First Thoughts on the Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
For years, I’ve chased the perfect pattern, the tightest grouping, the farthest reach with my trusty 12-gauge. I’ve always been a “long shot” guy, whether it’s dropping ducks crossing a wide-open field or busting clays at extreme distances. The promise of Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported immediately caught my attention. It promised tighter patterns, reduced pellet deformation, and extended range; a holy grail for any serious shotgunner.
My primary issue was inconsistent patterns beyond 40 yards. My old choke tube was decent, but not designed for the longer shots I often attempted. This led me to research long-range chokes specifically designed for Benelli and Beretta shotguns, given their reputation for reliability and performance. The Carlson’s name, synonymous with quality chokes, kept popping up, specifically their Cremator line.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was solid. The black finish on the 17-4 stainless steel felt robust and durable. Its weight felt balanced and well-made, certainly inspiring confidence.
Compared to a Briley extended choke I own, and a factory Benelli choke, the Carlsons Cremator appeared more aggressively ported. I hoped this porting would truly reduce recoil and muzzle jump, as promised. This, combined with the internal TST (Triple Shot Technology), gave it the edge over the other options.
Initially, I felt excited and cautiously optimistic. Marketing hype is common, but the Carlson’s reputation and the solid construction had me eager to test its performance. Would it truly deliver on its promises?
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was a local sporting clays range, specifically the long course known for its challenging presentations. I used my Benelli Super Black Eagle II, a shotgun I’m intimately familiar with. I wanted to see if the Carlsons Cremator lived up to the long-range hype on stationary targets.
The weather was typical for spring – slightly breezy with intermittent light rain. The first few shots were immediately noticeable. Recoil felt slightly reduced compared to my standard choke, and muzzle jump was definitely less pronounced. I quickly noticed the difference and felt very comfortable.
The ease of use was excellent. The wrench-less installation made swapping chokes between stations incredibly convenient. I did not need any time to get familiar with the tube.
The most surprising thing was the consistency of the breaks. Targets that I normally chipped or missed entirely at longer ranges were now consistently pulverizing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two more sporting clays outings and a pheasant hunt, the Carlsons Cremator continued to impress. The choke tube shows no signs of wear, despite being subjected to cleaning solvents and repeated firing. The black finish still looks like new.
Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe-down with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. The stainless-steel construction gives confidence regarding resistance to rust and corrosion.
Compared to my previous extended choke, the Carlsons Cremator significantly outperforms it in terms of pattern density at longer distances. The reduced recoil is an added bonus.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This ensures compatibility with the vast majority of popular shotgun shells.
- Choke size: Long Range. Designed specifically for tight patterns at distances beyond 40 yards.
- Model: Benelli/Beretta. Intended for use with Benelli Crio/Crio Plus and Beretta Optima chokes, offering a direct fit.
- Finish: Black. Provides corrosion resistance and a non-reflective tactical appearance.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. Offers exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to heat and corrosion.
- Ported: Yes. Porting is designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump for faster follow-up shots.
- Triple Shot Technology (TST): A series of three graduated rings inside the choke, gradually constricting the shot pattern. This reduces pellet deformation and increases pattern density.
- Wrench-less Installation: Allows for quick and easy installation and removal without tools. This is a convenient feature in the field.
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the choke’s performance and durability. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of repeated use, while the ported design and TST technology contribute to improved accuracy and reduced recoil. The Benelli/Beretta compatibility guarantees a perfect fit in my shotgun.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Cremator excels at what it’s designed to do: delivering tight, consistent patterns at long range. It significantly improves my hit percentage on distant targets. The reduced recoil and muzzle jump make follow-up shots faster and more accurate.
The main strength is its ability to maintain pattern density at distances where other chokes start to spread excessively. I only wish there was a way to make this tube even better! A minor weakness might be that it’s too tight for very close-range shots (under 20 yards).
The Carlsons Cremator exceeds my expectations. I was skeptical about the porting and TST being more than just marketing, but they noticeably improve performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels incredibly durable, and the black finish is evenly applied and resistant to scratches. The weight is well-balanced and doesn’t make the shotgun feel unwieldy.
The wrench-less design makes it incredibly user-friendly. Swapping chokes is quick and easy, even with gloved hands. There is virtually no learning curve; it’s install and shoot.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Carlsons Cremator is built to last. The stainless-steel construction and durable finish should withstand years of use. Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Cremator doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s a standalone choke tube. There are no real customization options for the choke tube itself, other than selecting the appropriate constriction (Long Range in this case). However, it’s compatible with any Benelli/Beretta shotgun designed to use Crio/Optima style chokes, opening up a world of accessory options for the shotgun itself.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
Pros
- Exceptional Long-Range Performance: Delivers tight, consistent patterns at distances beyond 40 yards, significantly improving hit percentage.
- Reduced Recoil and Muzzle Jump: Porting effectively mitigates recoil and muzzle climb, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 stainless steel with a black finish for exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
- Wrench-less Installation: Quick and easy choke changes without the need for tools, enhancing convenience in the field.
- Improved Pellet Distribution: The TST technology ensures consistent pellet distribution, resulting in fewer flyers and denser patterns.
Cons
- Tight Pattern: May be too tight for very close-range shots (under 20 yards).
- Price: It is expensive and may not suit those on a budget.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported?
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported is perfect for: Hunters who frequently take long-range shots at waterfowl or upland game, competitive sporting clays shooters looking for an edge at extended distances, and anyone seeking to maximize the effective range of their Benelli or Beretta shotgun.
This product might not be ideal for shooters who primarily engage targets at close range, or those who prefer a more open choke for greater forgiveness.
A must-have accessory would be a quality choke tube case to protect the Carlsons Cremator when not in use.
Conclusion on Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported is a premium choke tube that delivers on its promises. It offers exceptional long-range performance, reduces recoil, and is built to last. The price is justified by the tangible improvements in accuracy and shooting comfort.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube to anyone looking to extend the effective range of their Benelli or Beretta shotgun. If you are searching for more consistent long-range patterns, this is the tube to purchase.
Stop missing those long shots and start smoking targets with the Carlsons Cremator!