Field Test: Carlson's Choke Tubes Cremator

by
posted on December 6, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
field_test_carlsons.jpg

Unless you’re a waterfowl hunter, you don’t often want to talk much about choking. Sets a bad tone. But wingshooters by and large make their bones on the strength of two things (their own talents with the scattergun aside): good shotshells and quality choke tubes. And when it comes to chokes, at least, few offerings can rival those produced by Carlson’s Choke Tubes. The Kansas-based company offers a bevy of choke tubes, spanning nearly every possible shotgun model on the market and covering every possible use for a scattergun. Waterfowl chokes, predator chokes, sporting clay chokes, turkey chokes—they’re all there. Carlson’s manufactures its chokes from corrosion-resistant 17-4 PH stainless steel. That’s important to note, because most factory choke tubes are made of lesser stainless steel.

The company meticulously tests its chokes on a custom patterning range near its Kansas factory. I know, because I’ve seen it. I used the new Cremator choke on more than one of my flyway stops last year, and was very impressed at the results. The Cremator line is designed to offer reduced pellet deformation and produce fewer flyers. Such innovations are accomplished using the company’s Triple Shot Technology (TST). The Cremator features the company’s extended tube design, with a 25 percent longer parallel section for tighter patterns, wrench-free installation and muzzle protection. It’s available in close-range, mid-range and long-range variants.

Latest

Man Hunting With His Dog In Tall Grass 2026 09 24 14 46 51 Utc
Man Hunting With His Dog In Tall Grass 2026 09 24 14 46 51 Utc

Why National Hunting and Fishing Day Matters

National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is observed on the fourth Saturday of September each year (September 26 this year), is a day we should know one thing about: Hunters are America’s original conservationists.

Hunting Cape Buffalo: Don’t Just Stand There—Keep Shooting

A 49-year veteran of hunting the Cape buffalo is here to say encounters with the great beast aren’t always as you imagine.

Reviewed: Plano GoNow Boxes

Need something waterproof to store your hunting or shooting gear on the way to camp or the range? Look no further. Plano’s GoNow boxes hit the mark!

Standout New Hunting Guns of 2026

This year’s standout hunting firearms reveal an industry focused on refining proven ideas. Manufacturers are increasingly embracing features once reserved for premium models and including extras that a few years ago were considered aftermarket additions. Whether you’re chasing game close to home or venturing deep into the backcountry, today’s new hunting guns arrive more capable than ever before.

Massive Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

The Department of the Interior recently announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service is also making more than 1,000 modifications to existing regulatory provisions, reducing complexity and making it easier for hunters and anglers to understand and comply with applicable rules. 

Behind the Bullet: The .25 WSSM

Quarterbores are back, so let's take a look at a fan favorite released just after the turn of the millennium: the .25 WSSM.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.