Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black

The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black promises to be a game-changer for waterfowl hunters and anyone seeking tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges. Manufactured by Carlsons, this choke tube boasts their proprietary Triple Shot Technology (TST) and is constructed from premium 17-4 stainless steel. It’s designed to deliver denser patterns, reduce pellet deformation, and provide muzzle protection, all wrapped in a non-ported, matte black finish. As someone who has spent over a decade in the field and on the range, I’m always on the lookout for equipment that can genuinely improve performance, and this choke tube immediately piqued my interest.

For years, I’ve struggled with achieving consistent long-range patterns with my Remington 870. My biggest problem was flyers. This choke tube seemed like a potential solution to tame those stray pellets and put more birds in the bag.

Upon unboxing, the Carlsons Cremator felt solid and well-made. The matte black finish is clean and professional, and the absence of ports gives it a sleek, understated look. Compared to the factory choke tubes, and even some aftermarket ported chokes I’ve used, the Cremator’s build quality seemed immediately superior. I chose this choke over a Briley or Patternmaster mainly due to its price point and the promise of the TST technology, hoping it would deliver similar performance at a more accessible cost.

My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test the Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black and see if it lived up to the hype, but also aware that not all aftermarket chokes deliver on their promises. Only time and testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Carlsons Cremator was on a frigid January morning in a flooded timber hole in Arkansas. The conditions were challenging, with near-freezing temperatures and a steady drizzle making everything slick. I was targeting mallards and gadwalls that were consistently landing just outside my comfortable range with my previous choke.

The Cremator installed quickly and easily, without the need for any tools. Immediately, I noticed an improvement in my confidence at those longer distances. The first shot I took at a drake mallard that was edging away resulted in a clean kill at around 45 yards. I didn’t have to compensate for flyers nearly as much, the pattern seemed much tighter. Over the course of the morning, I took several more shots at similar distances, and the Cremator consistently delivered tight, dense patterns. There were no malfunctions or hiccups whatsoever.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the remainder of the waterfowl season, the Carlsons Cremator continues to impress. It has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or tear despite being exposed to mud, water, and the occasional bump against the blind. Cleaning the choke tube is a breeze; a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it in top condition.

Compared to my previous experiences with other long-range chokes, the Carlsons Cremator has consistently outperformed them in terms of pattern density and reduction of flyers. It has truly extended my effective range and given me the confidence to take ethical shots at longer distances. This choke has become a permanent fixture in my shotgun.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black

Specifications

  • Gauge: 12 Gauge – This is the standard for most waterfowl and upland bird hunting, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of shotguns.
  • Choke Size: Long Range – Designed for tighter patterns at extended distances, typically effective beyond 40 yards.
  • Model: Rem Choke – Specifically designed for shotguns that utilize the Remington choke system, ensuring a secure and proper fit.
  • Finish: Black – Provides a non-reflective, corrosion-resistant coating for enhanced durability and concealment.
  • Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel – Offers exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance, ensuring long-term reliability.
  • Technology: Triple Shot Technology (TST) – A series of three graduated rings in the parallel section of the choke that gradually constrict the shot column, reducing pellet deformation and improving pattern density.
  • Construction: Non-Ported – Reduces noise and felt recoil compared to ported chokes, while still delivering tight patterns.
  • Warranty: Lifetime Warranty – Provides peace of mind, guaranteeing against defects in materials and workmanship.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. The TST technology noticeably reduces pellet deformation, resulting in fewer flyers and a denser core pattern. It dramatically increases hit probability on distant targets.

The choke functions flawlessly, installing easily and maintaining a secure fit throughout extended shooting sessions. One area of improvement could be pattern testing information provided by Carlsons for different loads.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with the 17-4 stainless steel providing a robust and durable feel. The matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, reducing glare and providing corrosion resistance. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove without tools.

There’s no real learning curve with the Cremator. Just screw it in and go shoot.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlsons Cremator is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction is highly resistant to corrosion and wear, even in harsh environments. Maintenance is simple; cleaning the choke tube after each use is sufficient to keep it in optimal condition.

I expect this choke to last for many seasons.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but it’s compatible with any standard Remington choke wrench if you prefer to use one for installation or removal. While there aren’t any specific customization options for the choke itself, you can experiment with different shot sizes and shell types to fine-tune your patterns for specific hunting situations. The ability to swap out for other chokes in the Carlsons line is an added benefit.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black

Pros

  • Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at long ranges.
  • Reduces pellet deformation and flyers thanks to Triple Shot Technology (TST).
  • Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
  • Easy to install and remove without the need for tools.
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

Cons

  • The “Long Range” choke may be too tight for close-range shooting (under 30 yards).
  • Pattern results can vary significantly depending on the specific load used, requiring some experimentation to find the optimal combination.


Who Should Buy Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black?

The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black is perfect for waterfowl hunters, turkey hunters, and sporting clays shooters who frequently engage targets at extended distances. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone seeking to improve the pattern density and consistency of their shotgun. Experienced hunters looking to extend their ethical range will benefit the most.

This product is not ideal for shooters who primarily hunt in close-quarters situations or prefer wider, more open patterns. Newer shooters may want to start with more open chokes.

A must-have accessory would be a choke tube wrench for those times when the choke is particularly stubborn to remove. Also, having a variety of shotshell loads on hand to pattern the choke effectively is crucial.

Conclusion on Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black

The Carlsons Cremator 12 Ga Rem Choke Long Range Black is an outstanding choke tube that delivers on its promises. It significantly improves pattern density and consistency at extended ranges, making it a valuable addition to any serious shotgunner’s arsenal. The price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the durable construction.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Cremator to anyone looking to extend their effective range and improve their shooting accuracy. If you are tired of crippling birds or missing those long shots, give the Carlsons Cremator a try. You won’t be disappointed!


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