Let’s Talk About Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower is a seemingly simple, yet crucial upgrade for your Mossberg shotgun. Choate Tool designed this high-visibility shell follower to replace the factory part, aiming to enhance reliability and safety. For years, I’ve seen factory followers fail, causing feeding issues and creating uncertainty about the shotgun’s loaded status.
My quest for a better shell follower began after a particularly frustrating experience during a wild hog hunt. My trusty Mossberg 590, usually a picture of reliability, jammed repeatedly due to a worn-out factory follower. I needed a durable, highly visible replacement, and the Choate Tool follower seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon unboxing, the Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower felt solid and well-made. The bright hunter orange color immediately grabbed my attention. Compared to the dull, gray factory follower, it promised a significant improvement in visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube.
I considered followers from brands like GG&G and S&J Hardware, known for their premium offerings. However, the Choate Tool follower’s affordability and positive user reviews swayed my decision. My initial impression was positive, tinged with a bit of skepticism about whether such an inexpensive part could truly deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower was the local shooting range. I wanted to cycle a variety of ammunition, from birdshot to buckshot, to ensure smooth feeding. The installation process was straightforward, although, like some other users reported, I did need to lightly sand a small portion of the follower’s exterior.
In dry conditions, the follower performed flawlessly, feeding shells smoothly and reliably. The bright orange color made it incredibly easy to visually confirm when the magazine tube was empty. There were no immediate issues, and I felt confident that it was an improvement over the factory follower.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower continues to perform well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear despite frequent use and cleaning. The polymer construction seems durable enough to withstand the rigors of regular shotgun use.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth during routine shotgun cleaning is all it needs. Compared to my previous experiences with factory followers, which often became rough and caused feeding issues, the Choate Tool follower is a significant upgrade. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Choate Tool. This company is known for producing affordable, functional firearm accessories.
- Compatibility: Mossberg 500, 600, and 590 series shotguns. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile upgrade.
- Material: Polymer construction. This makes it lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
- Color: Safety Orange. The safety orange color provides high visibility for quick identification of an empty magazine tube.
- Country of Origin: USA. This supports American manufacturing.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the follower’s performance and longevity. The polymer construction ensures smooth cycling and prevents damage to the magazine tube. The bright color significantly enhances safety and situational awareness.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower performs its primary function exceptionally well: reliably feeding shells and providing visual confirmation of an empty magazine. Its smooth surface reduces friction within the magazine tube, contributing to more consistent feeding. Its bright color allows for immediate and unmistakable visual confirmation of the magazine tube’s status, even in low-light conditions.
The primary strength of this product is its improved reliability over the often-faulty factory follower. One potential area for improvement would be tighter manufacturing tolerances to eliminate the need for sanding in some instances. It meets and even exceeds expectations, especially considering its budget-friendly price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower features a simple, functional design. The polymer construction is lightweight, contributing minimally to the shotgun’s overall weight. The design is user-friendly; installation is straightforward, and no specialized tools are required.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its polymer construction, the Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower is expected to last for years with proper care. It requires minimal maintenance; regular cleaning of the shotgun will keep it in good working order. The durable polymer material is resistant to most common solvents and lubricants used in firearm maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower doesn’t require any additional accessories. It is a standalone upgrade designed to replace the factory follower. While not strictly a customization option, the bright orange color can be seen as a visual upgrade, especially for those who prefer a more tactical or high-visibility look.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower
Pros
- High visibility safety orange color for quick and easy identification of an empty magazine tube.
- Improved reliability over the factory follower, reducing the risk of feeding issues.
- Affordable price makes it an accessible upgrade for any Mossberg 500/600/590 owner.
- Durable polymer construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy installation requires no specialized tools.
Cons
- Some users may need to sand the follower for a perfect fit.
- Polymer construction might not be as durable as metal alternatives in extreme conditions.
Who Should Buy Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower?
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower is perfect for:
- Home defense enthusiasts seeking to enhance the reliability of their shotgun.
- Hunters who need to quickly and easily verify the status of their shotgun in the field.
- Tactical shooters who prioritize reliability and safety.
This product is not for individuals who demand the absolute highest level of durability and are willing to pay a premium for metal alternatives. Someone who is unwilling to perform minor adjustments to ensure a perfect fit may also want to avoid this product. A must-have modification would be a thorough cleaning and lubrication of the magazine tube to ensure smooth follower movement.
Conclusion on Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower
The Choate Tool Mossberg 500/600/590 Shell Follower is a worthwhile upgrade for any Mossberg 500/600/590 shotgun owner. Its improved reliability and high-visibility design make it a significant improvement over the factory follower. At a price of only $5.79, it offers excellent value for money.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking to enhance the performance and safety of their Mossberg shotgun. Its affordable price and ease of installation make it a no-brainer upgrade. Don’t wait until your factory follower fails; invest in a Choate Tool follower today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your shotgun is ready when you need it.