The Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 Made a Bold First Impression
Having spent over a decade fine-tuning shotguns for various tactical and sporting applications, I’ve learned that the choke tube is often the unsung hero. The Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 immediately caught my eye for its promise of superior patterning and ease of use. This choke tube claims to enhance the performance of my Benelli, a shotgun I rely on for clays and occasional upland hunting.
My need arose from inconsistent breaks on longer sporting clay targets. I sought a choke that would deliver tighter, more reliable patterns without sacrificing versatility. I’d grown tired of swapping chokes constantly and wanted a “sweet spot” for a variety of target distances.
The tube arrived in simple but effective packaging. My initial impression was positive; the stainless steel construction felt robust and the knurled end inspired confidence. It seemed well-made and ready for action.
I considered a Briley choke, known for its premium quality, and a Patternmaster choke, famous for its unique wad-stripping design. Ultimately, the Carlson’s tube won out, thanks to its reputation for consistent performance and the added benefit of a lifetime warranty. For a price of $40.99, it seemed like a reasonable gamble.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Carlson’s choke exuded quality, but the proof would be in the pattern.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 was at my local sporting clays range. I ran it through a course that featured a mix of close-in rabbits, mid-range crossing targets, and some challenging longer shots. The weather was mild and clear.
The Carlson’s tube noticeably improved my breaks on targets beyond 35 yards. I immediately felt more confident engaging targets at those intermediate distances. The improved modified constriction provided a balanced pattern that wasn’t too tight for close shots and maintained enough density for longer ones.
Installation was straightforward. The knurled end allowed for easy tightening and removal by hand, eliminating the need for a choke wrench. I encountered no issues with fit or function during the initial session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s choke continues to perform admirably. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it across various sporting clays courses and a few informal trap sessions. It consistently delivers tight, even patterns.
The stainless steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion. Even after repeated exposure to cleaning solvents and the elements, it still looks as good as new. This is a testament to Carlson’s choice of materials.
Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a nylon brush and some solvent removes any plastic wad residue or carbon buildup. I’ve experienced no issues with the choke seizing in the barrel.
Compared to the factory Benelli chokes, the Carlson’s tube offers a noticeable improvement in pattern consistency. The factory chokes were adequate, but the Carlson’s choke provides a tighter, more reliable pattern at the distances I typically shoot. I can tell the difference.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700
Specifications
The Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system. It is a 12-gauge choke tube constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel. This ensures corrosion resistance and longevity.
The “Improved Modified” constriction (.700″) offers a versatile middle ground between tighter and looser chokes. This makes it suitable for a wide range of target distances and applications. The choke features a 25% larger parallel section, which Carlson’s claims produces more consistent patterns. Each choke is laser-marked with its constriction for easy identification.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 excels at delivering consistent, dense patterns. The increased parallel section helps to reduce shot stringing and improves pattern uniformity. This translates to more consistent breaks on clays and a higher probability of hitting the target.
The improved modified constriction provides a good balance between pattern density and spread. It is tight enough for longer shots but not so tight that it creates a “blown” pattern at closer ranges. While nothing can replace dedicated chokes for very short or very long distances, this is a great compromise.
The choke meets my expectations and then some. It has significantly improved my scores on sporting clays.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 features a simple, functional design. The stainless steel construction is robust and resistant to corrosion. The knurled end allows for easy installation and removal without tools.
The choke is relatively lightweight and does not noticeably affect the balance of the shotgun. The laser-marked constriction is easy to read and helps prevent confusion when switching between chokes. No learning curve exists.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 is built to last. It is resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear. This ensures years of reliable performance.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s required to keep the choke in good working order. The smooth interior surface prevents excessive buildup of plastic wad residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone choke tube designed to be compatible with Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system.
It is compatible with most standard choke wrenches, although the knurled end typically eliminates the need for one. No further customization is generally required; the choke is designed to perform optimally out of the box.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700
Pros
- Significantly improved pattern consistency and density at intermediate ranges.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Knurled end allows for easy, tool-free installation and removal.
- Versatile improved modified constriction suitable for a variety of sporting clays targets.
- Lifetime warranty from Carlson’s provides peace of mind.
Cons
- While versatile, it may not be optimal for extremely close or extremely long-range shots where specialized chokes would perform better.
- Stainless steel finish can be prone to scratching if not handled carefully.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700?
The Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 is perfect for sporting clays enthusiasts who want a versatile, high-performing choke. It is also excellent for upland bird hunters who need a reliable pattern at moderate distances. This choke would be a welcome upgrade for anyone looking to improve the performance of their Benelli shotgun without breaking the bank.
Those who primarily shoot trap at fixed distances may prefer a dedicated full choke. Those requiring extreme close-range performance (e.g., skeet) should also look elsewhere. No must-have accessories or modifications are needed.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700
The Carlson’s Sporting Clay Improved Modified Choke Tube 12 ga Benelli Crio Plus .700 is an excellent value for the money. For a price of $40.99, it offers a significant improvement in pattern consistency and density compared to factory chokes. The durable stainless steel construction and easy installation make it a user-friendly upgrade.
I wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any Benelli shotgun owner looking to improve their sporting clays game or upland hunting performance. The price is justified by the increase in performance and the lifetime warranty offers further peace of mind. Upgrade your Benelli today and experience the difference!