The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
As someone who’s spent over a decade in the field, from guiding duck hunts in the Mississippi Delta to instructing tactical shotgun courses, I’ve cycled through countless choke tubes. I’ve seen firsthand how a seemingly minor tweak to your shotgun can dramatically impact performance. So, when I got my hands on the Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype surrounding its Triple Shot Technology.
For years, I’d been chasing that perfect pattern – the one that delivers consistent, dense coverage at extended ranges without blowing out the core at closer distances. Many choke tubes promised this, but few delivered. I’d been using a modified choke from a competitor, but felt it was lacking in long-range consistency when steel shot was used.
The Carlsons Cremator arrived in a simple, no-frills package, which I appreciate; I’m not one for fancy packaging. The first thing I noticed was the heft – the 17-4 stainless steel construction gives it a solid, durable feel. The black finish is sleek and professional, a clear step above some of the cheaper, rougher aftermarket chokes I’ve encountered.
Compared to my existing Briley and Patternmaster chokes, the Carlsons Cremator struck me as a more refined piece of engineering. The others felt more brutish in their design, whereas the Cremator’s internal geometry hinted at a more subtle approach to pattern constriction. My initial thought was, “this feels like it’s designed to mold the shot, not simply squeeze it.” I was definitely excited to see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Cremator was at a local sporting clays range. I used my Benelli Super Black Eagle II, a platform I’m intimately familiar with, and loaded up a mix of 1 1/8 oz. #7.5 lead target loads and 1 1/4 oz. #2 steel loads. The weather was typical for early spring: damp, with a slight breeze – conditions that can significantly affect shot patterns.
Installation was effortless; no wrench needed, as advertised. I started with the mid-range constriction and immediately noticed tighter, more consistent breaks on the clays at 30-40 yards. The Triple Shot Technology seemed to be doing its job, minimizing pellet deformation and keeping the pattern dense. There were no noticeable gaps in the pattern.
Switching to the long-range constriction, I engaged some of the further clays, extending out to 50 yards. The performance with the lead target loads was exceptional. The steel shot performed admirably, but some flyers began to appear beyond 45 yards, which is to be expected with steel shot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple waterfowl hunts and numerous trips to the sporting clays range, the Carlsons Cremator has proven to be a reliable and durable choke tube. The black finish shows no signs of wear, and the stainless steel construction remains corrosion-free, despite exposure to saltwater and harsh cleaning solvents. I’ve cleaned the tube after every use.
Maintenance is incredibly simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent keeps it clean and performing optimally. Compared to some ported chokes I’ve used in the past, the non-ported design of the Cremator significantly reduces the amount of fouling that builds up, saving me cleaning time. It has definitely outperformed the factory chokes my Benelli came with.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is specifically designed for Benelli shotguns that utilize the Crio Plus choke system. It is chambered for 12 gauge shotguns. The choke tube is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring a long lifespan even under harsh conditions.
It is offered in close, mid, and long-range constrictions, providing versatility for various shooting scenarios. The non-ported design helps to reduce fouling and simplifies cleaning, while the wrench-less installation allows for quick and easy changes in the field. The Triple Shot Technology (TST) consists of three graduated rings in the taper section of the choke, promoting a gradual constriction and minimizing pellet deformation.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Cremator excels in delivering consistent and dense shot patterns at mid to long ranges. The TST effectively reduces pellet deformation, resulting in fewer flyers and tighter groupings. The long-range constriction provides excellent performance at distances beyond 40 yards, while the mid-range option offers a balanced pattern for closer targets.
The choke tube’s reliability is commendable; it consistently performs as expected, regardless of the ammunition type (within the limitations specified for steel shot – #2 or smaller for Optima HP and Remington Pro Bore Long Range). One area that could be improved is clearer marking of the choke constriction on the tube itself. In low light, it can be difficult to quickly identify which constriction is installed. The performance definitely meets my expectations, and exceeds them with quality lead loads.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Cremator boasts a robust build quality, thanks to its 17-4 stainless steel construction. The weight is substantial, but not excessive, contributing to a feeling of quality and durability. The black finish not only looks good but also provides an added layer of protection against corrosion.
The wrench-less design makes it incredibly user-friendly, allowing for quick and easy installation and removal without the need for tools. There’s no real learning curve; it’s a straightforward, simple design that just works.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, the Carlsons Cremator is built to last. Its resistance to corrosion and wear ensures a long lifespan, even with frequent use in challenging environments. Maintaining the choke is simple: a quick cleaning after each use is sufficient to keep it performing optimally.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Cremator doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. However, its compatibility with the Benelli Crio Plus choke system means that it can be used with a wide range of Benelli shotguns. While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, its interchangeability allows users to fine-tune their shotgun’s performance based on their specific needs. It is compatible with Carlson’s choke tube wrenches if desired.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: The TST technology delivers consistently tight and dense patterns, reducing pellet deformation and increasing effective range.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 stainless steel, the Carlsons Cremator is built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use.
- Wrench-less Installation: Easy to install and remove without the need for tools, making it convenient for quick changes in the field.
- Improved Long-Range Performance: Significantly extends the effective range of your shotgun, particularly with lead loads.
- Easy Maintenance: The non-ported design minimizes fouling and simplifies cleaning.
Cons
- Difficult to identify the constriction in low-light conditions
- Steel shot performance, while adequate, is not as impressive as lead at longer ranges
Who Should Buy Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black?
The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is perfect for waterfowl hunters who demand consistent performance in challenging conditions and need to reach out to longer distances. It’s also ideal for sporting clays enthusiasts looking for tighter, more consistent patterns to improve their scores. Anyone using a Benelli Crio Plus shotgun who wants to maximize its range and pattern density will benefit from this choke tube.
Those who primarily shoot close-range targets or use non-Crio Plus Benelli shotguns should skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a choke tube case for safe storage when swapping tubes in the field.
Conclusion on Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black
The Carlsons Cremator Non-Ported Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge Mid-Range/Long-Range 17-4 Stainless Steel Black is a worthwhile investment for any Benelli Crio Plus shotgun owner looking to enhance their gun’s performance. Its superior pattern density, durable construction, and easy installation make it a standout choice in the crowded choke tube market.
At $76.50, the price is justified by the noticeable improvement in pattern consistency and effective range. I would definitely recommend this choke tube to anyone seeking to optimize their Benelli shotgun’s performance. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and want to get the most out of your shotgun, give the Carlsons Cremator a try. You won’t be disappointed.