Master Your Shot: The Benelli 12 Gauge Extended Ported Crio Choke Tube – Skeet II (UPC 650350971538)

For competitive shooters and passionate shotgun enthusiasts, achieving the perfect shot pattern and managing recoil are paramount to success. If you're a dedicated clay target participant, a serious skeet or sporting clays competitor, or a hunter who demands absolute precision at close range, you understand that your shotgun's performance is only as good as its components. The quest for consistent breaks and comfortable shooting often leads to one critical accessory: the choke tube.

This detailed guide focuses on a precision-engineered component designed to elevate your shooting experience: the Benelli 12 Gauge Extended Ported Crio Choke Tube, Skeet II. Bearing the UPC 650350971538 and SKU 83042, this isn't just another choke tube; it's a meticulously crafted tool that integrates Benelli’s renowned Crio System technology with an extended, ported design, all optimized for the unique demands of close-range clay shooting and specialized hunting scenarios.

Why Choke Tubes Matter: The Foundation of Shotgun Performance

Before diving into the specifics of this Benelli masterpiece, let's understand why choke tubes are indispensable for any serious shotgun owner. A choke tube is a constricted device inserted into the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel, designed to control the spread of the shot pattern as it exits the barrel. Different levels of constriction, known as "chokes," determine how wide or narrow your shot pattern will be at a given distance.

Choosing the right choke is critical for:

• Optimal Pattern Density: Ensuring enough shot pellets hit the target for a clean break or ethical harvest.
• Extended Effective Range: Matching the choke to the distance of your target to maximize pellet energy and spread.
• Versatility: Adapting your shotgun for various disciplines, from skeet to trap, sporting clays, or different hunting scenarios.

Without the correct choke, a shotgun's performance is severely limited, leading to inconsistent results, frustration, and missed opportunities.

Unpacking the Benelli Crio System: A Revolution in Shotgun Barrels and Chokes

At the heart of this choke tube's superior performance is Benelli's proprietary Crio System. But what exactly is Crio, and how does it benefit you, the shooter?

The Crio System, short for Cryogenic System, is an innovative manufacturing process where Benelli barrels and choke tubes are subjected to temperatures as low as -300°F (-184°C). This extreme cold treatment refines the molecular structure of the steel, making it incredibly uniform, strong, and stable.

The benefits of this cryogenic treatment are profound:

• Enhanced Strength and Durability: The steel becomes more resistant to wear and tear, prolonging the life of your choke tube and barrel.
• Reduced Friction: A smoother, more uniform surface inside the barrel and choke minimizes friction on the shot column. This results in less pellet deformation and more consistent, uniform patterns.
• Improved Ballistics: With less pellet deformation, more pellets retain their spherical shape, leading to better aerodynamic performance and tighter, denser patterns downrange.
• Easier Cleaning: The ultra-smooth surface reduces the adherence of lead, plastic, and powder fouling, making post-shooting cleanup significantly easier.
• Consistent Performance: The molecular stability ensures that the choke performs consistently shot after shot, season after season, without microscopic changes due to heat or stress.

For anyone asking, "What makes Benelli chokes so special?" or "How do I get more consistent patterns?", the Crio System is a major part of the answer. It’s a testament to Benelli's commitment to pushing the boundaries of shotgun technology, providing shooters with a tangible advantage on the range or in the field.

The Advantage of "Extended Ported": Engineering for Performance and Comfort

The Benelli Skeet II choke isn't just Crio-treated; it’s also extended and ported. These design features are critical for optimizing both shooting performance and shooter comfort.

What are Extended Choke Tubes?

An "extended" choke tube protrudes beyond the muzzle of the shotgun barrel. This design offers several practical advantages:

• Effortless Choke Changes: The extended portion provides a convenient gripping surface, allowing for quick and tool-free choke changes in the field or on the range. No more fumbling with a wrench between stations!
• Muzzle Protection: The extended choke acts as a sacrificial buffer, protecting the valuable barrel crown from accidental dings or damage. This helps preserve the barrel's accuracy over time.
• Improved Pattern Transition: The gradual taper of an extended choke tube, which begins inside the barrel and continues into the extended portion, allows for a smoother transition of the shot column. This contributes to more uniform patterns and reduced fliers.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Many shooters appreciate the distinct, professional look of extended chokes.

