Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is a specialized shotgun choke designed for turkey hunting. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, it promises tighter, more consistent patterns with 28-gauge shotguns utilizing the Benelli Crio or Crio Plus choke system. This choke aims to enhance the hunter’s ability to effectively engage turkeys at longer distances.
My journey to finding this choke tube started with a frustrating string of misses last turkey season. I needed a solution to tighten my patterns and extend my effective range with my Benelli 28 gauge. I was looking for consistent and reliable performance.
Upon unboxing the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube, I immediately noted its robust construction. The matte blued finish gave it a tactical, no-nonsense look. The extended design, protruding approximately 1″ from the barrel, was also quite noticeable.
Compared to a factory flush choke and a competitor’s ported turkey choke, the Carlson’s appeared more streamlined and less prone to snagging. I ultimately selected this choke for its reputation for consistent patterns and its compatibility with my Benelli. The promise of tighter patterns and extended range sealed the deal.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its performance claims on the range. I was excited to test its capabilities in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, patterning the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube at 30 and 40 yards. I primarily used lead #5 shot and Hevi-Shot #6. Conditions were clear and dry, with a slight breeze.
The Carlson’s immediately proved its worth, delivering noticeably tighter patterns than my factory choke. At 30 yards, the pattern was dense and evenly distributed. There were no noticeable holes or inconsistencies.
The choke threaded in smoothly and securely. However, I did notice slightly increased recoil compared to the factory flush choke.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube continues to perform reliably. The blued finish shows minimal wear, primarily around the threads. I clean it after each hunt.
Durability has been exceptional. The choke has withstood numerous cleanings and exposure to various weather conditions with no signs of corrosion or damage. It significantly outperformed my previous factory choke in terms of pattern density and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is designed specifically for 28-gauge Benelli shotguns with Crio or Crio Plus choke systems. It is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. The extended design protrudes approximately 1″ beyond the barrel.
The choke has a diameter of 0.515 inches, offering a tight constriction optimized for turkey hunting. It features a matte blue finish for reduced glare and enhanced aesthetics. The 1.050″ parallel section is critical for achieving optimal pattern density.
These specifications are vital for turkey hunting. The tight constriction ensures a dense pattern capable of ethically harvesting turkeys at extended ranges. The durable materials guarantee longevity and reliable performance in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube excels at delivering consistently tight and dense patterns. This is crucial for effective turkey hunting at longer ranges. It significantly extends the ethical range for taking down a turkey.
The primary strength is its ability to produce patterns superior to factory chokes and some competitor models. However, the tighter constriction may result in slightly increased recoil. Overall, the choke meets and often exceeds expectations, delivering reliable and lethal performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is well-designed and built to last. The use of 17-4 stainless steel ensures both durability and resistance to the elements. Its extended length facilitates easier installation and removal.
The matte blue finish helps to minimize glare, a vital attribute for hunting. The choke threads smoothly into Benelli Crio/Crio Plus barrels, indicating precise machining. There is no real learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The choke is highly durable, thanks to its heat-treated stainless steel construction. With proper care, it should last for many seasons of hard use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning involves using a choke tube wrench for removal, followed by cleaning with solvent and a brush. Regular cleaning will prevent buildup and corrosion, ensuring optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube comes with no additional accessories. However, a choke tube wrench is highly recommended for easy installation and removal.
It is compatible with any 28-gauge Benelli shotgun utilizing the Crio or Crio Plus choke system. It is also designed to work with lead, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth shot, with a restriction of no steel shot larger than #4. Users can experiment with different shot sizes and brands to find the optimal combination for their shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes.
- Durable construction from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel.
- Extended range for ethical turkey hunting.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Compatible with lead, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth shot.
Cons
- May produce slightly increased recoil.
- Limited to steel shot size #4 or smaller.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube?
This choke is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters using a 28-gauge Benelli shotgun with a Crio or Crio Plus choke system. It benefits those seeking to improve pattern density and extend their effective range. It will also appeal to hunters prioritizing durability and reliability.
Hunters primarily using steel shot larger than #4 should avoid this product. Those sensitive to recoil may also want to consider other options.
A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory. Experimenting with different shot sizes can also help optimize performance.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Turkey 28 Gauge Benelli Crio/Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube is a well-engineered and reliable choke designed specifically for turkey hunting. Its durable construction and ability to deliver consistently tight patterns make it a valuable addition to any serious turkey hunter’s gear.
At a price of $58.49, the value proposition is excellent. The performance gains justify the cost, especially for hunters struggling with inconsistent patterns.
I wholeheartedly recommend this choke to anyone seeking to enhance their turkey hunting success with a 28-gauge Benelli. Tighten your patterns, extend your range, and bag that gobbler!