First Thoughts on the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Turkey hunting is more than just a pastime; it’s an obsession. The early mornings, the crisp air, and the challenge of outsmarting a wary gobbler fuel the fire. I’ve spent countless hours chasing turkeys across various terrains, always searching for that edge, that piece of equipment that will make the difference between success and a long walk back to the truck. The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube promises to be just that.
For years, I’d relied on the factory choke that came with my Benelli. However, as I transitioned to using Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) for its superior density and range, I realized the factory choke wasn’t cutting it. TSS demands a specialized choke to deliver its full potential, namely tighter patterns at longer distances. I needed a choke tube designed explicitly for TSS loads and compatible with my Benelli Crio Plus 20 gauge.
Upon unboxing the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black, I was immediately struck by its solid construction. The black finish on the 17-4 stainless steel gives it a tactical look. It also suggests a build quality meant to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. Compared to the factory choke, this Carlson choke felt noticeably more substantial.
I considered the Trulock Precision Hunter choke and the Jebs Headhunter choke. Both are highly regarded in the turkey hunting community. Ultimately, I chose the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black due to Carlson’s reputation for producing quality chokes specifically designed for TSS loads and its reasonable price point. Initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. I’m eager to see how it performs in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first hunt with the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black was in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. The terrain was steep and rugged. The weather was typical for early spring: cool and damp. I spent the morning setting up on a ridge overlooking a hardwood bottom, hoping to call in a gobbler.
The choke tube was easy to install, threading smoothly into my Benelli Crio Plus barrel. I patterned the choke with my preferred TSS load at 40 yards before the hunt. The pattern was significantly tighter and more consistent than what I had previously achieved with the factory choke. This translated to confidence in the field.
A gobbler responded to my calls around mid-morning. He strutted into view about 35 yards away. The shot was clean and decisive. The turkey dropped in its tracks. The Carlsons choke performed exactly as I had hoped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of turkey hunting, the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black has held up admirably. There are no signs of wear or corrosion despite exposure to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental bump against trees. The 17-4 stainless steel construction proved to be extremely durable.
Cleaning the choke is simple. I use a bore brush and solvent after each hunt to remove any powder residue or plastic wad buildup. Regular cleaning ensures consistent performance and prevents corrosion. This choke tube is significantly more reliable than my previous experiences using generic aftermarket chokes. They often exhibited inconsistent patterns or loosened during hunts.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is specifically designed for 20 gauge shotguns with the Benelli Crio Plus choke system. It features a turkey choke constriction of .555 inches. This tight constriction is optimized for delivering dense patterns with TSS and other premium turkey loads.
The choke tube is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel. This material provides exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. It is finished in a matte black coating for enhanced concealment and protection against the elements. The extended design allows for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
The specifications matter because they directly impact the performance of the choke tube. The .555 constriction ensures a tight pattern for longer-range shots. The 17-4 stainless steel construction guarantees longevity and reliability in harsh hunting conditions. The black finish minimizes glare and helps to keep the hunter concealed.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black performs exceptionally well in the field. It consistently delivers dense, even patterns at distances of 40 yards and beyond. This choke instills confidence when taking those longer shots that are sometimes necessary in open terrain.
The strength is its ability to maximize the potential of TSS loads. The weakness, if any, is that the extremely tight constriction may not be ideal for shorter-range shots. This is because it can result in patterns that are too tight and potentially lead to a missed shot at close range. Overall, this choke exceeds expectations. It transforms my Benelli 20 gauge into a serious turkey hunting machine.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is outstanding. The choke feels solid and well-made. It inspires confidence that it will hold up to the rigors of turkey hunting. The extended design makes it easy to grip and install. There is no specialized tool required.
The choke is user-friendly. It installs in seconds and patterns predictably. There is no real learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction suggests it will last for many seasons of hard use. With proper cleaning and maintenance, this choke should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a bore brush and solvent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of choke tube wrenches designed for Benelli Crio Plus chokes. There are no specific customization options available for this particular choke tube beyond the standard finish and constriction. It is inherently limited.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and remove thanks to its extended design.
- Black finish provides enhanced concealment in the field.
- Significantly improves effective range compared to factory chokes.
Cons
- Extremely tight constriction may produce patterns that are too dense at close range.
- No included accessories, such as a choke tube wrench.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
This choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters who use TSS loads and own a 20 gauge Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus choke system. It’s ideal for hunters who frequently encounter longer-range shots in open terrain. Hunters who prefer to call turkeys into extremely close range (inside 20 yards) might find the patterns too tight and should consider a more open choke constriction.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube wrench designed for Benelli Crio Plus chokes. This tool makes installation and removal easier. It prevents damage to the choke tube.
Conclusion on Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is an excellent choke tube that delivers exceptional performance with TSS loads. The price is more than justified by its durability, pattern density, and ability to extend the effective range of my 20 gauge Benelli. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize their success in the field.
If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, invest in the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black. You won’t be disappointed.