Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported Review

The Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported Made a Bold First Impression

The Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported choke tube promises tighter patterns and improved performance for Benelli shotguns. As someone who’s spent over a decade field-testing tactical and hunting gear, I was keen to see if this choke lived up to the hype. I needed a reliable mid-range choke that could consistently deliver dense patterns for upland bird hunting and occasional sporting clays.

My initial impression upon unboxing was positive. The black finish looked sleek, and the heft of the 17-4 stainless steel suggested durability. Compared to the factory Benelli choke tubes, the Carlsons Cremator felt significantly more robust. I chose this choke over extended ported chokes from other brands because I was intrigued by the Triple Shot Technology and hoped for noticeably improved patterns.

The design looked purposeful, not just aesthetic. I was excited to get it to the range and see how it performed with various loads. My initial excitement was high. This wasn’t just another choke; it felt like a precision tool, ready to be put to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Carlsons Cremator was on a dove hunt in central Texas. The weather was dry and dusty, typical for the region. I shot a Benelli Montefeltro with 1 1/8 oz loads of #7.5 shot.

The choke installed easily, no wrench needed. I immediately noticed the patterns were tighter and more consistent than with my factory modified choke. Doves that would have previously escaped with a few pellets now folded cleanly.

There were no issues after the first hunt. The Carlsons Cremator felt like a natural extension of the shotgun. It performed exactly as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Carlsons Cremator has proven to be a reliable performer. I have used it extensively for dove, quail, and sporting clays. There are no signs of wear and tear, even after cleaning with various solvents.

Maintaining the choke is incredibly easy. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it clean. Compared to some of my other chokes that require more detailed cleaning, the Carlsons Cremator is a breeze. It has consistently outperformed my expectations, delivering dense, even patterns with a variety of loads.

I am confident that this choke will last for many seasons to come. The durability is unmatched. It’s a worthwhile investment for any serious shotgunner.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported

Specifications

The Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported choke tube is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus system. It’s made from 17-4 stainless steel, which offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance. The mid-range constriction is ideal for shots typically taken between 25 and 40 yards.

The choke is ported, reducing recoil and muzzle jump. This helps with faster follow-up shots. Its wrench-less design makes installation and removal quick and easy. The key specification is the Triple Shot Technology (TST), which is designed to improve patterns.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Cremator excels in delivering consistent, dense patterns at mid-range distances. This translates to more broken clays and cleaner kills in the field. The TST truly does seem to reduce pellet deformation, resulting in fewer flyers and tighter groupings.

One minor weakness is that the porting can make the muzzle a bit louder. This might be a concern for some hunters. Overall, the choke significantly exceeded my expectations. It’s a tangible upgrade over factory chokes.

Design & Ergonomics

The choke is well-built and feels solid in hand. The black finish looks great on my Benelli Montefeltro. Its wrench-less design is convenient and makes swapping chokes in the field a breeze.

There is no learning curve. It is as simple as screwing it in and shooting. The design is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability. This choke is built to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions. It’s resistant to rust and corrosion.

Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient. It is a low-maintenance, high-performance choke.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Cremator comes as a standalone choke tube. There are no included accessories, but none are really needed. It’s designed to work as is. The choke is compatible with any standard Benelli Crio Plus 12 gauge shotgun.

You could potentially use different choke wrenches if desired, but the wrench-less design makes this unnecessary. No other customization is really needed. It’s a focused, purpose-built choke that does its job extremely well.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported