Let’s Dive into Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02
The Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02 might seem like a small, unassuming part, but it plays a vital role in the reliable operation of your shotgun. Designed by Choate Tool, this bright orange shell follower replaces the factory part in Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns, providing enhanced visibility and preventing potential issues with magazine spring compression. It’s a simple upgrade promising improved safety and functionality, a claim I intend to thoroughly investigate.
After a concerning incident at the range where I wasn’t 100% sure if my 870 was clear, I decided to explore options for improving visual confirmation of the magazine tube status. I specifically wanted a high-visibility follower. The Choate Tool Shell Follower presented itself as an inexpensive solution worth exploring.
Upon opening the package, my initial impression was that it was a no-frills, utilitarian piece of kit. The bright orange polymer felt solid enough, and the design seemed straightforward. There wasn’t anything particularly flashy, but I wasn’t expecting that from a $6 shotgun component.
I considered other shell followers like the CDM Gear Enhanced Magazine Follower, known for its stainless steel construction, and the GG&G Enhanced Follower, which boasts a similar high-visibility design. Ultimately, the Choate Tool option won me over because of its incredibly low price point and simple design. I figured, at this price, it was worth a shot (pun intended) to see if it improved my shotgun’s functionality.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It was exactly what I expected – a simple, affordable upgrade that should solve my problem.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range, primarily using my trusty Remington 870 Wingmaster. I ran a variety of shotgun loads through it, from light target loads to heavier buckshot, to ensure the Choate Tool Shell Follower wouldn’t cause any feeding issues. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing visibility.
Installation was a breeze, taking only a few minutes with basic tools. The follower immediately made a difference in terms of visual confirmation when the magazine tube was empty. There were no noticeable issues with cycling or feeding, even with different shell lengths.
However, I did notice that the polymer felt slightly less “smooth” than the original metal follower when loading shells. This wasn’t a significant issue, but something to be aware of.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including numerous trips to the range and a dove hunting trip, the Choate Tool Shell Follower has held up surprisingly well. There are no visible signs of wear or degradation of the polymer, despite consistent use and exposure to cleaning solvents. It hasn’t impacted reliability in any way.
The follower remains easy to clean, simply wiping it down with a cloth after cleaning the shotgun. I’ve even accidentally dropped it in the dirt a few times, and it cleaned up easily. Compared to the original follower, the bright orange color makes it much easier to locate if you drop it during cleaning or maintenance.
In terms of performance, it has exceeded my initial expectations. The enhanced visibility is a significant safety improvement, giving me confidence in the state of my shotgun. It’s a simple and effective upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02
Specifications
The Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02 is constructed from a high-visibility hunter safety orange polymer. It is designed for 12, 16, and 20 gauge standard frame Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns. This drop-in replacement follower prevents over-compression of the magazine spring.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring proper fit and function within the shotgun’s magazine tube. The polymer construction balances durability with lightweight performance. The bright orange color drastically improves the ability to quickly and easily visually confirm an empty magazine tube, a significant safety enhancement.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool Shell Follower performs its intended function exceptionally well. It reliably feeds shells into the chamber and prevents over-compression of the magazine spring, ensuring consistent performance. The high-visibility color provides a clear indication of the magazine tube status, improving safety and confidence.
The primary strength is its enhanced visibility, making it easy to determine if the magazine tube is empty. A potential weakness is the slightly less smooth feel of the polymer compared to the original metal follower during loading, although this is a minor issue. It exceeded my expectations for such an inexpensive upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid for a polymer part. The weight is negligible, and it doesn’t impact the balance or handling of the shotgun. The design is simple and functional, prioritizing performance and visibility over aesthetics.
The Choate Tool Shell Follower is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no specialized knowledge or skills for installation. The drop-in design makes it a straightforward upgrade for any Remington shotgun owner.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction should last for years with proper care. It is resistant to most common cleaning solvents and reasonably impact-resistant. Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe it down with a cloth during regular shotgun cleaning.
The durability appears to be good, based on my experience. It’s a simple part, and there isn’t much that can go wrong with it.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02 is a standalone component with no specific accessories required. It is compatible with standard Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns. It is designed to work with factory magazine tubes and springs, so most aftermarket extensions and spring upgrades should also be compatible.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02
Pros
- Enhanced Visibility: The bright orange color provides a clear indication of the magazine tube status, significantly improving safety.
- Easy Installation: The drop-in design makes it a quick and simple upgrade for any Remington shotgun owner.
- Affordable Price: At under $6, it’s an incredibly cost-effective way to improve your shotgun’s functionality and safety.
- Prevents Spring Over-Compression: The design ensures proper magazine spring function and longevity.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Resistant to wear and common cleaning solvents.
Cons
- Polymer Feel: The polymer material may feel slightly less smooth than the original metal follower during loading.
- Basic Design: It lacks the premium aesthetics of some higher-end aftermarket followers.
Who Should Buy Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02?
This shell follower is perfect for hunters, sport shooters, and home defense enthusiasts who own a Remington 870, 1100, or 11-87 shotgun and prioritize safety and visual confirmation of their firearm’s status. It’s also an excellent upgrade for anyone who wants a simple and inexpensive way to improve their shotgun’s reliability.
Those seeking a more robust or aesthetically pleasing option, or those who require a follower compatible with non-standard magazine tubes, might want to explore alternatives. Also, if a user already has perfect visual confirmation of the chamber and magazine, then there is no need for this product.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality bore snake for easy shotgun cleaning.
Conclusion on Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02
Overall, the Choate Tool Shell Follower Remington 870/1100/11-87 CMT-01-05-02 is a simple, effective, and incredibly affordable upgrade for your Remington shotgun. It addresses a potential safety concern with its high-visibility design and ensures reliable magazine spring function. While it lacks the premium features of some more expensive options, it delivers exceptional value for the price.
The price is definitely justified. It adds more value to the user experience than the price suggests.
I would definitely recommend this product to any Remington shotgun owner looking for an easy and inexpensive way to improve safety and functionality. Don’t overthink it; for the price, you can’t go wrong. Upgrade your shotgun today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with enhanced visibility and reliability!