Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled is designed to enhance the versatility and accuracy of your Benelli shotgun. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this rifled barrel transforms your smooth-bore shotgun into a slug-shooting machine, ideal for deer hunting or tactical applications requiring enhanced projectile stability.
I’ve been a shotgun enthusiast for years, primarily using them for waterfowl and small game. I’ve recently taken up deer hunting in areas with restrictions on rifle usage, which led me to explore rifled barrels for my Benelli Nova. I needed a reliable and accurate solution for shooting slugs at medium ranges.
Upon unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled, I was immediately impressed with its robust construction. The black finish is clean and professional, and the heft of the barrel suggests quality materials. My initial impression was that this barrel was built to withstand some serious use.
I considered a fully rifled cantilever barrel with integrated scope mount, but those options are significantly more expensive. I also looked at rifled choke tubes, but I wanted a more substantial and permanent solution for dedicated slug hunting. Ultimately, I chose the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled for its balance of price, performance, and ease of installation.
I was excited to see how much the rifling would improve the accuracy of my slugs compared to using a smoothbore barrel. The promise of tighter groupings at 50-100 yards was a significant selling point. If it lives up to the hype, it could be the perfect setup for my needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled was at my local shooting range. I set up targets at 50 and 75 yards to get a feel for the barrel’s accuracy with different slug types. I tested several brands of sabot slugs, including Winchester, Remington, and Hornady.
The performance was noticeable even in dry conditions. I found that the rifling significantly improved the stability of the slugs in flight, leading to tighter groupings than I could ever achieve with the stock smoothbore barrel. Recoil was manageable and comparable to shooting heavy field loads through the original barrel.
Installation was straightforward; it dropped right into my Benelli Nova with no gunsmithing required. It took a few shots to get a feel for the optimal hold and sight picture, but overall, the experience was very positive. There was a little more noise, but that’s to be expected with a rifled barrel launching slugs.
The only surprise was how much the point of impact shifted compared to my standard birdshot loads. I had to make significant adjustments to my sights to get the slugs zeroed in, but once I did, the accuracy was impressive. I wish I had started at 25 yards and then walked out to the longer ranges to save some ammo.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled has held up remarkably well. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds of various slugs through it, and there are no signs of undue wear or tear. I’ve used it in rainy conditions while scouting, and the finish has remained intact, preventing rust.
The barrel continues to deliver consistent accuracy. It’s developed a slight discoloration from the powder residue but no functional degradation. Cleaning is fairly simple; I run a bore brush through it after each range session, and the rifling remains sharp and well-defined.
It outperforms my previous attempt to use a smoothbore with rifled slugs, providing noticeably tighter groupings and more reliable trajectory. In terms of performance, it’s a significant step up and gives me confidence for deer season. I have yet to connect on a deer, but I am confident with my setup, I will.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled features a barrel length of 18.5 inches. The Manufacturer is Carlson’s Choke Tubes. It is specifically designed to fit Benelli Nova and Benelli SuperNova shotguns.
The barrel is finished in a durable black coating. It has Rifled choke type, designed to impart spin on slugs for enhanced accuracy. This is essential for achieving consistent results with sabot slugs at longer ranges.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the accuracy and effective range of the shotgun when using slugs. The rifled barrel provides the necessary spin to stabilize the projectile. The shorter barrel length also makes the shotgun more maneuverable in dense hunting environments or for tactical applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled performs exceptionally well when used with quality sabot slugs. At 75 yards, I can consistently achieve groupings of 3-4 inches, which is more than adequate for ethical deer hunting. It provides a reliable and accurate platform for slug shooting.
The primary strength is its dramatically improved accuracy compared to a smoothbore barrel when firing slugs. It’s a simple, effective upgrade that transforms the versatility of the Benelli Nova and SuperNova. One potential area for improvement would be the inclusion of some sort of adjustable sights to help facilitate the zeroing process with slugs.
The barrel has exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and reliability. I was initially concerned about the potential for fouling or difficulty cleaning the rifling, but neither has been an issue. This barrel has proven to be a worthwhile investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The barrel’s design is simple and functional. The black finish blends seamlessly with the Benelli Nova and SuperNova. It adds a noticeable amount of weight to the front of the gun, which helps to reduce muzzle flip.
The build quality is excellent. The materials are durable, and the overall construction inspires confidence. The only learning curve involved zeroing the sights and understanding the optimal slug type for the barrel.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled appears to be built for longevity. The steel construction and durable finish should withstand years of use with proper care. It is easy to maintain and clean with standard shotgun cleaning tools and solvents.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with aftermarket sights designed for shotgun barrels.
The barrel has a standard dovetail for the front bead sight, but there is no rear sight, necessitating the addition of an aftermarket rear sight system. Several companies offer clamp-on or adhesive-backed sights that can be used with this barrel. This allows shooters to customize their sighting system for optimal accuracy with slugs.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled
Pros
- Significantly improves accuracy when shooting slugs compared to a smoothbore barrel.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install with no gunsmithing required.
- Enhances the versatility of the Benelli Nova and SuperNova shotguns.
- Reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Cons
- Requires aftermarket sights for optimal accuracy.
- Point of impact shift compared to standard birdshot loads.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled is perfect for hunters seeking to use their Benelli shotgun for deer hunting in areas that restrict rifle usage. It is also suitable for tactical shooters who require increased accuracy and projectile stability.
This product is not ideal for shooters primarily focused on bird hunting or clay shooting. Those shooters may also want to avoid this product if they are not willing to invest in aftermarket sights or spend the time to zero their shotgun for slugs.
A must-have accessory is a quality set of aftermarket sights that are easily adjustable. Some high-quality sabot slugs are a great idea to get the best performance from the barrel.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled is an excellent investment for Benelli Nova and SuperNova owners looking to enhance their shotgun’s versatility for slug shooting. It provides a noticeable improvement in accuracy and projectile stability, making it well-suited for deer hunting or tactical applications.
The price of $293.49 is justified given the quality of construction and the performance gains. I would personally recommend this barrel to anyone seeking to convert their Benelli shotgun into a dedicated slug-shooting platform.
If you’re ready to take your Benelli Nova or SuperNova to the next level, consider investing in the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Nova & S-Nova Barrel, 18 1/2 in. w/Rifled. It is a reliable, accurate, and durable upgrade that will significantly enhance your shooting experience.