The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a precision-engineered tool designed to enhance your shotgun’s performance on the skeet field. Coming from Carlson’s, a reputable name in shotgun accessories, this choke promises improved patterns and consistent results. My journey towards acquiring this choke was fueled by years of frustration with inconsistent patterns from my trusty Benelli Crio shotgun, often leading to missed birds and a less-than-satisfying shooting experience.
I’d been searching for a choke tube that would consistently deliver wide, even patterns at skeet distances. The promise of Carlson’s lifetime warranty and USA-made quality sealed the deal. Unboxing the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. revealed a meticulously crafted piece of stainless steel. Its flush mount design and clean finish immediately impressed me.
I had been considering the Briley Spectrum Skeet choke and the Trulock Skeet choke as well. Ultimately, I chose the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. because of its price point, reputable brand name, and the fact that it’s made in the USA. My first impression was one of solid craftsmanship and quiet confidence. I was eager to see how this choke would perform in the field and if it would live up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. took place at my local shooting range, under clear, sunny skies. I shot several rounds of skeet with a variety of 12-gauge loads, focusing on consistency and pattern density. The immediate difference was noticeable – the shot patterns were wider and more even than with the factory choke.
Even in slightly windy conditions, the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. maintained a consistent pattern. It was surprisingly easy to install and required no special tools. After the first round, I noticed fewer broken targets chipping away, but more of them turning to dust.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun. There are no signs of wear or corrosion, despite regular cleaning and exposure to various weather conditions. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a shotgun bore cleaner after each use keeps it in top condition.
This choke has significantly outperformed my previous experiences with factory chokes. The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. has delivered more consistent breaks and a noticeable increase in my skeet scores, making each shooting session more enjoyable. This choke is a significant improvement over the generic, inconsistent performance I’d experienced before.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga.
Specifications
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. is specifically designed for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns. It is constructed from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, ensuring exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion. Being a skeet choke, it delivers a wide, consistent pattern optimized for close-range targets.
The use of 17-4 stainless steel is crucial because it allows for the use of steel, lead, and Hevi-Shot ammunition without damaging the choke tube. The skeet constriction is carefully engineered to spread the shot pattern quickly, making it ideal for the close-range shots encountered in skeet shooting. This choke’s design focuses on achieving optimal performance with various types of ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. performs exceptionally well, delivering consistently wide and even shot patterns at skeet distances. Its accuracy and reliability are top-notch, providing shooters with the confidence needed to break targets consistently. The main strength of this choke lies in its ability to produce a consistent pattern, even with different brands of ammunition.
One slight weakness might be that, being a skeet choke, it’s not versatile for longer-range shooting disciplines like trap or sporting clays. However, for its intended purpose, it exceeds expectations. Its pattern consistency translates directly into higher scores and a more satisfying shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. features a flush mount design, which means it sits even with the end of the barrel for a sleek, streamlined look. Its build quality is exceptional; the stainless steel construction feels solid and well-machined. The choke is lightweight and easy to handle.
The smooth finish ensures easy installation and removal. There is no learning curve involved; simply screw it in using a choke tube wrench and you’re ready to go. The overall design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 heat treated stainless steel construction of the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. ensures it will last for years with proper care. Its resistance to corrosion and wear is impressive. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use to remove powder residue and prevent buildup.
Regular lubrication of the threads ensures smooth installation and removal. This choke is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use and will remain a reliable performer for a long time. The robust materials and simple design contribute to its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. However, it’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns. While there aren’t any direct customization options for the choke itself, you can customize your shotgun with different sights, recoil pads, and other accessories to enhance your overall shooting experience.
The choke’s compatibility with standard wrenches makes it easy to swap out for other chokes as needed. The lack of customization options is not a significant drawback, as the choke is designed for a specific purpose: optimal skeet performance. Its inherent design and quality materials make it a versatile addition to any Benelli Crio Plus shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga.
Pros
- Improved Shot Patterns: Consistently wide and even patterns for better target breaks.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to Install and Maintain: Simple to screw in and clean after each use.
- Versatile Ammunition Compatibility: Safe to use with steel, lead, and Hevi-Shot ammunition.
- Lifetime Warranty: Backed by Carlson’s lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- Limited Range: Designed specifically for close-range skeet shooting; not ideal for longer distances.
- Specialized Use: Primarily for skeet shooting, lacking versatility for other shotgun sports.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga.?
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. is perfect for skeet shooters who want to improve their scores with more consistent shot patterns. It’s also great for those who own a Benelli Crio Plus shotgun and need a reliable, durable choke tube that can handle various types of ammunition. This choke tube is ideal for competitive shooters and recreational shooters alike.
If you primarily shoot trap or sporting clays, or if you need a more versatile choke for hunting, you should skip this product. It’s designed for a specific purpose and may not be suitable for other shooting disciplines. A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke tube wrench to ensure proper installation and removal without damaging the choke.
Conclusion on Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga.
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. is a well-designed and effective choke tube that delivers on its promises. For $24.99, it offers exceptional value, providing improved shot patterns and durable construction. The price is definitely justified considering the performance gains and the lifetime warranty.
I would personally recommend this choke to any skeet shooter looking to improve their scores and overall shooting experience with their Benelli Crio Plus shotgun. If you’re serious about skeet and want to give yourself an edge, the Carlsons Benelli Crio Choke Tube Skeet 12 ga. is a worthwhile investment. So go ahead, upgrade your shotgun and start breaking more targets today!