What Makes Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta Stand Out?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta is a set of three choke tubes designed specifically for Retay shotguns. Carlson’s Choke Tubes promises improved patterns and reduced pellet deformation through their Triple Shot Technology (TST), making it an attractive option for waterfowl hunters. The fact that these chokes are ported and made from 17-4 stainless steel further piqued my interest, suggesting a product built for both performance and durability.
My quest for the ideal choke tube began after a frustrating duck season riddled with inconsistent patterns. I needed a choke system that could handle steel shot without compromising pattern density, specifically for my Retay shotgun. The Cremator series, with its close, mid, and long-range options, seemed like a versatile solution worth exploring.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust feel of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes. The 17-4 stainless steel gives them a substantial weight, and the porting is cleanly executed. The build quality appears excellent, promising longevity even with regular use.
I considered similar choke tube sets from Briley and Patternmaster. However, the Cremator’s TST and the fact that they are specifically designed for Retay shotguns led me to choose these. The price point also played a role, as the Carlson’s Choke Tubes offered a competitive price for a set of three.
My initial reaction was excitement. I was eager to see if these chokes could live up to the hype and improve my shotgun’s performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta was at a local sporting clays range. I wanted to pattern the chokes with different steel shot loads before taking them into the field. The weather was slightly damp, adding a realistic element to the testing.
The chokes performed admirably in these conditions. The pattern density with the mid-range choke at 35 yards was noticeably tighter than with the factory-supplied modified choke. There were no issues with installation or removal, and the porting seemed to help reduce felt recoil slightly.
The only minor issue was that the close-range choke patterned a bit too tightly for very close shots (under 20 yards). However, this was easily addressed by switching to a lighter load. Overall, I was impressed with the initial performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, primarily during the waterfowl season, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes have held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear, even after repeated cleaning and exposure to harsh weather conditions. The 17-4 stainless steel construction has proven to be highly durable.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick cleaning with a choke tube wrench and some solvent after each use is all that’s needed to keep them in top condition. This ease of maintenance is a significant plus for anyone who values their time in the field.
In comparison to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes have consistently outperformed them. The TST design truly seems to deliver denser and more consistent patterns, leading to cleaner kills in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta set includes three chokes: Close Range, Mid Range, and Long Range. They are designed to fit Retay shotguns utilizing the Retay choke system. The chokes are constructed from 17-4 Stainless Steel for maximum durability.
The Triple Shot Technology (TST) involves a series of three graduated rings in the taper section. This innovative design is intended to provide a more gradual transition from the shotgun bore to the final constriction, reducing pellet deformation. The porting is designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The TST aims to improve pattern density, which is crucial for ethical and effective hunting. The stainless steel construction ensures the chokes can withstand the rigors of the field, season after season.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta perform their job exceptionally well. They consistently deliver tighter and more uniform patterns than the factory chokes that came with my Retay shotgun. This translates to improved accuracy and a higher probability of clean kills.
The strength of these chokes lies in their ability to handle steel shot without compromising pattern quality. The porting effectively reduces felt recoil, making for a more comfortable shooting experience, especially during high-volume shooting sessions. One area for potential improvement is providing more detailed constriction measurements for each choke (e.g., actual thousands of an inch).
These chokes meet and, in many cases, exceed expectations. The improved pattern density and reduced recoil make a noticeable difference in the field, justifying the investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels robust and durable. The weight is appropriate for choke tubes of this type, providing a sense of quality without being cumbersome.
The chokes are user-friendly and easy to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench. There is no learning curve involved; simply screw them in and you’re ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
These chokes are built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring a long lifespan.
Maintaining the chokes is simple. Regular cleaning with a choke tube wrench and solvent is all that’s required to keep them in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta set comes with three chokes, offering versatility for different shooting scenarios. There are no included accessories beyond the chokes themselves.
As these are choke tubes, customization primarily involves selecting the appropriate constriction for the intended use. They are compatible with any Retay shotgun designed to accept Retay chokes. Compatibility with other brands’ accessories is limited, as choke tube threading is specific to the shotgun manufacturer.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta
Pros
- Improved Pattern Density: The TST design delivers tighter and more consistent patterns, resulting in better accuracy.
- Reduced Recoil: The porting effectively reduces felt recoil, making for a more comfortable shooting experience.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 stainless steel, these chokes are built to withstand harsh conditions and repeated use.
- Versatile Set: The close, mid, and long-range options provide flexibility for various shooting scenarios.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple cleaning is all that’s required to keep the chokes in good working order.
Cons
- May pattern too tightly at very close ranges depending on the load.
- Constriction measurements could be more detailed.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta are perfect for waterfowl hunters who want to improve their shotgun’s performance with steel shot. They are also suitable for sporting clays shooters who want a versatile set of chokes for different target distances. Anyone who owns a Retay shotgun and is looking for an upgrade over the factory chokes would benefit from these.
Those who primarily shoot lead shot or who are on a very tight budget might want to skip this product. A standard, non-ported choke tube set might suffice for those needs.
A must-have accessory for these chokes is a quality choke tube wrench. It makes installation and removal much easier and prevents damage to the chokes.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes 11589 Cremator Close/Mid/Long Range Retay Ported 17-4 Sta are a worthwhile investment for any Retay shotgun owner looking to improve their shotgun’s performance. The improved pattern density, reduced recoil, and durable construction make them a significant upgrade over factory chokes.
The price is justified by the tangible benefits these chokes provide in the field. They offer a noticeable improvement in accuracy and a more comfortable shooting experience.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these chokes to anyone looking to enhance their Retay shotgun’s capabilities. Upgrade your Retay today and experience the difference Carlson’s Choke Tubes can make!