The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting. It’s a passion that grips you every spring, an obsession with outsmarting one of the wariest birds in the woods. To be successful, you need the right gear, and for me, that starts with a shotgun I can trust. I’d been using the factory choke in my Benelli Crio Plus for years, and while I’d taken birds, I always felt like I was leaving something on the table; tighter patterns meant greater range and more ethical shots.
The quest for that tighter pattern led me to the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated. I had heard whispers in the turkey hunting community about Carlson’s chokes, and their reputation for quality and consistent patterns piqued my interest. Unboxing the choke, I was immediately struck by its solid feel and clean matte blue finish. It looked and felt like a serious piece of equipment, a far cry from the somewhat flimsy factory choke.
Compared to the factory choke, the Carlsons choke was noticeably heavier and felt more robust. I considered a Trulock Precision Hunter choke, also renowned for its quality, and a Primos Jelly Head Maximum, known for its aggressive constrictions, but the Carlsons won out due to its reputation for consistent patterns across a wider range of ammunition. My first impression was one of excitement; I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype and transform my turkey hunting experience.
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 field test with the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated was on a damp, chilly morning in the hardwood bottoms of central Missouri. The air hung heavy with humidity, and a light drizzle persisted throughout the morning. I wanted to see how it patterned with my preferred turkey load: 3-inch, #5 shot Federal Premium Grand Slam.
The results were immediately impressive. At 40 yards, the pattern was significantly tighter and more consistent than anything I had achieved with the factory choke. There were no noticeable holes in the pattern, and the vast majority of the pellets were concentrated in the vital head and neck region of a turkey target. There was a slight learning curve; the tighter pattern demanded more precise aiming, but that was a welcome trade-off for the increased effective range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring season of use, the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated has proven to be incredibly reliable and durable. Despite being subjected to harsh weather conditions, including rain, mud, and extreme temperature swings, the choke shows no signs of wear or corrosion. The matte blue finish has held up remarkably well, resisting scratches and dings.
Cleaning and maintenance are a breeze. After each hunt, a quick wipe-down with a solvent-soaked cloth is all it takes to keep the choke in pristine condition. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes that required constant scrubbing and oiling to prevent rust, the Carlsons choke is refreshingly low-maintenance. This choke has exceeded my expectations, delivering consistent performance and unwavering reliability throughout the entire season.
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 with the Crio Plus choke system. It is a 12-gauge choke tube extending approximately 1″ beyond the end of the barrel. The choke is manufactured from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
The choke features a matte blue finish for a non-reflective surface, crucial for turkey hunting. A 1.050″ parallel section is designed to optimize pattern density and consistency with various turkey loads. These specifications are vital because they contribute directly to the choke’s ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges, increasing a hunter’s chances of a successful and ethical harvest.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated excels in its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns for turkey hunting. It significantly improves pattern density at 40 yards and beyond, compared to a factory choke. This increased pattern density translates to a greater probability of hitting the vital areas of a turkey, resulting in cleaner, more ethical kills.
The choke’s strength lies in its ability to consistently produce tight patterns across a wide range of turkey loads. One potential area for improvement is the lack of clear constriction markings on the choke itself. While the extended design offers a visual cue, engraved markings would be a beneficial addition. Overall, the Carlsons choke meets and exceeds expectations, delivering a noticeable improvement in pattern performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated boasts a simple but effective design. The 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction provides exceptional strength and durability, while the matte blue finish minimizes glare and reflection in the field. The choke is easy to install and remove using a standard choke wrench.
The choke’s weight is noticeable but not excessive, adding a small amount of muzzle weight that can actually help to reduce recoil and muzzle flip. There’s no significant learning curve; it’s essentially a “set it and forget it” accessory. The design is well-executed and perfectly suited for its intended purpose.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated, constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. The material’s inherent corrosion resistance ensures that the choke will hold up well in wet and humid conditions. I anticipate this choke lasting for many seasons with proper care.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply clean the choke after each use with a solvent and a brush to remove powder residue and plastic wad buildup. A light coat of oil will further protect the steel from corrosion. The durability and ease of maintenance make this choke a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter.
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. Being a choke tube, its customization options are inherently limited. The user can, however, experiment with different turkey loads to find the ammunition that patterns best with their particular shotgun and this choke.
While no direct customization exists, the wide compatibility with Benelli Crio Plus shotguns means users can pair it with various aftermarket sights, slings, and other accessories to enhance their overall hunting setup. The lack of dedicated accessories is not a significant drawback, as the choke’s primary function is to improve pattern performance, which it accomplishes admirably.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- Matte blue finish minimizes glare in the field.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench.
- Improved pattern density leads to more ethical and successful harvests.
Cons
- Lack of clear constriction markings on the choke itself.
- May require experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern.
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 serious turkey hunters who are looking to improve the performance of their Benelli Crio Plus shotgun. It’s also an excellent upgrade for hunters who are dissatisfied with the performance of their factory choke. This choke would be ideal for anyone hunting in areas with dense foliage where longer shots are frequently needed.
This product might not be necessary for casual turkey hunters who only hunt occasionally at close ranges. Those hunters comfortable with their current setup, or those unwilling to experiment with different loads to find the optimal pattern, should consider other options. A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
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-designed and highly effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns. At $42.50, the price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the exceptional durability of the 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel construction.
I would absolutely recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter looking to maximize the potential of their Benelli Crio Plus shotgun. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level and put more birds on the ground, invest in the Carlsons Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Benelli Crio 17-4 Heat Treated today. You won’t be disappointed.