The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) Made a Bold First Impression
Waterfowl hunting is a demanding sport. It requires gear that can withstand harsh conditions and consistently deliver optimal performance. That’s why I was immediately intrigued by the HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported). Its reputation for improving pattern density and extending effective range promised a significant edge in the field.
For years, I’ve been struggling with inconsistent patterns from my Benelli Crio Plus shotgun, especially when using non-toxic shot required for waterfowl hunting. The factory choke tubes just weren’t cutting it, leading to frustrating misses on birds that should have been easy shots. I needed a choke that could tighten my patterns at mid-range, giving me confidence in my shot placement.
Upon receiving the HEVI-Shot choke, the first thing I noticed was its solid construction. The 17-4 stainless steel felt incredibly robust, a clear indication that this choke was built to last. The black ported design was sleek and aggressive, a far cry from the bland factory tubes.
Compared to the factory Benelli chokes and a couple of aftermarket options from Carlson’s, the HEVI-Shot stood out with its distinct porting and more substantial feel. I ultimately chose the HEVI-Shot because of its specific design for Hevi-Shot ammunition and its reputation for producing incredibly consistent patterns.
My initial impression was one of excitement and cautious optimism. Could this choke truly solve my patterning woes and extend my effective range? Only time and testing would tell, but I had a strong feeling this was a game-changer.
Real-World Testing: Putting HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the HEVI-Shot choke came during a goose hunt in the flooded cornfields of Southern Illinois. The weather was typical for late fall: cold, damp, and windy, the perfect conditions to test the choke’s performance in less-than-ideal conditions.
The choke performed admirably, consistently delivering tight, dense patterns on geese ranging from 30 to 40 yards. I immediately noticed a significant improvement in my hit ratio, with fewer cripples and cleaner kills. The ease of use was also a pleasant surprise; installation was straightforward, and I didn’t need to make any adjustments to my shooting technique.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slightly louder report, likely due to the ported design. However, this was easily mitigated with proper hearing protection and was a small price to pay for the improved performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full waterfowl season, the HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) has proven to be incredibly reliable. The 17-4 stainless steel construction has held up beautifully, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite constant exposure to water and mud.
Maintenance has been a breeze; a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each hunt is all it takes to keep the choke in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with other choke tubes, the HEVI-Shot has significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern consistency and durability. This choke has met and exceeded my expectations, solidifying its place as a permanent fixture in my waterfowl hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
Specifications
The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. It is chambered for 12-gauge shotguns and intended for mid-range waterfowl hunting applications.
Constructed from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel, this choke tube offers exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. The black finish provides added protection and a sleek, tactical appearance. The ported design reduces recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
The “Mid-Range” designation indicates an improved pattern density for shots taken within the 30-40 yard range. It is engineered to deliver optimum performance with HEVI-Shot ammunition but is also compatible with other non-toxic shot types. This choke helps deliver improved patterns which leads to more birds down and more successful hunts.
Performance & Functionality
The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke significantly improves pattern density and consistency at mid-range distances. This results in more effective and ethical kills on waterfowl.
Its strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver dense patterns with Hevi-Shot ammunition. This reduces the number of missed or crippled birds. The only area for potential improvement is the slightly increased muzzle report due to the porting, but this is manageable.
This choke tube has absolutely met my expectations and has proven to be a valuable asset in my waterfowl hunting arsenal. The consistent patterns allow for more ethical shots at greater distances.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke tube features a robust construction. Its 17-4 stainless steel ensures durability in harsh environments. The weight is well-balanced, and installation is quick and easy using a standard choke wrench.
The design is user-friendly. Its intuitive functionality requires no special tools or expertise. The black finish gives it a professional look that lasts through extended use.
Durability & Maintenance
The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke is built to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting. Its 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Maintenance is simple. Routine cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) does not require any specific accessories for its operation. The choke itself is the primary performance enhancer.
It is compatible with standard choke wrenches designed for Benelli Crio Plus choke tubes. While no specific customization options are available for the choke itself, users can experiment with different brands and sizes of non-toxic ammunition to fine-tune their patterns.
Pros and Cons of HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
Pros
- Significantly improved pattern density at mid-range.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably improved effective range.
- Built specifically for the Benelli Crio Plus system.
Cons
- Slightly increased muzzle report due to porting.
- May require some experimentation to find the optimal ammunition for your specific shotgun.
Who Should Buy HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)?
This choke is perfect for waterfowl hunters using Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system. It is especially useful for those seeking tighter patterns and extended range.
Hunters who primarily hunt in close quarters or those who are recoil-sensitive might want to consider other options. This choke is ideal for mid-range performance.
A choke wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different non-toxic shot sizes and brands is also recommended to achieve the best possible patterns.
Conclusion on HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
The HEVI-Shot 550123 Hevi-Choke Waterfowl Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is an excellent investment for any serious waterfowl hunter. The price of $31.49 is easily justified by the improved performance and increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to anyone looking to enhance their Benelli shotgun’s performance. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed opportunities, give the HEVI-Shot choke a try; you won’t be disappointed. It’s time to take your waterfowl hunting to the next level.