The Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range promises to elevate your shotshell performance, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. With over a decade of experience fine-tuning shotguns for various tactical and hunting applications, I’ve learned that the right choke can make or break a successful outing. This particular choke tube, boasting Carlson’s Triple Shot Technology (TST) and ported design, aims for tighter patterns and reduced recoil—a compelling combination for any serious shooter.
My quest for this choke stemmed from frustrating inconsistencies in my pattern density when using factory chokes for sporting clays. I was looking for a way to tighten my groupings at mid-range distances without sacrificing pattern consistency. The claims of reduced pellet deformation and fewer flyers immediately piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range, the immediate impression was solid. The matte black finish gave it a tactical look, and the extended design felt robust. It felt like a serious piece of equipment.
Comparing it to a Briley extended choke and a Patternmaster Anaconda choke I’ve used in the past, the Cremator stood out due to its aggressive porting and the promise of TST technology. While the Briley offered excellent precision, it lacked recoil reduction, and the Patternmaster, known for its tight patterns, sometimes produced inconsistent results with certain loads. The Cremator aimed to bridge this gap.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The design suggested quality, but the proof would be in the patterning. I was eager to hit the range and see if the Carlson’s Cremator could truly live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, under partly cloudy skies with a slight breeze. I patterned the Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range at 30 yards using a variety of 20-gauge shells, ranging from target loads to field loads designed for upland game. My immediate goal was to observe pattern density and consistency.
The choke installed easily without tools, which was a huge plus, and the porting did seem to help mitigate muzzle jump slightly. The most noticeable difference was the evenness of the shot distribution within the pattern. There were fewer noticeable gaps or hot spots compared to my stock modified choke.
After the first box of shells, there were no malfunctions or issues with the choke tube itself. It was securely tightened and performed as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during sporting clays sessions and a dove hunt, the Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range has consistently delivered improved pattern density at the ranges I typically engage targets. The durability has been impressive; despite regular use and cleaning, the matte black finish shows no signs of wear. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gives me confidence it can withstand the rigors of regular shooting.
Cleaning the choke is straightforward, requiring only a brush and solvent to remove any plastic wad residue. It’s been much easier to maintain than some of my other ported chokes, which can be tedious to clean thoroughly.
Compared to my previous experiences with other mid-range chokes, the Cremator offers a noticeably better balance of pattern density and recoil reduction. It outperforms my factory modified choke in terms of pattern tightness. It rivals the Briley for consistent patterns, all while providing a slight edge in recoil management.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range
Specifications
The Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range is specifically designed for Remington-style 20-gauge shotguns. It features a Mid Range constriction with a diameter of .597. The tube is constructed from premium 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion.
The extended design provides a longer parallel section for tighter patterns, and the porting helps reduce muzzle jump and recoil. Its wrench-less installation and removal allows for quick and easy changes in the field. These features matter because they contribute to enhanced accuracy, reduced recoil fatigue, and convenient adaptability to different shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range excels in delivering consistent and dense patterns at medium distances (25-40 yards). The TST technology truly seems to minimize pellet deformation, resulting in fewer flyers and more pellets impacting the target. It functions perfectly in its intended range.
The primary strength is its ability to tighten patterns without creating overly dense cores, a common issue with some full chokes. The porting, while not dramatically reducing recoil, does provide a noticeable reduction in muzzle jump. A slight improvement would be offering the choke in different color options to better match various shotgun finishes.
The Cremator meets and exceeds my expectations for a mid-range choke. It improves pattern density and offers a slight edge in recoil management compared to standard chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range features a robust build quality and a practical extended design. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides substantial weight without being cumbersome. The matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and durable, resisting scratches and corrosion effectively.
The wrench-less installation is incredibly user-friendly, allowing for swift changes without needing additional tools. There’s no real learning curve involved; simply screw it in and start shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures the Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range is built to last. With proper care, it should withstand years of regular use without significant wear.
Cleaning is straightforward. A solvent and choke tube brush are all that’s needed to remove plastic wad residue and maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range is primarily a standalone product, so it doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for extended Remington-style chokes, providing an extra tightening option if desired.
While there aren’t specific “customization” options for the choke itself, the improved patterns it provides can greatly enhance the performance of various 20-gauge ammunition types.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range
Pros
- Delivers consistently dense and even patterns at mid-range distances.
- The TST technology reduces pellet deformation and minimizes flyers.
- Ported design helps to reduce muzzle jump and recoil.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Wrench-less installation and removal simplifies use in the field.
Cons
- The aggressive porting can lead to increased muzzle report, which might bother some shooters.
- Limited color options might not appeal to those seeking a specific aesthetic match.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range?
This choke is perfect for sporting clays enthusiasts who want tighter patterns at medium ranges without sacrificing pattern consistency. It’s also well-suited for upland bird hunters who need a reliable choke for longer shots on game birds like dove or quail. It would benefit anyone using a 20-gauge for hunting or sport shooting that is looking for a more consistent pattern.
Those who prioritize stealth and minimal muzzle report might want to consider a non-ported choke. Those only shooting close range may not see a huge benefit from this choke.
Essential accessories would include a quality choke tube brush and solvent for regular cleaning, and potentially a choke tube wrench for extra secure tightening, although it is not necessary.
Conclusion on Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range
The Carlsons Remington Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range is a significant upgrade over factory chokes for anyone seeking tighter, more consistent patterns at medium distances. The TST technology and ported design deliver on their promises of reduced pellet deformation and minimized muzzle jump.
At a price of $48.49, the value proposition is excellent. The enhanced performance and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Cremator to any 20-gauge shotgun owner looking to improve their accuracy and consistency. It’s a game-changer that will undoubtedly enhance your shooting experience. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!