First Impressions of Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve seen countless shotgun upgrades come and go. However, the Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel immediately piqued my interest due to Briley’s reputation for quality and precision engineering, coupled with the promise of increased firepower for my Benelli. The promise of more rounds in a semi-auto shotgun is always appealing, especially for applications like 3-gun competitions or home defense scenarios where every second and every shot counts.
I was looking for a reliable and durable magazine extension that would seamlessly integrate with my Benelli M2 without compromising its balance or handling. I needed it to withstand the rigors of regular use and provide a consistent feeding experience. The absence of a sling swivel was actually a plus for me; I prefer attaching slings to the receiver for better weight distribution.
Upon unboxing, the Briley extension exuded quality. The 6061 aluminum felt solid and substantial, providing a sense of confidence in its durability. The black finish was smooth and even, seamlessly blending with the factory finish of my Benelli. The machining was clean and precise, showcasing the attention to detail that Briley is known for.
I considered other extensions from brands like Nordic Components and Taccom, but I ultimately chose the Briley for its reputation for superior fit and finish, and the promise of a hassle-free installation. I’ve used Briley chokes in the past and have always been impressed with their quality, so I was willing to pay a slight premium for their magazine extension. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if the extension lived up to the Briley name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel at my local shooting range, running a variety of 12-gauge loads, from light target loads to heavy buckshot. The extension installed easily, threading smoothly onto the magazine tube and locking securely in place. The included magazine tube spring felt significantly stronger than the factory spring, which gave me confidence in reliable feeding.
The first few rounds cycled flawlessly, and the added weight of the extension at the muzzle actually helped to reduce felt recoil slightly. I ran through several boxes of shells in varying weather conditions (sunny and slightly windy) without any malfunctions or issues. The increased capacity was a definite advantage, allowing me to engage targets more quickly and efficiently.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use in various conditions, including a couple of 3-gun competitions, the Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel has proven to be incredibly reliable. There are only minor signs of wear on the finish of the extension. I attribute this mostly to the shotgun sitting in the gun safe for extended periods of time. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, simply requiring a wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper magazine extensions, the Briley has been a game-changer. It has consistently provided flawless feeding and has shown no signs of loosening or malfunctioning. It noticeably outperforms other extensions I’ve used, offering a superior level of reliability and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel
Specifications
The Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel is designed to increase the capacity of compatible 12-gauge shotguns by four rounds. It’s constructed from durable 6061 aluminum, offering a good balance between strength and weight. The extension features a black finish and is compatible with Benelli M1, M2, Super Black Eagle I, II, & III, Super 90, and Breda shotguns.
The use of 6061 aluminum is significant because it provides excellent resistance to corrosion and impact damage, ensuring longevity and reliable performance. The +4 capacity is a sweet spot for many shooters, offering a significant increase in firepower without making the shotgun excessively long or unwieldy.
Performance & Functionality
The Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel performs its job exceptionally well. It reliably increases the magazine capacity without causing any feeding issues or malfunctions. The added weight at the muzzle can actually improve the shotgun’s handling by reducing muzzle flip.
The only weakness is the absence of a sling swivel, although this was actually a preference for me. Overall, the Briley extension meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel is top-notch. The 6061 aluminum feels robust and the black finish is aesthetically pleasing. It adds some weight to the shotgun, but it’s not excessive and contributes to better balance and recoil management.
The extension is user-friendly and requires no specialized tools for installation. There’s no significant learning curve, making it easy to integrate into your existing shotgun setup.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from 6061 aluminum, the Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel does not come with any additional accessories beyond the magazine tube spring. It is compatible with various aftermarket followers designed for Benelli shotguns, allowing for further customization. While it does not have a built-in sling mount, you can attach a sling to the receiver or use an aftermarket barrel clamp with a sling attachment point.
Pros and Cons of Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: The extension consistently feeds shells without malfunctions, even with a variety of loads.
- Durable Construction: The 6061 aluminum construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Easy Installation: The extension installs quickly and easily without requiring specialized tools.
- Improved Balance: The added weight at the muzzle can improve the shotgun’s balance and reduce muzzle flip.
- Reputable Brand: Briley is a well-known and respected manufacturer with a reputation for quality and precision.
Cons
- Absence of Sling Swivel: Some users may prefer an extension with a built-in sling swivel.
- Price: It is pricier than some competing magazine extensions, although the quality justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel?
The Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel is perfect for competitive shooters (3-gun, etc.), home defense enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to increase the capacity and reliability of their Benelli or Breda shotgun. It’s ideal for those who value quality, durability, and consistent performance. Someone looking for a cheap, budget friendly option may want to skip this product.
A must-have modification to consider is a high-quality aftermarket follower to ensure smooth and reliable feeding. Also, consider a barrel clamp with a sling attachment point if you prefer a sling setup.
Conclusion on Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel
Overall, the Briley Benelli/Breda Semi-Auto 12 Gauge +4 Rounds Shotgun Magazine Extension w/o Sling Swivel is an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Benelli or Breda shotgun. The price is justified by the superior quality, reliability, and durability of the product. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a premium magazine extension that will stand up to the rigors of regular use.
If you’re serious about your shotgun and demand the best, don’t hesitate. Upgrade your Benelli or Breda with the Briley extension today and experience the difference!