The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve been chasing the perfect shotgun pattern, a quest as elusive as the perfect cup of coffee in the backcountry. The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR promised tighter, more consistent patterns, a siren song I couldn’t resist. After a decade of tinkering with various chokes, from factory-issued tubes to custom-machined wonders, I was intrigued by the Carlson’s reputation and the Cremator’s unique Triple Shot Technology (TST).
My quest began with consistently frustrating results while duck hunting; my patterns at longer ranges were consistently spotty. This led me down the path of aftermarket chokes, and the Carlsons Cremator kept popping up in online forums and reviews. The promise of reduced pellet deformation and denser patterns was exactly what I needed to extend my effective range.
The choke arrived in a simple, no-nonsense package. The black oxide finish gave it a tactical, serious look, and the ported design hinted at its performance-oriented nature. The build quality felt solid; this wasn’t some flimsy, mass-produced afterthought.
I was primarily comparing it to my existing Briley extended choke and a factory-issued modified choke. I chose the Carlsons Cremator specifically because of the TST and the positive reviews regarding its steel shot performance. The Briley, while excellent, was significantly more expensive, and the factory choke simply didn’t provide the pattern density I needed for waterfowl at longer ranges.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The choke looked well-made, but the proof would be in the pattern. I was excited to see if the hype matched the reality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a familiar stomping ground where I could objectively assess the choke’s performance. I shot at paper targets set at 30, 40, and 50 yards, using a variety of steel shot loads commonly used for waterfowl hunting. The weather was fairly mild, with a slight breeze, which had little impact on the test.
The most noticeable difference was the pattern density at 40 yards. Compared to my factory choke, the Carlsons Cremator produced a significantly tighter and more consistent pattern. There were fewer flyers, and the pellet distribution was noticeably more even.
Installation was a breeze, requiring no tools. However, I did notice a slight increase in muzzle blast due to the ported design. There were no malfunctions or issues, and the choke performed exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, primarily during waterfowl season, the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun. It has seen use in various conditions, from freezing rain to muddy fields, without any degradation in performance. The black oxide finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of rust or wear.
Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it in top condition. The choke removes easily, even after extended use. It consistently outperforms my factory choke, delivering tighter patterns and more consistent results at longer ranges.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons Cremator stands out for its combination of performance, durability, and ease of use. It has significantly improved my confidence in taking longer shots, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR
Specifications
The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR is designed specifically for Remington shotguns with MobilChoke threads. The choke is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The Cremator is available in close, mid, and long-range constrictions to suit various hunting or shooting scenarios.
The Triple Shot Technology (TST) is a key feature, employing three graduated rings in the taper section to create a gradual transition, reducing pellet deformation. Being a ported choke, the design includes ports intended to reduce recoil and muzzle jump. These features contribute to more consistent patterns and improved accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR excels in delivering consistent and dense patterns, particularly at extended ranges. The TST design effectively minimizes pellet deformation, resulting in fewer flyers and a tighter overall pattern. The ported design provides a minimal reduction in recoil.
A strength is its ability to handle all types of waterfowl loads, including steel shot, without any restrictions. One potential weakness is the increased muzzle blast due to the ported design, which may be noticeable to some shooters. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations, delivering improved pattern density and consistency compared to factory chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke is constructed from high-quality materials, showcasing excellent build quality and offering a sturdy feel. The extended design allows for easy installation and removal without tools. The black oxide finish gives it a sleek and tactical look.
The extended design helps protect the muzzle from damage. The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR offers user-friendly functionality without a steep learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The use of heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel ensures long-lasting durability, even under harsh conditions. Regular cleaning and lubrication are sufficient to maintain its performance and prevent corrosion. The choke is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning.
The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR is built to withstand repeated use and should last for many seasons with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR doesn’t come with specific accessories, but its compatibility with standard Remington MobilChoke threads means it can be used with various choke wrenches if desired. While there aren’t many customization options specific to the choke itself, its interchangeability with other chokes allows shooters to fine-tune their patterns based on the specific load and hunting situation. The ability to switch between close, mid, and long-range constrictions adds versatility to the system.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR
Pros
- Improved Pattern Density: Delivers tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes, resulting in increased effective range.
- TST Technology: Triple Shot Technology minimizes pellet deformation, reducing flyers and improving pattern consistency.
- Durable Construction: Made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance.
- Easy Installation: The extended design allows for tool-free installation and removal.
- Versatile: Suitable for all types of waterfowl loads, including steel shot, without restrictions.
Cons
- Increased Muzzle Blast: The ported design may result in a noticeable increase in muzzle blast, which can be distracting for some shooters.
- Price: While not overly expensive, it’s more costly than factory chokes, potentially impacting budget-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR?
The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR is perfect for waterfowl hunters who are looking to improve their pattern density and effective range. It’s also well-suited for sporting clays shooters who want to optimize their patterns for different target distances. Anyone who wants a durable, high-performing choke tube that can handle steel shot without restrictions will find this product a worthwhile investment.
Hunters who primarily shoot at very close ranges (under 20 yards) may not see as much benefit from the Cremator’s tighter patterns. Individuals who are particularly sensitive to muzzle blast may want to consider a non-ported choke option. Those who are looking for a budget-friendly option may find factory chokes sufficient for their needs.
A must-have accessory would be a choke tube case to protect it when not in use. Some shooters might consider adding a high-visibility front sight to further enhance aiming accuracy.
Conclusion on Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR
The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns, making it a worthwhile upgrade for serious waterfowl hunters and clay shooters. The Triple Shot Technology and durable construction combine to create a choke tube that performs reliably in the field. While the increased muzzle blast may be a minor drawback for some, the benefits in pattern density and effective range outweigh this concern.
The price is justified by the improved performance and durability compared to factory chokes. I would personally recommend the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington MR to anyone looking to improve their shotgun patterns and extend their effective range. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!