The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black choke tube is more than just a piece of metal; it’s a precision instrument designed to maximize the potential of your Benelli shotgun. Specifically engineered for 20-gauge Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus system, this choke aims to deliver consistently tight patterns, especially when used with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads. The promise of improved patterns and enhanced turkey hunting success immediately piqued my interest, urging me to see if it could live up to the hype after years of dealing with frustratingly inconsistent spreads.
I was tired of seeing birds flare at the last second due to unpredictable patterns. I needed a choke that could provide confidence-inspiring consistency. The Carlsons choke promised just that, a reliable tool to turn near misses into clean harvests.
Upon unboxing, the Carlsons choke made a solid first impression. Its black finish was sleek and professional, and the construction felt robust. The heft of the steel suggested durability, a quality I value highly in my hunting gear.
I’ve previously used a factory Benelli modified choke, as well as a competitor’s extended ported choke. The Carlsons choke stood out due to its specified optimization for Winchester Long Beard loads and its reputation for tight patterns. My initial thought was a cautious optimism; I was eager to see if it could outperform the others and justify its position in my turkey hunting arsenal. The prospect of tighter groups was definitely exciting.
My first impression was positive; the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black felt like a quality piece. I couldn’t wait to get it to the range and see what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black at my local shooting range, using a 20-gauge Benelli Montefeltro and Winchester Long Beard XR shells. The range provided a controlled environment to evaluate the choke’s performance at various distances. The weather was clear and calm, ideal conditions for pattern testing.
The choke performed admirably, consistently producing tight, dense patterns at 30 and 40 yards. There were no noticeable flyers or inconsistencies in the spread. The improved consistency was immediately apparent compared to my experiences with other chokes.
The Carlsons choke was easy to install and required no special tools. The only adjustment I needed to make was sighting-in with the new point of impact, which was slightly different than with my previous choke. I encountered no significant issues during the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several turkey seasons and numerous range sessions, the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black has proven to be a reliable and durable performer. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite regular use in various weather conditions. The black finish has held up well, resisting scratches and corrosion.
Maintaining the choke is straightforward; a quick cleaning with solvent and a bore brush after each use is sufficient. It’s just as easy to maintain as any other choke tube. It has surpassed my expectations in terms of reliability and consistent performance.
The Carlsons choke has consistently outperformed my previous choke tubes, providing tighter patterns and greater confidence in the field. The difference in pattern density at longer ranges is particularly noticeable. I can now comfortably take shots that I would have hesitated on before.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
Specifications
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is specifically designed for 20-gauge Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. Its construction material is heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. This is a crucial factor for extended field use.
The choke tube is optimized for Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads, promising enhanced pattern density with these specific shells. It features a non-ported design and a black oxide finish for corrosion resistance. The constricted internal dimensions provide the tight patterns crucial for turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black excels at producing tight, consistent patterns, particularly with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Its primary strength lies in its ability to concentrate shot density at longer ranges, providing a significant advantage when targeting wary turkeys. The optimized constriction delivers consistent results.
While designed specifically for Long Beard shells, the choke also performs well with other turkey loads, although the pattern density may vary slightly. Fine-tuning with different loads can yield optimal performance. The only potential area for improvement is pattern testing documentation for various non-Long Beard shells, although its primary purpose is long beard ammunition.
The Carlsons choke exceeds expectations, consistently delivering tight, lethal patterns out to 40 yards. It instills confidence in the hunter, knowing the shotgun will perform when called upon. My ability to connect on challenging shots has improved significantly.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black features a simple, functional design with a durable black oxide finish. The choke is easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench. It’s not flashy but extremely functional.
The choke is lightweight and does not noticeably affect the balance of the shotgun. Its flush-fit design minimizes snagging on brush or clothing. It blends seamlessly with the shotgun’s aesthetics.
The choke presents no learning curve; it’s a straightforward, user-friendly accessory. Anyone familiar with changing choke tubes will find it easy to use. Its simplicity is a significant advantage.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black, crafted from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. With proper care, it should last for many seasons. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear.
Maintaining the choke is simple; regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient. Applying a light coat of oil after cleaning will further protect against corrosion. The ease of maintenance ensures a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black itself does not come with additional accessories, as it is a standalone choke tube. Its primary purpose is to optimize shotgun performance with specific turkey loads. Its black finish is its only aesthetic option.
The choke is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Benelli Crio Plus systems. Beyond that, it integrates seamlessly with existing setups. It offers no further customization beyond its intended function.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
Pros
- Consistently tight patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. This translates to more effective shots at longer ranges.
- Durable construction using heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel. Ensures the choke can withstand the rigors of hunting.
- Easy to install and maintain. Simple to clean and requires no specialized tools.
- Improved confidence in the field. Knowing your shotgun is optimized for turkey hunting is a game-changer.
- Backed by a Lifetime warranty. This underscores Carlson’s commitment to quality.
Cons
- Optimized primarily for Winchester Long Beard loads; performance may vary with other ammunition. Experimentation is needed to find optimal patterns with alternative loads.
- Lacks aesthetic customization; only available in black. Some hunters may prefer other finish options.
Who Should Buy Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black?
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is perfect for serious turkey hunters using a 20-gauge Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus system who want to maximize their gun’s performance with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. It’s ideal for those seeking tighter, more consistent patterns for longer-range shots. This choke is a significant asset to experienced turkey hunters.
This product might not be necessary for hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at very close range or those who prefer to experiment with a wide variety of ammunition types. It’s also not suitable for shotguns without the Benelli Crio Plus choke system. If you primarily use non-Long Beard ammunition, it may not be the optimal choice.
A good choke wrench is a must-have accessory. Consider a quality optic to further enhance accuracy. Patterning boards are also essential for fine-tuning performance with different loads.
Conclusion on Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black
The Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black is a well-designed, durable, and highly effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns. Its optimized performance with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition makes it a valuable tool for serious turkey hunters. The choke represents an excellent value.
The price of $48.70 is justified by the enhanced performance and increased confidence it provides in the field. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. I believe the price point is very fair considering the reliability, performance and durability.
I would absolutely recommend the Carlsons 70155 Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio Black to any turkey hunter looking to get the most out of their 20-gauge Benelli shotgun. If you are looking to improve your pattern density and consistency, this choke is well worth the investment. Upgrade your turkey hunting setup today and experience the difference for yourself!