The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting isn’t just a hobby; it’s an obsession for me. It’s about the crisp morning air, the thrill of the call, and the satisfaction of outsmarting a wily gobbler. To truly maximize my chances, I’m always on the hunt for gear that gives me an edge, and that’s what led me to the HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported).
For years, I’d been using a factory choke with my Benelli, and while it performed adequately, I felt I was leaving something on the table in terms of pattern density and range. I needed something that could reliably reach out and touch those birds that hung up just beyond my comfort zone. I had read a lot about HEVI-Shot’s reputation for producing tight patterns, especially with their own ammunition, and I needed to experience it firsthand.
Unboxing the HEVI-Shot choke, I immediately noticed the robust construction. The 17-4 stainless steel felt solid and durable, a far cry from some of the thinner, less substantial chokes I’d seen. The black finish was clean and professional, and the knurled fore-end gave it a tactical look.
Compared to my factory Benelli choke, the HEVI-Shot appeared to have tighter constrictions, which should translate to denser patterns. I was also considering a Carlson’s choke and a Trulock Precision Hunter, but the HEVI-Shot seemed to strike the best balance between price, purported performance, and the reliability I associate with the HEVI-Shot brand. My initial thought was that if this choke performs even half as well as the hype suggests, it would be a game-changer for my turkey hunting. I was cautiously optimistic and excited to get it out into the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) came during the spring turkey season in the Ozark Mountains. The weather was unpredictable, with misty mornings and occasional showers, perfect conditions to put the choke through its paces. I patterned it at 20, 30, and 40 yards using HEVI-Shot Magnum Blend turkey loads as well as some Winchester Long Beard XR shells.
Installation was a breeze – the knurled fore-end allowed me to hand-tighten the choke securely. I noted that the ports seemed to effectively reduce muzzle jump. Recoil felt manageable. The pattern testing revealed significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to my factory choke at all distances.
Initially, the only surprise was how much tighter the patterns were at 20 yards, making headshots almost too easy. It required careful aiming to avoid completely obliterating the target. I also noticed the tighter patterns delivered more energy, which I could see reflected in the target backings.
Extended Use & Reliability
After an entire turkey season and multiple trips to the range, the HEVI-Shot choke has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion despite being exposed to various weather conditions. Cleaning has been simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent removes any residue.
The choke still threads smoothly into my Benelli, and I haven’t experienced any issues with it loosening during shooting. Comparing this choke to my previous experiences, it far outperforms the factory choke in terms of pattern density and effective range. It has instilled confidence in my ability to make ethical shots at longer distances, something I wasn’t comfortable with before. The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) has undeniably improved my turkey hunting success.
Breaking Down the Features of HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
Specifications
The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns utilizing the Crio Plus choke system. It is chambered for 20 gauge shotguns.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand the pressures of heavy turkey loads. The black finish provides a non-reflective surface, which is beneficial for hunting situations. The extended design provides a longer constriction for tighter patterns. It features ports designed to reduce muzzle jump.
The choice of 17-4 stainless steel is crucial for durability, ensuring the choke can handle repeated use with powerful turkey loads without damage or deformation. The extended range design and porting are intended to provide increased pattern density at longer distances. This is critical for ethical and effective turkey hunting. The Crio Plus compatibility ensures a proper fit and seamless integration with compatible Benelli shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is to tighten the shot pattern, extending the effective range for turkey hunting. In my experience, it performs this task exceptionally well, producing dense and consistent patterns out to 40 yards and beyond, depending on the load. The choke’s strength lies in its ability to maintain tight patterns even with larger shot sizes.
One minor weakness is the very tight pattern at close ranges, which may require some adjustment in aiming. Overall, it exceeds my expectations in terms of pattern density and range. With my Benelli M2, it has proven to be exceptionally reliable and effective for harvesting turkeys.
Design & Ergonomics
The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) has a practical and functional design. The black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and reduces glare, which is important for hunting. The knurled fore-end allows for easy installation and removal without tools.
The weight is negligible and doesn’t noticeably affect the balance of the shotgun. There is no learning curve associated with its use as it installs just like any other choke. The design prioritizes performance and ease of use in the field.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures that the choke is built to last. After a full season of use, there are no signs of wear or corrosion. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a bore brush and solvent.
With proper care, this choke should provide many years of reliable service. The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is constructed to endure the rigors of turkey hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) itself does not come with accessories. It is a standalone choke tube designed to enhance the performance of compatible Benelli shotguns. Customization is limited to pairing the choke with different types of turkey loads to find the optimal combination for pattern density and range.
While the choke is designed to work with HEVI-Shot ammunition, it is compatible with various other brands of turkey loads that are safe for use in a 20-gauge shotgun. The performance of a choke tube depends heavily on the specific ammunition used, and experimentation may be needed to find the most effective combination. There are no other accessories required for its basic functionality.
Pros and Cons of HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Provides extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges, increasing the effective range for turkey hunting.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Easy Installation: Features a knurled fore-end for easy hand tightening and removal without tools.
- Reduced Muzzle Jump: Ported design helps to reduce muzzle jump, improving follow-up shots.
- Increased Confidence: The choke tube instilled more confidence in my shots at a longer distance.
Cons
- Close-Range Patterns Too Tight: Patterns at close ranges (20 yards or less) can be excessively tight, potentially damaging the bird.
- Ammo Sensitivity: Pattern performance can vary significantly depending on the specific type of turkey load used, requiring some experimentation.
Who Should Buy HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)?
The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is perfect for serious turkey hunters who are looking to maximize the effective range of their 20-gauge Benelli shotgun. This choke is ideal for hunters who frequently encounter turkeys at longer distances or hunt in areas with open terrain where birds are less likely to approach closely. It’s also a great choice for hunters who use HEVI-Shot ammunition and want to optimize its performance.
Hunters who primarily hunt in dense, close-range environments might find this choke too restrictive. They should instead opt for a choke with a more open constriction. A good shell carrier and perhaps a comfortable vest are must-have accessories when turkey hunting.
Conclusion on HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported)
The HEVI-Shot 230123 Hevi-Choke Turkey Benelli Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black (Ported) is an outstanding choke tube that delivers on its promise of extended range and tighter patterns. While the close-range patterns can be a bit too tight for some situations, the overall performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters.
At a price of $43.99, it offers excellent value for the performance and enhanced confidence it provides. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success with a 20-gauge Benelli shotgun. It’s time to ditch that factory choke and experience the HEVI-Shot difference!