Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube
Turkey hunting is a sacred ritual for me, steeped in tradition and demanding precision. This isn’t just about filling a tag; it’s about the respect for the game and the connection with the land. That’s why I was intrigued by the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube.
For years, I’ve relied on factory chokes, always wondering if I could squeeze more performance out of my trusty Benelli. The Carlson’s name is synonymous with quality, and the promise of improved patterns with a 20-gauge sounded like the edge I needed. This hunt, I wanted something more than just “good enough,” I sought optimal performance.
Upon receiving the choke, I was immediately impressed. The black finish was sleek and professional. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction felt incredibly robust. It spoke volumes about the quality I was hoping to find.
I considered a few other chokes from competitors like Briley and Trulock, but the Carlson’s reputation for consistent patterns and their specific design for the Benelli Crio Plus system won me over. I was also intrigued by the fact that this choke is non-ported, a feature that I hoped would reduce muzzle jump and perceived recoil.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Can a choke tube really make that much of a difference? Time to find out if the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube lives up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube was on a crisp spring morning in the Missouri Ozarks. The terrain is challenging, a mix of steep hills and dense hardwood forests, perfect for testing the capabilities of this choke. I tested the choke at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards, simulating realistic hunting scenarios.
The choke performed admirably in the damp morning conditions. No issues with rust or corrosion were apparent. What I noticed most was the noticeably tighter pattern compared to my factory choke at 30 yards. It required only a few shots to get a feel for the new point of impact, a process much quicker than I had anticipated.
The initial range session yielded no surprises, only a growing confidence in the Carlson’s choke.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season (and several trips to the patterning board), the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube has proven its worth. The choke has held up beautifully. I’ve encountered no signs of wear or tear. The finish remains pristine, even after being subjected to mud, rain, and the occasional accidental bump against a tree.
Maintenance is a breeze. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent after each hunt is all it takes to keep it in top condition. This is a huge improvement over some ported chokes I’ve used in the past, which tend to accumulate residue and can be difficult to clean.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlson’s choke provides a significant advantage in pattern density and consistency. Where I once had to be extremely precise with my shot placement, the tighter pattern now offers a little more forgiveness.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube
Specifications
- The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system in 20 gauge. This ensures a proper and secure fit.
- It features a constriction of .580, optimized for tight turkey patterns. This is a critical specification for maximizing range and pattern density.
- The choke is constructed from 17-4 Stainless Steel for exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This material choice ensures a long lifespan.
- The extended design allows for easy installation and removal without tools. This feature is especially useful in the field.
- Its non-ported design helps reduce muzzle jump and perceived recoil. This provides a more stable shooting platform.
- The choke is made in the USA by Carlson’s Choke Tubes.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube excels in its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. It gives me the confidence to take ethical shots at distances I previously wouldn’t have considered. The consistent patterns drastically increase my confidence when that Tom steps into range.
The choke’s strengths lie in its ability to hold a tight pattern without excessive pellet deformation. This is crucial for maximizing energy transfer and ensuring a clean kill. The only weakness I can identify is that the very tight pattern requires careful aiming, but this is a trade-off for increased range and lethality.
This choke definitely exceeds my expectations. I was hoping for a modest improvement over my factory choke, but the Carlson’s choke has provided a noticeable and consistent advantage.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The 17-4 Stainless Steel feels solid and well-machined. The choke threads smoothly into my Benelli, and the extended design makes it easy to grip and tighten by hand.
The choke is very user-friendly. It installs and removes quickly, and the exterior finish is easy to clean. There is practically no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures that the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube is built to last. This choke can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting season after season.
Maintenance is minimal, consisting primarily of cleaning the bore after each use to prevent buildup. The non-ported design makes cleaning easier, a bonus over chokes with ports that can collect residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube doesn’t come with any accessories, but it’s designed to work seamlessly with any Benelli shotgun that accepts Crio Plus choke tubes. You can customize your setup further by experimenting with different brands and types of turkey loads.
The choke is also compatible with various choke tube wrenches, although the extended design makes a wrench unnecessary in most cases. The primary customization, really, comes down to selecting the optimal load for your specific shotgun and the Carlson’s choke, which is a critical step for achieving maximum performance.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns.
- Durable 17-4 Stainless Steel construction.
- Easy to install and remove (extended design).
- Non-ported design reduces muzzle jump and makes cleaning easier.
- Noticeably extends effective range for ethical turkey hunting.
Cons
- Very tight pattern requires precise aiming.
- May require some experimentation with different loads to find the optimal combination for your shotgun.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube?
The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance from their 20-gauge Benelli shotgun. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters who are looking to extend their effective range and increase their chances of a clean, ethical kill. It is also ideal for those who prefer ease of maintenance and cleaning due to its non-ported design.
This choke might not be the best choice for novice turkey hunters who are still developing their aiming skills. The tight pattern requires precision, and beginners may find it more forgiving to start with a slightly more open choke.
A must-have accessory would be a variety of different turkey loads to test in your shotgun. Experimenting with different shot sizes, materials, and wad designs is crucial for finding the optimal combination that produces the tightest and most consistent patterns.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube is a well-designed, durable, and high-performing choke that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns. For the serious turkey hunter, it’s a worthwhile investment that can significantly improve your chances of success.
At a price of $58.49, the Carlson’s choke represents an excellent value. The performance gains are well worth the cost.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlson’s Benelli Crio Plus 20 GA Ext. Turkey Choke Tube to any turkey hunter looking to upgrade their 20-gauge Benelli. It’s a game-changer. Now go bag that Tom!