First Thoughts on the Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
Shotguns are versatile tools, adaptable for everything from upland bird hunting to home defense. But achieving consistent patterns, especially at extended ranges, often requires more than just a standard factory choke. This is where aftermarket chokes like the Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported come into play. Carlson’s has built a solid reputation for quality choke tubes, and the Cremator line promises enhanced performance through its innovative Triple Shot Technology (TST).
I was looking for a choke that would tighten my patterns at longer distances while hunting waterfowl. Factory chokes often leave frustrating gaps in my pattern, leading to missed or wounded birds. The promise of denser patterns and reduced pellet deformation made the Carlsons Cremator particularly appealing.
The choke arrived in a simple but functional package. My initial impression was positive; the black finish looked clean and durable, and the ported design gave it a tactical edge. Compared to some of the extended chokes I’ve used, this one felt noticeably more robust, suggesting high-quality materials. I had been considering a Briley choke for its reputation or a Patternmaster for its unique wad-stripping design. I chose the Carlsons Cremator due to its combination of technology, price point, and the trust I have in the Carlson’s name.
I was cautiously optimistic. Chokes can be a bit of a black box, and the marketing hype doesn’t always translate to real-world results. However, the build quality and the stated benefits of TST gave me hope that this choke would improve my long-range shotgun performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range was a waterfowl hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The conditions were typical: cold, damp, and with plenty of opportunity for shots at varying distances. I was using a Benelli Super Black Eagle II with 3-inch #2 steel shot.
The choke installed easily without the need for any tools. The “wrench-less installation” claim held true, which is a definite plus in the field. Right away, I noticed a difference in the report of the shotgun. It seemed slightly louder and more focused, likely due to the ported design directing gases forward. More importantly, the patterns on the water at 40+ yards were visibly tighter than with my factory modified choke. The performance was consistent, regardless of shot angle or timber density.
There were no hiccups during the initial use. The choke remained securely in place, and cleaning was straightforward after the hunt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting and several range sessions, the Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun. There are no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to harsh weather and frequent cleaning.
The choke continues to produce consistently tight patterns at extended ranges. I’ve patterned it with various brands and sizes of steel shot, and the results are always impressive. Maintenance is simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper aftermarket chokes, the Carlson’s Cremator has far outperformed them in both pattern density and overall durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is the most common shotgun gauge, offering a wide range of ammunition options and versatility.
- Choke Size: Long Range. The long-range constriction is designed for shots at distances of 40 yards and beyond, providing a tighter pattern for improved accuracy.
- Model: Benelli Crio Plus. Specifically designed to fit Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system, ensuring a proper and secure fit.
- Finish: Black. The black finish not only looks good but also provides a degree of corrosion resistance.
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, offering exceptional durability and longevity.
- Ported: Yes. The ports help to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
These specifications are critical for performance. The 17-4 stainless steel ensures the choke can withstand the pressures and heat generated by repeated shooting, especially with steel shot. The ported design aids in recoil management, which is particularly beneficial during high-volume shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range excels at its primary function: tightening patterns at extended ranges. It consistently delivers dense, even patterns with various types of steel shot.
The Carlson’s Triple Shot Technology (TST) seems to work as advertised, reducing pellet deformation and minimizing flyers. One weakness is that the ported design does increase muzzle blast, making hearing protection even more crucial. It definitely meets my expectations for a long-range choke, providing a noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to standard factory chokes.
Design & Ergonomics
The choke’s build quality is excellent. The 17-4 stainless steel feels robust and well-machined. The wrench-less installation is a thoughtful design feature that makes it easy to swap chokes in the field.
The black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, providing a degree of corrosion resistance. The choke is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or expertise to install or remove.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only routine cleaning with a bore brush and solvent. The choke’s corrosion-resistant finish helps to prevent rust and makes cleaning easier.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Cremator line includes close, mid, and long-range constrictions, allowing shooters to customize their patterns for different hunting or shooting scenarios. While there are no further “accessories” in the traditional sense, the ability to choose from different constrictions offers significant customization.
The choke is designed specifically for Benelli Crio Plus shotguns, so compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited to items directly related to the choke tube itself, such as choke tube wrenches or storage cases.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
Pros
- Delivers consistently tight and dense patterns at long ranges.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Wrench-less installation makes for quick and easy choke changes in the field.
- The Triple Shot Technology (TST) helps to reduce pellet deformation and increase pattern efficiency.
- Ported design aids in recoil reduction and faster follow-up shots.
Cons
- Ported design increases muzzle blast, requiring extra attention to hearing protection.
- Steel shot larger than #2 is not recommended, limiting ammo choices for certain applications.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported?
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range is perfect for waterfowl hunters, turkey hunters, and sporting clay shooters who demand consistent, tight patterns at extended ranges. If you own a Benelli Crio Plus shotgun and are looking to improve your long-range performance, this is an excellent choice.
Those who primarily shoot at close ranges or are sensitive to increased muzzle blast should skip this product. Also, if you frequently use steel shot larger than #2, this choke is not suitable.
A must-have accessory would be high-quality hearing protection to mitigate the increased muzzle blast.
Conclusion on Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported
The Carlsons Cremator Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Long Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported is a well-designed and well-built choke tube that delivers on its promises. It provides consistently tight patterns at extended ranges, making it an excellent choice for hunters and shooters who demand the best performance from their Benelli Crio Plus shotgun.
The price of $52.15 is justified by the choke’s quality construction, innovative technology, and noticeable performance improvement.
I would definitely recommend this choke to anyone looking to enhance their long-range shotgun capabilities. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and missed shots, give the Carlsons Cremator a try – you won’t be disappointed. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!