Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet Review

Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is a specialized choke tube designed to enhance the performance of Benelli shotguns in skeet shooting. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this choke promises improved shot patterns and consistency, crucial for competitive and recreational skeet enthusiasts alike. I was looking for a choke that could reliably produce wide, even patterns at close range, specifically for clay target shooting with my Benelli.

I remember vividly the frustration of inconsistent breaks, knowing my technique was solid, yet the patterns weren’t delivering. After researching various choke options, the reputation of Carlson’s Choke Tubes and the specific design for skeet influenced my decision. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet, arrived neatly packaged, its black finish lending a professional, almost tactical aesthetic. Picking it up, the weight felt reassuring, a testament to the quality of the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel.

Compared to a generic, unmarked choke that came with another shotgun, this felt significantly more robust. Other chokes I considered were the Briley Spectrum and the Muller U4, but the Carlson’s offered a good balance of price and performance for my specific needs. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to test its performance and see if it lived up to the hype.


Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet at my local shooting range, a dedicated skeet field with varying target presentations. The weather was slightly overcast, with a light breeze, providing fairly typical conditions. Installation was a breeze, thanks to the included choke wrench, ensuring a snug fit in my Benelli’s Crio Plus barrel.

The first few rounds revealed a noticeably wider shot pattern compared to the factory-installed modified choke I had been using. This resulted in more consistent breaks, even on targets slightly off-center. I noticed no issues with installation or extraction and the choke performed admirably.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shooting gear. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite frequent use and exposure to various weather conditions. Cleaning is simple, typically just wiping it down after each session, and applying a light coat of gun oil.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, less specialized chokes, the Carlson’s significantly outperforms them in pattern consistency and overall reliability. It has not disappointed me and has proven to be a worthy addition to my shooting gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It is designed specifically for 20-gauge Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system, ensuring a perfect fit. The choke’s constriction is designed for skeet shooting, featuring a diameter of 0.62 inches for optimal pattern spread at close range.

Constructed from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, the choke offers excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. The black finish provides a sleek, professional look while also offering some level of protection against the elements. These specifications are important because they ensure the choke delivers consistent, predictable shot patterns, crucial for success in skeet shooting.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet excels in its intended role: producing wide, even patterns for close-range targets. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent breaks on targets within typical skeet distances. One strength is its ability to deliver consistent patterns, minimizing gaps and ensuring a dense cloud of shot where it’s needed.

A possible weakness, depending on the shooter’s preferences, is that it is highly specialized for skeet and may not be suitable for other shooting disciplines. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet meets my expectations and improves my skeet performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is impressive, with the 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel providing a solid, durable feel. The weight is appropriate, not adding excessive bulk to the shotgun but still feeling substantial and well-made.

It’s very user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques beyond the provided choke wrench for installation and removal. There is minimal learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its stainless steel construction, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is expected to last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is straightforward, involving basic cleaning and lubrication after each use.

The corrosion-resistant properties of the steel minimize the risk of rust and degradation, further extending its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. While there are no specific “customization” options for this particular choke, it can be paired with other Carlson’s Choke Tubes in different constrictions for various shooting disciplines. The choke is compatible with any Benelli 20ga shotgun that uses the Crio Plus choke system.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet

Pros

  • Improved Shot Patterns: Consistently wide and even patterns, ideal for skeet.
  • Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel for long-lasting performance.
  • Easy Installation: Simple to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: More consistent breaks on close-range targets.
  • Sleek Aesthetic: The black finish adds a professional touch to your shotgun.

Cons

  • Highly Specialized: Designed specifically for skeet and may not be suitable for other shooting disciplines.
  • Limited Customization: No extensive customization options beyond choosing different chokes for different purposes.


Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet?

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is perfect for skeet shooters of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. Anyone looking to improve their performance in skeet and achieve more consistent breaks will benefit from using this choke. Those who frequently shoot other disciplines might prefer a more versatile choke system or a range of chokes for switching between disciplines.

A must-have accessory would be a quality choke tube case to protect your investment and keep your chokes organized.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet

Overall, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is a worthwhile investment for any serious skeet shooter. The price is justified by the improved performance, durability, and consistent patterns it provides. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their skeet shooting experience with their Benelli 20ga shotgun. If you are serious about skeet, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Skeet is an essential addition to your gear.

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