First Thoughts on the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus
The pursuit of the perfect turkey pattern is a never-ending quest for many of us avid hunters. The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus promises to be a key component in that pursuit, offering a tight, consistent spread for maximum effectiveness. Carlson’s Choke Tubes has built a solid reputation for quality and performance, so I was eager to see if this choke lived up to the hype.
My quest for this particular choke started with consistent misses last season. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver a dense and even pattern at varying distances. Unboxing the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus, I was immediately struck by its solid feel and the matte blue finish.
The choke felt robust and well-machined, and the extended design hinted at the potential for improved pattern consistency. I’ve used other extended chokes before, but the Carlson’s choke felt a step above in terms of overall quality. I was choosing between this and a Briley turkey choke and a Trulock Precision Hunter choke. Ultimately, I opted for the Carlson’s due to its combination of price, reputation, and the specific constriction of .675, which seemed ideal for my preferred turkey loads.
Initial impressions were positive. The choke looked and felt like a quality piece of equipment. My excitement was high to get this choke to the range and see if it could improve my turkey hunting success.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus to the Test
First Use Experience
My first testing ground for the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus was at my local gun range, specifically its pattern board. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I used my Benelli Super Black Eagle II, chambered in 12 gauge, to test the choke.
I tested multiple brands of turkey loads, ranging from #4 to #6 shot, in both 2 ¾” and 3″ shells. Installation was straightforward, screwing in by hand until snug. The first few shots were revealing, showing a significantly tighter pattern than my factory choke at 40 yards. No issues with installation, and the choke performed admirably straight out of the packaging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing and fine-tuning my load selection, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put approximately 100 rounds through the choke, and it still looks and performs as new. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with solvent and a brush after each range session.
There are no signs of wear or tear. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons choke has exceeded my expectations in pattern consistency and durability. It has become a trusted part of my turkey hunting setup, giving me the confidence to make ethical shots at longer ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus
Specifications
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is designed specifically for Benelli Crio Plus 12-gauge shotguns. It features a constriction of .675 inches, optimized for tight turkey patterns. Manufactured from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, it is built for durability and corrosion resistance.
The choke extends approximately 1″ beyond the end of the barrel, which helps to reduce muzzle jump and improve pattern consistency. It has a 1.050″ parallel section, intended to produce optimal patterns with various turkey loads. Note that this choke is not designed for use with steel shot.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus excels at its primary function: delivering tight, dense, and consistent patterns at extended ranges. My testing showed that it consistently put a high percentage of pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. This performance translates directly to increased confidence in the field, knowing that you have the pattern density to ethically harvest a turkey at longer distances.
The .675 constriction strikes an excellent balance between pattern tightness and pellet distribution. There are no significant weaknesses; it performs exactly as advertised. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is a simple, yet effective design. The matte blue finish reduces glare, making it less noticeable to wary turkeys. The choke is well-machined, with smooth threads that ensure a secure fit in the shotgun barrel.
Installation and removal are easy, and the extended design makes it easy to identify the choke. The solid construction and robust materials contribute to its overall feeling of quality.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. With proper care, this choke should last for many seasons. Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving cleaning after each use to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion.
A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s typically required. Given the quality of materials and construction, I expect this choke to last a lifetime with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, its performance can be further enhanced by experimenting with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your shotgun. Its compatibility with Benelli Crio Plus barrels makes it a straightforward upgrade, instantly improving pattern density and consistency.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Consistently delivers tight, dense patterns at extended ranges.
- High-Quality Construction: Made from durable 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Simple screw-in design for quick and easy installation.
- Improved Range: Allows for ethical shots at longer distances, increasing hunting opportunities.
- Proven Brand Reputation: Backed by Carlson’s Choke Tubes‘ reputation for quality and performance.
Cons
- Not for use with steel shot.
- Specific to Benelli Crio Plus shotguns.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus?
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is perfect for serious turkey hunters looking to maximize their shotgun’s performance. It is ideal for those who want to achieve tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges, increasing their chances of a successful and ethical harvest. If you own a Benelli Crio Plus 12-gauge shotgun and demand the best possible performance for turkey hunting, this choke is a must-have.
This product isn’t ideal for waterfowl hunters needing steel shot compatibility or those who own shotguns not compatible with the Benelli Crio Plus system. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy install and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus
The Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is a well-built and highly effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tight, consistent turkey patterns. For a price of $42.49, the value proposition is extremely strong. It represents a significant upgrade over factory chokes, providing increased confidence and improved performance in the field.
I would absolutely recommend this choke to any serious turkey hunter using a Benelli Crio Plus shotgun. If you are looking to improve your pattern density and extend your effective range, the Carlsons Extended Turkey Choke Tube 12 Gauge .675, Crio Plus is an investment that will pay off season after season. Go ahead and give your Benelli the upgrade it deserves; you won’t be disappointed!