The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a precision instrument designed to elevate your shotgun’s performance. Carlson’s Choke Tubes promises tighter patterns and improved accuracy, and that’s a claim I intended to verify. My experience spans over a decade working with outdoor and tactical gear, and I’ve always believed that the right choke can drastically transform a shotgun’s effectiveness.
I was looking for a choke tube that could consistently deliver tighter patterns at mid-range distances for upland bird hunting. Factory chokes often fall short, leading to frustrating misses and wounded game. The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. seemed to offer the ideal balance of constriction for the scenarios I frequently encounter.
Upon receiving the choke tube, I immediately appreciated its solid construction. The stainless steel felt robust, and the flush mount design was aesthetically pleasing. It was well-machined, and the threads were clean and precise. Compared to the factory choke tubes included with my Benelli, this felt like a significant upgrade in both quality and potential performance. I’d previously used a competitor’s extended choke, but the extra length felt unwieldy in dense cover, pushing me towards the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. .
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the build quality was undeniably excellent, the true test would be its performance in the field. I was eager to get it installed and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. was a dove hunt on a breezy autumn afternoon. The fields were expansive, with shots typically ranging from 25 to 40 yards. I loaded up with 7.5 shot, a standard for dove, and stepped into the field.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The pattern was significantly tighter and more consistent than with my factory modified choke. Doves that would have previously flown through gaps in the pattern were now folding cleanly. It felt like I was hitting with more authority, and my confidence soared.
I encountered no issues during the initial use. The choke tube installed easily and remained securely in place throughout the afternoon of shooting. Despite the dusty conditions, it functioned flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past several months, the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. has become my go-to choke for nearly all my upland bird hunting. It has seen action in everything from early season grouse hunts in damp forests to late-season pheasant hunts in frigid, windswept fields. The choke tube continues to perform reliably, delivering consistent patterns regardless of the conditions.
After hundreds of shots, there are no noticeable signs of wear and tear. The stainless steel has proven to be exceptionally durable, resisting scratches and corrosion. Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe with a bore brush and a solvent-soaked patch keeps it in top condition.
My previous experiences with aftermarket chokes have been mixed, with some exhibiting inconsistent patterns or loosening during use. The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. has exceeded my expectations, consistently outperforming my factory chokes and delivering tighter, more reliable patterns than competing modified chokes I’ve tested in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.
Specifications
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. It is a 12-gauge choke tube constructed from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel. The choke tube has a modified constriction, offering a balance between tight patterns at mid-range and sufficient spread for closer shots.
This choke tube features a flush mount design. It sits flush with the end of the barrel. This eliminates the added length and potential snagging of extended chokes. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion. This is crucial for maintaining consistent performance in harsh environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. excels in delivering tighter, more consistent patterns at typical hunting distances. This results in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. The modified constriction provides versatility for a variety of game and shooting scenarios. It works well for both upland birds and waterfowl over decoys.
The choke’s strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver the pattern promised. However, at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), the pattern can be a bit tight. It might lead to missed shots on rapidly flushing birds. It meets and often exceeds expectations, providing a noticeable improvement over factory chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. is designed for ease of use and durability. Its flush mount design is sleek and unobtrusive. It adds no extra weight or length to the shotgun. The stainless steel construction is robust, providing excellent resistance to wear and tear.
The choke tube is extremely user-friendly. It installs easily with a standard choke wrench. There’s no learning curve involved, making it accessible to shooters of all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. is built to last. The 17-4 heat treated stainless steel is incredibly durable and resists corrosion. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent keeps it free from fouling and ensures consistent performance. The lifetime warranty offered by Carlson’s Choke Tubes provides additional peace of mind.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. doesn’t require any specific accessories for use. A standard choke wrench is the only tool needed for installation and removal. While there are no direct customization options for this particular choke tube, Carlson’s Choke Tubes offers a wide range of other chokes with different constrictions for the Benelli Crio Plus system.
The choke tube is compatible with any Benelli shotgun that utilizes the Crio Plus choke system. It’s also compatible with a variety of shot types, including steel, lead, and Hevi-Shot.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.
Pros
- Improved Pattern Density: Delivers noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns at mid-range.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Flush Mount Design: Sits flush with the barrel, preventing snagging and maintaining a sleek profile.
- Easy Installation & Maintenance: Simple to install and clean, requiring only a standard choke wrench.
- Versatile Performance: Suitable for a variety of game and shooting scenarios, including upland birds and waterfowl.
Cons
- Can be too tight at very close ranges (inside 20 yards).
- Limited customization options beyond constriction choice.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.?
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. is perfect for upland bird hunters and waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter shots at mid-range distances (25-40 yards). It’s also ideal for sporting clays shooters looking for a consistent and reliable choke for intermediate targets. This choke is a great upgrade for anyone looking to improve their shotgun’s performance without sacrificing versatility.
Those who primarily hunt in dense cover where shots are typically very close (inside 20 yards) might want to consider a more open choke, such as a skeet or improved cylinder. Individuals looking for highly specialized chokes with extreme constrictions for long-range shooting may also want to explore other options. A quality choke wrench is a must-have accessory to ensure proper installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. is a well-made, high-performing choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and improved accuracy. The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the durable construction.
I would personally recommend this choke tube to any Benelli Crio Plus shotgun owner looking to enhance their hunting or shooting experience. It’s a worthwhile investment that can make a significant difference in the field. Upgrade your shotgun today with the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. and experience the difference for yourself.