The Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported Made a Bold First Impression
Shotgun chokes, for the uninitiated, might seem like an afterthought. However, as a seasoned wingshooter and tactical shotgun enthusiast, I know they are anything but. The right choke can transform a scattergun from a frustratingly inconsistent performer into a pattern-devouring machine. Enter the Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported: a choke promising tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges.
I had been struggling with inconsistent patterns from my Benelli SBE II while attempting longer-range shots on waterfowl. The factory choke was simply not cutting it, leading to wounded birds and frustrating misses. I needed a choke that could deliver a dense, even pattern at 40 yards and beyond. This is why the Carlsons Cremator piqued my interest with its promise of superior long-range performance and Triple Shot Technology.
The Carlsons Cremator arrived in a simple, functional package. My first impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. The black ported finish looks durable, and the weight feels substantial without being excessive. Compared to some of the cheaper, thinner chokes I’ve used in the past, the Carlson’s offering instilled confidence.
I had considered the Briley Spectrum and the Patternmaster Code Black Duck chokes as alternatives. However, the Briley’s price point was significantly higher, and the Patternmaster’s unconventional design raised concerns about potential pattern disruption with certain loads. The Carlsons Cremator seemed like a balanced option, offering a blend of performance and affordability.
My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Chokes are often marketed with grandiose claims, and I’ve been burned before. I was eager to get the Carlsons Cremator to the range and see if it lived up to the hype, or if it was just another over-promised accessory.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Cremator was at my local sporting clays range, using my trusty Benelli SBE II. I wanted to get a feel for the choke’s performance with a variety of loads, from light target loads to heavier hunting rounds. The weather was cool and overcast, with a slight breeze – typical conditions for a fall afternoon.
Right away, I noticed a difference in the recoil impulse. The ports on the Cremator seemed to effectively reduce felt recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable. More importantly, the patterns at 40 yards were noticeably tighter and more consistent than with my factory modified choke.
Installation was simple and quick. The wrench-less design allowed me to swap chokes in seconds, which was very convenient. However, after about 25 shots, the choke needed to be tightened, a minor inconvenience I hadn’t anticipated.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and a few waterfowl hunts, the Carlsons Cremator continues to impress. The finish has held up well, showing no signs of wear or corrosion, despite exposure to rain, mud, and saltwater.
Durability has proven excellent, with no noticeable degradation in performance. The choke remains easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use. This speaks volumes about the quality of the 17-4 stainless steel used in its construction.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket chokes, the Carlsons Cremator delivers a consistently tighter pattern and noticeably reduced recoil. It outperforms my factory choke by a significant margin, providing greater confidence in my ability to make longer-range shots. It definitely gives me an advantage that helps consistently put birds on the table.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
Specifications
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported choke tube is specifically designed for Benelli and Beretta shotguns chambered in 12 gauge. It is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its high strength and corrosion resistance. The choke features a black ported finish that not only looks good but also helps reduce recoil.
This Long Range model is designed for tighter patterns at extended distances. The standout feature is Carlsons’s Triple Shot Technology (TST), which utilizes a series of three graduated rings in the choke’s taper section. These rings create a more gradual transition from the shotgun bore to the final constriction, supposedly resulting in less pellet deformation and denser patterns. The choke is designed for wrench-less installation and removal, offering convenience and muzzle protection.
The use of 17-4 stainless steel is crucial for durability and longevity. The TST is intended to improve pattern density and reduce pellet deformation, vital for consistent long-range performance. The ported design reduces recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved comfort, especially during high-volume shooting. Note that Optima HP and Remington Pro Bore Long Range models cannot be used with any steel shot larger than #2.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. Its performance consistently meets and occasionally exceeds my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement over factory chokes. It truly helps extend the range of my Benelli.
The choke’s primary strength is its ability to produce dense patterns at 40 yards and beyond. However, it’s not a magic bullet. Proper load selection and careful aiming are still essential for success. One area for possible improvement would be clearer documentation regarding ideal load pairings for optimal patterns.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Cremator features a robust design built to withstand the rigors of regular use. The 17-4 stainless steel construction inspires confidence, and the black ported finish adds a touch of style. The choke is easy to install and remove without the need for tools, and it blends seamlessly with the shotgun’s aesthetics.
There is a small learning curve to understand the optimal tightening torque for the choke to avoid loosening during firing. While the wrench-less design is convenient, over-tightening by hand is still possible, potentially damaging the choke or the barrel threads.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Cremator should provide years of reliable service with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential, especially in harsh environments.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a bore brush and some solvent to remove powder residue and plastic wad buildup. The choke’s finish is resistant to corrosion, but regular cleaning is still recommended to prevent rust and pitting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported choke comes as a standalone product with no included accessories beyond basic packaging. Customization is limited to selecting the appropriate choke constriction for your intended use.
While there are no direct accessories for the choke itself, it is compatible with various choke tube wrenches and cleaning tools available from Carlson’s and other manufacturers. However, the choke itself does not directly accept aftermarket modifications like recoil pads or specialized coatings.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
Pros
- Delivers consistently tighter patterns at long ranges, significantly improving hit probability.
- The Triple Shot Technology effectively reduces pellet deformation, resulting in denser patterns.
- 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures durability and corrosion resistance.
- The ported design helps to reduce felt recoil, making follow-up shots more comfortable.
- The wrench-less installation allows for quick and easy choke changes in the field.
Cons
- Can loosen during firing and require occasional re-tightening.
- The Long Range constriction may be too tight for close-range shooting scenarios.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported?
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported is perfect for waterfowl hunters and sporting clays shooters who frequently engage targets at distances of 40 yards or more. It’s also a good fit for tactical shooters who need consistent, tight patterns for breaching or other specialized applications.
This choke may not be ideal for hunters who primarily shoot at close ranges, such as upland bird hunters or those hunting in dense cover. Those individuals would benefit more from a choke with less constriction. A choke wrench and some choke tube grease are must-have accessories to ensure proper installation, tightening, and maintenance.
Conclusion on Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli/Beretta 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported choke tube delivers on its promise of improved long-range performance. The tighter, more consistent patterns are a tangible benefit, leading to more broken clays and fewer missed birds. It’s a well-built, durable choke that offers a noticeable improvement over factory options.
At a price of $50.10, the Carlsons Cremator represents an excellent value proposition. The improved performance and durability are well worth the investment for serious shooters.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Carlsons Cremator to anyone looking to extend the effective range of their Benelli or Beretta 12-gauge shotgun. It’s a simple, affordable upgrade that can make a significant difference in your shooting performance. Consider adding the Carlsons Cremator to your setup and experience the difference for yourself.