Elevate Your Clay Target Performance: The Benelli 20 Gauge Crio Plus Extended Skeet 2 Choke Tube

For discerning shotgun enthusiasts, competitive skeet shooters, and any Benelli 20-gauge owner committed to optimizing their firearm's performance, the Benelli 20 Gauge Crio Plus Extended Skeet 2 Choke Tube represents a crucial upgrade. This precision-engineered accessory is designed to enhance your shot patterns, providing the ideal spread for close-range targets and improving your overall accuracy, especially in the fast-paced world of skeet shooting. Understanding its unique features and the underlying technology will illuminate why this specific choke tube is a must-have for those seeking an edge in clay target sports.

Understanding the Role of Choke Tubes in Shotgun Performance

Before delving into the specifics of the Benelli Skeet 2 choke, it's essential to grasp the fundamental purpose of a choke tube. A choke is a tapered constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel that controls the spread of the shot pellets as they exit the bore. By altering this constriction, shooters can dictate how tightly or widely their shot pattern spreads at various distances.

Choosing the correct choke tube is paramount for successful shooting, whether you're breaking clay targets or pursuing game birds. A tighter choke retains a dense pattern over longer distances, ideal for distant targets. Conversely, a more open choke allows the shot to spread quickly, creating a wider, more forgiving pattern for closer, fast-moving targets. The ability to swap chokes quickly and efficiently allows a shotgun to be a versatile tool, adaptable to a multitude of shooting scenarios. Without the right choke, even the most skilled shooter can struggle with inconsistent patterns, leading to missed targets and frustration.

The Benelli Crio System: A Revolution in Barrel and Choke Technology

What sets many modern Benelli shotguns apart, and specifically their choke tubes, is the innovative Crio System. This proprietary technology involves cryogenically treating the barrels and choke tubes at extremely low temperatures (around -300°F). This deep-freeze process stress-relieves the steel, making it more uniform and dimensionally stable.

The benefits of the Crio System are significant and directly impact shooting performance:

• Superior Pattern Consistency: The uniform structure of the cryogenically treated steel results in less internal stress and a smoother bore. This means pellets experience less deformation as they pass through the barrel and choke, leading to more consistent and uniform patterns downrange. You'll observe fewer "fliers" or rogue pellets, and your shot cloud will be denser and more predictable.
• Enhanced Velocity: With less friction and reduced pellet deformation, more energy is retained by the shot charge, potentially leading to slightly higher velocities and improved downrange energy.
• Increased Durability and Longevity: The stress-relieving process also makes the steel harder and more resistant to wear and tear from repeated firing. This translates to a longer lifespan for your barrel and choke tube, maintaining peak performance over thousands of rounds.
• Easier Cleaning: The smoother surface inside Crio barrels and chokes tends to accumulate less plastic wad fouling and carbon buildup, making cleaning quicker and more efficient.

When you invest in a Benelli Crio Plus choke tube, you're not just buying a piece of metal; you're acquiring a precision instrument engineered with advanced metallurgical processes designed to give you a definitive advantage.

Introducing the Benelli 20 Gauge Crio Plus Extended Skeet 2 Choke Tube

This specific choke tube (UPC: 650350971583) is designed for a precise application and offers distinct advantages.

Gauge Specificity: The Versatility of 20 Gauge

The "20 Gauge" designation is crucial. While 12-gauge shotguns are often the default for many shooting disciplines, the 20 gauge offers unique advantages, especially for certain shooters and scenarios. It provides lighter recoil, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, younger shooters, or those sensitive to recoil. Its lighter weight and often more compact dimensions also contribute to quicker handling and faster target acquisition, which is invaluable in dynamic clay target sports like skeet and sporting clays. This choke tube is exclusively compatible with Benelli 20-gauge shotguns featuring the Crio Plus barrel system.

"Crio Plus" Compatibility: Precision Fit for Benelli

The "Crio Plus" part of the name signifies that this choke tube is specifically engineered to integrate seamlessly with Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus internal choke system. This ensures a perfect fit, optimal alignment with the bore, and maximum performance as the choke's design works in harmony with the cryogenically treated Crio Plus barrels. Attempting to use this choke in a non-Crio Plus Benelli or another brand's shotgun could lead to damage or unsafe conditions. Always verify compatibility with your shotgun model.

