Let’s Talk About Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte
The Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte promises to boost your Weatherby PA-459’s capacity, adding two crucial rounds to your 20-gauge pump shotgun. This solid steel extension, coupled with a barrel clamp, aims to provide enhanced firepower and support. For the tactical shooter or home defender, this upgrade seems like a simple solution for increased capacity.
I’ve always believed in maximizing preparedness, and the limited capacity of standard shotguns has been a nagging concern. I needed a reliable, robust solution to extend the magazine capacity of my Weatherby PA-459 for both range training and potential home defense scenarios. The promise of increasing capacity without sacrificing reliability drew me to the Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte.
Upon unboxing, the Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte felt substantial, reassuringly solid. The matte finish on the blued steel gave it a tactical, no-nonsense look, blending well with the aesthetics of my Weatherby PA-459. The included barrel clamp, meant for sling mounting and additional support, also appeared sturdy and well-made.
I considered similar extensions from ProMag and ATI, but ultimately chose the Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte because of Choate Tool’s reputation for producing reliable, American-made firearm accessories. The straightforward design and inclusion of a barrel clamp also swayed my decision.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The product appeared well-built, but the absence of a new spring raised a slight concern. I was eager to install it and test its functionality, hoping it would deliver on its promise of increased capacity and enhanced performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte at my local outdoor shooting range, focusing on rapid-fire drills and tactical scenarios. The weather was dry and mild, providing ideal conditions for testing its performance. I wanted to assess its reliability under moderate stress.
The installation was surprisingly straightforward, though using the original factory spring felt a bit unconventional. Once installed, the extension fed rounds smoothly, adding a noticeable increase to the shotgun’s capacity. However, I experienced a few instances of failure to feed after the fifth round, which was concerning.
The added weight at the front of the shotgun took some getting used to, impacting the swing and balance. The barrel clamp, while sturdy, needed tightening after every few magazines to prevent it from shifting. Despite the increased capacity, I felt that the performance wasn’t entirely seamless, and needed some adjustments to mitigate the occasional feeding issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte continued to function with the same mixed results. The feeding issues persisted sporadically, especially when using lower-powered birdshot rounds. Heavier buckshot seemed to cycle more reliably.
I noticed some minor wear on the matte finish near the magazine tube threads, but otherwise, the extension showed no significant signs of damage. The barrel clamp, despite requiring frequent tightening, held up reasonably well to the recoil.
Cleaning the extension was relatively easy, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each range session. Compared to my previous experience with a similar extension on a Remington 870, this Choate Tool product didn’t quite meet the same standard of consistent reliability. While it offered increased capacity, the occasional feeding issues made me question its dependability in a critical situation.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Choate Tool. This well-known manufacturer’s reputation contributed to my initial decision to try this product.
- Magazine Capacity: 8 Round. This is the extended capacity, adding two 2 3/4″ shells to your Weatherby PA-459.
- Gun Make: Weatherby. Specifically designed for the Weatherby PA-459 20ga pump shotgun.
- Country of Origin: USA. Made in the USA is a significant selling point for many consumers.
- The kit is constructed of solid blued steel ensuring durability. This adds to the overall robustness of the extension.
- The kit includes a barrel clamp for mounting a sling and adding support. This helps to stabilize the extension and provide a mounting point for accessories.
- Important Note: Does not come with a new spring; you reuse the original factory spring. This is a potential drawback as the original spring may not be optimal for the extended capacity.
These specifications matter because they dictate the overall performance and reliability of the magazine extension. The steel construction ensures durability, while the increased capacity provides a tactical advantage. The barrel clamp adds stability and mounting options, but the lack of a new spring could impact feeding reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte increases the capacity of your shotgun, but the performance isn’t flawless. It adds two rounds, which is a significant increase, but feeding issues can arise, especially with lighter loads.
The major strength is the increased firepower it provides, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. The main weakness is the occasional failure to feed, which can be a concern in a self-defense scenario.
It partially meets expectations. The increased capacity is a definite plus, but the reliability issues hold it back from being a truly outstanding upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte boasts a solid build quality, using robust steel. The matte finish blends seamlessly with the Weatherby PA-459’s aesthetics.
The added weight at the front changes the shotgun’s balance, requiring some adjustment for comfortable handling. The installation process is user-friendly, but frequent tightening of the barrel clamp is a minor inconvenience.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests the extension will last for years, barring extreme abuse. The matte finish, while prone to minor wear, provides decent protection against corrosion.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Repair should be straightforward due to its simple design, provided replacement parts are available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes the magazine extension and a barrel clamp. No other accessories are included.
The barrel clamp allows for mounting slings and potentially other accessories like lights or lasers with the appropriate adapters. However, dedicated customization options for the extension itself are limited.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte
Pros
- Increased magazine capacity (+2 rounds) provides a tactical advantage.
- Solid steel construction ensures durability and longevity.
- Matte finish blends well with the Weatherby PA-459’s aesthetics.
- Relatively easy installation process.
- Includes a barrel clamp for sling mounting and added support.
Cons
- Occasional failure to feed, especially with lighter loads.
- Requires re-use of factory spring, which may not be optimal.
- Barrel clamp requires frequent tightening to prevent shifting.
Who Should Buy Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte?
Perfect for: Home defense enthusiasts who want increased firepower without breaking the bank, and shooters who primarily use heavier buckshot loads in their Weatherby PA-459. Also suitable for recreational shooters who want a simple, cost-effective capacity upgrade and are willing to troubleshoot potential feeding issues.
Who should skip this product? Anyone seeking flawless reliability, particularly in a critical self-defense scenario, or those who primarily use light birdshot loads. Competitive shooters needing consistent performance should explore other options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality aftermarket magazine spring designed for extended tubes is highly recommended to improve feeding reliability. Consider adding threadlocker to the barrel clamp screws to minimize loosening.
Conclusion on Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte
The Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte offers an affordable way to increase the capacity of your Weatherby PA-459 20-gauge pump shotgun. However, its occasional feeding issues and reliance on the factory spring are significant drawbacks.
At a price of $48.01, the value proposition is mixed. The increased capacity and solid build quality are appealing, but the potential for malfunctions detracts from its overall worth.
While I appreciate the added firepower, I hesitate to fully recommend this product without reservations. A spring upgrade is almost mandatory.
If you’re on a tight budget and willing to tinker, the Choate Tool Weatherby 459-8 Shot Magazine Extension 20Ga Matte could be a viable option. Just be prepared to invest in a better spring and thoroughly test its reliability before relying on it for serious use.