First Thoughts on the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel promises tighter patterns and enhanced performance with bismuth loads in your Benelli Crio Plus 20 gauge shotgun. As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’m always on the hunt for reliable equipment that genuinely improves my hunting experience.
I was specifically looking for a choke tube that could handle bismuth shot effectively. Many older choke designs struggle with the harder nature of bismuth, leading to potential damage and inconsistent patterns. I needed something durable and specifically designed for this purpose.
Out of the box, the Carlson’s choke tube feels solid and well-made. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gives it a reassuring weight and speaks to its potential longevity. The extended design also suggests improved patterning capabilities. Compared to a standard flush-mounted choke, or even a ported aftermarket choke I used to run, this one immediately appeared to be a step up in materials and intent. I picked this choke over some others that cost less because of the reputation of Carlson’s for quality and because of the Bismuth Bone Buster designation.
My initial impression is positive. The build quality and specific design for bismuth loads instill confidence. If it delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and reliable performance, it will be a valuable addition to my Benelli.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel on a controlled patterning board at my local range. The weather was typical for early duck season – damp and a bit chilly.
The choke installed easily and securely. I immediately noticed a tighter and more consistent pattern than with the factory modified choke I usually use. There were no observable gaps or flyers, even at longer ranges, which gave me confidence.
There were no immediate issues; it performed exactly as advertised right out of the gate. The improved pattern density was a pleasant surprise, even better than I had hoped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the waterfowl season, the Carlson’s choke tube has proven to be a reliable and durable performer. It has been subjected to the harsh conditions of marsh hunting, including mud, water, and fluctuating temperatures.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the choke tube. Cleaning is straightforward, and the stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion. Compared to my experience with some less expensive choke tubes, this one feels like it will last for many seasons to come. It consistently outperforms any other choke I have used when shooting bismuth.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system. It is a 20-gauge choke tube designed to be used with bismuth ammunition.
Key Specifications:
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Choke Size: Extended Range
- Model: Benelli Crio Plus
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
The 17-4 stainless steel ensures high strength, corrosion resistance, and longevity, vital for withstanding the pressures and elements encountered during hunting. The extended range designation aims to optimize patterns at longer distances, providing hunters with increased effective range. The Benelli Crio Plus compatibility ensures a perfect fit and reliable performance with compatible Benelli shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel excels in delivering tight and consistent patterns with bismuth ammunition. Accuracy at extended ranges is noticeably improved compared to standard choke tubes.
The primary strength of this choke is its ability to consistently produce dense patterns, even with bismuth shot. This means fewer wounded birds and cleaner kills. It meets and even exceeds my expectations for a dedicated bismuth choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with a robust feel that inspires confidence. The 17-4 stainless steel offers substantial durability. The extended design facilitates easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.
It is exceptionally user-friendly with no complicated installation or adjustments required. The design is intuitive and fits seamlessly into the Benelli Crio Plus system.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. With proper cleaning and light lubrication, this choke tube should last for many years.
Maintenance is simple; just a quick cleaning after each use to remove residue and prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed as a standalone choke tube.
It is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for extended choke tubes. There are no specific customization options directly available, but hunters can adjust their loads and shot sizes to fine-tune performance with this choke.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Specifically designed for bismuth ammunition.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Delivers tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Significantly improves effective range with bismuth loads, leading to cleaner kills and reduced wounding.
Cons
- Only compatible with Benelli shotguns that use the Crio Plus choke system.
- May not be optimal for other types of ammunition besides bismuth.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel?
This choke tube is perfect for waterfowl hunters who use bismuth ammunition and own a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus choke system. It is ideal for hunters who prioritize clean kills at longer ranges.
This product might not be the best choice for hunters who primarily use steel shot or other non-bismuth loads. It also won’t work with shotguns that don’t have the Benelli Crio Plus choke system.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. High-quality gun cleaning solvent and lubricant will help maintain the choke’s performance and longevity.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Bismuth Bone Buster Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel is a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters using bismuth ammunition in their Benelli Crio Plus shotguns. It delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and improved range, leading to more ethical and successful hunts.
The price of $53.51 is justified by the increased performance and durability of the choke tube. The improved shot patterns alone can justify the cost.
I would highly recommend this choke tube to any waterfowl hunter looking to maximize the performance of their bismuth loads. It’s a game-changer for achieving those long-range shots and bringing home more birds. If you’re serious about your waterfowl hunting, give the Carlson’s Bismuth Bone Buster a try – you won’t be disappointed.