Understanding "Skeet 2" Constriction: The Ultimate Close-Range Pattern

The "Skeet 2" (or sometimes "Skeet II") constriction is a highly specialized, very open choke. While standard "Skeet" chokes are designed for close-range clay target shooting, a "Skeet 2" takes this a step further, offering an even wider, more forgiving pattern at extremely close distances.

• Purpose: The Skeet 2 choke is designed for shot distances typically encountered in American Skeet shooting, especially at the very close stations (e.g., stations 1, 2, 7, 8) where targets are presented within 10-20 yards. At these distances, a rapidly expanding pattern is crucial for maximizing the hit probability on fast-crossing or quartering targets.
• Pattern Characteristics: It produces the widest pattern of nearly all choke constrictions, allowing for a significant margin of error in aiming. This broad spread ensures that even if your lead or timing isn't absolutely perfect, a sufficient number of pellets will still impact the clay target for a clean break.
• Ideal Use: It excels in competitive skeet shooting where consistent breaks are paramount for achieving high scores. For those learning skeet or struggling with close targets, the Skeet 2 choke can dramatically improve success rates and build confidence.

The Advantage of an "Extended" Design

This Benelli choke tube features an extended design, meaning a portion of the choke tube protrudes from the end of the shotgun's muzzle. This seemingly minor detail offers several practical benefits:

• Easy Identification and Swapping: The extended portion often has knurling or specific markings (like the Skeet 2 designation) that make it easy to grip, identify the constriction type, and quickly change chokes by hand without a wrench. This is invaluable during a shooting round where time is of the essence.
• Muzzle Protection: The extended choke acts as a sacrificial buffer, protecting the more delicate muzzle crown and barrel rifling from accidental bumps or scrapes.
• Improved Pattern Transition: The extra length allows for a longer, more gradual taper of the choke constriction. This smoother transition helps to reduce pellet deformation even further, leading to slightly tighter and more consistent patterns than an equivalent flush-mounted choke. While the Skeet 2 is designed for wide patterns, this improved transition still means a more uniform, predictable wide pattern.
• Reduced Muzzle Jump: The extended portion can also act as a slight compensator, subtly redirecting gases as they exit the bore, which may contribute to a marginal reduction in muzzle jump, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Benelli Skeet 2 Choke Tube?

This specialized choke tube is an invaluable asset for several groups of shooters:

• Competitive Skeet Shooters: If you're serious about scoring 25 straights in American Skeet, the Benelli Skeet 2 choke for your 20-gauge Crio Plus shotgun will provide the optimal pattern for the close, fast-moving targets that define the sport. It minimizes the margin for error on those critical close-in shots.
• Recreational Clay Target Enthusiasts: Even if you're not competing, enjoying a round of skeet or very close sporting clays stations becomes far more rewarding when you're consistently breaking targets. This choke makes hitting those close birds feel effortless, boosting confidence and fun.
• Benelli 20 Gauge Owners: For anyone owning a Benelli 20-gauge shotgun with a Crio Plus barrel system, this choke is a direct, factory-engineered upgrade or replacement. It ensures perfect compatibility and retains the legendary performance Benelli is known for.
• New Shooters or Those Building Confidence: The forgiving pattern of the Skeet 2 can be a tremendous aid for new shooters learning the fundamentals of lead and timing. It allows them to see more breaks, which fosters enthusiasm and builds a solid foundation.
• Shotgunners Seeking Optimal Versatility: While highly specialized, adding a Skeet 2 to your choke tube arsenal completes your ability to tackle any clay target presentation, ensuring you have the perfect tool for every scenario.

