Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube Review

Let’s Dive into Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube

The Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube promises enhanced reliability and visual confirmation for your shotgun’s magazine. Wilson Combat is a name synonymous with quality in the firearms world. I was intrigued to see if this seemingly simple upgrade could live up to the hype and improve the performance of my trusty Remington 870.

My old shotgun had started to feel a bit sluggish, especially when loading the last couple of rounds into the extended tube. Feeding became less reliable, and I wanted to address this potential failure point before it became a real issue in a critical situation. I was looking for a solution that would offer increased spring power, improved feeding, and easy visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube.

Upon receiving the kit, I was immediately impressed by the robust feel of the spring and the bright orange color of the follower. The spring appeared to be noticeably thicker and more substantial than the factory spring it was replacing. The follower, with its high-visibility color, seemed like a practical addition for quickly assessing magazine status.

I considered other options, such as magazine upgrades from Nordic Components and Scattergun Technologies. Ultimately, I chose the Wilson Combat kit due to the brand’s reputation for quality and the relatively low price point. It seemed like a simple and cost-effective way to address my feeding concerns.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The parts appeared well-made, and the concept was solid. I was eager to install the kit and see if it would deliver the promised improvements in reliability and performance.


Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube on my Remington 870 shotgun, and I tested it at my local shooting range. The range provided a safe and controlled environment for evaluating the functionality of the upgraded magazine components. I ran a variety of ammunition through the shotgun, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, to assess feeding reliability across different load types.

The kit performed well initially. The spring seemed to provide ample power, reliably feeding rounds into the chamber. However, I did notice that the last round was a bit harder to load into the magazine tube.

I didn’t have any issues in the first shooting session, but, it has me thinking if there could be problems in the long run.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube continues to function reliably, though the initial issue with loading the last round persists. The bright orange follower makes it easy to visually confirm when the magazine tube is empty, a feature I appreciate during rapid shooting drills. The durability of the spring seems to be holding up well, with no noticeable degradation in performance.

I’ve found myself cleaning the magazine tube and components more frequently than before. This is simply preventative, and not a direct result of the upgrade. Overall, the kit outperforms the original spring and follower that came with my shotgun, providing a noticeable improvement in feeding reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube

Specifications

The Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube is designed as an upgrade for shotgun magazine extensions. It is specifically intended for use with 2-shot extension tubes or Remington 3-shot extension tubes. The kit is compatible with Remington M870, 1100, and 1187 12-gauge shotguns.

The spring is made from extra-power steel for improved reliability. The follower is constructed from a high-visibility polymer. The kit increases the magazine capacity by 2 rounds.

These specifications are crucial because they ensure reliable feeding and easy visual confirmation of an empty magazine. The increased spring power minimizes the risk of malfunctions, and the high-visibility follower provides immediate feedback on magazine status.

Performance & Functionality

The Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube performs its job effectively, providing a noticeable improvement in feeding reliability. It is not a magic bullet. There may be issues that still need to be worked on.

The main strength of the kit is the increased spring power. This provides more consistent and reliable feeding of ammunition. The high-visibility follower is also a valuable addition, allowing for quick visual confirmation of an empty magazine. One area that could be improved is the slightly increased difficulty in loading the last round into the magazine tube, as noted in my personal testing.

The kit meets my expectations, providing a tangible improvement in the functionality of my shotgun’s magazine system. It would exceed my expectations if it completely resolved the loading issue.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube features a simple and functional design. The materials used are of good quality. The spring is robust and durable. The follower is lightweight and easy to see.

The kit is user-friendly, requiring no specialized tools for installation. There is no real learning curve associated with its use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube appears to be durable and long-lasting. The spring is made from high-quality steel that is resistant to wear and corrosion. The follower is constructed from a tough polymer that can withstand repeated use.

The kit is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. Regular cleaning will help ensure smooth and reliable operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube is a standalone upgrade kit, and does not include any additional accessories beyond the spring and follower themselves. However, it is compatible with a wide range of shotgun accessories, such as magazine extensions, sling mounts, and tactical lights. The Wilson Combat name also lends itself to the compatibility with all Wilson Combat accessories.

It should be noted that some users have reported compatibility issues with certain brands of magazine extensions. It’s always a good idea to check compatibility before purchasing.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube

Pros

  • Significantly improves feeding reliability compared to factory springs.
  • The high-visibility follower allows for quick and easy visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube.
  • The extra-power spring provides consistent and reliable feeding across a variety of ammunition types.
  • Easy to install with minimal effort.
  • Cost-effective upgrade that delivers tangible performance benefits.

Cons

  • May slightly increase the difficulty of loading the last round into the magazine tube.
  • Compatibility issues have been reported with certain brands of magazine extensions.


Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube?

The Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube is perfect for shotgun owners who are looking to improve the reliability and functionality of their magazine system. This kit would specifically benefit:

  • Home defense enthusiasts who rely on their shotguns for personal protection.
  • Competitive shooters who demand consistent and reliable performance.
  • Tactical shooters who need to quickly assess magazine status in high-pressure situations.

This product may not be ideal for individuals who are highly sensitive to loading force. If loading the last round in can be problematic, consider avoiding it. Similarly, buyers with non-standard magazine extensions should verify compatibility before purchasing.

A must-have modification would be a quality magazine extension tube from a reputable manufacturer such as Wilson Combat or Nordic Components to ensure proper fit and function.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube

The Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube is a worthwhile upgrade for shotgun owners seeking improved reliability and visual confirmation of magazine status. It enhances the overall shooting experience. The improved feeding reliability and high-visibility follower make it a valuable addition for home defense, competitive shooting, and tactical applications.

The price of $12.95 is justified by the tangible performance benefits and the quality of the components. It’s an affordable way to enhance the functionality of your shotgun.

I would personally recommend the Wilson Combat Spring and Follower Kit Extension Tube to anyone looking to improve the reliability and performance of their shotgun’s magazine system. It’s a simple, cost-effective upgrade that delivers real-world benefits. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!

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