The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black choke tube isn’t just another accessory; it’s a performance enhancer designed for serious shotgun enthusiasts. Manufactured by Carlson’s, this choke promises tighter patterns and improved shot consistency, something any waterfowl hunter dreams of. After years of battling inconsistent patterns in the flooded timber, I was eager to see if the Cremator could live up to the hype.
My struggle has always been finding that sweet spot between spread and range, especially when those ducks are working the decoys cautiously. I’ve tried various chokes, hoping for that consistent, clean kill at the distances where cripples become a real possibility. I was looking for something that could reliably put the smack down on those wary greenheads.
Unboxing the Carlsons Cremator, I immediately appreciated the solid, no-nonsense build. The matte black finish gives it a tactical look, and the extended design suggests it means business. The heft feels right, indicating quality materials, and the threads are clean and precise.
I’ve used similar extended choke tubes from Briley and Patternmaster. The Briley offered excellent steel shot performance at the range, but lacked the ruggedness I needed in the timber. The Patternmaster boasted tight patterns, but often resulted in excessive recoil. The Carlsons Cremator seemed like a good balance of the two, with the added intrigue of Carlson’s Triple Shot Technology (TST).
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality and design are promising, but the proof is always in the pattern. I was excited to get it out in the field and see what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black was in its natural habitat: Arkansas flooded timber. I was hunting mallards with a group of friends on a crisp November morning. The air was damp, and the flooded timber floor was muddy, offering a perfect environment to test the choke’s real-world performance.
The conditions were far from ideal, with a light rain falling and visibility limited. The Cremator performed admirably, delivering consistently tight patterns at 30-35 yards. I immediately noticed a significant reduction in flyers compared to my previous choke.
Installation was a breeze – no wrench needed, and the extended design made swapping chokes quick and easy, even with gloves on. There were no surprises; it felt natural from the first shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of duck hunting, the Carlsons Cremator has become my go-to choke tube. It has consistently delivered tight, reliable patterns, even with different loads and under varying conditions. The durability has been outstanding.
Despite constant exposure to water, mud, and the occasional bump against trees, there are no signs of rust or wear. Cleaning is simple: a quick scrub with solvent and a bore brush keeps it in top condition. Compared to other chokes I’ve used, the Carlson’s requires minimal maintenance and continues to perform flawlessly.
Previously, I’d often experience significant pattern variations depending on the ammunition. The Carlsons Cremator provides a degree of consistency I hadn’t experienced before. It definitely outperforms other mid-range chokes I’ve tried.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:
- It is designed for 12-gauge shotguns with the Benelli Crio choke system. This ensures a secure and precise fit.
- It features Carlson’s Triple Shot Technology (TST). This technology utilizes graduated rings to reduce pellet deformation, shorten shot strings, and minimize flyers.
- It has an extended, non-ported design. This provides a longer parallel section for denser patterns while also protecting the muzzle.
- Constructed from premium 17-4 stainless steel. This ensures exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
- It carries a lifetime warranty. Carlson’s stands behind their product, giving peace of mind.
These specifications are crucial for achieving consistent, effective patterns. The Crio compatibility ensures a proper fit in my Benelli M2. The TST helps to keep shot groupings tight, reducing the number of wounded birds. The stainless steel construction guarantees it can withstand the harsh conditions of duck hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black excels in delivering consistent and effective patterns at mid-range distances. Its performance is impressive.
The Cremator significantly reduces pellet deformation, resulting in tighter, more uniform shot patterns. This leads to cleaner kills and fewer crippled birds. This translates to ethical hunting, reduced frustration, and more ducks in the bag.
While it shines at 30-35 yards, I’ve found that it maintains good performance even out to 40 yards. The only slight drawback is that extremely close shots (inside 20 yards) can be a bit tight, potentially resulting in missed opportunities. Overall, the benefits far outweigh this minor limitation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Cremator features a well-thought-out design that enhances its functionality and user experience. It uses high quality materials.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction feels robust and durable, instilling confidence in its longevity. The matte black finish not only looks sleek but also provides a non-reflective surface, important for avoiding spooking game. The extended design allows for easy installation and removal without the need for a wrench.
There’s no learning curve; it’s intuitive and straightforward to use. The smooth threads ensure effortless installation and removal.
Durability & Maintenance
Built to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting, the Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black is a durable choke tube. The product is built to last.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for wet environments. After a full season of use, my Cremator shows no signs of wear or rust. Maintenance is straightforward: simply clean it after each hunt with a bore brush and solvent.
With proper care, the Carlsons Cremator should provide years of reliable service. It is a buy-once, cry-once product that will pay for itself over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black doesn’t require any specific accessories to function effectively. It is ready to go, right out of the package.
Being a choke tube, the primary “customization” involves selecting the appropriate constriction for the intended range and game. Carlson’s offers a range of Cremator chokes with varying constrictions to suit different hunting scenarios. You can experiment with different loads to fine-tune patterns, further customizing the performance.
The Cremator is compatible with standard choke wrenches, although its extended design typically allows for hand tightening. There is minimal need for further customization.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black
Pros
- Tighter, more consistent patterns at mid-range (30-35 yards). The most important aspect for clean kills.
- Reduced pellet deformation and fewer flyers thanks to Carlson’s TST. Leads to more ethical harvests.
- Durable 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance. Resists corrosion in harsh environments.
- Easy, wrench-less installation and removal. Saves time and hassle in the field.
- Lifetime warranty from Carlson’s provides peace of mind. Demonstrates confidence in their product.
Cons
- Patterns may be too tight for very close-range shots (under 20 yards). May require switching to a more open choke in certain situations.
- The black finish can get scratched with heavy use. A purely cosmetic issue, but worth noting.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black?
The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black is perfect for duck hunters, especially those who frequently hunt over decoys in flooded timber or similar environments. It also benefits anyone looking to improve pattern consistency and reduce crippled birds.
Those who primarily hunt at very close range (inside 20 yards) or exclusively hunt large upland birds might find a more open choke to be more suitable. If you are satisfied with your current choke’s performance and don’t prioritize tight patterns, this may not be a necessary upgrade.
A quality choke tube wrench is always a good addition to any shotgunner’s kit, though the Cremator’s extended design usually allows for hand tightening. Experimenting with different loads is recommended to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black
The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Mid-Range Crio + Black is an exceptional choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter, more consistent patterns. Its durable construction, easy installation, and performance-enhancing technology make it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters. The price is certainly justified.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Cremator to anyone looking to improve their shotgun’s performance in the field. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and crippled birds, this choke tube is the answer. Upgrade your choke, upgrade your hunt – you won’t regret it.