Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St is designed for shotgun enthusiasts seeking improved performance at close ranges. Specifically crafted by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this choke tube promises tighter patterns and reduced pellet deformation thanks to its innovative Triple Shot Technology (TST). This is achieved through a series of graduated rings inside the tube.
I’ve spent countless hours refining my shotgun skills in various hunting scenarios. I was aiming to acquire a choke tube that could drastically enhance my close-range accuracy, particularly when pursuing fast-moving game birds in dense cover. The Carlson’s Cremator Close Range Choke was touted as a game-changer, so I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was one of solid construction and quality materials. The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction felt robust and durable. Its weight felt balanced, and the ported design gave it a tactical look, suggesting enhanced performance.
I considered other close-range chokes from Briley and Patternmaster. However, Carlson’s reputation for value and the specific claims about TST won me over. The promise of improved patterns without any restrictions on steel shot sealed the deal.
My initial reaction was excitement blended with cautious optimism. I was keen to test the claims about tighter patterns and reduced flyers in real-world conditions. The design inspired confidence, but only practical use would reveal its true potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Cremator was a dove hunt in a brushy field. I used a Retay Masai Mara shotgun and a variety of 12-gauge shells, including steel and lead shot. The conditions were dry and mild, ideal for testing.
The choke tube delivered noticeably denser patterns at around 20-25 yards. There were fewer stray pellets, which translated to cleaner kills. The ported design seemed to help reduce recoil slightly, making follow-up shots faster.
Installation was straightforward, requiring no special tools. I did notice a slight increase in muzzle report due to the ports. But it wasn’t unbearable. No issues were encountered during the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use in both upland bird and waterfowl hunting, the Carlson’s Cremator has proven its reliability. It consistently delivers tighter, more consistent patterns compared to the factory choke. The 17-4 Stainless Steel shows no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to wet conditions.
Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe-down with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. No signs of wear and tear are visible. I previously used a more open choke for close-range hunting, but the Cremator’s improved pattern density has significantly boosted my success rate.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Carlson’s Choke Tubes. They are well-known for producing high-quality, affordable choke tubes for various shotgun models.
- Fabric/Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This material offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability, ensuring a long lifespan even with frequent use in harsh environments.
- Choke Tube System: Retay Choke. Designed specifically for Retay shotguns, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
- Choke Type: Close Range. Optimized for shooting at distances of 20-30 yards, providing tight patterns for close-quarters hunting.
- Diameter: 0.717 inches. This constriction delivers a dense pattern, ideal for taking down fast-moving targets at close range.
- Ported Design: Reduces recoil and muzzle jump, enabling quicker follow-up shots.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke tube’s performance. The 17-4 Stainless Steel ensures durability, while the Retay Choke system guarantees compatibility. The close-range constriction and ported design contribute to tighter patterns and reduced recoil, enhancing the shooter’s accuracy and comfort.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Cremator excels at its primary task: delivering dense, consistent patterns at close range. Birds are cleanly taken down with fewer wounded escapes. The tighter patterns increase the effective range, providing a slight advantage in varying hunting conditions.
One minor weakness is the slightly increased muzzle report due to the ports. However, the benefits of reduced recoil and improved pattern density outweigh this minor drawback. It surpasses expectations, especially for close-range engagements.
Design & Ergonomics
The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction feels solid and well-made, imparting a sense of durability. The choke tube’s weight is negligible, not affecting the shotgun’s balance. Installation is straightforward, and the ported design gives it a sleek, aggressive look.
The design is inherently user-friendly. No learning curve is needed, even for novice shotgun users. It simply screws into the existing choke tube threads.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. With proper care, it should last for many years. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a bore brush and solvent after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St besides the choke tube itself. Aftermarket choke tube wrenches are available for easier installation and removal. The choke tube is compatible with any Retay shotgun designed to accept interchangeable chokes.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: Delivers tighter, more consistent patterns at close range, resulting in cleaner kills.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 Stainless Steel for corrosion resistance and long-lasting performance.
- Reduced Recoil: Ported design helps to mitigate recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
- Easy Installation: Screws in easily without special tools.
- Steel Shot Compatibility: No restrictions on using steel shot.
Cons
- Increased muzzle report due to the ported design.
- Limited to close-range applications; not ideal for longer shots.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St?
Perfect for hunters who frequently engage targets at close range, such as those hunting waterfowl in tight marshes or upland birds in dense cover. Also well-suited for sporting clays enthusiasts who prefer close-in shooting scenarios. Anyone wanting more consistent patterns from their Retay shotgun will benefit.
Those primarily shooting at longer distances should skip this product and opt for a mid-range or long-range choke tube instead. Individuals sensitive to loud muzzle reports may also want to consider a non-ported option.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal. Consider purchasing a high-quality gun cleaning kit to maintain the choke tube and shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11583 Cremator Close Range Retay Ported 17-4 Stainless St is a worthwhile investment for shooters seeking to improve their close-range shotgun performance. It delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and reduced recoil.
At $75.99, the price is justified by the enhanced performance and durable construction. I would definitely recommend it to fellow hunters and clay shooters.
If you’re looking to maximize your effectiveness at close ranges, the Carlson’s Cremator is a game-changer. Upgrade your Retay shotgun today and experience the difference!