Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR Review

The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR Made a Bold First Impression

The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR isn’t just another choke tube; it’s a statement. Designed for Remington shotguns, it promises tighter patterns, reduced recoil, and enhanced performance, especially with steel shot. For a seasoned waterfowl hunter like myself, that’s music to my ears.

I’ve spent over a decade chasing ducks and geese across flooded fields and icy marshes. In those years, I’ve learned that the right choke can make or break a hunt. My old factory choke was serviceable, but I was constantly battling inconsistent patterns and a desire for longer-range capabilities. That’s why the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke caught my eye.

Unboxing the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR was a pleasant experience. The choke tube felt solid and well-machined in my hand. The black finish was clean and professional, and the porting looked aggressive, hinting at its recoil-reducing capabilities.

I considered the Patternmaster Code Black Duck and the Briley Spectrum chokes as well. However, the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke stood out because of its Triple Shot Technology and its claim of no steel shot restrictions across all constrictions. Plus, the price point made it an accessible upgrade without breaking the bank.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this choke tube really live up to the hype? It certainly looked the part, but the real test would be in the field. I was eager to see if it could deliver the tighter patterns and improved range I was seeking.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR to my local shooting range for an initial test. I patterned it with several different brands of steel shot in sizes ranging from #4 to BB. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing decent testing conditions.

The results were immediately noticeable. Patterns were consistently tighter and more even compared to my old choke. The porting also seemed to make a slight difference in recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. I noticed a more consistent point of impact, and felt confident I was sending more pellets where I wanted them.

The choke tube was easy to install and remove by hand. The knurled end provided a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. There were no hiccups or malfunctions during the first range session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during waterfowl season, the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR has proven its worth. I’ve hunted in conditions ranging from dry, early-season days to frigid, late-season mornings with sleet and snow. It has been consistently reliable.

The choke tube shows no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use and cleaning. The finish has held up well, and the threads remain clean and smooth. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent.

Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke has been a significant upgrade. It has provided more consistent patterns, increased effective range, and improved my overall confidence in the field. The difference is especially noticeable on longer shots, where the tighter patterns result in cleaner kills.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR

Specifications

The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR is designed specifically for Remington shotguns chambered in 12 gauge. It features:

• Triple Shot Technology (TST): This is a series of three graduated rings inside the choke tube that create a more gradual constriction. The goal is reduced pellet deformation and tighter patterns.

• Extended Design: The choke extends beyond the end of the barrel. It provides a longer parallel section for improved pattern density.

• Ported Configuration: Ports around the circumference of the choke near the muzzle help to reduce recoil. They vent gases upward and outward.

• Wrench-less Installation: The knurled end allows for easy hand tightening and removal. No wrench is needed.

• 17-4 Stainless Steel Construction: This heat-treated stainless steel provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance.

• Steel Shot Compatibility: Designed for use with all types of steel shot with no size or speed restrictions.

These specifications are crucial for optimal performance. The TST technology aims to minimize pellet deformation, leading to more consistent patterns. The extended and ported design combine for increased range and reduced recoil, both key benefits for waterfowl hunting. The durable construction ensures longevity and reliability in harsh conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR excels at its primary function: improving shotgun patterns. It delivers consistently tighter and more even patterns than factory chokes. This translates to longer effective range and cleaner kills on waterfowl.

The choke tube’s strengths lie in its ability to handle steel shot effectively. It allows hunters to confidently use a variety of steel shot sizes without worrying about damaging the choke or negatively impacting pattern density. The only area for improvement is potentially offering more specific constriction options (e.g., modified, improved modified) to cater to very specific hunting scenarios.

The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke meets and even exceeds my expectations. The performance gains in terms of pattern density and effective range are noticeable and tangible.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR feels solid and well-made. The 17-4 stainless steel provides confidence in its durability.

The choke tube is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal. The knurled end offers a secure grip, even in wet conditions.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR is built to last. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear.

Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s required to keep the choke tube in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, Carlson’s offers a range of constrictions within the Cremator series, allowing hunters to fine-tune their patterns for specific hunting situations.

The choke tube is compatible with any Remington shotgun designed to accept Rem Chokes. It can be used in conjunction with aftermarket barrel extensions, although this is generally unnecessary.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Ported Choke 12 ga. Remington LR