Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is a specialized choke tube designed to enhance the performance of Benelli shotguns, particularly in sporting clay scenarios. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this choke is crafted from heat-treated stainless steel and finished in a non-reflective black coating, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal. Its Improved Modified constriction offers a versatile balance between pattern density and spread, making it a valuable addition for any 20-gauge Benelli Crio Plus shotgun owner looking to improve their accuracy on the clay course.
My search for this particular choke tube stemmed from my desire to optimize my Benelli Montefeltro 20ga for sporting clays. I needed a choke that provided tighter patterns than my factory-installed modified choke, but not so tight that it compromised my ability to engage close-range targets. The Improved Modified seemed like the perfect middle ground for consistent breaks on challenging courses.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was positive; the choke tube felt solid and well-machined. The black finish gave it a sleek, professional look, and the included choke wrench was a welcome addition. The threading was clean and smooth, promising easy installation and removal.
I considered a Briley Spectrum choke and a Muller Featherlite choke as alternatives. However, the Carlson’s offering appealed to me because of its combination of quality materials, reasonable price point, and reputation for reliability. I hoped to get a high-performance choke without breaking the bank.
I was definitely excited to test it out; the promise of tighter, more consistent patterns was enticing. If the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified delivered on its claims, it would become an invaluable tool in my quest to improve my sporting clays scores.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified was at my local shooting range, a sporting clays course known for its diverse target presentations. I tested the choke on a variety of stations, including fast-crossing targets, long-range incomers, and tricky teal.
The choke performed admirably in relatively dry conditions. The improved pattern density was immediately noticeable, resulting in more consistent breaks on longer shots. Target presentations I had previously struggled with now seemed much more manageable.
The choke was easy to install and remove with the included wrench, and I experienced no issues with loosening during the round. Overall, I was impressed with its performance straight out of the gate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun. The black finish has held up well to repeated installation and removal, showing no signs of significant wear.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe down with a bore brush and solvent keeps the choke in top condition. I have experienced no issues with rust or corrosion, even after exposure to damp conditions.
Compared to the factory-installed modified choke, the Carlson’s Improved Modified provides noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns at longer ranges. I’ve seen a marked improvement in my scores on courses that emphasize longer shots, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified boasts several key specifications. It is designed for 20-gauge Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. Made from 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel, this choke offers exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
The Improved Modified choke type provides a versatile constriction ideal for sporting clays. It has a diameter of 0.6 inches, offering a tighter pattern than a Modified choke but wider than a Full choke. This choke is also non-ported, contributing to a smooth and consistent shot pattern.
These specifications translate to enhanced performance by providing the right balance of pattern density and spread for most sporting clay targets. The durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting reliability, even with frequent use.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified excels in its intended role: breaking clay targets at varying distances. The Improved Modified constriction provides a noticeable increase in pattern density compared to more open chokes.
The choke’s strength lies in its versatility; it performs admirably on everything from close-range “rabbit” targets to mid-range crossing shots. While it may not be ideal for extremely long-range presentations (where a Full choke would be more appropriate), or very close targets (where Skeet or Cylinder chokes would shine), it strikes an excellent balance for most sporting clay courses.
One minor weakness is that it can be a little tight for very close-range targets, occasionally resulting in blown-up or dusted clays instead of clean breaks. Overall, however, it meets and exceeds expectations for a general-purpose sporting clays choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is well-designed, with a focus on functionality and durability. The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction provides a solid, confidence-inspiring feel.
The black finish gives the choke tube a sleek and professional appearance. It is also helpful in reducing glare and reflection in bright sunlight, which can be distracting when shooting.
Installation and removal are straightforward, thanks to the clean threading and included choke wrench. The choke is also lightweight, adding minimal weight to the end of the barrel.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction ensures that the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is built to last. After months of regular use, I’ve seen no signs of wear or damage.
Maintenance is simple: a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each shooting session is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. The stainless steel material is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, minimizing the need for special care.
Given its robust construction and simple maintenance requirements, I expect this choke to last for many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified comes with a basic choke wrench for installation and removal.
While there are no specific customization options for this particular choke tube, it is compatible with a wide range of Benelli 20-gauge shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system. This means that users can easily swap out this choke for other Carlson’s chokes or those from other manufacturers, such as Briley or Muller, to fine-tune their shotgun’s performance for specific shooting disciplines or target presentations.
The choke is also compatible with most aftermarket choke cases and storage solutions, making it easy to transport and protect.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified
Pros
- Provides noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns than a Modified choke, improving accuracy on mid- to long-range targets.
- The 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel construction offers exceptional durability and corrosion resistance for long-lasting performance.
- The Improved Modified constriction strikes an excellent balance, making it a versatile choice for sporting clays.
- Easy to install and remove with the included choke wrench.
- Reasonably priced compared to other high-performance choke tubes.
Cons
- May be too tight for very close-range targets, potentially resulting in dusted or blown-up clays.
- The non-ported design may not be ideal for shooters seeking maximum recoil reduction.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is perfect for sporting clays shooters looking to improve their accuracy on mid- to long-range targets. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile choke that can handle a variety of target presentations.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who primarily engage targets at very close ranges, such as in skeet shooting, where a more open choke is preferable. Shooters who are highly sensitive to recoil and prioritize recoil reduction above all else might also want to consider ported choke options.
A must-have accessory to consider alongside this choke is a high-quality choke tube case to protect it from damage during transport and storage.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified
Overall, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified is an excellent choke tube that delivers on its promises. It provides tighter, more consistent patterns, is built to last, and is easy to use.
At a price of $58.49, the value proposition is strong. You get a high-quality choke tube that can significantly improve your performance on the sporting clays course without breaking the bank.
I would highly recommend this choke to any 20-gauge Benelli Crio Plus shotgun owner looking to step up their game. Invest in the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus 20ga Black Sporting Clay Improved Modified and experience the difference a quality choke can make!