What Makes Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste Stand Out?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste choke tube isn’t just another piece of metal you screw into your shotgun. It’s a carefully engineered instrument designed to optimize pattern density at close range, a critical advantage for serious hunters and competitive shooters. Manufactured by Rob Roberts Gun Works, a name synonymous with innovation in shotgun performance, this choke promises to tighten your patterns and improve your hit probability.
As an avid waterfowl hunter and sporting clays enthusiast, I’ve always chased that perfect pattern, the one that delivers maximum impact with every shot. I was struggling with consistent close-range performance, especially in tight hunting scenarios where birds flushed unexpectedly close. My standard modified choke wasn’t cutting it, leaving me with frustrating misses and wounded game.
The choke arrived in a simple, no-nonsense package, reflecting its utilitarian purpose. The first thing I noticed was the weight and the feel of the 17-4 PH Stainless Steel. It felt solid and well-made, a far cry from some of the cheaper, thinner chokes I’ve used in the past.
Compared to my Briley extended choke and a Carlson’s Cremator, the Rob Roberts RR1 Raptor had a distinctly different internal design. The cuts and porting were clearly designed to manipulate the shot column in a way the others didn’t attempt. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if the hype matched the reality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the RR1 Raptor was a dove hunt in early September. I was set up in a field with plenty of close-flushing birds. The choke was easy to install, threading smoothly into my Benelli Crio Plus barrel.
The initial shots were impressive. Doves that would have previously escaped with a few stray pellets were now folding cleanly. I noticed a significant increase in pattern density within 20 yards.
It was a warm, dry day, so I didn’t get to test it in adverse conditions during this initial outing. The choke performed flawlessly with both lead and steel shot, exhibiting no signs of loosening or damage. I was immediately pleased with the results, feeling more confident with each shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, spanning dove season, early teal, and some sporting clays rounds, the RR1 Raptor continues to impress. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, using a variety of 12-gauge loads. The choke shows no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor powder residue that cleans off easily.
Maintaining the choke is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it clean and performing optimally. Compared to some ported chokes I’ve used that get excessively fouled, the RR1 Raptor is remarkably easy to maintain.
My previous experiences with aftermarket chokes were often hit-or-miss. Some offered marginal improvements, while others were downright disappointing. The RR1 Raptor has exceeded my expectations, providing a noticeable and consistent improvement in close-range pattern density. It’s become an indispensable part of my shotgun setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Rob Roberts Gun Works. They are known for their innovation and quality in shotgun chokes.
- Fabric/Material: 17-4 PH Stainless Steel. This provides exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
- Gauge: 12. This makes it compatible with most common 12-gauge shotguns.
- Choke Tube System: Benelli Crio Plus. This ensures a proper fit in Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus system.
These specifications are critical because they ensure the choke’s longevity and performance. The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel guarantees resistance to the elements and the rigors of heavy use. The Crio Plus compatibility makes it a direct fit for a wide range of Benelli shotguns, ensuring proper installation and consistent performance.
Performance & Functionality
The RR1 Raptor excels at its intended purpose: optimizing pattern density at close range. Its internal cuts effectively tighten patterns, reducing the number of stray pellets and increasing the likelihood of a clean kill. The choke is designed specifically for close-range targets, typically within 20-25 yards.
The primary strength is its ability to consistently deliver dense, effective patterns at close distances. One potential weakness is that it’s not designed for longer-range shooting; patterns will likely be too tight beyond 30 yards. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended use, transforming close-range misses into solid hits.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s construction is robust, using high-quality 17-4 PH Stainless Steel. The weight is noticeable but not excessive, adding a sense of quality and durability without significantly affecting the shotgun’s balance. Installation is straightforward, requiring no special tools beyond a standard choke wrench.
The choke is user-friendly, requiring no special techniques or adjustments. Simply install it securely, and it’s ready to perform.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction ensures excellent durability. With proper care, it should last for many seasons of heavy use.
Maintaining the choke is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will prevent the buildup of powder residue and maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RR1 Raptor doesn’t require additional accessories for basic functionality. It’s compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Crio Plus chokes.
Because it is a specialized choke, there are no specific customizations beyond selecting the appropriate gauge and choke system. However, the choke is designed to work with a wide range of 12-gauge ammunition, providing flexibility in load selection.
Pros and Cons of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste
Pros
- Exceptional close-range pattern density. This drastically improves hit probability on close targets.
- High-quality 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction. This ensures durability and longevity, resisting corrosion and wear.
- Easy to install and maintain. Installation requires no special tools, and cleaning is simple and straightforward.
- Noticeable improvement in performance compared to standard chokes. Experience improved performance without extensive gunsmithing.
- Rob Roberts Gun Works reputation for quality and innovation.
Cons
- Not suitable for long-range shooting. Patterns may be too tight beyond 30 yards.
- Specialized design may not be necessary for all shooters. Those primarily hunting at longer ranges might not see a significant benefit.
Who Should Buy Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently encounter close-flushing birds, such as in flooded timber or tight marshes. It’s also ideal for upland bird hunters who want to improve their success on quick, close-range shots. Sporting clays shooters who struggle with close-range presentations can also benefit.
This choke might not be necessary for hunters who primarily shoot at longer ranges or who are satisfied with the performance of their factory chokes. Shooters on a very tight budget might find it a less essential upgrade.
A must-have is a good choke wrench to ensure proper installation and removal. Also, testing different loads to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions is recommended.
Conclusion on Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200274 RR1 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste is a highly effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of improved close-range pattern density. The price of $145.99 is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the high-quality construction.
I would definitely recommend it to any serious hunter or competitive shooter who wants to maximize their hit probability at close range. It’s a worthwhile investment that can significantly improve your shooting success. Upgrade your shotgun with the Rob Roberts RR1 Raptor and experience the difference for yourself!