The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black choke tube isn’t just another piece of metal; it promises tighter patterns and longer ranges with the increasingly popular Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) for turkey hunting. Knowing the importance of a good choke for turkey hunting, I was intrigued to see if this one lived up to the hype, especially considering the specific Benelli Crio Plus compatibility.
For years, I’ve struggled with achieving consistent, tight patterns from my 20-gauge Benelli when using heavier-than-lead shot. Factory chokes were okay, but never quite delivered the knockout punch I wanted beyond 30 yards. I needed a solution that could extend my effective range without sacrificing pattern density and after researching several options, the Carlsons choke stood out due to its TSS optimization and reputation.
My first impression upon receiving the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black was positive. The black finish was clean and professional, and the weight felt substantial, hinting at the quality of the 17-4 stainless steel construction. Holding it in my hand, it felt like a serious piece of equipment, ready to take on even the toughest gobblers.
I considered the Briley X2 and the Patternmaster Code Black Turkey before settling on the Carlsons. The Briley is a great choke, but I read some feedback about it not being optimally designed for TSS. The Patternmaster, with its wad-stripping design, is effective, but I was concerned about potential damage from harder TSS shot. Ultimately, the Carlsons won out because it appeared to be specifically engineered for TSS and Benelli Crio Plus barrels.
My initial excitement was high. This choke promised to be the key to unlocking the full potential of my 20-gauge for turkey hunting, giving me the confidence to take ethical shots at longer distances. I was eager to get it to the range and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black at my local shooting range, using a variety of 20-gauge TSS loads with shot sizes ranging from #7 to #9. The weather was clear and cool, perfect for spending an afternoon patterning my shotgun.
The Carlsons choke threaded smoothly into my Benelli Crio Plus barrel, a testament to its precise manufacturing. Using a target set at 40 yards, I fired several rounds of each TSS load and immediately noticed a significant improvement in pattern density compared to my factory choke. The pellets were consistently clustered in the vital head and neck region.
Initially, there were no issues. The choke performed exactly as advertised, producing tight, even patterns. However, I did notice that some loads patterned slightly better than others, which highlighted the importance of finding the right load for my specific gun and choke combination.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 100 rounds fired, the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black continues to perform flawlessly. The 17-4 stainless steel shows no signs of wear or corrosion, even after being exposed to various weather conditions.
The black finish remains intact, resisting scratches and dings. Cleaning the choke is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons choke consistently delivers superior performance and durability.
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 Benelli shotguns with Crio Plus choke systems. This ensures a proper fit and optimal performance.
It features an extended design that protrudes slightly beyond the muzzle, aiding in pattern constriction. The constriction is .555, optimized for tight patterns with TSS shot.
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the choke offers exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and longevity. This is crucial for withstanding the pressures and abrasiveness of TSS loads.
The black finish provides a sleek, non-reflective look and protects the steel from the elements. A black finish is especially important in turkey hunting for concealing your position.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns with TSS shot. The .555 constriction is specifically designed to maximize pattern density at longer ranges, giving hunters a distinct advantage in the field. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the choke can withstand the rigors of heavy use without compromising performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black excels in its primary function: delivering extremely tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads. At 40 yards, it consistently places a high percentage of pellets within a 10-inch circle, making it deadly on turkeys.
Its primary strength is its ability to extend the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun when using TSS. The only minor improvement could be more prominent markings to indicate the constriction.
It exceeds my expectations. I now have confidence taking ethical shots at turkeys at distances that were previously beyond my comfortable range with factory chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons choke is well-built, using high-quality materials. Its weight feels balanced and doesn’t significantly alter the handling of the shotgun.
It’s incredibly user-friendly; simply thread it into the barrel using a choke wrench. There’s no complicated setup or adjustments required.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the choke will last for many years with proper care. The steel is resistant to corrosion, even after exposure to moisture and cleaning solvents.
Cleaning is simple. Just use a bore brush and solvent to remove any powder residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black doesn’t come with any additional accessories, which is typical for choke tubes. While there are no customization options for the choke itself, users can experiment with different brands and shot sizes of TSS ammunition to fine-tune their patterns.
It is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Benelli Crio Plus chokes. However, remember the choke is specifically optimized for TSS loads; using it with lead or steel shot may not yield the desired results.
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 shot.
- Extends the effective range of a 20-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Optimized for Benelli Crio Plus choke systems.
Cons
- Specifically designed for TSS loads; performance with other shot types may vary.
- No included accessories (e.g., choke wrench).
Who Should Buy 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 perfect for serious turkey hunters who want to maximize the performance of their 20-gauge Benelli shotgun with TSS ammunition. It is ideal for hunters seeking to extend their effective range and achieve tighter, more consistent patterns.
This choke isn’t necessary for hunters who primarily use lead or steel shot or those who are content with the performance of their factory chokes at closer ranges. It might also not be suitable for hunters who don’t own a Benelli with the Crio Plus system, given the specific compatibility.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal. Experimenting with different brands and shot sizes of TSS ammunition is also recommended to find the optimal load for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
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 a high-quality choke tube that delivers exceptional performance when used with TSS ammunition. Its tight patterns and extended range make it a valuable tool for serious turkey hunters.
At $41.35, the price is justified by the superior performance and durable construction. This choke represents a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to upgrade their 20-gauge Benelli for turkey hunting.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons 38018 TSS Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to any turkey hunter seeking to enhance the capabilities of their 20-gauge Benelli shotgun. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference a quality choke can make!