Let’s Talk About Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly promises to increase the capacity of your Benelli shotgun, offering a significant tactical advantage and increased firepower for various shooting scenarios. Manufactured by Carlson’s Choke Tubes, this extension aims to provide a reliable and durable solution for Benelli owners seeking to boost their shotgun’s round count. It boasts features such as a strong mag extension spring and a built-in anti-rotation mechanism.
I’ve been involved in tactical training and competitive shooting for years. Capacity is king in many scenarios. I was seeking a dependable magazine extension for my Benelli M2 Field to increase its versatility for both home defense and 3-gun competitions.
Upon unboxing, the extension felt solid and well-made. The black finish looked durable, and the knurled end provided a good grip. However, I immediately noticed the absence of the extended tube follower mentioned in some descriptions, raising a red flag about the product’s consistency.
I considered options from Nordic Components and Briley, but the Carlson’s Choke Tubes offering appealed due to its competitive price point and the Carlson’s Choke Tubes reputation for quality choke tubes. I chose this extension hoping it would provide a good balance of performance and affordability. My initial excitement was tempered by the missing follower, making me question the accuracy of the product description and the potential for reliable feeding.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly at my local shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the extension’s performance. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid loading and cycling of the shotgun.
The initial installation was straightforward, but the missing follower immediately caused feeding issues. Rounds would occasionally fail to chamber correctly, requiring manual intervention. This was frustrating and clearly demonstrated the necessity of a reliable follower for smooth operation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 300 rounds, the durability of the extension itself seemed decent. There were no visible signs of wear on the tube or the spring. However, the intermittent feeding problems persisted due to the absence of the correct follower.
Cleaning the extension was simple; a quick wipe-down was all that was needed. Compared to my previous experiences with other magazine extensions, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes extension showed promise in terms of construction quality but ultimately failed to deliver due to the crucial missing component impacting reliable operation. It underperformed significantly compared to extensions with properly functioning feeding mechanisms.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly is designed to fit Benelli M1, Benelli Black Eagle, and Benelli M2 shotguns. It is finished in black and is advertised to increase the magazine capacity to 10 rounds. The assembly is manufactured in the USA.
The manufacturer states that the extension features a strong mag extension spring and a built-in anti-rotation feature. The extended capacity allows for more shots before needing to reload, crucial in tactical situations or competitive shooting. The compatibility with popular Benelli models ensures a wide range of users can benefit. However, the absence of a follower, as noted in some customer feedback, negates the benefits of the extended capacity by causing feeding malfunctions.
Performance & Functionality
When the extension does feed rounds correctly (with a compatible follower), it performs its primary function of increasing capacity. The strong spring ensures positive feeding, and the anti-rotation feature should prevent the extension from loosening during use. The performance hinges entirely on the availability of a functional follower.
The biggest weakness is the inconsistent product delivery, as highlighted by customer feedback regarding the missing follower. The advertised 10-round capacity is misleading, as many users have reported only being able to load 8 or 9 rounds reliably. This severely impacts the product’s value.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality appears to be solid, with durable materials and a robust design. The knurled end provides a secure grip for tightening and loosening the extension. The black finish is aesthetically pleasing and should resist corrosion.
The installation process is generally user-friendly. However, the absence of clear instructions regarding the follower and the potential compatibility issues with different Benelli models adds a learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly seems built to last, with a sturdy metal tube and a strong spring. Regular cleaning and lubrication are recommended to ensure optimal performance. The simple design makes maintenance relatively easy.
The long-term durability remains to be seen, but the initial impressions suggest that the extension should withstand regular use. However, without a reliable follower, the extension’s longevity is less important than its immediate functionality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly typically comes with the extension tube and the spring. However, the inconsistency in including the follower limits customization options. Users may need to source a compatible follower from another brand to achieve reliable feeding.
Compatibility with aftermarket tube clamps is an option, allowing users to secure the extension to the barrel for added stability. Other than the follower and tube clamps, there are limited customization options directly related to the extension itself.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly
Pros
- Solid build quality and durable materials.
- Increases shotgun capacity for tactical or competitive advantage when functioning correctly.
- Knurled end for easy installation and removal.
- Relatively affordable compared to other magazine extensions.
- Easy to maintain and clean.
Cons
- Inconsistent product delivery (missing follower).
- Reduced capacity reported by some users (less than the advertised 10 rounds).
- Potential feeding issues due to the missing or incorrect follower.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly might be suitable for experienced shooters and gunsmiths. It could be a decent option for those comfortable troubleshooting and sourcing a compatible follower separately. It could work for someone looking for an inexpensive project to improve.
Beginners or those seeking a ready-to-use solution should avoid this product. Those needing a magazine extension that functions flawlessly out of the box should also look elsewhere.
A must-have modification is the purchase and installation of a high-quality aftermarket follower from a reputable brand like GG&G or Nordic Components. A tube clamp would also benefit users putting it through rigorous use.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Shotgun Magazine Extension Assembly promises increased firepower for Benelli shotguns, but its inconsistent delivery and potential feeding issues overshadow its benefits. While the build quality seems robust, the missing follower, as reported by numerous users, renders the extension unreliable without additional investment and troubleshooting. The value proposition is questionable.
I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this product in its current state. The core issue of the missing follower undermines its functionality. Prospective buyers should carefully consider the potential need to purchase additional components before making a decision. Do your research, and be prepared to potentially invest in a separate follower to ensure reliable performance.