Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated

The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke tube promises tighter patterns and enhanced performance with steel shot, particularly Federal’s Black Cloud ammunition. As someone who’s spent years chasing waterfowl and fine-tuning shotgun setups, I’m always on the lookout for an edge. The claims of improved downrange performance due to the titanium coating piqued my interest, hinting at reduced wad buildup and more effective FliteControl wad function.

My waterfowl hunting often takes me to flooded timber where shots are quick and decisive, but also to expansive open water where longer shots are necessary. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tight patterns at extended ranges without sacrificing pattern density up close. I’d been struggling with inconsistent patterns from my factory choke, especially with steel shot larger than #2. The Carlsons Black Cloud choke seemed to offer a solution tailored to high-performance steel loads.

Upon unboxing, the Carlsons choke impresses with its solid construction and smooth, titanium-coated finish. It feels robust and well-made, reassuring given the pressures involved in shotgun shooting. The extended design is also a plus, providing a longer constriction for potentially tighter patterns.

Compared to my factory Benelli choke, the Carlsons choke has a noticeably different internal geometry and a more aggressive constriction. While I also considered a Briley extended choke, the Black Cloud’s specific design for FliteControl wads and its titanium coating swayed my decision. My initial excitement was high, hoping for a choke that would finally unlock the full potential of my Benelli and Federal Black Cloud ammunition.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke at my local shooting range, using a variety of steel shot loads, including Federal Black Cloud in BB, #2, and #4 sizes. The weather was mild with a slight breeze, providing relatively consistent conditions. I patterned the choke at 30, 40, and 50 yards, using large paper targets to assess pattern density and consistency.

The choke performed admirably, producing noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns than my factory choke at all distances. I especially noticed the improvement at 40 and 50 yards, where the Black Cloud ammunition maintained excellent pellet density within a 30-inch circle. There were no jams or cycling issues attributable to the choke.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full waterfowl season of using the Carlsons Black Cloud choke, it has held up remarkably well. The titanium coating shows no signs of wear, and the internal bore remains clean and free of excessive fouling. Cleaning the choke after each hunt is simple, requiring just a bore brush and solvent.

Compared to my previous choke setup, the Carlsons Black Cloud choke has significantly improved my downrange confidence. I’ve experienced cleaner kills and fewer cripples on longer shots. The consistent patterns have made me a more effective hunter in a variety of conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated

Specifications

• Gauge: 12 Gauge. This choke is designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns.
• Choke Size: Long Range. This designation indicates it’s meant for tighter patterns at extended distances.
• Model: Benelli Crio Plus. It is designed to fit Benelli shotguns that use the Crio Plus choke system.
• Finish: Titanium Coated. The titanium coating is intended to reduce wad buildup and improve performance.

These specifications are critical for ensuring compatibility and achieving the desired performance. The Long Range choke size promises tighter patterns, while the Titanium Coating is designed to enhance the functionality of the FliteControl wad.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns with steel shot, especially Federal Black Cloud ammunition. Its long-range designation is well-earned, providing exceptional pellet density at distances exceeding 40 yards. However, it may produce patterns that are too tight for very close-range shots (inside 20 yards), potentially leading to missed opportunities.

The choke’s primary strength lies in its ability to extend the effective range of steel shot, making it ideal for waterfowl hunting over open water. A potential weakness is its limited versatility, as its tight constriction may not be optimal for all hunting scenarios or game types.

This choke definitely exceeded my expectations for long-range steel shot performance. The Carlsons Black Cloud choke paired with Black Cloud ammunition is a deadly combination.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with the choke exhibiting a robust construction and a smooth, durable finish. The titanium coating not only enhances performance but also adds to the choke’s aesthetic appeal.

The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal, and the choke sits flush with the end of the barrel. It is a very user-friendly design with no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke is built to last, with the titanium coating providing excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain its performance. With proper care, this choke should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated choke doesn’t inherently require additional accessories, as it’s a standalone performance upgrade. However, using it in conjunction with different types of ammunition allows for pattern customization. While not a direct customization option, experimenting with various steel shot loads will allow you to fine-tune your shotgun’s performance for specific hunting scenarios. Be sure to use bold and italic text where necessary to emphasize important points.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Black Cloud Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range Steel Titanium Coated