First Thoughts on the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated
Turkey hunting is a passion, a yearly ritual steeped in tradition and demanding precision. For years, I’ve relied on a variety of shotguns and chokes, always searching for that perfect combination to consistently deliver tight, lethal patterns at extended ranges. So when I heard about the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated, I was intrigued and eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My quest for a better turkey choke stemmed from inconsistent patterns I experienced last season. Pellets were straying too far, resulting in wounded birds and frustration. I needed a choke tube that could guarantee tighter, denser patterns, especially when those toms hung up just beyond my comfort zone.
Upon receiving the Carlsons choke, I was immediately struck by its solid feel and clean matte blue finish. The extended design hinted at the longer parallel section Carlsons promised, a feature known to enhance pattern density. Compared to my stock choke and a competitor’s ported model, the Carlsons exuded an air of quality and purpose. Initial excitement was high, tempered by the knowledge that only range testing would reveal its true performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated was at my local gun range, a familiar environment perfect for controlled testing. I tested the choke with a variety of 12-gauge turkey loads, from #4 shot to heavier-than-lead offerings. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, ideal conditions to establish a baseline performance.
The difference was immediately noticeable compared to my factory choke tube. Patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent at 40 yards, the gold standard for turkey hunting. There were no significant gaps in the pattern, and pellet distribution was remarkably even.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and numerous range sessions, the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated has proven its worth. It has withstood heavy use without any signs of degradation or wear. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition.
Compared to other chokes I’ve used, the Carlsons offers superior pattern density and consistency, giving me increased confidence in the field. I remember one particular hunt where a mature tom hung up at 45 yards, obscured by some brush. The Carlsons choke, combined with a premium turkey load, delivered a pattern that folded the bird instantly.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated
Specifications
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. It is a 12-gauge turkey choke tube with an extended design.
This choke is constructed from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. The choke extends approximately 1″ beyond the end of the barrel and features a matte blue finish. It incorporates a 1.050″ parallel section designed to optimize pattern performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated excels at delivering exceptionally tight and consistent patterns. The extended design and optimized internal geometry effectively constrict the shot cloud, resulting in a denser pattern at longer ranges. This gives hunters increased confidence when taking shots at wary gobblers.
While it excels at long-range shots, the extreme constriction might make it less ideal for very close-range encounters (inside 20 yards). The pattern may be too tight at that distance, leading to a higher risk of a miss. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated is a well-designed, robust choke tube. The 17-4 heat treated stainless steel construction gives it a reassuring heft and instills confidence in its durability. The matte blue finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, reducing glare in the field.
There’s no learning curve involved, and installation is as simple as threading it into the barrel of your Benelli shotgun. The extended design also makes it easier to grip and remove, even with gloved hands.
Durability & Maintenance
Built from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated is built to last. After extended use in various weather conditions, there are no signs of rust or corrosion.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use. A nylon bore brush and a quality solvent are all that’s needed to keep it performing optimally for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. No customization options are available for the choke itself, but it will perform best with quality turkey loads.
It is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system, ensuring seamless compatibility. While not an accessory, pairing this choke with a quality red dot optic will improve accuracy and speed in the field.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- The extended design makes for easy installation and removal.
- Improved shot placement increases confidence in the field.
- The matte blue finish reduces glare.
Cons
- The extremely tight pattern might not be ideal for very close-range shots.
- Only compatible with Benelli shotguns using the Crio Plus choke system.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated?
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated is perfect for turkey hunters who demand consistent, tight patterns at extended ranges. It is ideal for hunters who often encounter birds that hang up just beyond typical shotgun range. This choke is also an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a factory choke tube and improve their turkey hunting success.
Hunters who primarily hunt in dense woods where shots are typically very close (inside 20 yards) might want to consider a less constrictive choke. Anyone not using a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus system should also skip this product. A quality turkey vest with shell loops and a comfortable shotgun sling are must-have accessories for maximizing your turkey hunting experience with this choke.
Conclusion on Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated is a well-built, high-performing turkey choke that delivers exceptional results. At a price of $42.50, it represents a fantastic value for the performance it provides. It has consistently improved my pattern density and increased my confidence in the field.
I would absolutely recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting game to the next level, invest in the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated and experience the difference for yourself!