What Makes Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste Stand Out?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste choke tube isn’t just another accessory; it’s a precision-engineered tool designed for the discerning shotgun enthusiast. Manufactured by Rob Roberts Gun Works, this choke promises to elevate your mid-range target game, particularly for duck and dove hunting, with its innovative internal cuts and optimal pattern density.
As an avid waterfowl hunter, I’ve always been on the lookout for that edge that turns a good hunt into a great one. I needed a choke that could consistently deliver tight, effective patterns at the ranges where ducks often commit – not too close, not too far.
The Rob Roberts Gun Works choke arrived in simple, functional packaging, immediately signaling its purpose-driven design. Picking it up, the weight and feel of the 17-4 PH Stainless Steel spoke volumes about its robust construction and commitment to longevity.
Compared to my existing Briley and Patternmaster chokes, the RR2 Raptor stood out with its distinct internal geometry. The other chokes focused primarily on constriction; the Raptor’s internal cuts suggested a more refined approach to pattern development.
My initial impression was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. Could this choke truly live up to the hype and deliver the consistent patterns I craved?
Real-World Testing: Putting Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Rob Roberts Gun Works RR2 Raptor to my local sporting clays range to get a feel for its performance before hitting the duck blind. I paired it with a Benelli Super Black Eagle II and a variety of 12-gauge loads, ranging from light target loads to heavier hunting shells.
The weather was typical for early fall – cool and damp with a light breeze. I was immediately impressed with the choke’s ability to produce consistent, well-distributed patterns across the board.
The choke screwed in easily and securely; no extra tools were needed beyond the standard choke wrench. There were no issues whatsoever after the first 25 shots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range sessions and two successful duck hunts, the RR2 Raptor continues to impress. The choke shows no signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use with various shot types and powder loads.
Cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the smooth, corrosion-resistant 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent, followed by a light coat of oil, keeps it in top condition.
Compared to my previous chokes, the RR2 Raptor consistently delivers tighter and more uniform patterns at mid-range. This translates to more confident shots and cleaner kills in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste
Specifications
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste is meticulously crafted for specific performance parameters. It’s designed for 12-gauge shotguns utilizing the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and heat-treating capabilities. This ensures longevity and consistent performance, even under harsh conditions.
The RR2 Raptor’s key feature is its internal geometry, engineered to optimize pattern density at mid-range, making it ideal for duck and dove hunting. Unlike standard chokes that simply constrict the shot, the Raptor’s internal cuts work to separate and redistribute the shot, resulting in more consistent and effective patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The RR2 Raptor truly shines in its ability to consistently deliver tight, even patterns at distances of 30-40 yards. This is the sweet spot for many waterfowl hunting scenarios, where shots are often taken at birds that are decoying but not quite in close.
Its greatest strength lies in its ability to minimize “blown” patterns, where the center is overly dense and the edges are sparse. It exceeded my expectations significantly.
There is one limitation – the product description states “Over-Shotguns can have a RRaptor choke in only one barrel. The design of the choke does not allow for placement in both barrels.“
Design & Ergonomics
The RR2 Raptor features a simple, utilitarian design that prioritizes function over aesthetics. The choke is easy to install and remove, and its robust construction inspires confidence in its durability.
The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel construction gives it a substantial feel without being overly heavy. There is absolutely no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel ensures the RR2 Raptor is built to withstand years of use and abuse. I expect this choke to last for many seasons of hunting and shooting.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with standard gun cleaning solvents and lubricants is all that’s required to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RR2 Raptor is designed to work optimally with a wide range of 12-gauge ammunition. While there are no specific accessories included, its compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus system means it can be used with various aftermarket choke wrenches and storage cases.
The choke’s performance can be further fine-tuned by experimenting with different shot sizes and wad types to find the ideal combination for your specific hunting needs.
Pros and Cons of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight and uniform patterns at mid-range.
- Made from durable 17-4 PH Stainless Steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install, remove, and maintain.
- Significantly improves pattern density compared to standard chokes.
- Ideal for duck and dove hunting, providing more confident shots.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to basic choke tubes.
- The design of the choke does not allow for placement in both barrels of over-under shotguns.
Who Should Buy Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste is perfect for serious duck and dove hunters who demand the best possible performance from their shotgun. It’s also a great choice for sporting clays shooters looking to improve their mid-range accuracy.
If you’re primarily a close-range hunter or only occasionally use your shotgun, this choke might be overkill.
A quality choke wrench and a selection of different 12-gauge loads are must-have accessories to maximize the RR2 Raptor’s potential.
Conclusion on Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200275 RR2 Raptor Crio Plus 12 Gauge 17-4 PH Stainless Ste is a premium choke tube that delivers on its promise of enhanced mid-range performance. While the price is higher than basic chokes, the improved pattern density and consistent results justify the investment for serious shotgun enthusiasts.
The price is definitely justified if you need more dense patterns at mid-range. I would absolutely recommend the RR2 Raptor to any hunter or shooter looking to take their shotgun performance to the next level. Invest in the Rob Roberts Gun Works RR2 Raptor and experience the difference a truly engineered choke can make.