If you’ve ever wondered, "Are extended choke tubes worth the investment?" or "How do I quickly change chokes on my shotgun?", the answer often lies in the convenience and protection offered by extended designs like this Benelli Crio Plus model.

The Power of Porting: Taming Recoil and Muzzle Jump

"Ported" choke tubes feature a series of small holes or slots (ports) machined around the circumference of the extended portion. These ports are strategically angled to vent expanding gases upwards and outwards as the shot column exits the barrel. This gas redirection provides significant benefits:

• Recoil Reduction: By diverting gases, ported chokes reduce the rearward momentum of the shotgun, leading to a noticeable decrease in felt recoil. For shooters spending hours on the range, this translates to less fatigue and more enjoyable shooting sessions. "How can I reduce recoil in my 12 gauge shotgun?" is a common question, and a ported choke like this is a highly effective solution.
• Muzzle Rise Mitigation: The upward venting of gases pushes the muzzle downwards, counteracting muzzle flip or jump. This allows for faster target re-acquisition and more accurate follow-up shots, which is crucial in disciplines like skeet or sporting clays where multiple targets appear in quick succession.
• Enhanced Control: With less recoil and muzzle rise, shooters can maintain better control over their firearm, leading to improved consistency and confidence.

The combination of an extended and ported design makes the Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube a high-performance accessory engineered to enhance both your shooting accuracy and your comfort.

Decoding "Skeet II": Your Gateway to Close-Range Precision

The designation "Skeet II" is a specific constriction level, uniquely calibrated by Benelli to provide a precise pattern for particular shooting scenarios. While a standard "Skeet" choke is designed for the widest possible pattern at very close ranges (typically under 25 yards), the "Skeet II" often provides a slightly tighter, yet still very open, pattern. This makes it incredibly versatile for clay target sports.

What is the Skeet II Choke Best For?

• Competitive Skeet Shooting: While the "Skeet" choke is standard for most skeet stations, some shooters, particularly those competing at higher levels or preferring a slightly denser pattern for stations where targets might be a little further out (e.g., stations 3, 4, 5), will opt for a Skeet II. It offers a forgiving pattern for close, fast-moving targets while providing a bit more punch than a true open Skeet choke.
• Close-Range Sporting Clays: Sporting clays courses present a wide variety of target presentations. The Skeet II choke excels on closer targets where a slightly tighter pattern than a Skeet choke might be desired for a cleaner break, especially on quartering or rising targets around 20-30 yards. It’s an excellent choice for a first shot on a close report pair or a very close true pair.
• Upland Bird Hunting (Close Range): For hunting small, fast-flushing birds like quail, woodcock, or even doves at very close ranges in dense cover, the Skeet II choke provides a wide, effective pattern that minimizes shot damage while ensuring enough pellets connect.
• Training and Practice: For new shooters or those practicing fundamental shotgun skills, the Skeet II provides a generous pattern that helps build confidence while still encouraging precise gun mount and lead.

The Skeet II constriction strikes a perfect balance, offering the benefits of an open pattern for close-in targets while providing a little extra density and effective range compared to the absolute widest choke. For those asking, "What is the best choke for skeet beyond a basic Skeet choke?" or "Which choke helps with slightly further sporting clays targets without being too tight?", the Benelli Skeet II is a compelling answer.

Practical Application: Real-World Scenarios and Shooter Outcomes

Imagine these scenarios and how the Benelli Skeet II Crio Choke Tube enhances your performance:

• Scenario 1: The Skeet Field (Station 4)
  • Problem: Fast incomer from the high house, followed by a fast outgoing low house bird.
  • Solution: The Skeet II's forgiving pattern ensures a solid hit on the first, close, fast target. The recoil reduction and muzzle rise mitigation allow for rapid re-acquisition and a confident second shot on the departing low house target, leading to consistent breaks and higher scores.
• Scenario 2: Sporting Clays (Close Quarter Presentation)
  • Problem: A true pair of rabbits rolling quickly across the ground at 15-20 yards.
  • Solution: The Skeet II provides the ideal pattern density to cleanly break both targets without blowing them to dust. The ported design helps control recoil, essential for quick, accurate follow-up shots on the second target.
• Scenario 3: Quail Hunting in Thick Brush
  • Problem: A covey of quail flushes explosively at your feet in dense cover.
  • Solution: The wide, yet sufficiently dense, pattern of the Skeet II ensures multiple pellets connect, providing an ethical and efficient harvest of these fast-moving birds at very close range. You'll spend less time searching for downed birds and more time enjoying the hunt.

