Enhancing Shotgun Performance: An In-Depth Look at Carlson's Cremator 20 Gauge Choke Tubes

For serious shotgun enthusiasts, whether you're a dedicated hunter pursuing waterfowl, upland birds, or elusive turkeys, or a competitive shooter honing your skills on the sporting clays course, the quest for superior patterns and consistent performance is never-ending. The difference between a clean harvest and a missed opportunity often comes down to the precision of your shot, and at the heart of that precision lies the choke tube.

When you're looking to optimize your 20 gauge shotgun, you might ask: "What are the best choke tubes to achieve tighter patterns?" or "How can I reduce pellet deformation for more consistent shots?" The answer frequently points to specialized equipment designed for peak performance. This is where Carlson's Choke Tubes, particularly their innovative Cremator series, stands out as a top-tier solution for discerning shooters.

Why Choke Tubes Matter: The Foundation of Shotgun Accuracy

Before diving into the specifics of the Cremator, it's essential to understand the fundamental role of a choke tube. A choke tube is a constricted device inserted into the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel to control the spread of the shot as it exits. By varying the degree of constriction, shooters can tighten or widen their shot pattern, tailoring it to specific distances and targets. A tighter pattern means more pellets concentrated in a smaller area, ideal for longer shots on smaller targets, while a more open pattern disperses the shot over a wider area, suitable for close-range, fast-moving targets.

Achieving dense, consistent patterns is critical for effective hunting and competitive shooting. Inconsistent patterns lead to "flyers" – pellets that stray from the main pattern – reducing the effective range and killing power of your shot. This is the core problem Carlson's Cremator choke tubes are engineered to solve.

Introducing Carlson's Cremator: A Revolution in Pattern Control

The Carlson's Cremator 20 Gauge Long Range Mid-Range/Long-Range Ported Choke Tube set (SKU: 11491) represents a significant advancement in choke tube technology. Designed for shooters who demand the absolute best from their 20 gauge firearms, this set provides a versatile solution for varying shooting scenarios. The "Cremator" name itself suggests its intended purpose: to deliver devastatingly effective patterns, ensuring your target is decisively "cremated" by a dense swarm of pellets.

What makes the Cremator so effective? It's a combination of Carlson's proprietary innovations and premium material selection, all engineered to enhance the dynamics of shot release.

The Science Behind Superior Patterns: Triple Shot Technology (TST)

At the heart of the Cremator's exceptional performance is Carlson's groundbreaking Triple Shot Technology (TST). This innovative design feature addresses one of the most persistent challenges in shotgun patterning: pellet deformation.

Traditional choke tubes often have a relatively abrupt taper, forcing the shot column to constrict rapidly. This sudden squeeze can cause pellets, especially those on the outer edges of the shot column, to deform or flatten. Deformed pellets become aerodynamically unstable, leading to erratic flight paths, wider and less consistent patterns, and ultimately, "flyers."

TST overcomes this by incorporating a series of three graduated rings within the taper section of the choke tube. Think of it as a multi-stage funnel rather than a single, sharp constriction. This design allows for a much more gradual transition from the shotgun bore to the final constriction point.

The benefits of TST are profound and directly impact your shooting success:

• Reduced Pellet Deformation: By easing the shot column into its final constriction, TST minimizes the stress on individual pellets. Less deformation means more perfectly spherical pellets exiting the barrel.
• Denser Patterns: With more pellets maintaining their integrity and flying true, the overall shot pattern becomes significantly denser and more uniform. This translates to more pellets hitting your target within the effective killing zone.
• Fewer Flyers: The primary cause of flyers is eliminated or drastically reduced. This ensures that nearly every pellet contributes to the pattern, maximizing your chances of a clean shot.
• Increased Downrange Energy: Undamaged, stable pellets retain more energy over distance, enhancing the effectiveness of your shot at longer ranges.

For the hunter, this means more ethical kills and fewer wounded game. For the competitor, it means more broken clays and higher scores.

The Advantage of a Ported Design: Control and Consistency

Beyond TST, the Carlson's Cremator 20 Gauge choke tubes are also ported. The ported design features a series of holes or vents machined into the choke tube itself. These ports serve multiple critical functions that enhance the shooting experience:

• Recoil Reduction: As the shot and wad exit the barrel, high-pressure gases escape through the ports. This redirection of gas creates a forward thrust, counteracting some of the rearward recoil force, resulting in a noticeable reduction in felt recoil. This is particularly beneficial for high-volume shooting sessions or when using heavier loads.
• Muzzle Rise Mitigation: The escaping gases also help to push the barrel downward slightly, reducing muzzle jump or rise. This allows for quicker follow-up shots and maintains your sight picture on the target, crucial for rapidly moving game or multiple target presentations.
• Muzzle Protection: The extended length of the ported choke tube offers an added layer of protection to the shotgun's muzzle, safeguarding the rifling and crown from accidental damage, which can otherwise negatively impact accuracy.
• Cleaner Patterns: While subtle, some shooters report that porting can help strip the wad more effectively from the shot column, leading to slightly cleaner and more consistent patterns downrange.

