Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension Review

Let’s Talk About Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension

The Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension promises to drastically increase the firepower of your Remington shotgun. This blued steel extension, complete with a base clamp, high-visibility follower, and extended spring, aims to transform your trusty shotgun into a higher-capacity defensive tool. Choate Tool boasts a reputation for reliable, no-nonsense accessories, and this extension kit seeks to deliver on that promise.

My shotgun felt… limited. With a standard capacity, it felt lacking in a tactical or even home defense situation. I wanted something that would significantly increase my round count without sacrificing reliability.

Unboxing the kit, I was immediately struck by the solid feel of the blued steel extension. It felt substantial, suggesting a robust build. The follower was a bright orange, a welcome touch for visual confirmation of an empty magazine.

I considered other options like the TacStar magazine extension. Ultimately, I chose the Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension due to Choate Tool’s reputation for quality and the kit’s completeness. Some extensions require you to source your own follower or spring, but this kit had everything.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The parts looked and felt well-made, but the user reviews mentioning potential fitting issues gave me pause. I hoped installation would go smoothly, and the added capacity would be worth any minor hassles.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at an outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. I installed the Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension on my Remington 870. The installation, admittedly, took longer than expected due to the aforementioned dimples, requiring me to carefully drill them out.

Performance was initially promising. I ran several magazines of various birdshot loads without issue. The added weight at the front of the shotgun was noticeable but manageable, even lending to recoil management.

The biggest surprise was the increase in overall length. This made maneuvering in tight spaces slightly more cumbersome than before. However, the added firepower seemed worth the trade-off.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension has proven to be mostly reliable, although not without its quirks. The blued finish shows some wear around the clamp, but overall, the extension has held up well to repeated firing and handling. I have put around 500 shells through the extension.

Cleaning is straightforward. I simply remove the extension during my regular shotgun maintenance and wipe down the inside with a bore brush and solvent. The follower cleans easily as well.

Compared to my previous experiences with standard-capacity shotguns, the Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension offers a significant advantage in round count, but it does require more attention to cleaning and potential minor adjustments to ensure smooth cycling. There were a few times I had to re-tighten the extension.

Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Choate Tool. Known for producing aftermarket firearm accessories.

• Color: Black. A standard, non-reflective color.

• Finish: Blued. Offers some corrosion resistance but requires maintenance.

• Fabric/Material: Steel. Provides durability and rigidity.

• Magazine Capacity: 7 Round (extension adds 5-6 rounds to the standard magazine). Depending on the original shotgun configuration.

• Gun Make: Remington. Specifically designed for Remington shotguns.

• Gun Model: Remington Model 11-87, Remington Model 1100, Remington Versa Max, Remington Model 870. Compatible with a range of Remington models.

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. Designed for the ubiquitous 12-gauge shotgun.

• Gun Type: Shotgun. Specifically for use on shotguns, not rifles or pistols.

• Included Accessories: 1 Magazine Extension, 1 Base Clamp, 1 High Visibility Shell Follower, and long spring. Provides a complete kit for installation.

• Condition: New. Arrives in new, unused condition.

• Country of Origin: USA. Manufactured in the United States.

These specifications translate to a durable, high-capacity extension designed for popular Remington shotguns. The steel construction and blued finish should withstand typical use, while the included accessories simplify installation.

Performance & Functionality

The Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension significantly increases the shotgun’s capacity. This translates directly to increased firepower and reduced need for reloading in a defensive situation or during extended shooting sessions. However, this comes at the cost of increased weight and length.

The extension functions reliably with most standard 12-gauge ammunition. Some users may experience occasional feeding issues with certain low-brass loads. The high-visibility follower aids in quickly confirming an empty magazine, a valuable feature in high-stress situations.

One significant weakness is the potential need for modification on newer Remington 870 models due to magazine tube dimples. This requires drilling, which may intimidate some users and could potentially damage the shotgun if not done carefully.

Design & Ergonomics

The Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension is a simple, functional design. The blued steel construction is robust, but the finish is prone to scratching. The added weight at the front of the shotgun affects the balance, which some users may find uncomfortable, while others might prefer it.

The installation process can be challenging for those unfamiliar with shotgun disassembly and modification. Drilling out the magazine tube dimples requires precision and care. Clearer instructions would be beneficial.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction ensures reasonable durability. The blued finish requires regular cleaning and oiling to prevent rust, especially in humid environments. The spring should be replaced periodically to maintain optimal feeding performance.

Disassembly for cleaning is relatively simple. The extension can be easily removed from the magazine tube. Replacement parts are readily available from Choate Tool and other aftermarket suppliers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit includes a base clamp to secure the extension to the barrel. Additional clamps can be purchased for increased stability, especially with heavier loads. Some users may choose to add a sling mount to the extension for carrying the shotgun.

The Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension is compatible with most standard Remington 870 accessories. This includes aftermarket forends and sights. However, the increased length may require a longer sling.

Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Remington 12 Shot Magazine Extension