Master Your Turkey Season: The Carlson's Head Hunter 12 Gauge Choke Tube for Benelli Crio Plus Systems

For serious turkey hunters, every component of their setup contributes to success in the field. From the shotgun itself to the ammunition chosen, precision and performance are paramount. Among the most critical yet often underestimated elements is the choke tube. It's the unsung hero that shapes your shot pattern, determining your effective range and the ethical efficacy of your shots.

If you’re a dedicated turkey hunter constantly asking, "What's the best choke tube for my 12 gauge shotgun to get tighter patterns?" or "How can I extend my ethical shooting range for gobblers?", then you're in the right place. This in-depth guide is designed to answer those very questions, focusing on a top-tier solution that consistently delivers: the Carlson's Head Hunter Choke Tube 12 Gauge Benelli Crio Plus .660 (Model: JPCBN12F1/660).

This isn't just another choke tube; it's an expertly engineered component specifically designed to transform your shotgun into a devastatingly effective turkey hunting machine. Available at DEGuns.com, this Carlson's Head Hunter choke tube promises unparalleled pattern density and consistency, helping you make the most of every opportunity during turkey season.

Why Your Choke Tube Is Critical for Turkey Hunting Success

The choke tube is a removable device threaded into the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel, designed to control the spread of the shot pellets as they exit the bore. For hunting, especially turkey hunting, the right choke tube is the difference between a clean, ethical harvest and a missed opportunity or, worse, a wounded bird.

Turkey hunting demands an incredibly tight and dense pattern, specifically aimed at the small, vital head and neck area of a gobbler. Unlike other game where a broader pattern might be acceptable, pinpoint accuracy is essential for turkeys to ensure a quick, humane kill. This is where specialized turkey chokes, like the Carlson's Head Hunter .660, truly shine. They constrict the shot column significantly, forcing the pellets to stay together for longer distances, delivering more energy and a higher pellet count on target.

Introducing the Carlson's Head Hunter Choke Tube: Precision Engineered for Gobblers

The Carlson's Head Hunter Choke Tube (JPCBN12F1/660) is a premier choice for hunters seeking to maximize the performance of their 12-gauge shotguns equipped with the Benelli Crio Plus choke system. It's not just a piece of metal; it's a meticulously crafted tool built to provide the ultimate advantage in the turkey woods.

Key Features and What They Mean for Your Hunt:

• Optimized Constriction: .660 Exit Diameter: This is the heart of its turkey hunting prowess. A .660 constriction is considered ultra-tight, even tighter than typical full or extra-full chokes. This extreme constriction ensures that your shot charge remains incredibly dense and concentrated out to longer ranges, delivering maximum pellet count to the turkey's vitals. When you're facing a wary gobbler at 40+ yards, this constriction ensures your pattern holds together, making ethical long-range shots a reality.
• Designed for Benelli Crio Plus Systems: Compatibility is key. This choke tube is specifically engineered to fit shotguns that utilize the Benelli Crio Plus choke system. This includes popular models like the Benelli Super Black Eagle II, Super Black Eagle 3, M2, Vinci, Nova, SuperNova, and other similar Benelli shotguns. Ensuring a perfect fit guarantees optimal performance and prevents damage to your barrel or choke.
• Premium 17-4 Heat-Treated Stainless Steel: Durability and reliability are non-negotiable in the field. Carlson's manufactures the Head Hunter choke from high-quality 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel. This material is renowned for its exceptional strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. It can withstand the immense pressures of modern turkey loads without deforming, ensuring consistent performance shot after shot, season after season.
• Rugged Black Nitride Finish: Beyond its stealthy, non-reflective appearance, the black nitride finish provides an additional layer of protection. This advanced surface treatment enhances wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and lubricity, making the choke tube incredibly durable and easy to clean. It also minimizes glare, ensuring you remain undetected by sharp-eyed turkeys.
• Extended Ported Design: The Head Hunter features an extended design that protrudes approximately one inch beyond the muzzle. This extension allows for integrated porting. These ports vent gases, which effectively reduces recoil and muzzle jump. For turkey hunters using heavy, high-velocity turkey loads, this reduction in recoil can significantly improve follow-up shot capability, reduce shooter fatigue, and aid in maintaining sight picture for more consistent patterning. The extended design also protects the end of your barrel.
• Knurled End for Easy Installation/Removal: Practicality matters. The knurled end of the choke tube allows for easy hand-tightening and removal, even in cold or wet conditions. No need for specialized tools in the field, making it convenient for quick adjustments or cleaning.

Who is the Carlson's Head Hunter Choke Tube For?

