The Benelli Crio system is an interchangeable choke tube design that fits certain Benelli shotguns that have been cryogenically treated.
Crio treatment is achieved by freezing the barrel at -300 Fahrenheit to relieve metal stress from the hammer forging process for a smoother surface and better performance. Choke tubes for the Benelli Crio system are available in both “Crio” and “Crio Plus”. This has caused confusion since it’s not clear which shotguns they fit.
In this guide we’ll discuss what led to this confusion and why you should feel confident purchasing either a Crio or Crio Plus choke tube for your Benelli shotgun.
Benelli Crio vs Crio Plus
What is Benelli Crio?
Benelli Crio is the name of the choke system for Benelli shotguns with cryogenic treatment. It is also the term used for some Benelli chokes. However, these choke tubes haven’t received the same cryogenic treatment.
The Benelli Crio choke tubes were made for some early Benelli shotguns, including the Sport II, Legacy Sport, SuperSport and Cordoba produced prior to 2006. Crio flush chokes measure 2.75 inches long and the threads are flush with the top of the choke.
What is Benelli Crio Plus?
Crio plus choke tubes are an additional option that didn’t exist when the first Crio system chokes were introduced. They are available in both flush and extended with the threads starting ¾ inch from the top of the tube. The flush Crio plus chokes are the same 2.75 inches long.
Crio plus chokes differ from Crio in that they feature fewer overall threads and a large gap from the end of the threads to where the choke ends. Distinguishing between the two chokes is easy visually because of this discrepancy. The most popular Crio plus chokes are for the SBE, Vinci, and Ultra Light.
Crio Plus Chokes Fit These Shotguns
These newer model Benelli shotguns all accept the newer style of Crio Plus chokes. Threads start lower on the choke tube, but it still ends up seated flush with the end of the barrel.
Are Crio and Crio Plus the same?
When comparing Crio vs Crio Plus, they aren’t the same when it comes to being interchangeable on Benelli shotguns with the Crio plus choke systems. Both style of chokes can be seated flush with the end of the shotgun barrel and threaded completely with their respective systems.
The main difference is where the threads start on extended chokes. The Crio Plus chokes start slightly lower. If you have a newer Benelli shotgun made after 2006, chances are it is compatible with Crio Plus choke tubes. If unsure, always check with the manufacturer for complete choke fitment compatibility or sizing.
Crio vs Crio Plus Differences
- Where the threads start on each choke is different
- Crio chokes were only produced for a short period of time, pre-2007
- Crio Plus is compatible with all modern Benelli’s with the Crio System
- Carlson’s Crio/Crio Plus choke sizes are interchangeable
Examples of Crio Plus Choke Tubes
Carlson’s Crio Plus Sporting Clays Choke Tube is a popular choke tube for sporting clays and upland bird hunting. It’s available in skeet, improved cylinder, light modified, modified, and full choke.
Carlson’s Cremator Non-Ported Waterfowl Choke Tube is designed for duck and goose hunting with mid and long-range versions. It features triple shot technology that allows for a gradual transition inside the choke for better patterns. This choke can produce an increase in pattern results over factory choke tubes.
Crio/Crio Plus Chokes Tubes for Waterfowl
Both Crio and Crio plus chokes can provide great results for waterfowl with the right ammo. Patterning your shotgun with as many types of chokes and ammo combinations at the ranges you will be hunting is always the best approach for finding the best setup.
Most Benelli shotguns that accept Crio and Crio plus choke tubes come from the factory with standard choke tubes included. This the best place to start when patterning and will give you an indication if you may need an aftermarket choke tube for better results.
Bottom Line
The Crio choke system is Benelli’s cryogenically treated barrel and choke system that is designed to create smoother barrels and increase performance. Crio choke tubes were made for some Benelli shotguns prior to 2007 and the threads for these chokes are flush with top of the choke.
Crio Plus choke tubes were made for later model Benelli shotguns and although they have the same thread pattern, it starts ¾ inches from the top of the choke and is not flush like Crio chokes.
Crio and Crio plus aren’t interchangeable and if you have a shotgun manufactured after 2007, just go with the Crio Plus. If unsure about which choke you have, always check with the manufacturer for complete choke fitment compatibility or sizing.
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