Unlocking Unrivaled Performance: The Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range Choke Tube

Are you a dedicated waterfowl hunter seeking to maximize your effective range and achieve consistently devastating patterns with your 20-gauge shotgun? Do you find yourself asking, "What is the best choke tube for long-range duck and goose hunting?" or "How can I improve my shotgun's pattern density at extended distances?" Look no further than the Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Crio Plus Extended Range Choke Tube, specifically engineered to deliver superior downrange energy and reliable performance for serious hunters.

This isn't just another choke tube; it's a precision instrument designed to solve the critical problem of inconsistent patterns and limited reach that often plague hunters relying on factory or lesser-quality chokes. Whether you're targeting high-flying geese in a blustery sky or decoying ducks in challenging conditions, the Hevi-Shot Extended Range choke helps ensure that every shot counts, converting more opportunities into successful retrievals.

Engineered for Excellence: Why 17-4 Stainless Steel Matters

At the heart of the Hevi-Shot 240123 Waterfowl Crio Plus Extended Range Choke Tube's exceptional performance lies its construction from premium 17-4 Stainless Steel. This isn't an arbitrary material choice; it's a deliberate engineering decision based on the demanding requirements of shotgun chokes.

What makes 17-4 Stainless Steel so vital for a waterfowl choke?

• Corrosion Resistance: Waterfowl hunting environments are inherently harsh – mud, water, salt marsh, and varying temperatures. 17-4 Stainless Steel offers excellent resistance to corrosion and rust, ensuring your choke tube remains in prime condition season after season, even with frequent exposure to the elements. This translates to prolonged lifespan and consistent performance without degradation.
• Exceptional Strength and Durability: This alloy is renowned for its high strength-to-weight ratio and remarkable hardness. It can withstand the immense pressures and stresses generated by modern high-velocity shotgun loads, including heavy non-toxic shot like steel, bismuth, and specialized Hevi-Shot ammunition. This durability means the choke maintains its precise internal dimensions, shot after shot, critical for consistent patterning.
• Heat Resistance: Repeated firing generates significant heat within the barrel and choke. 17-4 Stainless Steel exhibits excellent resistance to thermal deformation, preventing the choke from warping or losing its critical internal geometry under sustained use. This ensures your pattern remains tight and effective throughout a busy hunt.
• Machinability for Precision: Despite its hardness, 17-4 Stainless Steel can be precisely machined to exacting tolerances. This allows Hevi-Shot to create the intricate internal contours and constriction levels necessary for optimal shot patterning, ensuring that every pellet is guided effectively for maximum downrange energy and pattern density.

By utilizing 17-4 Stainless Steel, Hevi-Shot provides a choke tube that not only performs brilliantly but is also built to endure the rigors of serious hunting, offering unmatched reliability and longevity. This robust construction is a key component in achieving the kind of consistent, tight patterns that waterfowl hunters demand.

Optimized for the Crio Plus System: Seamless Compatibility

The Hevi-Shot 240123 Choke Tube is specifically designed for shotguns utilizing the Benelli Crio Plus choke system. This broad compatibility ensures that a wide array of popular 20-gauge shotguns can benefit from its enhanced performance.

Which shotguns are compatible with the Crio Plus system and this Hevi-Shot choke?

• Benelli: Nova, SuperNova, M2, Super Black Eagle II (SBE II), Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE 3), Vinci, Super Vinci, Ethos, Legacy, Montefeltro, Ultra Light.
• Franchi: Affinity, Intensity.
• CZ-USA: 912, Redhead Premier, etc.
• TriStar: Raptor, Viper, TT-15, Matrix, Raptor AT.
• Weatherby: Element, SA-08.

This extensive list means that if you own one of these popular 20-gauge models, upgrading to the Hevi-Shot Extended Range choke is a straightforward process that will immediately elevate your shotgun's capabilities. Always confirm your shotgun's specific choke system before purchase to ensure perfect fit and function.

The Power of Extended Range: Dominating Distant Ducks and Geese

What does "Extended Range" truly mean for a waterfowl hunter? It signifies a choke tube engineered to deliver tighter, more uniform patterns at distances beyond what a typical modified or even full choke might achieve with modern non-toxic loads. The internal geometry of this Hevi-Shot choke is meticulously crafted to efficiently guide steel, bismuth, and Hevi-Shot pellets, minimizing deformation and maximizing pattern density downrange.

For many hunters, the effective range of their shotgun might traditionally be considered 30-40 yards. With the Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Crio Plus Extended Range Choke, hunters can often achieve consistently lethal patterns out to 50 yards and beyond, depending on ammunition choice and individual shotgun patterning. This expanded reach is crucial for:

• High-Flying Birds: When geese or ducks are circling high, or winds are pushing them just out of comfortable range, this choke provides the extra reach needed for clean, ethical shots.
• Increased Opportunity: More opportunities translate to more birds in the bag. You're no longer limited to only those birds that commit perfectly to the decoys.
• Reduced Cripples: A dense, uniform pattern delivers more pellets on target, increasing the likelihood of a clean kill and reducing the incidence of wounded birds that escape. This contributes to more ethical hunting practices.
• Optimized with Non-Toxic Shot: Modern non-toxic shot (especially steel) often patterns differently than traditional lead. This choke is specifically designed to handle these materials, compensating for their characteristics to produce superior patterns.

