Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range Review

First Thoughts on the Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range

For years, I’ve chased the perfect pattern out of my 20-gauge shotgun. As a dedicated upland bird hunter and occasional sporting clays enthusiast, the search for consistent, dense patterns at moderate ranges has been a constant pursuit. That’s why the Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range immediately caught my eye.

I was intrigued by Carlson’s claim of their Triple Shot Technology (TST) leading to reduced pellet deformation and denser patterns, and the ported design promising reduced recoil was a welcome bonus. I had to see if the Cremator lived up to the hype.

The choke tube arrived in simple but effective packaging. Pulling it out, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel and the clean, matte black finish. The ports looked precisely machined, and the extended design gave the impression of a well-thought-out product. Compared to my factory choke tubes, the Carlsons felt significantly more robust.

I considered other extended choke tubes from Briley and Patternmaster, but Carlson’s reputation for quality and the Cremator’s unique TST design swayed me. Plus, the price point was very attractive. My initial excitement was high. I couldn’t wait to get to the range and see if it performed as well as it looked.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range was at my local shooting range, patterning it with a variety of 20-gauge loads. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for testing. Installation was a breeze; it simply screwed in by hand, no wrench needed. After a few shots, I felt a slight reduction in recoil compared to my flush-mounted modified choke.

The real test, however, was the pattern. I set up targets at 30 yards, a typical range for upland birds, and fired several shots with different shells. My initial results were promising. The patterns were noticeably denser and more consistent than what I was used to seeing with my factory choke.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including numerous trips to the sporting clays course and a full upland bird season, the Carlsons Cremator has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The matte black finish has held up well, showing no signs of rust or wear. Cleaning is simple; a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent is all it takes.

Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket choke tubes, the Carlsons has consistently delivered superior patterns and a slight reduction in felt recoil. This makes for quicker follow-up shots and less fatigue during long days in the field. The Cremator has genuinely elevated my shooting.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range

Specifications

The Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range is designed for Winchester-style choke systems. It is specifically chambered for 20-gauge shotguns. The constriction is designated as “Mid Range,” with an actual diameter of .597 inches.

This choke tube features Carlson’s Triple Shot Technology (TST), which consists of three graduated rings in the taper section to ensure a smooth transition. Its extended and ported design offers several benefits. Constructed from premium 17-4 stainless steel, it promises both durability and resistance to corrosion.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range truly excels in its ability to produce consistent and dense patterns at moderate ranges. This is critical for hunting upland birds and performing well at sporting clays. The TST technology works as advertised, minimizing pellet deformation and reducing flyers. While the recoil reduction from the ports is subtle, it is noticeable, especially during extended shooting sessions.

Its strength lies in providing a predictable and effective pattern. The only potential weakness is that “Mid Range” may not be ideal for very close-range shots. Ultimately, it more than meets my expectations for a choke tube in this category.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range boasts a simple yet effective design. The extended length allows for easy hand tightening and removal. It also provides muzzle protection. The matte black finish is non-reflective and aesthetically pleasing.

The choke tube’s weight is negligible, adding no noticeable heft to the shotgun. This is a well-designed and user-friendly product.

Durability & Maintenance

The Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range, constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, is built to last. After months of use in various conditions, it shows no signs of wear or corrosion. Maintenance is simple; a quick cleaning with a bore brush after use is sufficient. This choke tube is designed for long-term performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range requires no additional accessories for basic use. Its compatibility extends to any 20-gauge shotgun with a Winchester-style choke system. While no specific customization options are offered for the tube itself, users can experiment with different shotshell loads to fine-tune their patterns.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Winchester Cremator Ported Choke Tube 20 Gauge, Mid Range