This choke tube is purpose-built for:

• Serious Turkey Hunters: If you're passionate about turkey hunting and demand the highest level of performance from your equipment, this choke tube is designed for you. It's for hunters who understand the nuances of pattern density and consistent pellet delivery.
• Owners of Benelli Crio Plus Shotguns: Specifically for those whose 12-gauge Benelli shotguns (or other brands using the Crio Plus system) are their trusted companions in the turkey woods.
• Hunters Seeking Extended Ethical Range: If you're looking to push the boundaries of ethical engagement distances, or simply want increased confidence in your shots at conventional ranges (e.g., 30-50 yards), the .660 constriction will provide the tight patterns you need.
• Those Prioritizing Humane Harvests: A dense, consistent pattern ensures maximum energy transfer and a higher probability of striking vital areas, leading to quick and humane kills.
• Hunters Using Heavy Turkey Loads: The robust construction and ported design are ideal for handling the demands of modern, heavy turkey loads (e.g., 3-inch, 3.5-inch magnum shells with various shot sizes like #4, #5, #6, or TSS loads).

Real-World Applications and How It Solves Common Hunter Challenges

Problem: Inconsistent or sparse patterns at distance, leading to missed birds or unethical shots.
Solution: The .660 constriction of the Carlson's Head Hunter ensures an incredibly tight and dense pattern, putting more pellets on target where they count. This means a higher probability of incapacitating a gobbler quickly and humanely, even at the fringe of your effective range.

Problem: Excessive recoil from heavy turkey loads, affecting follow-up shots and overall shooting comfort.
Solution: The extended and ported design of this choke tube effectively vents gasses, significantly reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise. This allows for quicker target reacquisition and a more comfortable shooting experience, especially during patterning sessions or if a follow-up shot is needed.

Problem: Choke tubes corroding or wearing out quickly due to harsh conditions or heavy use.
Solution: Crafted from 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel with a black nitride finish, this choke tube offers superior resistance to corrosion and wear. It's built to withstand the rigors of frequent use and exposure to the elements, ensuring longevity and consistent performance for many seasons to come.

Use Case 1: Pre-Season Patterning Perfection
Before heading into the turkey woods, serious hunters spend time patterning their shotguns. The Carlson's Head Hunter becomes indispensable here. By testing various turkey loads with this .660 constriction, you can identify the exact ammunition that produces the most consistent and dense patterns for your specific shotgun. This crucial data allows you to go into the season with utmost confidence in your setup.

Use Case 2: Ethical Long-Range Engagements
While close-range shots are always preferred, turkeys don't always cooperate. When a wary gobbler hangs up at 45 yards, the Head Hunter's ultra-tight pattern can make the difference. It ensures enough pellet energy and density reach the target to make a clean, ethical shot possible, extending your effective range responsibly.

Use Case 3: Upgrading Your Existing Setup
If your current Benelli Crio Plus shotgun isn't delivering the patterns you desire for turkey hunting, swapping out your factory choke for the Carlson's Head Hunter is a straightforward and impactful upgrade. It's a cost-effective way to significantly boost your shotgun's turkey hunting performance without investing in a new firearm.

The Science Behind the Performance

The Magic of .660 Constriction:
Shotgun chokes are measured by their exit diameter. A standard 12-gauge bore is typically around .729 inches. A .660 constriction represents a significant reduction in diameter. This forces the shot column to compress tighter and travel in a more cohesive mass for a longer distance before spreading. For turkey hunting, where the target area is small (a turkey's head/neck is roughly the size of a golf ball to a baseball), this focused pellet delivery is crucial. It maximizes the number of pellets impacting the target, ensuring a quick and humane kill.

Benefits of Black Nitride Treatment:
Black Nitride is a thermochemical process that diffuses nitrogen into the surface of the steel. This creates a harder, more wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant surface. It also reduces friction, leading to smoother pellet flow and less residue buildup. For a choke tube, this means less maintenance, increased lifespan, and consistent performance even after hundreds of rounds.

Why 17-4 Stainless Steel?
17-4 PH (precipitation-hardening) stainless steel is known for its excellent strength, good corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties at high temperatures. In a choke tube, this translates to:

• Durability: It resists deformation even under the extreme pressures of magnum turkey loads.
• Longevity: It won't rust or pit easily, even when exposed to moisture and harsh cleaning chemicals.
• Consistency: The material holds its precise dimensions, ensuring the same pattern performance every time.

Understanding Extended Porting:
The ports on the extended section of the choke tube serve a vital function. As the shot charge and gas column exit the barrel, the gases rapidly expand. The ports provide an escape route for these gases, directing them sideways and slightly backward. This opposing force acts to counteract the forward recoil of the shotgun, making it feel softer to the shooter. Additionally, by allowing some gas to escape before the shot exits the choke, it can help stabilize the shot column, contributing to more consistent patterns.

Optimizing Your Turkey Hunting Setup with the Head Hunter Choke

Acquiring the Carlson's Head Hunter choke tube is a significant step, but integrating it effectively into your overall turkey hunting strategy will yield the best results.

