The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 Made a Bold First Impression
Over the years, I’ve patterned more shotguns than I care to remember, always chasing that perfect balance of spread and density for close-quarters work. When I first heard about the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715, I was cautiously optimistic, but its promise of optimized patterns inside 30 yards for steel shot specifically piqued my interest. I needed a choke that could reliably deliver tight, consistent patterns for upland game and waterfowl hunting in dense cover where shots are quick and ranges are short.
I’d been struggling with my Benelli’s factory modified choke, often getting patterns that were too tight at very close range, resulting in missed birds. This resulted in frustration and a feeling that my shotgun wasn’t performing as effectively as it could. My main goal was to find a choke that would improve my hit probability on fast-moving targets at distances within 25 yards.
Out of the box, the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 struck me as well-machined and robust. The black finish was even and appeared durable, and the threads were clean and precise. It felt like a quality piece of equipment, promising a secure fit in my Benelli.
I had been considering a Briley Improved Cylinder choke and a Patternmaster Code Black Duck choke, but ultimately the Carlson’s won out because of its specific design for close-range steel shot performance and its more appealing price point. The Briley was significantly more expensive, and the Patternmaster, while known for tight patterns, sometimes yielded inconsistent results with certain loads. I was excited to see if this choke would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 was on a drizzly morning in the flooded timber, hunting wood ducks. The conditions were classic close-range waterfowl: thick cover, low light, and birds appearing and disappearing in an instant. I paired the choke with Winchester Blind Side #2 steel shot, a load I’ve had success with in the past.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The patterns were consistently wider than with my previous choke, filling the spread with more pellets at 20 yards. I dropped two wood ducks on my first volley, a clean double that would have been a single (or maybe even a miss) with my old setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting and multiple trips to the range, the Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 has proven its worth. It’s become my go-to choke for any situation where I anticipate close-range shots, whether it’s busting grouse in thick cover or hunting waterfowl in tight quarters.
The choke has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of rust or wear despite being exposed to wet and muddy conditions. Cleaning is a breeze – a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it in perfect condition. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlson’s has consistently delivered more even and predictable patterns, giving me greater confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715
Specifications
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 is designed to fit Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio and Crio Plus choke system. This includes popular models like the SBE2, SBE3, and M2.
- Caliber: 12 gauge.
- Compatibility: Benelli Crio/Crio Plus choke system.
- Material: Not explicitly stated, but appears to be constructed from high-quality, heat-treated steel for durability.
- Constriction: #1 CR/IC (Close Range/Improved Cylinder).
- Intended Use: Optimized for close-range shooting with steel, lead, bismuth, TSS, and Hevi-Shot.
- Yardage: Lead (5-20 yards), Steel (15-30 yards).
These specifications are critical because they dictate the effective range and pattern density of the shotgun. The Close Range/Improved Cylinder constriction provides a more open pattern, ideal for quickly acquiring targets at shorter distances. The yardage recommendations are particularly useful, as they provide a guideline for selecting the appropriate shot size and load for the intended game.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 excels at what it’s designed to do: deliver consistent, effective patterns at close range. Accuracy is excellent within the recommended yardages, and the choke has proven to be remarkably reliable, with no issues of loosening or pattern shift during extended use.
The main strength of this choke is its ability to provide a wider, more forgiving pattern, which significantly increases the chances of hitting fast-moving targets at close range. A potential area for improvement could be to include more detailed pattern data for different shot sizes and loads, allowing shooters to fine-tune their setup even further. It definitely meets my expectations for a close-range choke, exceeding the performance of the factory chokes I’ve used in the past.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke tube is well-built, with a solid feel and a smooth, even finish. The threads are precisely machined, ensuring a snug and secure fit in the shotgun barrel.
It’s easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench, and the black finish blends seamlessly with the shotgun’s aesthetics. There’s no learning curve – simply screw it in and you’re ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 appears to be built to last, constructed from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of hunting in harsh environments. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
With proper care, I expect this choke to last for many years of reliable service. Its simple design and robust construction minimize the risk of damage or malfunction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it’s a standalone product. However, it is compatible with standard choke tube wrenches designed for the Benelli Crio/Crio Plus system.
There are no specific customization options for this particular choke tube. However, shooters can experiment with different shot sizes and loads to fine-tune their patterns for specific applications. This compatibility makes it a versatile addition to any Benelli owner’s gear.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715
Pros
- Delivers consistent, wide patterns ideal for close-range shooting.
- Noticeably improves hit probability on fast-moving targets within 30 yards.
- Compatible with steel, lead, bismuth, TSS, and Hevi-Shot.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price point compared to other premium choke tubes.
Cons
- Limited effective range beyond 30 yards.
- Pattern density may be too open for some shooters’ preferences at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715?
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 is perfect for hunters who primarily hunt in thick cover or tight quarters, where shots are typically taken at close range. This includes upland bird hunters targeting grouse, woodcock, or quail, as well as waterfowl hunters hunting in flooded timber or small ponds. It is also beneficial for sporting clay shooters practicing close-range presentations.
This choke might not be the best choice for shooters who primarily hunt in open areas where longer shots are common. Those shooters may want to consider a choke with a tighter constriction.
A must-have accessory for this choke tube is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different shot sizes and loads is also recommended to optimize performance for specific hunting situations.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715
The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 is an excellent value for the money, offering a significant improvement in close-range pattern performance for Benelli shotgun owners. Its durable construction and compatibility with various shot types make it a versatile and reliable addition to any hunter’s gear.
I would absolutely recommend this choke to anyone looking to improve their hit probability on fast-moving targets at close range. The Carlson’s Close Range #1 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .715 is a worthy investment that will help you put more birds in the bag. So, ditch that factory choke, upgrade to the Carlson’s, and get ready to see a noticeable difference in your shooting!