Black Finish: Practicality Meets Stealth

The black finish of the Hevi-Shot 240123 Choke Tube is more than just aesthetic. A black finish reduces glare and provides a low-profile look that blends seamlessly with most shotgun barrels, maintaining a subtle presence in the field where stealth is often paramount. This practical coating also offers an additional layer of protection against the elements, contributing to the choke's overall durability and long-term performance.

Enhancing Your Hunting Success: Key Benefits and Use Cases

Investing in the Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Crio Plus 20 Gauge Extended Range Choke Tube delivers a multitude of practical benefits for the serious waterfowl hunter:

• Superior Pattern Density: Experience tighter, more uniform patterns at extended ranges, putting more pellets on target for decisive kills. This is vital for consistent performance on fast-moving birds.
• Increased Knockdown Power: With a denser pattern, more pellets impact the bird, transferring greater energy and ensuring a clean, ethical harvest.
• Versatility with Non-Toxic Loads: Engineered to perform optimally with a wide array of non-toxic shot types, including steel, bismuth, and Hevi-Shot's proprietary blends, allowing you to comply with regulations without sacrificing performance.
• Extended Effective Range: Consistently take birds at distances you previously considered out of reach, expanding your shooting opportunities.
• Reduced Recoil Sensation (due to efficient patterning): While not explicitly ported, a choke that efficiently patterns shot can sometimes contribute to a feeling of reduced recoil by ensuring all energy is directed forward, minimizing perceived muzzle jump.
• Durable and Reliable: Crafted from 17-4 Stainless Steel, this choke is built to withstand the harshest hunting conditions and countless rounds, providing years of dependable service.
• Easy Installation and Removal: Extended choke tubes are designed for easy hand-tightening and removal, allowing for quick changes in the field if conditions or targets demand it.

Real-World Hunting Scenarios Where This Choke Excels:

• Long-Range Pass Shooting: When ducks or geese are flying high over the decoys and won't commit closer, this choke provides the extra reach to bring them down.
• Distant Geese: Targeting large Canada geese often requires more energy and a tighter pattern at longer ranges than ducks. This choke is an excellent choice for geese.
• Hunting in Open Water: On large lakes or coastal marshes where birds may hold at a distance, the extended range capability becomes invaluable.
• Late Season Hunting: When birds are warier and less likely to decoy tightly, the ability to reach out further significantly improves success rates.
• For the Ethical Hunter: By delivering a denser pattern, this choke increases the likelihood of a clean kill, reducing the chance of crippling birds. This aligns with responsible and ethical hunting practices.

Understanding Your Choke Tube: A Quick Guide

A shotgun choke tube is a removable constriction at the muzzle end of the barrel that shapes the shot pattern. Different constrictions are designed for various ranges and shot types. An "Extended Range" or "Long Range" choke like the Hevi-Shot 240123 is tighter than a typical full choke, optimized for maximum pellet count within a small area at longer distances.

To get the most out of your Hevi-Shot Waterfowl Crio Plus Extended Range Choke, it's always recommended to pattern your shotgun with your chosen ammunition before heading into the field. Patterning involves shooting at a large paper target (typically 30-40 inches) at various distances (e.g., 30, 40, 50 yards) to see how your specific gun and choke combination distributes pellets. This vital step helps you understand your shotgun's true effective range and ensures you are confident in your setup.

Caring for Your Hevi-Shot Choke Tube

To ensure your Hevi-Shot 240123 Waterfowl Crio Plus Extended Range Choke Tube continues to perform at its peak for many seasons, a few simple maintenance steps are recommended:

• Regular Cleaning: After each hunt, remove the choke tube from your shotgun barrel. Use a good quality solvent and a bronze brush to remove powder residue and fouling from both the inside and outside of the choke.
• Inspect for Fouling: Pay particular attention to the threads and the interior constriction. Excessive plastic wad residue or lead/steel fouling can build up over time and affect performance.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of choke tube grease or anti-seize compound to the threads before reinserting the choke. This prevents seizing due to heat and pressure, making future removal easy.
• Storage: Store your choke tube in a dry environment to prevent any potential corrosion, even with its highly resistant 17-4 Stainless Steel construction.

By following these simple steps, you will extend the life of your choke tube and maintain its optimal performance characteristics.

When it comes to outfitting your 20-gauge shotgun for waterfowl season, choosing the right choke tube is as important as selecting the right ammunition. The Hevi-Shot 240123 Waterfowl Crio Plus Extended Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Choke Tube offers a definitive advantage, providing the precision, durability, and range needed to succeed in diverse hunting scenarios. This is a must-have accessory for any serious waterfowl hunter looking to elevate their game and increase their harvest success. This top-tier waterfowl choke tube, along with a wide array of premium hunting accessories, is available at DEGuns.

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel	Extreme Durability, Corrosion Resistance
Gauge	20 Gauge	Optimized for 20-Gauge Shotguns
Choke Type	Extended Range	Tighter Patterns at Longer Distances
System	Crio Plus	Wide Compatibility with Benelli, Franchi, CZ, TriStar, Weatherby
UPC	240123	Easy Identification and Ordering
Application	Waterfowl Hunting	Specialized for Ducks and Geese
Finish	Black	Reduced Glare, Stealthy Appearance
Shot Compatibility	Steel, Bismuth, Hevi-Shot Alloys	Versatile for Non-Toxic Ammunition