Let’s Dive into Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack offers a versatile solution for waterfowl hunters seeking to optimize their shotgun patterns. Carlson’s Choke Tubes, a well-respected name in the shotgun accessory market, designed this three-choke set specifically for 12-gauge shotguns with Winchester, Browning Invector (standard), or Mossberg 500 choke systems. The promise of denser patterns and compatibility with various loads immediately piqued my interest.
My aging factory choke tubes were showing their wear, and more importantly, weren’t delivering the consistent patterns I needed for ethical waterfowl harvests. I was specifically looking for a set that would allow me to quickly adapt to changing hunting conditions, from close-range shots over decoys to longer-range pass shooting. I wanted something reliable, durable, and capable of handling both steel and lead shot.
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack arrived in simple, functional packaging. Upon opening the box, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel and heft of each choke tube. They felt substantial and well-made, inspiring confidence in their ability to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting.
I considered other choke tube sets from competitors like Briley and Patternmaster, but Carlson’s Choke Tubes offered a compelling combination of price, features, and reputation. Some ported chokes are known for reducing recoil, but I wanted to avoid the potential for increased muzzle blast and noise, opting for the non-ported Cremator design. I chose this set primarily for its versatility and the promise of improved patterns with various shot types.
My initial impression was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, as the product has a few different names based on which retailer you purchase it from. While the build quality was undeniably good, the real test would be in the field. Could these chokes truly live up to the hype and transform my shotgun into a more effective waterfowl hunting tool?
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack took place on a frigid January morning in a flooded timber hole in Arkansas. The conditions were tough, with temperatures hovering around freezing and a light rain falling. I tested each of the three chokes at varying distances against cardboard targets.
The chokes performed remarkably well under these adverse conditions. The close-range choke shredded targets at 20 yards. Mid-range held a tight consistent pattern at 35 yards and the long range choke held it together at 50 yards.
Installation was quick and easy, and the extended design made switching chokes in the field a breeze. There was no noticeable increase in recoil or muzzle jump compared to my factory chokes. Initial results were promising, with noticeably tighter and more consistent patterns compared to my factory choke tubes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full waterfowl season of using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack, I can confidently say that they have held up admirably. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental bump against trees. The chokes still install and remove smoothly, with no binding or sticking.
Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each hunt is all that’s needed to keep them in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with factory choke tubes, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack has noticeably improved my pattern density and consistency, particularly at longer ranges. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack has significantly outperformed the factory tubes.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It is designed for 12-gauge shotguns with Winchester, Browning Invector (standard), or Mossberg 500 choke systems. The chokes are constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel.
The set includes three chokes: Close Range, Mid Range, and Long Range. The non-ported design helps maintain consistent patterns without excessive muzzle blast. These specifications matter because they directly impact the choke’s ability to withstand the pressure of repeated shots, deliver consistent patterns at various ranges, and provide versatility for different hunting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack excels at its primary job: improving shotgun patterns for waterfowl hunting. Accuracy is significantly enhanced, allowing for more consistent and ethical kills at longer ranges. Reliability is also excellent, with no instances of failure or malfunction observed during testing.
A key strength is its versatility. The three included chokes cover a wide range of hunting situations. The non-ported design also makes it more hunter friendly, so you don’t blow out the hearing of your hunting buddies on the blind.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack features a simple but effective design. The Heat-Treated 17-4 Stainless Steel construction provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove the chokes in the field, even with gloved hands.
There is essentially no learning curve. Simply screw in the desired choke, and you’re ready to hunt. The chokes are clearly marked for easy identification.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack, made with Heat-Treated 17-4 Stainless Steel, should last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient to prevent rust and corrosion.
The chokes are built to withstand the harsh conditions of waterfowl hunting. They should not require any specialized tools or expertise to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack comes as a set of three chokes. There aren’t really any additional accessories that need to be included. There are no real customization options.
The choke tubes are compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun that accepts Winchester, Browning Invector (standard), or Mossberg 500 choke systems.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
Pros
- Improved Pattern Density: Provides significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes, leading to cleaner kills.
- Versatile Range Options: The three included chokes (Close, Mid, and Long Range) cover a wide variety of hunting scenarios.
- Durable Construction: The Heat-Treated 17-4 Stainless Steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Easy Installation and Removal: The extended design makes switching chokes in the field quick and easy, even with gloved hands.
- Works with Multiple Shot Types: Designed for use with lead, steel, Hevi-Shot, and Bismuth loads, providing flexibility for different hunting regulations and preferences.
Cons
- The Cremator name of the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack can cause you to hesitate purchasing these for lead shot but they can be used.
- No Choke Case Included: A dedicated choke case would be a nice addition for organization and protection.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is perfect for waterfowl hunters seeking to improve their shotgun patterns and increase their effective range. It is also a good choice for those who want a versatile choke set that can handle various hunting conditions and shot types. This choke set is also good for hunters who like hunting in a group and want to maintain their hearing.
This product may not be necessary for hunters who primarily hunt over very close decoys, where pattern density is less critical. It is also unnecessary for those who are satisfied with the performance of their factory choke tubes. A choke wrench might be a must-have accessory if you tend to overtighten your chokes.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack offers excellent value for the money. The improved pattern density, versatile range options, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters. The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would definitely recommend this choke set to anyone looking to upgrade their shotgun’s performance for waterfowl hunting. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Cremator Non-Ported 12 Gauge Winchester/Browning Invector/Mossberg 500 Waterfowl Choke Tubes – 3 Pack is a reliable, versatile, and effective tool that can help you put more birds in the bag. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!