The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 promises to extend the reach of your Benelli shotgun, and for a waterfowler like myself, that’s music to my ears. I’ve spent years tweaking my setups, searching for that perfect pattern at those extended ranges where birds often hang just out of comfortable reach. The promise of consistently tighter patterns at 40+ yards with steel shot is precisely what piqued my interest.
I’ve struggled with inconsistent patterns from factory chokes, leading to frustrating misses and wounded birds – a scenario no ethical hunter wants. I was looking for a choke tube that would deliver consistent, tight patterns at longer ranges with steel shot, specifically for waterfowl hunting. The allure of improving my effective range and reducing the chance of crippling birds drove my search.
Upon unboxing the Carlson’s choke tube, I was immediately impressed by the robust feel of the stainless steel. The black finish was smooth and even, suggesting a high level of manufacturing quality. It felt significantly more substantial than the factory choke tubes that came with my Benelli SBE2.
I considered the Briley Spectrum and Patternmaster Code Black chokes, both known for their performance. However, the Carlson’s choke offered a compelling combination of performance claims and a more attractive price point. I was willing to give it a shot, hoping it would deliver similar results without breaking the bank.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality was reassuring, and the specifications aligned perfectly with my needs. I was eager to get out to the range and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, specifically focusing on pattern testing with various steel shot loads. I set up targets at 30, 40, and 50 yards to assess the choke’s performance at different distances. The weather was overcast, with a slight breeze, providing fairly typical hunting conditions.
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube required no break-in period. Installation was quick and straightforward using the included wrench. Initially, I noticed a slightly tighter pattern at 30 yards compared to my factory modified choke.
There were no immediate issues, though I did notice the felt recoil was slightly increased, likely due to the tighter constriction of the choke. The real test, however, would be how it performed on live birds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the waterfowl season, the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve hunted in conditions ranging from dry, crisp mornings to damp, muddy afternoons. The choke tube has shown no signs of rust or corrosion.
The black finish has held up well, showing only minor wear marks from being removed and reinstalled. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with looser patterns, the Carlson’s choke provides noticeably tighter groupings at longer ranges, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695
Specifications
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio or Crio Plus choke system. This includes popular models like the SBE2, SBE3, and M2. The choke tube is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, providing excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
The constriction is designated as “#3 LR/Full”, which translates to a long-range choke suitable for both lead and steel shot. The exit diameter is .695 inches, creating a tighter pattern for longer shots. Carlson’s recommends this choke for lead shot at 30-45 yards and steel shot at 40+ yards.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s performance. The tighter constriction creates denser patterns, extending the effective range of your shotgun. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity and reliability in harsh hunting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube excels at its primary function: extending the effective range of your Benelli shotgun. The patterns are noticeably tighter at 40+ yards compared to a modified or improved cylinder choke. This translates to more consistent hits and cleaner kills on waterfowl.
The choke tube patterns steel shot exceptionally well, delivering dense groupings that retain energy at longer distances. While it performs well with lead shot within the recommended range, its strength lies in its steel shot performance. I have found the effective range with steel shot, using appropriate loads, extends comfortably to 50 yards on larger birds like geese.
The increased recoil is a minor drawback, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the improved pattern density and range. It meets and exceeds expectations for a long-range steel shot choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube is excellent. The stainless steel construction feels robust and durable. The black finish is smooth and even, providing a professional and sleek look.
The choke is easy to install and remove using the provided wrench. There’s no complicated setup or adjustment required. The design is simple and functional, focusing on performance rather than unnecessary frills.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, the Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube is built to last. After weeks of use in various weather conditions, it shows no signs of rust or corrosion. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use.
With proper care, this choke tube should provide years of reliable service. It’s a durable and low-maintenance accessory.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube comes with a basic choke tube wrench. There are no included accessories for further customization. However, the choke tube is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus chokes.
The choke itself doesn’t offer any customization options beyond selecting the appropriate constriction. You can experiment with different shot sizes and loads to fine-tune your patterns.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with steel shot at 40+ yards, significantly extending effective range.
- Made from durable 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and corrosion resistance.
- Simple and easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal effort and no specialized tools.
- Noticeably improves long-range performance compared to factory chokes, leading to cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds.
- Affordable price point compared to other premium choke tubes on the market.
Cons
- Recoil is slightly increased due to the tighter constriction, which may be noticeable with heavier loads.
- Pattern may be too tight for close-range shots, making it less versatile for mixed hunting scenarios.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695?
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently take shots at longer ranges (40+ yards). It’s ideal for those who hunt geese or ducks over open water or large fields where birds tend to stay out of close range. This choke tube is also a great choice for anyone looking to improve their pattern density and reduce the number of wounded birds.
This choke might not be the best choice for hunters who primarily hunt in close-quarters situations, such as timber or small ponds where shots are typically within 20-30 yards. The tighter pattern could result in overly dense patterns and increased pellet damage at close range. Also, those sensitive to recoil might find the slightly increased recoil unpleasant.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality shotshell specifically designed for waterfowl hunting. Experimenting with different brands and shot sizes will help you fine-tune your pattern and maximize the choke’s performance.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695
The Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube for Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga .695 is a well-built and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of extending your shotgun’s range. The improved pattern density and consistent performance with steel shot make it a valuable addition to any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal.
The price of $49.99 is certainly justified by the improved performance and durability. It represents an excellent value proposition compared to other premium choke tubes on the market.
I would absolutely recommend this choke tube to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their long-range shooting. It’s a simple and affordable upgrade that can significantly enhance your hunting experience. Don’t let those birds stay just out of reach; grab a Carlson’s Long Range #3 Choke Tube and start bringing them down!