Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder Review

The Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder Made a Bold First Impression

Shotgun choke tubes are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in the performance of your shotgun. The Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder promises to be a reliable and effective option for Benelli shotgun owners looking for a versatile choke. This choke tube aims to deliver consistent patterns for various shooting applications, from upland bird hunting to sporting clays. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype and provided a noticeable improvement over factory chokes.

As an avid hunter and recreational shooter, I’ve always been interested in optimizing my shotgun’s performance. I recently acquired a Benelli shotgun and found the factory choke selection to be somewhat limiting for my diverse needs. I needed a choke tube that could provide a consistent, slightly wider pattern than a modified choke, making it ideal for closer-range bird hunting and fast-moving clay targets.

The Carlsons choke tube arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The first thing I noticed was the clean, machined finish of the stainless steel. It felt solid and well-made. The choke tube was surprisingly lightweight, which is always a plus in a hunting shotgun.

I considered a few other aftermarket choke tubes, including those from Briley and Patternmaster. However, the Carlsons choke offered a compelling combination of reputation, price, and the specific Improved Cylinder constriction I was seeking. I was hoping it would provide a more consistent and even pattern than the factory improved cylinder choke I had previously used.

My initial impression was positive. The Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder seemed like a well-crafted and practical accessory that held the promise of improved shotgun performance. I was excited to get it to the range and put it through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder at my local sporting clays range. The weather was slightly overcast, with a light breeze – ideal conditions for shooting. I primarily used 1 1/8 oz, #7.5 shot loads, a common choice for clay targets. Installation was quick and straightforward, threading smoothly into my Benelli’s Crio Plus barrel.

The Carlsons choke performed admirably in these conditions. The Improved Cylinder constriction provided a noticeably wider pattern than the modified choke I typically use. This made it easier to break targets at closer ranges, particularly those with hard angles. I noticed fewer “chipped” targets and more solid breaks.

The ease of use was excellent. After a few rounds to confirm point of impact, I felt very comfortable and confident with the Carlsons choke. There were no unexpected issues or problems during the first use. The choke tube stayed securely in place and did not require any mid-session tightening.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder has proven to be a reliable addition to my shooting setup. It has seen action during several upland bird hunts, as well as numerous trips to the sporting clays range. The Carlsons choke has consistently delivered the desired pattern performance.

The durability has been impressive. Despite being subjected to the rigors of hunting and frequent cleaning, the stainless steel finish shows no signs of corrosion or wear. Cleaning is a breeze. A quick wipe with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in excellent condition.

Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlsons choke has noticeably improved my consistency, especially on close to mid-range targets. The improved pattern density and distribution provide a distinct advantage. It has outperformed my expectations, becoming my go-to choke for situations where a slightly wider pattern is beneficial.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder

Specifications

• Fits: Benelli Crio/Crio Plus shotgun models. This ensures compatibility with a specific range of Benelli shotguns, making it crucial to verify your shotgun’s choke system before purchasing.
• Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke tube is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, which is the most popular shotgun gauge for hunting and sport shooting.
• Type: Flush Mounted. The flush-mounted design keeps the choke tube from extending beyond the end of the barrel. This provides a clean, streamlined look and helps prevent snagging on brush or clothing.
• Constriction: Improved Cylinder. The Improved Cylinder choke provides a slightly open pattern, offering a good balance between range and pattern density.
• Diameter: .715. This is the internal diameter of the choke tube at its narrowest point, which directly affects the shot pattern’s spread.

These specifications are critical because they directly influence the choke’s pattern density and effective range. The Improved Cylinder constriction is ideal for close-range shooting, while the flush-mounted design enhances the shotgun’s handling and aesthetics. Understanding these specifications allows shooters to make informed decisions based on their shooting needs.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder excels at delivering consistent and predictable patterns at close to mid-range distances. It is designed to open up the shot pattern slightly more than a modified choke, providing greater forgiveness on moving targets. This choke tube is most effective within 20-35 yards.

The main strength of this choke is its versatility. It is suitable for a variety of shooting applications, including upland bird hunting, sporting clays, and even some tactical applications where a wider spread is desired. A potential weakness is its limited effective range. It is not ideal for long-range shots where a tighter pattern is necessary.

This choke tube meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations. It has noticeably improved my hit percentage on closer clay targets and provided a more forgiving pattern while hunting. The Carlsons choke tube offers a significant upgrade over factory chokes in terms of pattern consistency and overall performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder is constructed from corrosion-resistant 17-4 ph stainless steel. This provides excellent durability and resistance to rust and wear. The flush-mounted design creates a seamless look with the shotgun barrel.

The choke tube is easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench. The smooth internal bore ensures consistent shot patterns and minimizes wad stripping. The Carlsons choke tube is user-friendly and requires no specialized knowledge or tools.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction ensures that the Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder will last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the buildup of residue and corrosion. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient.

Maintenance is minimal. Inspecting the choke tube for any signs of damage or wear before each use is recommended. The choke tube is also easy to repair. Contacting Carlsons directly for replacement parts or service is the best approach.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder does not come with any specific accessories. A choke tube wrench is essential for installation and removal and is usually sold separately. There are no specific customization options available for this particular choke tube.

The choke tube is compatible with most standard choke tube wrenches designed for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus shotguns. The Carlsons choke tube system is also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket chokes from other brands that adhere to the Benelli Crio/Crio Plus thread pattern. This provides a high degree of flexibility and allows shooters to fine-tune their shotgun’s performance.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio/Crio Plus Choke Tube 12 Gauge, Improved Cylinder