Shooters who utilize the Benelli 12 Gauge Extended Ported Crio Choke Tube in Skeet II consistently report:

• Improved Break Percentage: More consistent hits on clay targets.
• Reduced Shooter Fatigue: Less impact on the shoulder and face over long shooting sessions.
• Faster Target Transitions: Quicker and more accurate follow-up shots.
• Greater Confidence: Trusting your equipment to perform when it matters most.

This choke tube is specifically designed for shotgun owners who want to upgrade their existing Benelli shotgun (with Crio Plus compatibility) to achieve peak performance in specific, close-range shooting disciplines. It's an investment in precision, comfort, and ultimately, higher scores and greater enjoyment.

Installation, Compatibility, and Care

The Benelli 12 Gauge Extended Ported Crio Choke Tube (UPC 650350971538) is designed for 12 gauge Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system. It is crucial to verify your shotgun’s choke system compatibility before purchase. Most modern Benelli shotguns, including models like the Ethos, Vinci, Super Black Eagle II/III, and Montefeltro (with Crio barrels), will be compatible. Always consult your firearm's manual.

Installation is straightforward:

• Ensure Safety: Always ensure your shotgun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before handling.
• Verify Cleanliness: Check the choke tube threads and barrel threads for any debris. Clean if necessary.
• Thread In: Gently thread the choke tube into the muzzle end of the barrel by hand.
• Hand Tighten: Tighten until snug. The extended design means no wrench is typically needed for removal or installation. Do not overtighten.

Care and Maintenance:

To maintain the choke tube's performance and longevity, clean it regularly. After each shooting session, remove the choke tube, wipe away powder residue and carbon buildup with a cloth, and use a specialized bore cleaning solvent if necessary. A light coat of gun oil on the threads will prevent seizing and make future removal easier. Proper care ensures the Crio treatment and precision machining continue to deliver optimal results.

Why Choose This Benelli Crio Plus Choke Tube?

When considering shotgun accessories, especially those as critical as choke tubes, quality and engineering matter. The Benelli 12 Gauge Extended Ported Crio Choke Tube, Skeet II stands out for several reasons:

• Benelli Heritage: Built by a world-renowned firearm manufacturer known for innovation, reliability, and precision.
• Advanced Crio Technology: This isn't just a piece of metal; it's cryogenically treated for superior strength, consistency, and reduced fouling, directly translating to better patterns and easier maintenance.
• Performance-Driven Design: The extended and ported features are not gimmicks; they are engineered solutions for recoil reduction, muzzle control, and user-friendly operation.
• Optimized Constriction: The Skeet II constriction is purpose-built for specific, common shooting challenges, providing a significant advantage in clay sports and close-range hunting.
• Durability: Constructed from high-quality steel with a robust finish, it's built to withstand countless rounds and years of use.

For shooters searching for "the best choke tube for Benelli shotguns," "how to improve skeet scores," or "ultimate recoil reduction accessories," this specific Benelli choke tube (UPC 650350971538) represents a premium choice. It's more than an accessory; it's an enhancement to your shooting system.

Where to Find This Essential Upgrade

Ready to experience the difference a truly optimized choke tube can make? The Benelli 12 Gauge Extended Ported Crio Choke Tube, Skeet II (UPC 650350971538, SKU 83042) is available through trusted retailers dedicated to providing top-tier shooting sports equipment. For a reliable purchase and expert support, consider exploring this product and other Benelli accessories at DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a wide selection of firearm components and accessories, ensuring you find exactly what you need to fine-tune your shotgun for peak performance.

Invest in your shooting success. Elevate your game with the precision and innovation of Benelli.

Technical Specifications: Benelli 12 Gauge Extended Ported Crio Choke Tube – Skeet II

Feature	Description	Notes
Gauge	12 Gauge	Standard shotgun chambering
Constriction	Skeet II	Open pattern, ideal for close targets
Design	Extended & Ported	Easy handling, recoil/muzzle reduction
Technology	Benelli Crio System	Cryogenically treated for consistency
Material	High-quality Steel	Durable and long-lasting
Finish	Black	Corrosion resistant
Compatibility	Benelli Shotguns with Crio Plus Choke System	Verify your specific shotgun model
SKU	83042	Manufacturer's Stock Keeping Unit
UPC	650350971538	Universal Product Code for identification