Built to Last: The Durability of 17-4 Stainless Steel

The material used in choke tube construction directly impacts its durability, corrosion resistance, and overall lifespan. Carlson's Cremator choke tubes are meticulously crafted from 17-4 Stainless Steel. This premium-grade stainless steel is renowned for its exceptional properties, making it an ideal choice for high-performance firearm components:

• Superior Strength: 17-4 Stainless Steel offers excellent strength and hardness, capable of withstanding the immense pressures generated during firing. This ensures the choke tube maintains its precise constriction over thousands of shots.
• Corrosion Resistance: Unlike some other materials, 17-4 Stainless Steel provides outstanding resistance to rust and corrosion, even when exposed to harsh outdoor elements, moisture, and gunpowder residues. This means easier maintenance and a longer life for your choke tube.
• Durability and Longevity: The robust nature of 17-4 Stainless Steel ensures that your Cremator choke tubes will endure rigorous use, maintaining their performance characteristics season after season. This translates into a reliable investment that won't let you down in the field or on the range.

Versatility in Every Shot: Mid-Range and Long-Range Constrictions

The Carlson's Cremator 20 Gauge 11491 set includes two choke tubes designed for optimal performance across a spectrum of shooting distances. These are typically one Mid-Range and one Long-Range constriction, as indicated by the product description. This dual-choke configuration provides unparalleled versatility, allowing you to quickly adapt your shotgun to the demands of the environment or the target.

• Mid-Range Constriction: Ideal for closer shots, typical in upland bird hunting (pheasant, quail, grouse) or certain sporting clays stations. It provides a balanced pattern that's dense enough for decisive kills but broad enough to offer a forgiving shot zone for rapidly moving targets.
• Long-Range Constriction: Engineered for extended distances, crucial for waterfowl hunting ( ducks, geese), turkey hunting, or long-range trap and sporting clays targets. This choke delivers the tightest possible pattern, maximizing pellet count on target at considerable ranges, which is vital for ethical long-distance shots.

Understanding when to use each choke is key to maximizing your success. For example, if you're pass-shooting geese at high altitudes, the Long-Range choke is indispensable. If you're busting through thick cover for flushing pheasants, the Mid-Range might offer a better spread. The ability to switch quickly and efficiently between these two, thanks to the wrench-less design, is a significant tactical advantage.

Seamless Integration: MobilChoke Configuration

The Carlson's Cremator 20 Gauge Choke Tube set is designed in the MobilChoke configuration. This means it is compatible with a wide array of popular 20 gauge shotguns that utilize the MobilChoke thread pattern. This widespread compatibility ensures that many shotgun owners can immediately upgrade their firearm's performance without needing specialized adapters. If you're wondering, "Will this choke tube fit my 20 gauge shotgun?", checking if your gun accepts MobilChoke tubes is the first step.

Designed for Convenience: Wrench-Less Installation and Quick Removal

Carlson's understands that time is precious, especially in the field or during a competition. The Cremator choke tubes feature a design that allows for wrench-less installation and quick removal. The extended portion of the choke tube provides ample surface area for a secure grip, enabling shooters to hand-tighten or remove the choke swiftly without fumbling for a wrench. This "finger-tight" capability is not only convenient but also ensures that you can adapt to changing conditions on the fly, whether it's switching from an open field shot to a tight timber shot, or from a short-range to a long-range clay target.

Important Considerations: Steel Shot Usage

A crucial aspect for many hunters, especially those pursuing waterfowl, is the compatibility with steel shot. Steel shot has become increasingly prevalent due to environmental regulations. While Carlson's Cremator choke tubes are generally designed to handle steel shot, it's vital to heed the manufacturer's specific warnings. The original product information states: NOTE- Optima HP and Remington Pro Bore Long Range cannot be used with any steel shot larger than #2. This is a critical safety and performance consideration. Always consult your shotgun's manual and the choke tube's specific guidelines before using steel shot, especially larger sizes, to prevent damage to your firearm or the choke tube itself. For standard steel shot sizes often used in 20 gauge, the Cremator excels, providing excellent patterns.

The Carlson's Promise: Made in the USA Quality

Trust and reliability are paramount when it comes to firearm accessories. Carlson's Choke Tubes prides itself on manufacturing its products in the USA. This commitment to domestic production ensures adherence to stringent quality control standards, supporting skilled labor, and delivering a product that shooters can depend on for years to come. When you choose Carlson's, you're investing in American craftsmanship and a legacy of excellence in firearm accessories.

Optimizing Your Shotgun: A Smart Investment

In summary, the Carlson's Choke Tubes 11491 Cremator 20 Gauge Long Range Mid-Range/Long-Range Ported 17-4 Stainless Steel set offers a comprehensive upgrade for any 20 gauge shotgun owner. It's more than just a piece of metal; it's a meticulously engineered tool designed to solve common shooting problems, enhance performance, and elevate your success in the field or on the range.

If you've been asking "How can I get more consistent patterns?" or "What's the best way to reduce recoil in my 20 gauge shotgun?", the Cremator provides a compelling answer. With its Triple Shot Technology for superior pattern density, ported design for recoil and muzzle rise management, durable 17-4 stainless steel construction, and convenient wrench-less installation, this choke tube set is a vital component for anyone serious about maximizing their shotgun's potential. It transforms your shotgun into a more versatile, precise, and enjoyable firearm to shoot, making every trigger pull count.

Carlson's Cremator 20 Gauge Choke Tube Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Carlson's Choke Tubes
Model	Cremator
Gauge	20 Gauge
SKU / MPN	11491
UPC	723189114916
Color	Blued
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel
Constriction	Mid-Range / Long-Range
Style	Ported
Chokes Incl.	2
Configuration	MobilChoke