Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season is designed for the serious waterfowler or upland bird hunter who needs consistent patterns at extended ranges during the late season. This choke tube promises to deliver tighter, more uniform shot patterns, ensuring more ethical and successful hunts.
My quest for a reliable choke tube that could handle the unpredictable winds and longer shots common in late-season waterfowl hunting led me to this product. I was looking for something that would give me an edge in challenging conditions, improving my hit percentage and reducing the chance of crippling birds.
Upon unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season, I immediately noticed the robust construction and the deep black finish of the 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. The porting was clean and precisely machined, and the included choke wrench felt solid in my hand.
I considered other options, notably the Patternmaster Code Black Duck and the Briley Spectrum choke tubes. However, the Carlson’s offering’s combination of porting, optimized constriction for late-season hunting, and reputation for quality made it the most appealing choice.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to get this choke tube out in the field and see if it lived up to the hype, but I also know that results matter.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season during a late-season duck hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The weather was cold and damp, with a persistent wind that made long shots even more challenging.
The choke tube performed admirably, consistently delivering tight, dense patterns at distances of 40-50 yards, even in the windy conditions. I found that I needed minimal adjustment to my lead on crossing shots, thanks to the improved pattern consistency.
Installation was quick and easy, and I had no issues with the choke tube loosening or needing adjustment during the hunt. The only surprise was how much quieter the report of my Benelli Crio Plus shotgun seemed, thanks to the porting on the choke tube.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season, it has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear or corrosion on the stainless-steel construction, despite being exposed to harsh weather and frequent cleaning.
The choke tube is easy to clean with a standard choke tube brush and solvent, and I haven’t noticed any buildup of residue in the ports. Compared to the factory choke tubes that came with my Benelli, the Carlson’s consistently delivers tighter patterns and seems less susceptible to pattern variations caused by different loads.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season
Specifications
- The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season is designed for 12-gauge Benelli shotguns with the Crio/Crio Plus choke system. It is constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
- It features a “Late Season” constriction, with a diameter of 0.7 inches, optimized for tight patterns at longer ranges. The ported design helps to reduce recoil and muzzle jump.
These specifications are critical for late-season hunting because they allow hunters to effectively engage birds at longer distances, even in windy conditions, with improved comfort and control. The stainless-steel construction ensures that the choke tube can withstand the rigors of hunting in harsh environments without corroding or failing.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season excels at delivering consistent, dense patterns at distances of 40-50 yards. This significantly improves the odds of ethical kills on waterfowl and upland birds during the late season when birds are often wary and shots are longer.
The strengths of this choke tube lie in its ability to maintain tight patterns with a variety of loads and its noticeable reduction in recoil and muzzle jump. However, at very close ranges (inside 20 yards), the patterns can be too tight, leading to potential misses if not aimed precisely.
It absolutely meets my expectations for a dedicated late-season choke tube, providing a noticeable improvement in pattern density and range compared to my factory choke tubes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season features a simple, functional design with a durable black finish. The choke tube is well-machined and fits perfectly into my Benelli Crio Plus barrel without any play or looseness.
The porting is strategically placed to maximize recoil reduction without creating excessive noise or disruption to the shot pattern. There is no learning curve associated with using this choke tube; it installs and performs just like any other choke tube.
Durability & Maintenance
Made from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season is built to last for many seasons of hard use. With proper cleaning and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable performance.
The choke tube is easy to clean with a standard choke tube brush and solvent, and I have not experienced any issues with rust or corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season comes with a choke wrench for easy installation and removal. There are no other specific accessories or customization options directly associated with this choke tube, but it is compatible with any standard choke tube case or storage system.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight and dense patterns at longer ranges.
- Noticeably reduces recoil and muzzle jump for improved comfort and control.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install, clean, and maintain.
- Improved hit ratio during the late season.
Cons
- Patterns may be too tight for very close-range shots.
- May require some experimentation with different loads to find the optimal pattern.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season is perfect for avid waterfowl hunters and upland bird hunters who frequently encounter long-range shots and challenging conditions during the late season. It is especially beneficial for hunters who want to improve their pattern density and reduce recoil for more comfortable and successful hunts.
Hunters who primarily hunt in close-range situations or who are just starting out may not need the specialized performance of this choke tube. They should consider a more open choke constriction for close-range engagements.
A quality set of choke tube grease and a choke tube cleaning brush are must-have accessories to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season is a well-designed and highly effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and reduced recoil. The price of $64.99 is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the durable stainless-steel construction.
I would highly recommend this choke tube to any serious waterfowl or upland bird hunter who is looking to improve their odds of success during the challenging conditions of the late season. It’s an investment that will pay off in more ethical kills and more enjoyable hunts.
If you’re ready to take your late-season hunting to the next level, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Rooster Ported, Benelli Crio/Crio Plus 12ga Late Season is the perfect addition to your Benelli shotgun.