Let’s Talk About Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes are designed to maximize the performance of Winchester Long Beard ammunition in Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. Carlson’s Choke Tubes crafted these chokes specifically to deliver exceptionally tight patterns and extended range when using Winchester’s Shot-Lok technology. If you’re a turkey hunter seeking to extend your effective range and improve your pattern density, this choke tube is worth a serious look.
My quest for this choke began with frustration. I’d been missing or wounding birds just outside my comfortable range with my Benelli, even with premium turkey loads. I needed a solution to tighten my patterns at those critical distances.
The packaging was simple, but the choke itself felt solid and well-made upon unboxing. The black finish was clean and even, and the included choke wrench was a welcome addition. My initial impression was that this was a serious piece of gear.
Compared to a factory Benelli full choke and a competitor’s extended turkey choke, the Carlson’s Long Beard choke looked noticeably more robust. While the others had a more general purpose design, the Carlson’s appeared purpose-built for tight turkey patterns. I chose the Carlson’s because of the reputation for quality, the specific compatibility with Long Beard shells, and the promise of tighter patterns.
I was definitely excited to try it out. The potential to extend my effective range ethically and consistently was very appealing. It felt like a worthwhile investment to improve my hunting success.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes at my local shooting range. The weather was slightly overcast, with a light breeze, providing fairly standard conditions for spring turkey hunting. I patterned the choke at 30, 40, and 50 yards, using Winchester Long Beard XR 12 gauge, 3-inch shells.
The choke performed remarkably well. Patterns were significantly tighter than with my factory choke, especially at 40 and 50 yards. There were no noticeable gaps or holes in the pattern within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. The pattern retained sufficient density for an ethical kill.
Installation was straightforward, requiring only the included choke wrench. No issues were encountered while installing or removing the choke. I noticed no significant changes in recoil.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season using the Carlson’s Long Beard choke, it has proven to be remarkably reliable. I have taken it through varied conditions from dry, dusty mornings to damp, rainy afternoons, and it performed consistently in each scenario. There were no issues with loosening or any degradation in pattern performance.
The choke shows no signs of wear and tear. The 17-4 stainless steel construction seems extremely durable. Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition.
Compared to previous turkey chokes I’ve used, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes noticeably outperforms them in pattern density and consistency at longer ranges. This resulted in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes. This manufacturer is known for producing high-quality, durable choke tubes.
- Gauge: 12. Designed for 12-gauge shotguns.
- Choke Tube System: Benelli Crio Plus. This ensures compatibility with Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system.
- Choke Type: Turkey. Specifically designed for tight patterns required for turkey hunting.
- Diameter: 0.58 inches. This constriction is optimized for Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
- Gun Make: Benelli. Exclusively compatible with Benelli shotguns using the Crio Plus system.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability for long-lasting performance.
- Additional Features: Non-Ported. Keeps the muzzle blast cleaner and reduces felt recoil.
- Included Accessories: Choke Wrench. Facilitates easy installation and removal of the choke tube.
- Country of Origin: USA. Proudly made in the USA.
These specifications matter because they ensure that the choke is precisely engineered for optimal performance with a specific shotgun and ammunition combination. The durable materials ensure it can withstand the rigors of hunting. The tight constriction is optimized for dense patterns at extended ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes excels in delivering exceptionally tight patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Its primary function, improving pattern density and extending effective range, is performed admirably. I consistently achieved kill shots at distances beyond what I was comfortable with using a factory choke.
The choke’s only real weakness is that it is specialized. It is truly optimized for Long Beard shells. While it will function with other turkey loads, the pattern will likely not be as tight.
This choke tube exceeded my expectations. The patterns were consistently tighter and more uniform than I had hoped for. This gave me the confidence to take longer shots ethically.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke tube is constructed from rugged 17-4 stainless steel. The black finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The choke’s weight is negligible, and it does not noticeably affect the balance of the shotgun.
The installation process is user-friendly. Anyone familiar with changing choke tubes will find it simple and straightforward. The included choke wrench is a nice touch.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the choke will last for many seasons. It shows no signs of rust or corrosion even after exposure to wet conditions. Maintenance is simple, requiring only cleaning after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The choke comes with a dedicated choke wrench. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself. It is a purpose-built tool designed to function optimally as-is.
The choke is compatible with any Benelli shotgun that accepts Crio Plus choke tubes. This ensures a wide range of compatible shotguns. The choke is not directly compatible with any optics or other accessories beyond standard shotgun accessories.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
- Significantly extends effective shooting range for turkey hunting.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Easy to install and remove with included choke wrench.
- Improved success rate in the field.
Cons
- Optimized specifically for Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition; performance may vary with other loads.
- Limited to Benelli shotguns with Crio Plus choke system.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes?
This choke is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters who use a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus choke system and prefer Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. Those seeking to ethically extend their effective shooting range will benefit most. It is also ideal for hunters who struggle with pattern density at longer distances.
Hunters using other ammunition types or those without a Benelli Crio Plus shotgun should skip this product. Those who prefer a more versatile choke that can be used with various ammunition types may also want to consider other options. No must-have accessories or modifications are needed. It performs exceptionally well right out of the package.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Long Beard Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes is a specialized tool that excels at its intended purpose: delivering devastatingly tight patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition in Benelli shotguns. The price is justified by the significant improvement in pattern density and extended range it provides. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any serious turkey hunter who fits the described criteria.
If you’re a Long Beard user with a Benelli Crio Plus shotgun, this choke is a game-changer. Don’t settle for mediocre patterns. Invest in the Carlson’s Long Beard and see the difference for yourself!