The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
The quest for the ultimate turkey hunting setup is a relentless pursuit, a balancing act between tradition and cutting-edge technology. When I first laid eyes on the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black, I knew I was holding a piece of that puzzle. Carlsons is a name synonymous with quality chokes, and this particular model promised tighter patterns and longer effective range with the increasingly popular Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads.
For years, I’d struggled to find a choke that could consistently deliver dense patterns beyond 40 yards with my Benelli. Many factory chokes, and even some aftermarket options, left me wanting more. I needed a choke that could handle the punishing recoil and unique properties of TSS shot.
Upon unboxing, the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black exuded quality. Its weight felt substantial, a testament to the 17-4 stainless steel construction, while the black finish gave it a tactical, no-nonsense look. It felt incredibly well-machined and robust, ready to withstand the rigors of the turkey woods.
Compared to a Briley extended choke I’d used previously, the Carlsons choke felt more precisely engineered. A competing choke from Trulock was lighter, but the material didn’t inspire the same confidence. I chose the Carlsons choke because of its reputation for handling TSS, its robust build, and the promise of exceptionally tight patterns.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, and deliver the consistently lethal patterns I was chasing. It certainly looked and felt the part, promising a significant upgrade to my turkey gun’s performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black was at my local shooting range, patterning it with a variety of TSS loads. It was a cold, slightly drizzly morning, conditions that can affect shot patterns. I tested it at 30, 40, and 50 yards, meticulously documenting the results.
The Carlsons choke performed admirably, even in the less-than-ideal weather. Patterns were noticeably tighter and denser compared to my previous choke setup. There was no need for extended time to get used to it; installation was straightforward, and the results were immediately apparent.
There were no significant issues on the first use. The only surprise was the sheer density of the patterns at 40 and 50 yards, far exceeding my expectations. It gave me immense confidence in the choke’s ability to deliver a clean kill at extended ranges.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a full turkey season in diverse conditions, the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven its reliability. I subjected it to rain, mud, and the occasional bump against trees, with no signs of diminished performance. The choke still delivers consistent, tight patterns.
Durability has been outstanding. The 17-4 stainless steel shows no signs of rust or corrosion, and the black finish remains intact despite the abuse. It has held up remarkably well under the high pressures generated by TSS loads.
Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with solvent and a bore brush after each use keeps the choke in top condition. Compared to my previous chokes, the Carlsons model requires less frequent cleaning due to its corrosion-resistant properties.
It vastly outperforms my previous experiences with other chokes, especially when paired with TSS ammunition. The confidence I have in making ethical, long-range shots has increased exponentially. The choke is an invaluable part of my turkey hunting setup now.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with the Crio and Crio Plus choke system. It is a 12-gauge extended choke tube, featuring a constriction of .650. The choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel and finished with a black coating for corrosion resistance and a tactical appearance.
The 17-4 stainless steel provides exceptional strength and durability, crucial for handling the pressures generated by TSS loads. The .650 constriction is optimized for tight patterns with TSS shot, extending the effective range. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove, and also protects the muzzle of your shotgun.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black excels at its primary job: delivering incredibly tight and dense patterns with TSS ammunition. Accuracy is consistently high, with a significant increase in pellet density at 40-50 yards compared to other chokes I’ve used. It is a reliable, usable, and well-performing choke.
The strengths of this choke lie in its optimized constriction, durable construction, and compatibility with TSS. The only area for potential improvement could be a slightly different knurling pattern on the extended portion for easier grip when installing or removing it with gloved hands. It exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is outstanding. The 17-4 stainless steel feels solid and well-machined, with a durable black finish. The weight is noticeable but not excessive, contributing to a stable and balanced feel. It is comfortable to handle and install.
It is very user-friendly, with no learning curve. Installation is quick and easy, requiring no special tools beyond a standard choke wrench. The extended design also makes it easier to change chokes in the field.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability and resistance to corrosion. Proper maintenance involves cleaning after each use, which is a simple and straightforward process.
Easy to maintain and keep in top condition. The high-quality materials ensure longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
This product does not come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no customization options directly related to the choke. However, because it uses the Benelli Crio Plus system, there are aftermarket choke wrenches and storage cases available from various manufacturers.
The product is compatible with any Benelli shotgun that utilizes the Crio and Crio Plus choke system. The compatibility with standard choke wrenches makes it easy to use with existing accessories.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers incredibly tight and consistent patterns with TSS ammunition.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Optimized .650 constriction specifically designed for turkey hunting.
- Easy to install and remove with standard choke wrenches.
- Compatible with Benelli Crio and Crio Plus choke systems.
Cons
- Relatively specialized; best suited for TSS loads and turkey hunting.
- Knurling could be improved for better grip with gloves.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
Perfect for serious turkey hunters looking to maximize the performance of their Benelli shotgun with TSS ammunition. This choke is ideal for hunters who prioritize tight patterns and long-range capabilities.
Those who primarily use lead or steel shot for turkey hunting, or who are not concerned with maximizing range, may not need this specialized choke. Hunters who prefer a more versatile choke for various game may also want to consider other options.
A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory. Having a reliable way to remove and install the choke is important.
Conclusion on Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a premium choke tube designed for one purpose: to deliver devastatingly tight patterns with TSS ammunition for turkey hunting. It does so with exceptional consistency and reliability. The price is justified.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to optimize their Benelli shotgun’s performance with TSS loads. It has significantly improved my confidence in the field and has resulted in cleaner, more ethical kills. This choke is an investment in your hunting success, and one that will pay dividends for years to come. Go bag your longbeard!