1. Ammunition Selection is Key: The .660 constriction is designed to excel with various modern turkey loads, including those featuring lead, bismuth, or tungsten super shot (TSS). However, every shotgun and choke combination is unique. Purchase several different brands and shot sizes of turkey loads and test them. The "best" load will consistently put the highest number of pellets in a 10-inch circle at your desired maximum range (e.g., 40-50 yards).
2. Meticulous Patterning: Don't skip this step! Set up paper targets at various distances (20, 30, 40, and 50 yards). Shoot from a rested position to eliminate human error. Analyze your patterns for density, distribution, and point of impact. Document your results for each load. This empirical data will build your confidence and help you understand your setup's true capabilities.
3. Consider Your Optics: For pinpoint accuracy with tight patterns, a red dot sight or a low-magnification scope specifically designed for shotguns can be a game-changer. These optics eliminate parallax errors and provide a precise aiming point, which is crucial when aiming for a turkey's head and neck.
4. Practice Your Mount and Shot: Even with the best equipment, practice makes perfect. Simulate hunting scenarios. Practice shouldering your shotgun smoothly and acquiring the target quickly. The reduced recoil from the Head Hunter's porting will make these practice sessions more comfortable and productive.

Maintenance and Care for Your Choke Tube

To ensure your Carlson's Head Hunter choke tube performs optimally for years, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially after firing multiple rounds, remove the choke tube and clean both its threads and the barrel's threads. Carbon and plastic wad residue can build up, making it difficult to remove and potentially causing damage. Use a choke tube brush and a good quality solvent.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of choke tube grease or anti-seize compound to the threads before reinserting the choke. This prevents seizing and makes future removal easy.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect the choke tube for any signs of wear, damage, or bulging. If you notice any issues, replace the choke immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What type of shotgun is the Carlson's Head Hunter JPCBN12F1/660 compatible with?
A: This specific model is designed for 12-gauge shotguns that use the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system. This includes popular Benelli models like the Super Black Eagle, M2, Vinci, Nova, SuperNova, and other firearms with the Crio Plus threading.

Q: Is a .660 constriction too tight for turkey hunting?
A: For serious turkey hunting, a .660 constriction is considered ideal by many experts. It creates an extremely dense pattern, which is crucial for delivering maximum pellets to a turkey's small vital zone (head and neck) at typical hunting ranges, ensuring an ethical kill. While it's very tight, it's specifically engineered for this purpose.

Q: Can I use steel shot with this choke tube?
A: No. Carlson's states that their Head Hunter series choke tubes are not rated for steel shot larger than #4. For turkey hunting, you'll typically be using lead, bismuth, or tungsten super shot (TSS) which are safe to use with this choke. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific ammunition and choke tube combination.

Q: Does the extended porting really reduce recoil?
A: Yes, the extended and ported design is effective at reducing felt recoil and muzzle jump. The ports redirect gases as they exit the barrel, creating a forward thrust that counteracts the gun's rearward movement. This can make shooting heavy turkey loads more comfortable and aid in maintaining your sight picture for better shot placement.

Q: Where can I purchase the Carlson's Head Hunter JPCBN12F1/660 choke tube?
A: The Carlson's Head Hunter 12 Gauge Benelli Crio Plus .660 choke tube (Model: JPCBN12F1/660, UPC: 723030384501) is available at DEGuns.com.

Conclusion

The Carlson's Head Hunter Choke Tube for 12 Gauge Benelli Crio Plus shotguns with its .660 constriction (Model: JPCBN12F1/660, UPC: 723030384501) is more than just an accessory; it's a performance enhancer. For the dedicated turkey hunter seeking to optimize their shotgun for precision, ethical long-range capabilities, and consistent results, this choke tube is an indispensable part of your gear. Its robust construction, advanced finish, and meticulous design ensure that when a gobbler steps into range, your shotgun delivers a pattern that leaves no doubt. Equip your shotgun with the Head Hunter and step into the turkey woods with unmatched confidence this season.

Product Specifications: Carlson's Head Hunter Choke Tube

Feature	Description	Benefit for Hunters
Product Name	Carlson's Head Hunter Choke Tube	Optimized for ultimate turkey hunting performance
Model Number	JPCBN12F1/660	Specific identifier for precise product identification
UPC	723030384501	Universal Product Code for reliable inventory tracking
Gauge	12 Gauge	Designed for standard 12-gauge shotguns
System Compatibility	Benelli Crio Plus	Ensures perfect fit and function with specific Benelli models
Constriction	.660 Inch (Ultra-Tight)	Delivers incredibly dense and tight turkey patterns
Material	17-4 Heat-Treated Stainless Steel	Exceptional durability, strength, and corrosion resistance
Finish	Black Nitride	Enhanced wear resistance, reduced glare, stealthy appearance
Design	Extended Ported	Reduces felt recoil and muzzle jump for improved control
Primary Use	Turkey Hunting	Maximizes pellet count and energy on turkey vitals
Retailer	DEGuns.com	Available for purchase at DEGuns.com