If you've spent much time behind a Benelli, you've likely heard plenty of talk about crio plus chokes and how they actually affect your pattern downrange. It's one of those topics that can get pretty technical, but at the end of the day, most of us just want to know if our shot is going where it's supposed to and if the bird is going to drop. There is a lot of marketing jargon in the firearms world, but the Crio system is one of those rare instances where the science actually backs up what you're seeing in the marsh or at the clay range.
What Exactly Is the Crio System?
To understand why these chokes matter, you have to look at the "Crio" part of the name. It refers to cryogenic treatment. Basically, Benelli takes their barrels and choke tubes and puts them through a deep-freeze process, dropping the temperature to about -300 degrees Fahrenheit. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the purpose is pretty grounded in physics.
When metal is frozen that drastically and then brought back to room temperature, it relieves the internal stresses created during the manufacturing process. For a shotgun barrel and choke, this means the surface becomes much smoother and more consistent on a microscopic level. When you fire a shell, the friction between the shot column and the walls of the crio plus chokes is reduced. This leads to fewer "flyers"—those random pellets that wander off away from the main pattern—and gives you a much more uniform spread.
Telling the Difference Between Crio and Crio Plus
One of the biggest headaches for shotgun owners is figuring out which tube actually fits their gun. The names are so similar that it's easy to grab the wrong one off the shelf. Here is the quick way to tell them apart: the original Crio chokes usually have the threads right at the top (the muzzle end). However, crio plus chokes have the threads located about 3/4 of an inch down from the top of the tube.
They are also physically longer than the older versions. A standard Crio Plus tube is roughly 2.75 inches long. If you try to screw a Crio Plus into an older barrel, or vice versa, it simply won't work, and you definitely shouldn't force it. These are most commonly found in the Benelli Super Black Eagle 2 and 3, the M2, the Cordoba, and several newer Franchi models. Always double-check your barrel stamps before you go out and buy a whole new set of tubes.
Why the Taper Matters More Than You Think
It isn't just about the freezing process; it's also about the geometry. The internal taper of crio plus chokes is designed to be more gradual than traditional, shorter choke tubes. When you have a short, abrupt transition from the bore to the choke constriction, the pellets get "squeezed" too fast. This can deform the lead or steel, causing those pellets to fly erratically.
Because these tubes are longer, the transition is smoother. Think of it like a highway off-ramp. If the ramp is a sharp 90-degree turn, cars are going to pile up or lose control. If it's a long, sweeping curve, everyone stays in their lane. That's essentially what the Crio Plus system does for your shot. You get better density in the center of the pattern, but more importantly, the outer edges of the pattern stay more effective instead of just thinning out into nothing.
Choosing the Right Constriction for Your Hunt
I get asked a lot about which constriction is the "best" one to leave in the gun. The truth is, it depends on what you're chasing. But because crio plus chokes pattern so efficiently, you might find that you can actually use a lighter constriction than you're used to.
- Improved Cylinder: This is my go-to for early-season ducks or upland birds like quail. Since the Crio system keeps the pattern so tight, an IC often performs more like a "Light Modified" in other guns.
- Modified: If you're a "one and done" kind of person, the Modified Crio Plus is arguably the most versatile tube on the planet. It's perfect for decoying mallards and can still reach out and touch a pheasant that flushes a bit late.
- Full: Be careful here. With steel shot, a Full Crio Plus choke can produce some incredibly tight patterns. It's great for pass-shooting geese, but if you're shooting at birds inside 30 yards, you're probably going to miss or—worse—ruin the meat.
Aftermarket vs. Factory Tubes
Most Benellis come with a decent set of factory crio plus chokes, but a lot of guys still jump straight to aftermarket options from companies like Carlson's, Briley, or Patternmaster. Is it worth the extra fifty or sixty bucks?
In many cases, yes. While the factory tubes are great, aftermarket versions are often "extended." This means they stick out past the end of the barrel. This does two things: it makes them much easier to change in the field without a wrench, and it allows for an even longer parallel section inside the choke. That extra length can further refine the pattern. Also, some aftermarket tubes are ported, which helps vent gases and can slightly reduce muzzle jump, though it does make the gun a bit louder for your buddies in the blind.
Keeping Your Chokes in Top Shape
I've seen too many guys let their crio plus chokes get rusted into their barrels. Because these tubes are made to such tight tolerances, a little bit of moisture and some carbon buildup can practically weld the choke to the barrel if you aren't careful.
It's a good habit to unscrew the choke every few hunts, wipe down the threads, and apply a tiny bit of high-quality choke tube grease. Don't use regular gun oil; it's too thin and will burn off. A thick grease prevents "galling" and ensures that when you actually need to swap from a Modified to a Full, you aren't fighting it with a pair of pliers.
Final Thoughts on the System
At the end of the day, crio plus chokes are about confidence. When you know your gear is designed to minimize those annoying gaps in your shot string, you can focus more on your lead and your follow-through. Whether you're shooting 3.5-inch magnums at geese or light target loads at the local trap range, the consistency provided by the cryogenic treatment and the longer taper really does show up on the paper.
It might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of things, but in a sport where an inch can be the difference between a clean kill and a total miss, having a reliable choke system is everything. If you haven't patterned your gun with the factory Crio Plus set yet, head out to the range with a few sheets of butcher paper. You might be surprised at just how well that "standard" Modified tube actually performs.