Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported Review

The Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported Made a Bold First Impression

The Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported choke tubes promise to be a game-changer for shotgun enthusiasts looking to maximize their downrange performance. These aren’t your grandfather’s choke tubes; Carlsons designed these with modern hunting and sporting applications in mind. As someone who’s spent years fine-tuning shotgun patterns for everything from waterfowl to upland game, I was eager to see if the Cremators lived up to the hype.

My search for tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges, especially with steel shot, led me to the Carlsons Cremator. I’ve struggled to find a choke tube that can consistently deliver ethical, clean kills at distances beyond 40 yards without excessive pellet spread. The initial unboxing revealed a sleek, matte black finish on what felt like exceptionally robust tubes. They possess a reassuring heft, suggesting a high-quality build.

Compared to my existing Briley and Patternmaster chokes, the Carlsons Cremator stood out immediately due to its porting and the visibly thicker walls. I’d hoped for a combination of pattern density and reduced recoil. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; the design hinted at serious performance, but only the range would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported was at my local sporting clays course. I wanted to see how the chokes performed with target loads before subjecting them to the rigors of a waterfowl hunt. The weather was typical for early fall: cool and slightly damp, with a moderate breeze.

The installation was straightforward, and I immediately appreciated the extended length, which made swapping tubes easier. Shooting the mid-range choke at the closer stations revealed exceptionally tight and consistent patterns. There were no noticeable gaps or flyers. The long-range choke, however, showed its true colors on the longer crossing targets, breaking clays that were previously out of reach with my old setup.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus, I took them on a duck hunting trip to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The conditions were brutal: constant rain, biting winds, and the inevitable mud. The chokes held up admirably. Despite the harsh conditions, the black finish remained intact, showing no signs of rust or corrosion.

Cleaning was a breeze, a simple wipe-down with a gun cloth was all that was needed to keep them in prime condition. Compared to my previous chokes, the Carlsons Cremator consistently delivered more consistent patterns and tighter groupings, especially with steel shot. This translated directly to cleaner kills and fewer cripples in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported

Specifications

The Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported chokes are designed for Browning Invector Plus threaded 12-gauge shotguns. They are constructed from high-strength 17-4 stainless steel. This material choice is significant as it ensures the chokes can withstand the high pressures and demands of modern shotshells, including steel and other non-toxic shot.

The chokes feature a black finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and reduced glare, a welcome addition for hunting scenarios. This finish is more than just cosmetic; it provides an added layer of protection against the elements. The inclusion of ports is another key feature, designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, which helps with quicker follow-up shots.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus chokes excel in their primary function: delivering consistent and dense patterns at extended ranges. The mid-range choke is ideal for shots out to 40 yards, while the long-range choke extends that effective range to 50 yards and beyond. This increased range is crucial for ethical hunting and competitive shooting.

A minor weakness is that the porting, while effective at reducing recoil, can result in increased muzzle report. It’s a trade-off, but the enhanced performance is worth it. Overall, the Carlsons Cremator exceeds expectations, especially concerning pattern density and range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is immediately apparent; these chokes feel substantial and well-made. The extended length makes them easy to install and remove, even with gloved hands. There is no noticeable learning curve; they perform predictably and consistently.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures exceptional durability. After weeks of use in harsh conditions, there are no signs of wear or corrosion. Maintenance is straightforward; cleaning is quick and easy with standard gun cleaning supplies.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus set comes with two chokes: mid-range and long-range. The lack of a choke wrench in the package is a minor oversight, but most shotgun owners likely already have one. The chokes are compatible with any 12-gauge Browning Invector Plus threaded shotgun.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Invector Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Ported