Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin Review

The Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression

The Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin isn’t exactly the kind of product that sends adrenaline surging, but its importance is undeniable for responsible shotgun ownership and adherence to hunting regulations. This seemingly simple product, manufactured by Carlson’s, promises to easily reduce a shotgun’s magazine capacity to the legal limit for migratory bird hunting. It’s a cost-effective solution to a problem that could otherwise result in hefty fines.

My journey to acquire these plugs began with a near miss. I recently accepted an invite for a last-minute dove hunt, realizing only the night before that my trusty old pump-action had a five-shell capacity. A quick search for a reliable and affordable solution led me to the Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin.

Upon receiving the package, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The plugs themselves are made of a durable-looking polymer. They felt solid and well-made despite their minimalist design. Compared to some of the more complex and specialized plugs on the market, the Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin seemed like a no-nonsense solution.

I considered a few other options. The universal plugs from Champion were tempting, but some reviews mentioned fit issues with certain models. I also looked at some brand-specific plugs for my Remington 870, but the universal nature of the Carlsons product appealed to me, offering compatibility across multiple shotguns should the need arise. Ultimately, the simplicity, price, and versatility of the Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin won me over.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The plugs appeared robust and the concept was straightforward. I was eager to see if they lived up to their “universal” claim and how easily they could be installed and trimmed for a perfect fit. I felt excited at the possibility of a quick and inexpensive way to keep my shotgun legal for various hunting applications.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin took place in my garage, prior to heading out to the dove field. I needed to ensure a secure and legal fit within my Remington 870. Installation was surprisingly straightforward.

The instructions were minimal, but essentially unnecessary; it’s a plug, after all. I simply unscrewed the magazine cap, dropped in the plug (without trimming initially), and re-secured the cap. The fit was snug, but the magazine spring still compressed fully. The magazine capacity was indeed reduced to two shells in the tube, plus one in the chamber for a total of three. I dry-fired several times to confirm proper feeding and ejection.

There were no immediate issues after the first installation. The plug seemed to be doing its job effectively. I experienced no malfunctions during the dry-fire test. I felt confident moving forward with live-fire testing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After using the Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin for several months, I can attest to its reliability and durability. It has been used during dove hunts, sporting clay sessions, and general range practice with no issues whatsoever. The polymer material shows no signs of wear or cracking, even after repeated removal and re-installation.

Maintenance is almost non-existent. The plugs require no special cleaning or care. I simply wipe them down with a cloth if they get dirty, which is rare. Comparing this to other, more complicated magazine limiting devices, the Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin is a clear winner in terms of simplicity and ease of use. It vastly outperforms any homemade solutions I might have previously considered.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin

Specifications

The Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin is designed to fit most shotguns and all gauges. The package includes two plugs, providing a spare or allowing for simultaneous use in multiple firearms. The primary function of the plug is to reduce magazine capacity from four rounds to two rounds.

The plugs are constructed from a durable polymer material. This material offers a good balance of strength and flexibility. This allows for easy trimming and installation while withstanding the pressures of repeated firing. The “universal” design necessitates a degree of custom fitting.

Performance & Functionality

The Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin performs its intended function flawlessly. It reliably reduces magazine capacity. This allows adherence to legal limits for hunting migratory birds and other regulated activities. There are no complex mechanisms or moving parts to fail, making it inherently reliable.

The plug’s simple design minimizes the chance of malfunctions. This is a significant advantage over more elaborate magazine limiting systems. The only potential drawback is the need for trimming. This will be covered in more detail below. Despite this, the plugs function perfectly as intended.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin is simplicity at its finest. It is a straight polymer rod, designed to be inserted into the magazine tube. The weight is negligible, adding virtually no extra bulk to the shotgun. This is in contrast to heavier, metal plugs.

The plug’s minimalist design makes it incredibly user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve involved in installation or use. Even someone completely unfamiliar with shotguns could easily install these plugs. The only skill required is the ability to safely disassemble and reassemble the magazine tube.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from durable polymer, the Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin is built to last. There are no moving parts to wear out. The polymer is resistant to most common solvents and oils. It is found in firearm cleaning products.

Maintenance is practically non-existent. The plugs require no lubrication or special care. A simple wipe down with a cloth is all that’s needed. Their simplicity contributes directly to their longevity and ease of maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin doesn’t come with any accessories. Nor does it require any for its basic function. The primary customization option is trimming the plug to the precise length required for a specific shotgun model. This ensures a perfect fit and reliable magazine capacity reduction.

The plugs are compatible with any shotgun that accepts a magazine plug in its magazine tube. This includes most pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns. The “universal” designation reflects this broad compatibility. The user might need to customize other aspects of their shotgun based on local regulations, but these plugs will work in conjunction with them.

Pros and Cons of Carlsons Universal Shotgun Plug, Package of 2 – Aftermarket Origin