The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve spent years guiding hunters, advising competitive shooters, and simply obsessing over the nuances of shotguns and their performance. When CARLSONS released the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS, specifically the 12GA Ported Modified CRIO/CRIO+ model, I knew I had to get my hands on it. The promise of improved patterns and reduced recoil piqued my interest immediately.
My quest for this choke tube began with a simple desire: to improve my consistency on the skeet field. I was tired of seeing inconsistencies in my shot patterns and knew a better choke could make all the difference. The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS claimed to provide tighter, more consistent patterns, a benefit I couldn’t ignore.
Upon receiving the choke tube, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and sleek design. The porting was clean and precisely machined, indicating a high level of manufacturing quality. It felt robust and well-made, a far cry from some of the cheaper aftermarket chokes I’d seen.
I considered a few other ported chokes from Briley and Patternmaster, known for their pattern enhancements and quality. Ultimately, I chose the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS due to its competitive price point ($51.99) and reputation for reliable performance. It seemed like the best balance of value and potential.
My first impression was one of excited anticipation. This choke tube felt like a serious piece of equipment. I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, where I frequently practice skeet and sporting clays. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing relatively ideal conditions for evaluating the choke’s performance. I primarily used 12-gauge shells with #8 shot, a standard load for clay target shooting.
Installing the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS was simple and straightforward, requiring no special tools. The choke threaded smoothly into my Benelli CRIO barrel. From the first shot, I noticed a difference.
The recoil felt noticeably reduced compared to my factory modified choke. The shot patterns on the pattern board were tighter and more consistent, with fewer stray pellets. This gave me immediate confidence in the choke’s ability to improve my scores.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS has proven to be a reliable performer. I’ve used it in various conditions, including a few damp, early morning skeet sessions. It maintained its performance even with a little moisture present.
The choke tube shows no signs of wear and tear, despite repeated use and cleaning. The porting remains clear. I clean the choke tube after each use with a standard choke tube brush and solvent. This simple maintenance routine keeps it in excellent condition.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS has significantly improved my scores. The tighter patterns and reduced recoil have made a noticeable difference in my ability to consistently break targets. It outperforms my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS
Specifications
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS (12GA Ported MOD CRIO/CRIO+) is designed for 12-gauge shotguns with Benelli CRIO or CRIO Plus choke systems. It features a ported design intended to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. The Modified constriction provides a balance between pattern density and spread, suitable for a variety of clay target disciplines.
The tube is constructed from high-quality 17-4 stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. The ported design aids in reducing recoil. The choke tube weighs approximately 2 ounces, adding minimal weight to the shotgun.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures long-lasting performance. The Modified constriction is versatile for different shooting scenarios. The porting helps manage recoil, particularly important for extended shooting sessions.
Performance & Functionality
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The Modified constriction provides excellent pattern density at typical clay target distances (20-40 yards). The porting effectively reduces felt recoil.
Its greatest strength is the combination of tighter patterns and reduced recoil, resulting in more consistent target breaks. One minor weakness is that the porting can lead to slightly increased muzzle blast, which might be noticeable to nearby shooters. Overall, it exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS feels solid and well-made. The stainless steel construction provides a premium feel.
The installation is straightforward, with no specialized tools required. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability. It should last for many years with proper care.
Maintenance is simple. Cleaning after each use with a choke tube brush and solvent is sufficient to keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS itself doesn’t come with additional accessories, as it’s a standalone product. It is compatible with standard choke tube wrenches designed for CRIO/CRIO+ systems.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, you can experiment with different shotshell loads to fine-tune your patterns. The choke’s CRIO/CRIO+ compatibility allows it to function seamlessly with Benelli shotguns and aftermarket accessories for those systems.
Pros and Cons of CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS
Pros
- Noticeably reduced recoil for more comfortable shooting.
- Tighter, more consistent patterns resulting in better target breaks.
- High-quality 17-4 stainless steel construction for long-term durability.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Improved confidence on the skeet and sporting clays field.
Cons
- Porting can increase muzzle blast, potentially affecting nearby shooters.
- Limited to shotguns with Benelli CRIO/CRIO+ choke systems.
Who Should Buy CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS?
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS is perfect for competitive shooters, skeet and sporting clays enthusiasts, and anyone looking to improve their shotgun performance. It will benefit shooters who are sensitive to recoil or want tighter, more consistent patterns for breaking clays. It can also be an excellent choice for hunters using it on upland game where accurate and quick shooting is a must.
This product may not be ideal for those primarily focused on hunting large game at close ranges, where a more open choke might be preferred. It may not be a fit for shooters not using CRIO/CRIO+ choke systems.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal. Various shotgun cleaning solvents and brushes are necessary for proper maintenance.
Conclusion on CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS
The CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS is an excellent upgrade for any shotgunner using a Benelli CRIO/CRIO+ system. It provides a noticeable improvement in pattern density and recoil reduction, resulting in more consistent target breaks and a more comfortable shooting experience.
At a price of $51.99, the value proposition is outstanding. The enhanced performance and durability make it well worth the investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the CARLSONS CHOKE TUBE SPT CLAYS to anyone looking to improve their shotgun performance on the skeet or sporting clays field. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!