The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
The world of turkey hunting is a constant search for that edge. A way to bring more pellets on target and drop that longbeard in his tracks. When I first saw the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black, I knew I had to try it.
For years, I’ve been relying on factory chokes, always wondering if I could squeeze out just a bit more performance from my Benelli. I was looking for a choke that could consistently deliver tight, dense patterns at longer ranges. This choke promised exactly that, with its pattern-tested constriction and compatibility with various shot types.
Upon receiving the choke, my initial impression was positive. The matte black finish gave it a sleek, non-reflective look, perfect for staying concealed in the turkey woods. The 17-4 stainless steel construction felt robust and durable, assuring me it could handle the rigors of countless hunts.
Compared to my factory Benelli choke and a previous aftermarket choke I tried (a Trulock), the Carlsons choke stood out due to its extended design and ported construction. I chose this over the others because of Carlson’s reputation and the Bone Collector branding, hoping for a choke that lived up to the hype. Honestly, I was excited to see if it could transform my 20-gauge Benelli into a serious turkey slayer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black was at my local shooting range, patterning it at 30 and 40 yards. I tested it with a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads, including lead #5 shot and some heavier-than-lead options like Federal TSS #9. The weather was a typical spring day: a little damp and a slight breeze.
The choke performed admirably in these conditions. I immediately noticed tighter, more consistent patterns compared to my factory choke. Ease of use was straightforward; it screwed in easily with a choke wrench, and I was ready to test. The only minor issue was a slight buildup of residue around the ports after several shots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlsons choke, I can confidently say it’s a reliable piece of gear. It has held up well to the wear and tear of being carried in the field and cleaned regularly. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the matte black finish has remained intact.
Maintenance is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each hunt is all it takes to keep it clean. This choke has definitely outperformed my previous setups, providing consistently tighter patterns and increased confidence in my shots. It’s changed the way I approach turkey hunting, giving me more effective range and knockdown power.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. It is chambered for 20-gauge shotguns. The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for maximum durability and resistance to corrosion.
The extended design of the choke tube provides a longer parallel section, which helps to tighten patterns and reduce flyers. The matte black finish is non-reflective, preventing game from spotting the glint of your barrel. The choke is also ported, which theoretically can reduce recoil and muzzle jump, although the effect is minimal in a 20-gauge.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this choke is to deliver extremely tight, dense patterns at extended ranges. My testing confirms this functionality. The choke throws impressive patterns with a variety of turkey loads, particularly with TSS shot.
Its strengths lie in its ability to deliver consistent, deadly patterns out to 40 yards. The only potential weakness is that extremely tight patterns can be unforgiving if you don’t aim carefully. It meets and exceeds expectations in terms of pattern density and overall performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke features a solid, robust build quality. The 17-4 stainless steel provides a reassuring heft and feels incredibly durable. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing and practical in the field.
It is relatively user-friendly. No special tools are needed beyond a standard choke wrench for installation and removal. The choke screws in smoothly and securely, providing a tight seal against gas leakage.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability. The choke is resistant to rust and corrosion, even with regular exposure to moisture and cleaning solvents. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning after each use.
With proper care, this choke should last for many years of turkey hunting. There are no easily damaged parts, and the simple design minimizes the risk of failure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black doesn’t come with additional accessories beyond the standard choke tube packaging. While it’s not customizable in the sense of adjustable constrictions, it’s designed to be compatible with a wide range of 20-gauge turkey loads. This allows for some degree of pattern customization by switching between different shot sizes and materials.
This choke is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system. It is not compatible with other choke systems, such as Remington Rem Choke or Mossberg Accu-Choke, without the proper adapter. It also doesn’t require any additional accessories for use, making it a simple, drop-in upgrade for your Benelli 20-gauge.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte BlackPros
- Extremely tight, dense patterns at extended ranges, significantly improving effective range.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Non-reflective matte black finish provides enhanced concealment in the field.
- Compatible with a wide variety of turkey loads, allowing for some customization of patterns.
- Easy to install and maintain, making it a user-friendly upgrade.
Cons
- Very tight patterns can be less forgiving of aiming errors at close range.
- Ported design can accumulate residue, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
Pros
- Extremely tight, dense patterns at extended ranges, significantly improving effective range.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Non-reflective matte black finish provides enhanced concealment in the field.
- Compatible with a wide variety of turkey loads, allowing for some customization of patterns.
- Easy to install and maintain, making it a user-friendly upgrade.
Cons
- Very tight patterns can be less forgiving of aiming errors at close range.
- Ported design can accumulate residue, requiring more frequent cleaning.
This choke is perfect for turkey hunters using a Benelli 20-gauge with the Crio Plus choke system who are seeking to maximize their shotgun’s range and pattern density. It is ideal for hunters who want to improve their odds of a clean kill at longer distances. This is also a great choke for those who want a durable, reliable choke that will stand up to the rigors of turkey hunting.
Hunters who primarily hunt in thick, close-range cover may find the extremely tight patterns to be less advantageous. Those hunters might be better off with a more open choke constriction. If you’re not comfortable with meticulously cleaning your shotgun after each use, the residue buildup from the ported design might be a drawback.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. A bore snake or cleaning kit is also essential for maintaining the choke’s performance.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Overall, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 20 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a worthwhile upgrade for serious turkey hunters. Its ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges provides a significant advantage in the field. The durable construction ensures it will withstand years of use.
At a price of $69.55, the choke represents a solid value for its performance and durability. The price is absolutely justified. I would personally recommend this choke to anyone looking to get the most out of their Benelli 20-gauge turkey gun.
If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, invest in the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke and prepare for more birds in the freezer.