CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR Review

First Thoughts on the CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR

For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, and I’ve seen countless products come and go. However, when I first came across the CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR, it piqued my interest immediately. This choke tube set from Carlson’s Choke Tubes promised enhanced performance for waterfowl hunting with my Benelli Crio shotgun, a claim I was eager to test.

My old factory chokes were not cutting it. I needed tighter, more consistent patterns for those longer shots at ducks and geese. The CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR specifically advertises tighter patterns and easy identification.

Unboxing the set, the first thing that struck me was the build quality. The black finish on the 17-04 stainless steel looked durable, and the knurled ends felt substantial and easy to grip. Compared to the factory chokes, these felt like a serious upgrade.

I considered other extended choke tubes on the market, but the specific mention of compatibility with steel shot and the lifetime warranty from Carlson’s Choke Tubes swayed me. My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. I have seen a lot of companies promise the moon. Only real-world testing would reveal if the CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR truly lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR was a cold, blustery morning on the Chesapeake Bay, targeting Canada geese. I primarily used the Mid-Range choke to start. The weather was typical for late-season hunting: damp, with a biting wind.

Switching between chokes was effortless thanks to the extended, knurled design. My initial shots at around 35 yards yielded noticeably tighter patterns compared to my old modified choke. There were no malfunctions, and the chokes felt securely seated in my Benelli Crio barrel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR has become an indispensable part of my waterfowl setup. The black finish has held up surprisingly well, showing minimal signs of wear despite constant exposure to mud, water, and the occasional bump against the blind. Cleaning is also a breeze. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps them in top condition.

The CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR has consistently delivered tighter, more predictable patterns than any choke I’ve previously used. My confidence in taking those longer shots has increased dramatically, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer cripples. It’s a noticeable improvement that has made a real difference in my success rate.

Breaking Down the Features of CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR

Specifications

The CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR is a set of two extended choke tubes designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns with the Benelli Crio+ choke system. They are constructed from 1704 stainless steel, known for its strength and corrosion resistance. The set includes one Mid-Range (MR) choke and one Long Range (LR) choke, providing versatility for different hunting scenarios.

The extended design features a 25% longer parallel section, which is crucial for creating more consistent and dense patterns. The knurled end allows for easy installation and removal without tools. Each choke is clearly laser-marked with its constriction and size, ensuring easy identification even in low-light conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR delivers on its promise of tighter, denser patterns. The Mid-Range choke is perfect for shots inside of 40 yards, providing a balanced combination of spread and pellet density. The Long Range choke extends the effective range, allowing for ethical shots at distances approaching 50 yards, provided you adhere to Carlson’s recommendation of using steel shot no larger than BB and velocities under 1550 FPS.

The clear labeling on each choke tube is a small but significant detail that enhances usability. The Carlson’s chokes meet, and often exceed my expectations. I have found them to be dependable, easy to use, and effective in the field.

Design & Ergonomics

The CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR is well-designed and built to last. The 17-04 stainless steel construction feels robust and inspires confidence. The extended design provides a longer gripping surface for easy installation and removal, even with gloved hands.

There’s virtually no learning curve with these chokes. The extended design makes it easy to identify which choke is installed in the shotgun.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from 17-04 stainless steel, the CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR is built to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered during waterfowl hunting. With proper care, I expect these chokes to last for many seasons. Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent is all it takes to remove any residue or fouling.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR set includes the Mid-Range and Long Range chokes. These offer a great starting point for most waterfowl hunting scenarios. While there are no further customization options directly associated with this set, you can easily pair it with different shotshell loads to fine-tune your patterns. Also, Carlson’s Choke Tubes offers a wide range of other chokes that are compatible, should you require something more specialized.

Pros and Cons of CARL CREM SET WF 12G CRIO+ MR&LR