First Impressions of Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole
The Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole is a simple tool with a singular purpose: ensuring your .44 Magnum ammunition is within spec and chambers correctly. This might not sound like the sexiest piece of gear, but for reloaders and serious revolver shooters, it’s a crucial component in maintaining safety and reliability. Evolution Gun Works (EGW) has a reputation for producing high-quality, precision parts, and this chamber checker promised to deliver on that expectation.
My motivation for acquiring the Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole stemmed from increasing my reloading consistency. I was experiencing occasional failures to chamber with my reloads in my Smith & Wesson Model 29. I needed a reliable way to quickly identify rounds that were out of spec before they became a problem at the range.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the chamber checker. The black, matte finish on the 6061-T6 Aluminum gave it a professional, no-nonsense look. The seven precisely machined holes inspired confidence that this wasn’t just some cheaply made gimmick.
I considered a few other options, including universal cartridge gauges and even some DIY approaches. Ultimately, I chose the EGW product because of its dedicated .44 Magnum chambering and EGW’s established reputation for precision. My initial excitement was tempered with the practical expectation that this would solve a very specific problem, and solve it well.
Real-World Testing: Putting Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole took place at my reloading bench. I systematically ran through a batch of 100 reloaded .44 Magnum rounds. I was specifically looking for any rounds that wouldn’t easily drop into the gauge.
The process was straightforward. If a round dropped in cleanly with minimal resistance, it passed. Anything that required excessive force or simply wouldn’t fit was immediately flagged for further inspection. The Ammo Chamber Checker proved invaluable in quickly identifying several rounds with slight bulges and inconsistencies.
There was a slight learning curve in getting a feel for what constituted “minimal resistance.” However, after checking about a dozen rounds, I quickly established a consistent standard. One surprise was how many rounds, that I thought were good, were actually slightly out of spec.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole with every batch of reloads, I can confidently say it has become an essential part of my reloading process. It significantly reduced the number of failures to chamber at the range. The tool has demonstrated excellent durability.
There are no signs of wear or tear on the 6061-T6 Aluminum. I’ve found it easy to maintain by simply wiping it down with a clean cloth after each use.
Before using the EGW Chamber Checker, range sessions were often interrupted by having to manually eject tight rounds. Now, I go to the range with greater confidence and fewer malfunctions. The Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole definitely outperforms my previous method of simply eyeballing rounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Evolution Gun Works.
- Caliber: .44 Magnum.
- Quantity: 1 (7-Hole Chamber Checker).
- Length: 3 inches.
- Additional Features: 7-Hole Design.
- Color: Black.
- Condition: New.
- Fabric/Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. This robust aluminum alloy ensures the tool is durable and lightweight.
- Finish: Matte. The matte finish minimizes glare and contributes to the tool’s professional look.
The specifications matter because they directly impact the tool’s accuracy and longevity. The 6061-T6 Aluminum construction ensures that the chamber checker maintains its precise dimensions over time. The 7-hole design allows for quick checking of multiple rounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a quick, reliable method for verifying that .44 Magnum ammunition is within SAAMI specifications. Its primary strength is its simplicity and accuracy.
The only potential weakness is that it only checks the external dimensions of the cartridge. It doesn’t check for internal issues like powder charge or primer seating depth. The tool meets and exceeds expectations by eliminating chambering issues caused by out-of-spec ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 6061-T6 Aluminum feels solid and well-machined. The checker is lightweight and comfortable to handle.
It’s incredibly user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve involved. Simply drop a round into a chamber and check for fit.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the robust construction from 6061-T6 Aluminum, the Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole should last for many years with proper care. The smooth, matte finish makes it easy to wipe clean. There are no small parts that could break or wear out.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole is a standalone tool and doesn’t require any accessories. There are no customization options available, nor are they necessary. The tool is designed for a singular purpose, and it fulfills that purpose admirably.
Pros and Cons of Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole
Pros
- Highly Accurate: Provides a precise check of .44 Magnum ammunition dimensions.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust 6061-T6 Aluminum for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to Use: Simple drop-in design requires no special skills or tools.
- Saves Time and Frustration: Eliminates chambering issues at the range.
- Peace of Mind: Ensures your ammunition is within spec for safe and reliable performance.
Cons
- It is caliber-specific, meaning it only works with .44 Magnum ammunition.
- It does not check for internal issues like powder charge or primer seating depth.
Who Should Buy Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole?
The Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole is perfect for reloaders, competitive shooters, and anyone who shoots .44 Magnum revolvers regularly. It’s also a great tool for anyone who wants to ensure the reliability and safety of their ammunition.
Someone who only occasionally shoots factory-loaded .44 Magnum ammunition might not find this tool as essential. If you’re happy with the performance of your factory ammo, you might not need it. A must-have modification would be a good set of calipers to precisely measure any out-of-spec rounds identified by the checker.
Conclusion on Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole
The Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole is a simple but invaluable tool for anyone who reloads or regularly shoots .44 Magnum ammunition. It provides a quick and reliable method for ensuring that your ammunition is within SAAMI specifications, preventing chambering issues and improving overall shooting experience.
At $27.99, the price is more than justified for the peace of mind and performance it provides. I would absolutely recommend the Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole to anyone serious about .44 Magnum shooting.
If you want to improve the reliability of your .44 Magnum ammo and eliminate frustrating chambering problems, then pick up an Evolution Gun Works Ammo Chamber Checker .44 Mag 7-Hole today. You won’t regret it.