First Thoughts on the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The pursuit of the perfect turkey choke can feel like a never-ending quest. Every spring, I find myself tweaking my setup, hoping to achieve that tighter, more consistent pattern that puts birds in the freezer. This year, my attention turned to the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black.
I was looking for a choke specifically designed for the tight patterns required for Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads. My old full choke just wasn’t cutting it with the new TSS ammo I was trying out. After some research, the Carlsons choke kept popping up in online forums and reviews.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the build quality. The Carlsons choke feels solid and well-made. The black finish is clean and even, and the extended design gives it a tactical look that I appreciate. Compared to my factory chokes, this one felt noticeably sturdier. I was excited to get it out in the field. My first impression was that this choke means business.
I was debating between this choke and a similar offering from Patternmaster, as well as a Briley choke. Ultimately, the favorable reviews focusing on the Carlsons’s consistency with TSS, coupled with its attractive price point of $41.35, swayed my decision. I wasn’t disappointed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black came during a spring turkey hunt in the Missouri Ozarks. The weather was damp, with a persistent drizzle turning the woods into a muddy mess. I was using a Benelli Super Black Eagle II with 3-inch, #9 TSS loads.
The Carlsons choke performed admirably in these less-than-ideal conditions. At 40 yards, it produced a consistently tight and even pattern, easily putting over 20 pellets in the kill zone of a turkey target. I felt confident in its ability. The pattern held its density, even with the wind picking up.
I didn’t need to do much adjusting to get used to the choke. Installation was simple. There were no issues or surprises. It threaded smoothly into my Benelli.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of turkey hunting and several range sessions, the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has proven to be exceptionally reliable. There are no signs of wear and tear on the choke’s finish. This indicates it can handle a lot of use.
Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all it takes to remove any residue. The choke has consistently delivered tight patterns with various TSS loads. It has performed much better than my previous attempts with a factory full choke.
I used to get frustrating flyers with my old setup, resulting in wounded birds. The Carlsons choke gives me the confidence to take ethical shots at longer ranges. This alone justifies the purchase.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
- The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a 12-gauge extended choke tube. It is designed for Benelli Crio Plus barrel systems.
- The choke is specifically designed for turkey hunting. It is optimized for Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads.
- It features a fixed .650 constriction. This constriction provides extremely tight patterns at longer ranges.
- The Carlsons choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel. The Carlsons choke provides exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
- It has a black finish. This gives it a sleek and tactical appearance.
These specifications are crucial for turkey hunters using TSS. The .650 constriction, combined with the robust stainless steel construction, ensures consistent performance and tight patterns that are essential for ethical and effective shots. The extended design also facilitates easier installation and removal.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black performs exceptionally well. It delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns at ranges of 40 yards and beyond. The improved pattern density provides a significant advantage when using TSS loads, resulting in cleaner kills.
Its greatest strength is its consistent performance. This translates to increased confidence in the field. The only potential weakness might be its tight constriction. It may not be ideal for very close-range shots.
It greatly exceeded my expectations. The patterns are noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my previous choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The choke is constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel. It feels solid and well-made in hand.
The Carlsons choke is user-friendly. It requires no special tools for installation. The extended design makes it easy to grip and tighten. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability. It should withstand years of use in harsh conditions.
Maintaining the choke is simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient to keep it in top condition. The black finish is also resistant to scratches and wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black does not come with any specific accessories, as it is a standalone choke tube. It is compatible with any Benelli shotgun that utilizes the Crio Plus choke system.
There aren’t really any customization options available for choke tubes besides choosing different constrictions for different uses. However, you might consider using a choke tube wrench for easier installation and removal, especially if the choke becomes fouled with residue. Carlsons themselves offer a variety of choke wrenches.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Improved pattern density translates to more ethical shots at longer ranges.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- The extremely tight .650 constriction may not be suitable for very close-range shots.
- The black finish, while durable, can still show scratches over time with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is perfect for turkey hunters who use TSS loads and want to maximize their effective range and pattern density. It is ideal for hunters who use a Benelli Crio Plus system shotgun and seek a reliable and durable choke. This choke is also a great choice for hunters who prioritize ethical shots and want the confidence of a tight pattern at longer distances.
This product might not be the best choice for hunters who primarily hunt in heavily wooded areas where shots are typically very close range, as the tight constriction may result in too small of a pattern at close distances. Similarly, hunters who prefer using lead or steel shot may find better options designed specifically for those types of ammunition.
A choke tube wrench would be useful. A quality gun cleaning solvent will also help to maintain the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black.
Conclusion on Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is an exceptional turkey choke that delivers on its promise of tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads. Its durable construction, ease of use, and affordable price make it a standout choice for turkey hunters.
At a price of $41.35, the Carlsons choke offers excellent value. The performance increase over standard chokes justifies the cost.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons 38015 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to any turkey hunter looking to optimize their TSS loads and improve their chances of success in the field. It’s a solid investment that will pay off with cleaner kills and more birds in the freezer. Get yours today and experience the difference!