Let’s Talk About Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga.
The Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. might seem like a simple component, but it’s a critical piece for shotgun owners looking to maximize their firepower. Choate Tool promises enhanced reliability and proper feeding with this spring, designed specifically for extended magazine tubes. I’ve spent years fiddling with shotguns, and magazine extensions can be finicky, so I was eager to see if this spring lived up to the hype.
My old shotgun, a reliable workhorse for years, had been experiencing intermittent feeding issues with its extended magazine. The original spring felt weak and compressed, leading to jams at the worst possible times – not ideal when you’re facing down a charging boar or just trying to win a friendly clay shooting competition. I needed a spring that could reliably handle the increased capacity of a 9 or 10-shot extension.
The Choate Tool spring arrived in a simple package, but the spring itself felt noticeably sturdier than my old one. The steel felt robust, and the coils were evenly spaced and tightly wound. Compared to some generic springs I’ve seen, the Choate Tool version looked like it could handle the constant compression and decompression cycles of a high-capacity shotgun.
I chose the Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. over other options because of Choate Tool‘s reputation for quality and their specific claim of compatibility with 9 and 10-shot extensions. Some springs are just too weak for those longer tubes, leading to feeding problems. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the spring felt good, but the real test would be how it performed in my shotgun.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. was at my local shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to evaluate its performance with various loads. I ran a mix of birdshot, buckshot, and even some slugs through my extended magazine tube, eager to see if the spring could handle the pressure.
The spring performed flawlessly, cycling each round smoothly and consistently. There were no jams, no hesitations, and no feeding problems whatsoever. The increased spring tension was noticeable, but it didn’t make loading the magazine significantly harder. After the range, I performed more testing in some very dusty conditions. Again the spring performed flawlessly with no malfunctions of any kind.
Installation was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of my time. The only minor hiccup was compressing the spring enough to get the magazine cap back on, but that’s to be expected with any high-capacity magazine spring. Overall, the initial experience was a complete success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. continues to perform reliably. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my shotgun since installing it, and I haven’t experienced a single malfunction related to the spring. This is in stark contrast to my previous spring, which would start causing problems after just a few range sessions.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the spring. The finish is still intact, and the coils haven’t started to deform or compress unevenly. I clean my shotgun regularly, and maintaining the spring is as simple as wiping it down with a lightly oiled cloth. It still looks and feels like new, even after significant use.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket magazine springs, the Choate Tool spring is a clear winner. It’s more reliable, more durable, and performs consistently regardless of the ammunition I’m using. It has completely eliminated the feeding issues I was experiencing, restoring my shotgun to its full potential.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga.
Specifications
The Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. is designed to work specifically with 12-gauge shotguns equipped with a 9 or 10-shot magazine extension tube. It is manufactured in the USA by Choate Tool, ensuring high-quality materials and construction. The spring is intended for use in extended capacity magazines, providing reliable feeding and cycling of ammunition.
This specification is vital because using an underpowered or incompatible spring in a high-capacity magazine can lead to serious feeding issues, potentially rendering your shotgun useless when you need it most. The 12-gauge designation ensures the spring is properly sized and tensioned for the specific ammunition and magazine dimensions. The “Made in USA” label gives confidence that the product is likely manufactured to meet stringent standards.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. excels at reliably feeding ammunition in extended magazine tubes. It maintains consistent pressure on the follower, ensuring that each round is properly presented to the chamber. The spring’s increased tension prevents jams and misfeeds, even with heavier loads like buckshot or slugs.
The main strength of this product is its reliability. It performs its job consistently and without fail, giving you confidence in your shotgun’s functionality. A potential weakness could be the slightly increased effort required to load the magazine, but this is a trade-off for the improved feeding performance and is a minor inconvenience. It definitely exceeds my expectations given the prior problems I was having with my previous spring.
Design & Ergonomics
The Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. is a simple but effective design. The steel construction and tightly wound coils provide the necessary strength and durability. The spring’s length and diameter are precisely calibrated to fit within standard 12-gauge magazine extension tubes.
The spring is user-friendly in that it requires no modifications to your shotgun and installs easily with basic tools. There’s no real learning curve; it either works or it doesn’t, and in my experience, it worked perfectly from the start.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality steel construction, the Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. should last for years with proper care. The spring is designed to withstand constant compression and decompression cycles without losing its tension.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. A simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to prevent rust and corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. is a standalone product and doesn’t require any additional accessories. However, it’s essential to ensure that your magazine extension tube is compatible with the spring’s intended capacity.
While the spring itself isn’t customizable, it can be used in conjunction with other aftermarket shotgun accessories, such as different followers or magazine tube caps. It’s also worth noting it WILL NOT WORK ON MOSSBERG 930; look at part #60-09-17 instead.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga.
Pros
- Reliable feeding of ammunition in extended magazine tubes.
- Increased spring tension prevents jams and misfeeds.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install with basic tools.
- Affordable price makes it a cost-effective upgrade.
Cons
- Slightly increased effort required to load the magazine.
- Not compatible with all shotgun models (e.g., Mossberg 930).
Who Should Buy Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga.?
The Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. is perfect for shotgun owners who want to maximize the capacity and reliability of their firearms. It’s ideal for hunters, tactical shooters, and home defense enthusiasts who require a high-capacity magazine. It is also a must-have for 3-gun competition shooters and those who do a lot of practicing at the range.
Anyone with a Mossberg 930 should skip this product as it will not work. Also, if your magazine extension is less than 9 or 10 rounds, then you do not need this spring.
A must-have modification might be a high-quality follower to ensure rounds load smoothly into the chamber.
Conclusion on Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga.
Overall, the Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. It significantly improves the reliability of extended magazine tubes, ensuring smooth and consistent feeding of ammunition. At a price of $8.54, it’s an absolute steal.
The price is definitely justified, as it’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your shotgun’s performance. It brings reliable, quality performance that a shotgun owner needs.
I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their shotgun’s magazine spring. Don’t settle for a weak or unreliable spring; invest in the Choate Tool 9&10 Shot Magazine Extension Spring for 12 Ga. and experience the difference for yourself.