First Thoughts on the Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black
The Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black choke tube isn’t just another accessory; it’s a precision instrument promising tighter patterns and longer shots with today’s advanced Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads. From Primos, a trusted name in hunting gear, this choke is designed specifically for Benelli Crio barrels in 12 gauge shotguns, offering a tool-free installation and removal. This promises a blend of convenience and performance that any serious turkey hunter would appreciate.
My quest for the perfect turkey choke has been long and winding. I’ve consistently struggled to achieve consistently tight patterns at longer ranges using standard full chokes. This has led to frustrating hunts and missed opportunities, especially when those old toms hang up just outside my comfort zone.
The Primos choke arrived in a simple, yet sturdy package. Its black finish gives it a low-profile, no-nonsense aesthetic. The threads were clean and well-defined, giving the impression of solid build quality.
Compared to a traditional extended choke I had been using, the Primos TSS Jelly Head felt slightly lighter. I chose this over similar offerings from competitors due to Primos’s reputation for quality and the specific design for TSS loads. Initial impressions were positive; I was eager to test the promises of tighter patterns and extended range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Primos TSS Jelly Head was at my local shooting range, patterning it with a variety of TSS loads. I used a Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a Crio barrel. Conditions were ideal, with a light breeze and clear skies.
The choke installed effortlessly, as advertised, without the need for any tools. The most notable difference was the pattern density at 40 yards, which was noticeably tighter than with my previous full choke. There were no issues or surprises during initial use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including a full turkey season, the Primos TSS Jelly Head has proven itself to be a reliable performer. There’s been no sign of wear or tear, despite being subjected to various weather conditions. Cleaning is also simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition.
Compared to previous experiences with other chokes, the Primos offers a significantly more consistent and denser pattern, leading to cleaner kills and fewer missed shots. It has outperformed my expectations, becoming an indispensable part of my turkey hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black
Specifications
The Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black boasts several key specifications:
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This ensures compatibility with the widely popular 12 gauge shotgun platform.
- Choke Size: Turkey. Optimized constriction for tight patterns at extended turkey hunting ranges.
- Model: Benelli Crio. Designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with Crio chokes for a perfect fit and seamless integration.
- Finish: Black. A non-reflective black finish that minimizes visibility in the field and provides corrosion resistance.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the choke’s ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns with TSS loads. The Benelli Crio compatibility ensures a secure and reliable fit, while the black finish helps maintain concealment.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos TSS Jelly Head excels in delivering exceptional performance. Its primary strength lies in its ability to produce incredibly tight and even patterns at longer ranges with TSS ammunition. This dramatically increases the effective range for turkey hunting.
However, the very tight pattern can be a disadvantage at closer ranges. This requires careful aiming and a clear understanding of the choke’s capabilities. Overall, the Primos TSS Jelly Head more than meets expectations, delivering a significant improvement in pattern density and range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Primos TSS Jelly Head is designed for ease of use and durability. The tool-free installation is a standout feature, making it incredibly convenient to swap chokes in the field. Its robust construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting.
There’s no learning curve associated with the choke; it performs as expected right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Primos TSS Jelly Head is built to last. Constructed from high-quality steel and finished with a durable black coating, it is resistant to rust and corrosion. Maintenance is simple.
A quick cleaning after each use is all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone choke tube designed to replace existing chokes in compatible Benelli shotguns. There are no specific customization options for the choke itself.
However, it is compatible with a wide range of 12 gauge TSS ammunition from various manufacturers. The best pairing can be determined by experimentation to find the load that patterns best in a specific shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black
Pros
- Delivers incredibly tight and consistent patterns with TSS loads, extending effective range.
- Tool-free installation and removal makes choke swaps quick and easy in the field.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- The black finish minimizes visibility, ideal for stealthy hunting.
- Noticeably improved pattern density compared to standard full chokes, resulting in cleaner kills.
Cons
- Pattern can be too tight at very close ranges (under 20 yards), requiring precise aiming.
- Specifically designed for Benelli Crio barrels, limiting compatibility with other shotguns.
Who Should Buy Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black?
The Primos TSS Jelly Head is perfect for serious turkey hunters who use Benelli shotguns with Crio chokes and want to maximize their effective range with TSS ammunition. It is also beneficial for hunters who value convenience and ease of use, thanks to its tool-free installation.
This choke is not ideal for hunters who primarily hunt turkeys at very close range (inside 20 yards) or those who do not use TSS ammunition. Also, anyone who doesn’t own a Benelli shotgun with Crio choke threading will need to find a different solution.
A must-have accessory would be a variety of different TSS loads to test in the shotgun to find the one that patterns best.
Conclusion on Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black
The Primos TSS Jelly Head Benelli Crio 12 Gauge Turkey Steel Black is a specialized choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and extended range with TSS loads. It’s a valuable tool for serious turkey hunters using compatible Benelli shotguns.
The price of $52.49 is justified, considering the performance gains and convenience it offers. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success.
If you’re a Benelli Crio shotgun owner and want to unleash the full potential of TSS ammunition, the Primos TSS Jelly Head is a worthy investment. Consider upgrading your setup this season for improved performance!