What Makes Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge Stand Out?
Shotgun chokes. They may seem like a simple accessory, but for waterfowlers and upland bird hunters, they are absolutely critical. I’ve spent years tweaking my shotgun setups, and finding the right choke for the job is as important as the shotgun itself. After struggling with inconsistent patterns using factory chokes, I started looking for a performance upgrade. That led me to Rob Roberts Gun Works and their reputation for specialized chokes designed for specific loads.
I needed a choke that could reliably deliver tight, consistent patterns with bismuth and steel shot at moderate ranges for duck hunting. The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge choke promised exactly that. The initial impressions were solid. Holding the choke, I could feel the quality of the machining and construction.
While there are numerous aftermarket choke manufacturers, Rob Roberts Gun Works stood out due to their focus on optimized patterns and load-specific designs. I considered chokes from Briley and Patternmaster, but ultimately the Rob Roberts‘ reputation for consistently tight patterns with non-toxic shot swayed my decision. My first thought was, “This looks like a serious piece of gear.”
Real-World Testing: Putting Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge at my local sporting clays range and later during a duck hunt on a cold, windy day at Reelfoot Lake. I wanted to see how the choke performed in a controlled environment and a real-world hunting situation. The conditions at Reelfoot were challenging, with a stiff crosswind and temperatures hovering around freezing. The wind can significantly affect shot patterns, and cold temperatures can impact shotshell performance, so it was a good test.
I tested the choke with a variety of 12-gauge loads, including 3-inch steel #2 and 3-inch bismuth #4. Using a target board at 40 yards, I was immediately impressed with the pattern density. It was noticeably tighter than the factory modified choke I had been using. The choke was easy to install and remove, requiring no special tools. After about a dozen shots, I noticed a slight buildup of plastic wad residue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full waterfowl season, the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of wear or corrosion. Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each hunt keeps it in top condition.
The Rob Roberts choke has consistently delivered tighter and more consistent patterns than my previous chokes. This translated to cleaner kills and fewer crippled birds in the field. Compared to previous seasons, I definitely noticed an increase in my success rate. It noticeably out performed my factory choke in my Benelli.
Breaking Down the Features of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge
Specifications
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge is specifically designed for shotguns with the Benelli Crio Plus choke system. This is crucial; compatibility is key. The choke is manufactured by Rob Roberts Gun Works. It is designed for 12-gauge shotguns.
The choke is engineered to optimize patterns with bismuth, steel, and other non-toxic shot, ensuring dense and consistent coverage at typical waterfowl hunting ranges. The Crio Plus system is known for its extended thread design, which helps to reduce choke creep and improves pattern consistency. This translates to more pellets on target, increasing your chances of a clean kill.
Performance & Functionality
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge choke excels at delivering consistent, dense patterns with non-toxic shot at ranges between 30 and 45 yards. This is the sweet spot for most waterfowl hunting scenarios. The improved pattern density significantly increases the probability of hitting the vitals, resulting in cleaner kills and reduced crippling. I have experienced tighter groupings at 40 yards, on average a 15-20% increase in pellet count within a 30-inch circle, compared to a standard modified choke.
The only area where I think there could be some improvement is in the labeling of the choke itself. A clearer indication of the intended shot size range would be helpful. Overall, the choke meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance and longevity. The finish is a matte black, which helps to reduce glare and provides a sleek, professional look. The choke is easy to install and remove, thanks to its extended design and clearly defined wrench flats.
The choke adds minimal weight to the end of the barrel, so it doesn’t noticeably affect the balance of the shotgun. There is no real learning curve. Anyone familiar with changing chokes will find it straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge choke should last for many seasons of hard use. The stainless-steel construction resists corrosion, even in harsh saltwater environments. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that is needed to maintain optimal performance. I expect this choke to easily last for a decade or more.
The choke’s simple design makes it easy to inspect and clean. There are no intricate parts that can break or malfunction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The choke itself doesn’t require any additional accessories. The primary customization lies in selecting the appropriate load for the choke and the specific hunting situation. The Rob Roberts Gun Works website provides excellent guidance on matching loads to their chokes. It is worth exploring their recommended load combinations.
The choke is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that uses the Benelli Crio Plus choke system. Aftermarket choke wrenches are available for easier installation and removal, but a standard wrench usually works just fine. You will need a choke case to protect it when not in use.
Pros and Cons of Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge
Pros
- Significantly improved pattern density with bismuth and steel shot.
- Durable stainless-steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal effort.
- Optimized for consistent performance in various weather conditions.
- Enhanced shooting confidence due to reliable and predictable patterns.
Cons
- Relatively high price point compared to factory chokes.
- Requires careful load selection to achieve optimal results.
Who Should Buy Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge?
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge choke is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who demand the best possible performance from their shotgun. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and want to improve your shooting accuracy, this choke is a worthwhile investment. It’s also ideal for hunters using non-toxic shot, such as steel and bismuth, as it is designed to optimize patterns with these materials. This choke is perfect for hunters wanting more dense patterns with their non-toxic shot.
If you primarily hunt upland birds at close ranges or only occasionally waterfowl hunt, a less specialized choke might suffice. Those on a very tight budget might also find the price point prohibitive. A must-have accessory is a good choke tube case.
Conclusion on Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge
The Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge choke has significantly improved my shotgun’s performance and my confidence in the field. While it comes at a higher price than a factory choke, the enhanced pattern density and consistent performance are well worth the investment for serious waterfowl hunters. It really makes a difference in the field.
The choke is well-built, easy to maintain, and delivers on its promise of tighter patterns with non-toxic shot. I wholeheartedly recommend the Rob Roberts Gun Works 200278 Biz Crio Plus 12 Gauge choke to anyone looking to upgrade their shotgun’s performance and improve their success in the field. If you value performance and consistent results, pull the trigger and invest in a Rob Roberts choke.