Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder
As an avid sporting clay shooter for over a decade, I’ve learned that the right choke tube can make or break your score. That’s why I was eager to get my hands on the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder. Carlson’s Choke Tubes is a well-respected name in the industry and this choke tube promises improved patterns and performance with my Benelli.
I’ve always struggled with close-range presentations where a wide, even pattern is crucial. My factory chokes were either too tight, leading to missed birds, or too open, resulting in inconsistent breaks. I was searching for a cylinder choke that could consistently deliver the spread I needed.
Upon unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder, I immediately noticed the quality of the black finish and the robust feel of the stainless steel. It felt well-made, solid, and ready for some serious use. It was also notably heavier than the factory choke it was replacing, which hinted at a tighter seal in the barrel.
I considered a Briley choke and a Patternmaster choke. Ultimately, I chose the Carlson’s due to its reputation for reliability, its favorable price point, and the specific design for sporting clays. I was excited to see if it would live up to the hype and improve my scores.
My first impression was definitely positive. The choke tube exuded quality and I was excited to get it out on the range. I had high expectations that this choke would significantly improve my close-range game.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder at my local sporting clays course. It was a sunny afternoon with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for shooting. I focused on stations with close-range, incoming, and crossing targets.
The choke tube performed exceptionally well, providing a wide, consistent pattern that resulted in more broken clays. Even on slightly off-center shots, the spread was forgiving, which gave me more confidence on those tricky presentations. Installation was simple, and it seated perfectly within the barrel.
I did not experience any issues during my first use. The patterns were consistent, and the tube did not loosen during the session, which is a problem I’ve had with other aftermarket chokes. The black finish also seemed durable and resistant to scratches.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder has proven to be a reliable performer. It consistently delivers the wide, even patterns that I need for close-range sporting clays. I have been using it every weekend for the past two months.
The choke tube shows no signs of wear and tear. It still looks and performs as well as it did on day one. Regular cleaning and light lubrication is all that’s been necessary to maintain its performance.
Cleaning the choke tube is simple. A quick scrub with a choke tube brush and some solvent is all that’s required. This is far superior to some other brands I’ve used. The Carlson’s Choke Tube outperforms the factory chokes that came with my Benelli.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system in 20 gauge. The choke is made from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. The cylinder designation means it has a diameter of 0.625 inches.
These specifications are crucial for optimizing performance in sporting clays. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, while the cylinder bore provides the widest possible shot pattern for close-range targets. The Benelli Crio Plus compatibility guarantees a perfect fit and consistent performance with my shotgun.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder excels at its primary function: delivering wide, even patterns at close range. This is essential for breaking targets on stations where the clay is presented quickly and at short distances. It performs exactly as a cylinder choke should: allowing the shot to spread quickly and efficiently.
The primary strength of this choke tube is its consistent patterns. This gives me the confidence to take shots that I might have hesitated on before. The lack of ported design is a positive for me, as I prefer a cleaner muzzle blast without the added noise and recoil some ported chokes introduce.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder features a simple, functional design. The black finish is aesthetically pleasing and also provides a degree of corrosion resistance. The weight is substantial but not excessive, contributing to a balanced feel in the shotgun.
The choke tube is easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench. The lack of external features makes it snag-free and easy to clean. The smooth, internal bore ensures consistent shot patterns and minimizes the buildup of residue.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction ensures that the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is built to last. I expect this choke tube to withstand years of use with proper care. This is also a choke made in the USA.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a choke tube brush and solvent will keep it in top condition. The corrosion-resistant properties of stainless steel minimize the risk of rust or pitting, even in humid conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. There are no other customization options for this specific model. But Carlson’s offers a wide range of other choke tubes for different shooting applications.
The choke is compatible with any Benelli shotgun that uses the Crio Plus choke system in 20 gauge. Aftermarket choke cases and cleaning kits are readily available from various brands. No additional parts were necessary, it came ready to go.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder
Pros
- Consistent, wide shot patterns.
- Durable 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably improved close-range target breaks.
- Includes choke wrench.
Cons
- Can only be used for Benelli shotguns that use the Crio Plus Choke System.
- Lack of porting can result in slightly more felt recoil compared to ported chokes.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is perfect for sporting clay shooters who frequently encounter close-range targets. It’s also ideal for hunters who need a wide pattern for close-flushing birds. The choke is extremely helpful when hunting quail or rabbits.
This product is not suitable for shooters who primarily engage in long-range shooting disciplines. It also wouldn’t be the best choice for those who don’t own a Benelli shotgun. A choke tube grease is a must-have accessory for preventing the tube from seizing in the barrel.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder is a well-made, reliable choke tube that delivers consistent, wide patterns for close-range shooting. Its durable construction and ease of maintenance make it a worthwhile investment for any sporting clay shooter or hunter who uses a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus system. The price of $58.49 is justified by the improved performance and enhanced confidence it provides.
I would highly recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Cylinder to anyone looking to improve their close-range game with a Benelli shotgun. If you are looking for a high-quality cylinder choke tube at a reasonable price, this is it. Go get it, you won’t regret it!