The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear aficionado, I’ve seen countless choke tubes promising tighter patterns and longer shots. However, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus immediately caught my eye, promising compatibility with my Benelli Crio Plus shotgun and a constriction optimized for turkey hunting. I hoped it would deliver on its promise of enhanced performance.
My quest for this choke tube stemmed from a frustrating season last year where several gobblers managed to slip just outside my effective range. I needed a solution to tighten my shot pattern without sacrificing reliability or ease of use, and the Carlsons choke seemed to fit the bill. The allure of a more consistent and denser pattern at longer distances was too strong to resist.
Upon receiving the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel and the matte blue finish. The stainless steel construction felt robust, and the extended design gave it a distinctly tactical look. It exuded quality, and the threads were clean and precisely cut.
Compared to my factory choke tubes, the Carlsons tube appeared to be significantly more substantial. I also considered a similar choke from Trulock, but the Carlsons tube had a slightly tighter constriction and a longer parallel section. Ultimately, I chose the Carlsons tube based on the promise of optimized pattern density at extended ranges.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, but the real test would be how it performed in the field. I was eager to hit the range and see if the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus could truly tighten my patterns and extend my effective range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube was at my local shooting range, prepping for the upcoming turkey season. I mounted it on my Benelli Montefeltro, taking extra care to ensure it was properly tightened. I planned to test it at various distances, starting at 20 yards and extending out to 40.
The weather was slightly overcast, with a mild breeze. I shot several rounds of Winchester Long Beard XR shells, a load known for its tight patterns. I immediately noticed a significant difference in pattern density compared to my factory full choke.
The installation was straightforward, requiring only a choke tube wrench. There were no issues with fit or alignment. Initially, I was impressed by the consistent patterns at 30 yards, easily keeping all shots within a 10-inch circle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use and pattern testing, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube has proven to be a reliable performer. It has consistently delivered tight, dense patterns, and I haven’t experienced any issues with loosening or damage. The Carlsons choke has become a permanent fixture in my Benelli shotgun.
The choke has shown no signs of wear and tear, even after numerous cleanings and range sessions. The matte blue finish has held up well, showing no scratches or blemishes. The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus cleans easily with standard bore solvent and a choke tube brush.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons tube has been noticeably superior in terms of pattern consistency and overall build quality. It has exceeded my expectations and has instilled confidence in my shots. I can confidently say that the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube has significantly improved my turkey hunting success rate.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus
Specifications
- Caliber: Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge. This ensures proper fit and function with Benelli Crio Plus shotguns.
- Constriction: Turkey (.675 diameter). The tight constriction is specifically designed to produce dense patterns at longer ranges.
- Extended Design: Extends approximately 1″ from the end of the barrel. This helps in achieving tighter patterns and aids in protecting the muzzle.
- Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This provides exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
- Finish: Matte Blue. The matte finish reduces glare and provides a sleek, tactical look.
- 1.050″ Parallel Section: This feature is designed to optimize pattern consistency and density. It is a key component in achieving the choke’s performance.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the choke’s performance in the field. The tight constriction and extended design contribute to denser patterns, while the stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity. The 1.050″ parallel section is crucial for achieving the optimal shot pattern with minimal flyers.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus excels in its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. I’ve consistently achieved kill shots on turkey targets out to 40 yards, a distance that previously felt marginal with my factory choke. The choke tube performs exceptionally well with Winchester Long Beard XR and similar turkey loads.
The main strength of this choke tube is its ability to maintain a dense pattern at distances where other chokes begin to spread significantly. One area for improvement would be a wider range of available constrictions to cater to different hunting scenarios and personal preferences. Despite this, it meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube is outstanding. The stainless steel construction feels solid and durable, and the matte blue finish is both attractive and functional. The choke tube is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
The design is simple and effective, with no unnecessary frills. The extended length provides a slight advantage in terms of pattern consistency and also offers some protection to the muzzle. There is a slight learning curve to understanding optimal load pairings, but the choke itself is user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is built to last. The stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion, and the matte blue finish is durable enough to withstand regular use in the field. With proper care and cleaning, this choke tube should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a choke tube brush and solvent to remove powder residue and plastic wad buildup. Regular cleaning will help maintain optimal performance and prevent corrosion. The choke tube’s simple design makes it easy to disassemble and clean thoroughly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is designed to be used with standard choke tube wrenches. There are no specific accessories included, but it’s compatible with a wide range of commercially available choke tube tools. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, users can experiment with different turkey loads to fine-tune their patterns.
The choke is compatible with most Benelli Crio Plus shotguns and can be used with various aftermarket accessories, such as extended magazine tubes and sling mounts. The lack of specific accessories is not a major drawback, as the choke is designed to be a standalone performance upgrade. The focus is on performance rather than customization.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns. This is crucial for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
- Durable stainless steel construction. Guarantees long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Easy to install and maintain. Simplifies the user experience and reduces downtime.
- Noticeable improvement in effective range. Allows for confident shots at longer distances.
- Optimized for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns. Ensures perfect fit and reliable performance.
Cons
- Not for use with steel shot. Limits versatility for waterfowl or other applications.
- .675 constriction may be too tight for some hunting situations. Requires careful load selection to avoid overly dense patterns.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus?
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand consistent, tight patterns at extended ranges. It’s ideal for those who own a Benelli Crio Plus shotgun and are looking to maximize its performance for turkey hunting. The choke is best suited for hunters who primarily use lead or heavier-than-lead turkey loads.
This product is not ideal for hunters who frequently use steel shot, as it is not rated for steel. It might also not be the best choice for hunters who prefer very open patterns for close-range shots. A more open choke may be more appropriate in such situations.
A must-have accessory for this choke is a quality choke tube wrench. Additionally, a variety of turkey loads should be tested to determine the optimal combination for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions. This choke is truly a set-it-and-forget-it solution, perfect for those looking to extend their range and increase their chances of harvesting a bird.
Conclusion on Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus
In summary, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is a high-quality, reliable choke tube that delivers exceptional performance for turkey hunting. Its tight constriction and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters looking to maximize their effective range and pattern density. This choke tube is a game-changer for any Benelli Crio Plus owner looking to improve their turkey hunting success.
The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the long-lasting durability of the product. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus to any turkey hunter seeking to enhance their shooting capabilities. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, this choke tube is a must-have addition to your gear.