The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk Made a Bold First Impression
The world of shotgun chokes can feel overwhelming. A bewildering array of constrictions, porting options, and materials vie for your attention. But when I first laid eyes on the Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk, I knew I was looking at something special.
For years, I’d struggled to find a choke system that offered both consistent patterns and the durability to withstand heavy use. My old chokes were either too specialized, requiring constant switching for different ranges, or they degraded quickly under the stress of high-volume shooting. That’s when I started my search for a reliable, versatile solution.
The Carlsons Cremator choke tubes arrived in simple, no-nonsense packaging. The blued finish of the 17-4 stainless steel was immediately striking, lending a sense of rugged quality. The weight felt substantial, suggesting robust construction, and the extended design offered a clear indication of their intended purpose.
Compared to my previous, thinner-walled chokes, these felt like a serious upgrade. I’d considered chokes from Briley and Patternmaster, but the Carlsons offered a compelling combination of features and price point. My first impression was one of cautious optimism: these chokes looked the part, but would they deliver in the field? I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was a sporting clays course nestled in the rolling hills of central Texas. The weather was predictably unpredictable – a mix of sunshine, gusting winds, and the occasional brief downpour. I installed the mid-range choke in my Benelli Montefeltro, preparing to tackle a variety of clay targets at distances from 25 to 40 yards.
The Carlsons Cremator performed admirably. The patterns were consistent and dense, easily breaking clays at the intended ranges. I noticed no significant deformation in the pattern due to the wind, which was a pleasant surprise. The ease of switching chokes without tools was also a huge plus, allowing me to quickly adapt to changing target presentations.
However, I did experience a slight sticking of the choke after about 50 rounds. This was easily remedied with a quick cleaning and re-lubrication.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Carlsons Cremator chokes have proven to be incredibly durable. They’ve seen action in everything from duck blinds choked with mud to dove fields choked with dust. The blued finish has held up surprisingly well, showing only minor signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning is a breeze. A quick scrub with a solvent and a brass brush keeps them in top condition. Compared to my older chokes, which often required extensive soaking to remove plastic wad residue, the Carlsons are remarkably easy to maintain. They have consistently outperformed my expectations, delivering reliable patterns and exceptional durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk
Specifications
The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk is designed for Benelli and Beretta 12-gauge shotguns.
- Material: Heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel. This provides exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
- Finish: Blued. The blued finish enhances the aesthetic appeal and offers additional protection against rust.
- Constrictions: Mid-Range and Long Range. This provides versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Porting: Non-Ported. This configuration reduces muzzle jump without the added noise of ported chokes.
- Extension: Extended Design. The extended design facilitates wrench-less installation and removal, and protects the muzzle.
- Shot Compatibility: Approved for use with all shot types, including steel. This eliminates any worries about shot type restrictions.
These specifications contribute directly to the Carlsons Cremator’s performance. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures durability, while the specific constrictions optimize patterns for different ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk excels in its primary function: delivering consistent and effective patterns. The mid-range choke is ideal for targets between 25 and 40 yards, while the long-range choke extends the effective range to 50 yards and beyond. The patterns are noticeably tighter and more uniform than those produced by my factory chokes.
The absence of porting is a significant advantage for me, as it reduces noise without sacrificing recoil reduction. The chokes meet my expectations and have elevated my performance. However, users should keep in mind the non-ported design means that the recoil reduction won’t be as much as the ported versions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Cremator chokes are thoughtfully designed. The extended design makes installation and removal easy, even with gloved hands. The blued finish is both attractive and functional. The weight feels balanced and doesn’t negatively impact the swing of the gun.
There is a slight learning curve associated with understanding the precise constrictions and their optimal ranges, but this is true of any choke system.
Durability & Maintenance
Built from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Cremator chokes are built to last. After months of use in harsh conditions, they show minimal signs of wear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. These chokes are clearly designed for long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk comes as a set of two chokes. Carlson’s offers a wide range of choke tubes, so other constrictions can be purchased separately if desired. While no optics or grips are directly applicable, the chokes are fully compatible with any Benelli or Beretta 12-gauge shotgun designed to accept screw-in chokes.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk
Pros
- Exceptional durability thanks to the 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Consistent and dense patterns for improved accuracy.
- Easy, wrench-less installation and removal.
- Versatile mid-range and long-range constrictions cover a wide range of shooting scenarios.
- Approved for use with all shot types, including steel.
Cons
- The blued finish, while attractive, may show wear over time.
- Non-ported design offers less recoil reduction compared to ported models.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk?
The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk is perfect for hunters and sporting clays enthusiasts who demand reliable performance and versatility. It’s also an excellent choice for those who appreciate a durable, low-maintenance product. This set especially benefits shotgun owners who want a single set of chokes for a wide variety of hunting scenarios.
This product might not be ideal for shooters who prioritize maximum recoil reduction above all else, as the non-ported design offers less recoil mitigation than ported models. A quality choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for ensuring proper installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk
The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Mid-Range ,Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Blued 2pk is a worthwhile investment. At $76.50, the price is justified by the superior performance and durability of the product. I wholeheartedly recommend this choke tube set to anyone looking to improve their shotgun patterns and overall shooting experience.
Don’t settle for mediocre patterns. Upgrade to the Carlsons Cremator and experience the difference for yourself. You won’t regret it.