Maximizing Your Performance: Best Practices with Your Skeet 2 Choke

To truly leverage the capabilities of your Benelli 20 Gauge Crio Plus Extended Skeet 2 Choke Tube, consider these tips:

• Ammunition Selection: While a Skeet 2 choke is forgiving, matching it with high-quality skeet loads (typically #9 shot, 7/8 oz or 1 oz for 20 gauge) will yield the best patterns. Experiment with different brands to see what your specific shotgun and choke prefer.
• Pattern Testing: Always pattern test your shotgun with your chosen ammunition and choke combination. Shoot at a large paper target at 15-20 yards to visualize the pattern and confirm its density and spread. This helps you understand exactly how your setup performs.
• Situational Awareness: Recognize when the Skeet 2 is your best choice. It shines on very close targets (under 20 yards). For targets further out, you'll need to switch to a tighter choke (e.g., Improved Cylinder, Light Modified, or Modified) to maintain pattern density.

Care and Maintenance of Your Benelli Choke Tube

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and consistent performance of your choke tube:

1. Regular Cleaning: Carbon and plastic wad residue can build up inside and around the choke tube threads. After each shooting session, remove the choke tube and thoroughly clean both the choke and the barrel threads. A stiff nylon brush and a good bore solvent are effective.
2. Lubrication: Before re-installing, apply a thin layer of anti-seize grease to the threads of the choke tube. This prevents galling (cold welding) of the steel and makes future removal much easier.
3. Proper Tightening: Always tighten your choke tube firmly by hand. While the extended design allows for hand tightening, ensuring it's snug is important to prevent it from loosening during firing. Avoid overtightening with a wrench unless absolutely necessary, as this can damage the threads.
4. Inspection: Periodically inspect your choke tube for any signs of wear, pitting, or damage. A damaged choke can negatively impact patterns and potentially compromise safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding common queries about choke tubes can further enhance your appreciation for this essential shotgun accessory.

Q: What is the main difference between a "Skeet 1" (standard Skeet) and "Skeet 2" choke?
A: A Skeet 2 choke provides an even wider and more open pattern than a standard Skeet 1 (often just called "Skeet") choke. While both are designed for close-range clay targets, the Skeet 2 offers maximum spread for very close shots, providing a greater margin of error. It’s slightly more open than a typical Skeet (Skeet 1).

Q: Can I use this 20-gauge Skeet 2 choke for hunting?
A: While primarily designed for clay targets, the Skeet 2 choke can be used for very close-range hunting scenarios where a wide, fast-spreading pattern is desired, such as flushing quail or woodcock in extremely dense cover. However, for most bird hunting, tighter chokes like Improved Cylinder or Modified are generally more effective for typical ranges to ensure sufficient pellet density for clean kills.

Q: How often should I clean my choke tube?
A: It's best practice to remove and clean your choke tube after every shooting session. Carbon and plastic fouling can quickly build up, making removal difficult and potentially affecting performance if left unchecked.

Q: Is this Benelli Crio Plus choke tube compatible with other brands of shotguns?
A: No, the Benelli 20 Gauge Crio Plus Extended Skeet 2 Choke Tube is specifically designed for Benelli 20-gauge shotguns that feature the Crio Plus barrel system. Using it in other brands or incompatible Benelli models can lead to a poor fit, unsafe conditions, and damage to the firearm or choke.

Q: Does the cryogenic treatment really make a difference in performance?
A: Yes, the cryogenic treatment (Crio System) significantly enhances barrel and choke performance. By stress-relieving the steel, it leads to more uniform pellet patterns, reduced pellet deformation, increased durability, and easier cleaning. This translates directly to more consistent breaks and a more enjoyable shooting experience.

Conclusion: Unlock Your Shotgun's Full Potential

The Benelli 20 Gauge Crio Plus Extended Skeet 2 Choke Tube (UPC: 650350971583) is more than just a component; it's a performance enhancer. By leveraging Benelli's advanced Crio System technology and precise engineering, this choke tube delivers the wide, consistent patterns essential for excelling in skeet shooting and other close-range clay target disciplines. Its extended design offers practical advantages in terms of handling and protection, making it a reliable and convenient addition to your shooting gear. For any shooter with a compatible Benelli 20-gauge shotgun who demands the very best in pattern consistency and reliability for close targets, this Skeet 2 choke tube is an indispensable investment towards achieving your highest scores and enjoying the sport to its fullest.

SKU	UPC	Key Feature
83047P	650350971583	20 Gauge Crio Plus Extended Skeet 2 Choke Tube