First Impressions of Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel
Shotgun magazine extensions have always been a point of interest for me; the ability to increase firepower in a defensive or competitive shooting scenario is invaluable. The Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel promises to deliver exactly that, with a focus on lightweight materials and compatibility across several popular shotgun platforms. Briley is a name synonymous with quality in the shooting sports world, and their reputation definitely piqued my interest.
I was looking for a magazine extension that would give me maximum capacity without significantly impacting the balance and handling of my shotgun. Many extensions add substantial weight to the front of the gun, making it unwieldy. I needed an extension that was lightweight, durable, and compatible with my Beretta A300.
The extension arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was positive: the carbon fiber tube looked sleek and felt surprisingly light. The aluminum ends appeared robust and well-machined. Compared to some steel extensions I’ve handled, this one felt like it wouldn’t throw off the shotgun’s balance as much.
I considered a Nordic Components extension, known for its durability, and a Taccom extension, famed for its ease of installation. However, the Briley‘s combination of carbon fiber and broad compatibility list ultimately swayed me. I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype of offering a lightweight yet durable capacity upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on fast target acquisition and transitions. The weather was dry, with a slight breeze, providing optimal testing conditions. Installation was relatively straightforward, though requiring some attention to ensure proper spring compression and thread engagement.
The added weight was noticeable but manageable, even during rapid firing drills. I did experience a slight learning curve, adjusting my grip and swing to compensate for the increased length and weight at the front of the shotgun. There were no immediate issues, and the extension fed rounds smoothly during the initial session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and a couple of practical shotgun competitions, the Briley extension has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the carbon fiber tube or the aluminum ends. Cleaning the extension is simple: a quick wipe-down with a gun cloth is usually all that’s needed.
It’s proven more durable than I initially anticipated, given its lightweight construction. In comparison to a steel extension I used previously, the Briley offers similar reliability with a significantly reduced weight penalty. It noticeably improves my performance in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel
Specifications
The Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel is designed to add 8 rounds to your shotgun’s capacity. The main body is constructed from carbon fiber, providing a lightweight yet strong structure. The end caps and forend cap attachment points are made from 6061 Aluminum offering durability in high-stress areas.
This extension is compatible with a wide range of shotguns, including the Beretta A300, A350, A400 Xtreme, A391 Xtrema II, Tx4 Storm, 1301 Competition, Benelli Nova, SuperNova, Franchi Model 912, and Stoeger M3K, M3000, M3500. The Briley extension is finished in black anodized aluminum, with custom colors (Blue, Gold, and Red) available upon request, adding a personalized touch. The carbon fiber tube features a Delrin collar, likely to reduce friction and wear.
Performance & Functionality
The Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel performs its primary function flawlessly: increasing shotgun capacity. The added rounds provide a significant advantage in both tactical and competitive situations. Reliability has been excellent with various types of shotgun ammunition.
The lightweight carbon fiber construction minimizes the negative impact on the shotgun’s balance and handling. The included swivel stud allows for the attachment of a sling, further enhancing the shotgun’s versatility. While the longer tube requires a slight adjustment in handling, the benefits of increased capacity outweigh this minor drawback.
Design & Ergonomics
The combination of carbon fiber and aluminum creates a visually appealing and functional design. The extension feels well-made and robust despite its light weight. The black anodized finish provides a sleek and professional look.
Installation is relatively straightforward, though some mechanical aptitude is required. The design is user-friendly, and the swivel stud is a welcome addition.
Durability & Maintenance
The Briley extension is designed for long-term durability. The carbon fiber tube is resistant to impacts and scratches, while the aluminum ends offer excellent resistance to corrosion. Maintenance is minimal: regular cleaning with a gun cloth is sufficient to keep the extension in good working order.
The Delrin collar likely contributes to the smooth operation and longevity of the system. The overall build quality suggests that this extension will withstand years of use and abuse.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel comes with a swivel stud for sling attachment. Custom color options are available for the aluminum ends (Blue, Gold, and Red), allowing for some personalization. While not explicitly stated, it’s likely compatible with various aftermarket shotgun accessories, such as barrel clamps and enhanced followers.
The compatibility with a wide range of shotgun models enhances its versatility. The ability to customize the color of the aluminum ends adds a touch of personalization.
Pros and Cons of Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel
Pros
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction minimizes impact on shotgun balance.
- Adds 8 rounds of capacity for increased firepower.
- Compatible with a wide range of popular shotgun models (Beretta, Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger).
- Durable 6061 Aluminum ends provide robust attachment points.
- Includes a swivel stud for convenient sling attachment.
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to some other shotgun magazine extensions.
- Custom color options require a three-week lead time.
Who Should Buy Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel?
This magazine extension is perfect for competitive shooters, tactical shooters, and home defense enthusiasts who prioritize increased capacity without adding excessive weight to their shotgun. It’s also a great choice for those who own multiple shotguns from the Beretta, Benelli, Franchi, or Stoeger families, thanks to its broad compatibility.
This product may not be ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those who only need a small capacity increase. A must-have accessory would be a quality barrel clamp to provide additional support and stability to the extension.
Conclusion on Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel
The Briley Beretta Auto/Benelli Pump/Franchi 912 Variomax/Stoeger + 8 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/Swivel is a high-quality, well-designed accessory that delivers on its promise of increased capacity and lightweight performance. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, the combination of carbon fiber construction, broad compatibility, and included swivel stud make it a worthwhile investment. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their shotgun’s firepower without compromising its handling characteristics.
If you are looking to take your shotgun’s performance to the next level, consider the Briley extension. You won’t be disappointed.