Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge is a specialized choke tube designed to maximize the effectiveness of Winchester Blind Side ammunition in Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system. From Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a respected name in shotgun accessories, this choke promises tighter patterns and longer-range performance, particularly for waterfowl hunting. It aims to help hunters get the most out of their shotshells, providing a performance boost that can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day in the blind.
My pursuit of this choke tube stemmed from a persistent issue I was encountering during duck season: inconsistent patterns with steel shot at longer ranges. I needed a choke specifically designed to handle the unique characteristics of steel shot, particularly the Winchester Blind Side’s innovative hex-shaped shot. I wanted something that would tighten my patterns and extend my effective range, so I spent hours researching dedicated choke tubes for the Benelli Crio Plus system.
Upon unboxing, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge felt solid and well-made. The black finish was even and professional, and the stainless steel construction gave me confidence in its durability. It had a reassuring heft, hinting at the quality of materials used.
I considered other chokes, including a Briley extended choke and a Patternmaster Code Black Duck. Ultimately, I chose the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge because of its specific design for Winchester Blind Side ammo and Carlson’s reputation for producing reliable chokes. The Patternmaster’s ported design made me hesitate due to noise concerns, and the Briley, while excellent, didn’t have the specific Blind Side optimization.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if this choke could live up to its promises and significantly improve my pattern density at longer ranges. Only real-world testing would reveal if the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge was truly the answer to my patterning woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge at my local sporting clays range. I mounted it on my Benelli Montefeltro, using Winchester Blind Side #2 shot, and fired at targets ranging from 30 to 50 yards. The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, typical conditions for a fall morning.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The patterns were significantly tighter and more consistent compared to the factory modified choke I had been using. I felt more confident in my ability to break clays at longer distances, and the choke seemed to handle the steel shot more effectively, reducing the number of flyers I was seeing.
There were no immediate issues after the first use. The choke installed easily with the provided wrench, and there were no signs of loosening or damage after several rounds. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge felt like a natural extension of my shotgun.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full waterfowl season of using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge, it has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my gear. The choke has consistently delivered tighter patterns with Blind Side ammunition, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer cripples. I estimate my effective range has increased by at least 10 yards.
The finish has held up well, showing only minor signs of wear from regular use and cleaning. After each hunt, I clean the choke with a bore brush and solvent, and it still looks nearly new. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction has undoubtedly contributed to its longevity.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard chokes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge significantly outperforms them in pattern density and range when using steel shot. It has lived up to its promise and has become an indispensable part of my waterfowl hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a well-known name for shotgun chokes.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge, which is a standard for waterfowl hunting.
- Choke Tube System: Benelli Crio Plus, ensuring compatibility with Benelli shotguns that use this system. It’s crucial to ensure this is the correct choke system for your shotgun.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
- Color: Black, giving it a sleek and non-reflective finish.
- Additional Features: Non-Ported, meaning no gas vents to reduce recoil or muzzle jump. This can be a preference based on noise and cleaning considerations.
- Included Accessories: Choke Wrench, which is necessary for installing and removing the choke tube.
- Compatibility: Designed to shoot lead, plated copper, nickel shot, and all Hevi-Shot ammunition, in addition to steel shot.
- Specialization: Optimized for Winchester Blind Side HEX Steel Shot and Diamond Cut Wad.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the choke’s performance and durability. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting in harsh conditions. The Benelli Crio Plus system compatibility guarantees a proper fit and optimal performance in compatible Benelli shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge excels at its primary job: delivering tight, consistent patterns with Winchester Blind Side ammunition at extended ranges. It achieves this through a specialized constriction and length, carefully designed to optimize the performance of Blind Side’s unique hex-shaped shot. This choke allows the Winchester Blind Side HEX Steel Shot and Diamond Cut Wad to function as intended.
The primary strength lies in its ability to significantly improve pattern density with steel shot, particularly at distances beyond 30 yards. The choke is specifically designed to handle the unique characteristics of steel shot and is advertised to perform perfectly with lead, plated copper, nickel shot, and all Hevi-Shot ammunition. A potential weakness is that its specialized design might not offer the same level of improvement with other types of ammunition.
The choke meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations for hunters looking to maximize the effectiveness of Winchester Blind Side ammunition in their Benelli shotguns. While results may vary depending on specific shotgun models and shooting techniques, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge delivers a noticeable improvement in pattern density and range compared to standard chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge features a simple, functional design. The black finish provides a non-reflective surface, which is ideal for hunting situations. Its weight is comparable to other extended choke tubes, and it doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.
The choke is user-friendly, installing and removing easily with the included choke wrench. There is no significant learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction suggests excellent durability, and my experience confirms this. The choke has withstood regular use in various weather conditions without showing signs of corrosion or damage. It appears this choke tube will last for many seasons of hunting.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use. The stainless steel material resists corrosion and makes cleaning relatively easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge comes with a choke wrench, which is the only essential accessory. No other accessories are needed for its basic operation.
The choke itself is not customizable, but users can pair it with different types of Winchester Blind Side ammunition to fine-tune their patterns. Its design is specific for the Crio Plus system, limiting cross-brand customization.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge
Pros
- Significantly improves pattern density with Winchester Blind Side ammunition.
- Increases effective range for waterfowl hunting.
- Durable 17-4 Stainless Steel construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Optimized for Benelli Crio Plus choke system.
Cons
- Specialized design may not be optimal for other ammunition types.
- Non-ported design might result in slightly more felt recoil.
- Requires using Winchester Blind Side Ammunition to achieve advertised results.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge?
Perfect for waterfowl hunters using Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system who want to maximize the effectiveness of Winchester Blind Side ammunition. This choke is also suitable for shooters who need tighter patterns at longer ranges.
Hunters who primarily use lead shot or other types of steel shot ammunition might not see a significant benefit from this choke’s specialized design and should consider other options. Those who prefer ported chokes for recoil reduction or muzzle jump control might find the non-ported design less desirable.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality choke tube case to protect the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge during transport and storage. It’s also recommended to pattern your shotgun with different loads of Winchester Blind Side to determine the optimal combination for your specific needs.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge is a well-designed and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and longer-range performance with Winchester Blind Side ammunition. Its durable construction, easy installation, and noticeable improvement in pattern density make it a valuable addition to any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal. This choke tube offers significant value.
Given its performance and build quality, the price of $58.49 is justified for hunters seeking to optimize their Benelli shotguns for Winchester Blind Side ammunition. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge can potentially translate to cleaner kills and more successful hunts.
I would personally recommend the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Blind Side Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge to any waterfowl hunter using a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus system who is committed to using Winchester Blind Side ammunition. If you’re looking to improve your pattern density and extend your effective range, this choke tube is a worthwhile investment. Equip your Benelli with this choke, pattern your loads, and experience the difference for yourself – you might just find your hunting season transformed.