The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion steeped in tradition, requiring patience, skill, and, above all, the right gear. The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black promises to deliver tighter patterns and greater downrange energy, making it a vital piece of the puzzle for any serious turkey hunter using a Benelli with Crio Plus chokes. It boasts precision machining, high-grade stainless steel, and a matte black finish designed for stealth and performance.
My quest for the perfect choke began after years of inconsistent patterns with factory chokes, leading to missed opportunities on wary gobblers. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver a dense, lethal pattern at extended ranges, giving me the confidence to take ethical shots. The allure of the Carlsons Bone Collector was its reputation for tight patterns and compatibility with various shot types, including the increasingly popular tungsten super shot (TSS).
Upon receiving the choke, the first thing I noticed was its solid, robust construction. The Carlsons choke felt significantly heavier and more substantial than the factory choke it was replacing. The matte black finish was flawless, promising to blend seamlessly with my shotgun and prevent any unwanted glare.
I considered a few other extended turkey chokes, including models from Briley and Patternmaster. However, the Carlsons Bone Collector won me over with its combination of reputation, price point ($69.55 felt reasonable), and the specific design touted to handle TSS effectively. My initial excitement was palpable; I couldn’t wait to get to the range and see what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke was at my local shooting range, specifically set up for patterning shotguns. I tested it using a variety of loads, including lead #5s, copper-plated #4s, and TSS #9s at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards. The weather was dry and mild, ideal for accurate testing.
The immediate improvement in pattern density was undeniable. With lead and copper-plated shot, the Carlsons choke delivered noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns compared to the factory choke. The TSS results were especially impressive, with a significant increase in the number of pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. The choke was easy to install using the included choke wrench and required no special tools.
After a few shots, the choke did loosen slightly and needed to be re-tightened with the wrench, a minor inconvenience. There were no other issues, and the choke performed as advertised. I was immediately more confident in the potential of this choke for the upcoming turkey season.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of rigorous use, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke has held up remarkably well. The matte black finish shows no signs of wear, despite being exposed to various weather conditions and brush. The choke has consistently delivered tight patterns and has been instrumental in ethically harvesting several turkeys.
Cleaning the choke is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue. I haven’t experienced any rust or corrosion, thanks to the 17-4 stainless steel construction. Compared to previous experiences with cheaper aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons Bone Collector has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is designed for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. Its 12-gauge compatibility makes it a versatile choice for most turkey hunters. This choke is extended, meaning it protrudes slightly beyond the end of the barrel.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. Its matte black finish reduces glare and provides a tactical appearance. The choke is specifically designed for turkey hunting, offering a tighter constriction for denser patterns at longer ranges.
The choke is compatible with various shot types, including lead, nickel-plated, copper-plated, bismuth, hevi-shot, tungsten, and TSS. Its internal design features a longer taper section, promoting tighter patterns with fewer flyers.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s ability to perform its intended function. The steel construction ensures longevity, while the extended design and tight constriction contribute to superior pattern density. The compatibility with TSS shot further enhances its versatility and effectiveness for modern turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke performs exceptionally well in delivering tight, consistent patterns, which is its primary function. It significantly improves the effective range of a 12-gauge Benelli for turkey hunting. It’s reliable, providing consistent results shot after shot.
Its strengths lie in its ability to produce dense patterns with various shot types and its rugged construction. The primary weakness, if any, is the potential for slight loosening after repeated firing, requiring occasional re-tightening. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a dedicated turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke features a robust build quality using high-grade materials. Its weight is noticeable but not excessive, contributing to a feeling of quality and durability. The matte black finish enhances its aesthetic appeal while minimizing glare.
It is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation beyond a standard choke wrench. The extended design makes it easier to grip and remove, especially in wet or cold conditions. The lack of a knurled exterior, however, could make it a little slippery when tightening.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is built to last. Its resistance to corrosion and wear ensures it can withstand harsh hunting conditions. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient to maintain its performance and longevity.
Given its robust construction and quality materials, it should provide many years of reliable service with proper care. Repair is typically not necessary, as the choke is designed for long-term durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options. However, its compatibility with different shot types allows hunters to fine-tune their load for optimal performance.
It integrates seamlessly with the Benelli Crio Plus choke system, but there are no specific accessories designed exclusively for this particular choke. The primary “customization” comes from choosing the ideal shotgun shell for the specific hunting scenario.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes, leading to increased effective range.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Compatibility with a wide range of shot types, including lead, copper-plated, and TSS, offers versatility for different hunting situations.
- Easy installation and removal with a standard choke wrench, requiring no specialized tools.
- The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a sleek, tactical look.
Cons
- May require occasional re-tightening after repeated firing, although this is a minor inconvenience.
- The lack of a knurled exterior on the extended portion can make it slightly slippery when tightening.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black?
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Choke is perfect for serious turkey hunters using a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus choke system who are seeking tighter, more consistent patterns. It is an excellent choice for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are often necessary. Its compatibility with various shot types makes it suitable for hunters who prefer different loads or are experimenting with TSS.
Hunters primarily focused on very close-range hunting (inside 20 yards) or those unwilling to pattern their shotguns may not fully appreciate the benefits of this choke. Those with shotguns that don’t use the Benelli Crio Plus system will need to look for a choke specifically designed for their firearm. A must-have accessory would be a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black
The Carlsons Bone Collector Turkey Benelli Crio Plus Choke 12 Gauge Extended Turkey 17-4 Stainless Steel Matte Black is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. Its ability to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns significantly improves the chances of a successful hunt. The price of $69.55 is justified by the choke’s performance, durability, and versatility.
I would personally recommend this choke to any Benelli Crio Plus shotgun owner looking to enhance their turkey hunting experience. Upgrade your Benelli, pattern your shotgun, and get ready to put more birds on the ground!