The CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promises to dramatically increase the firepower of compatible 12-gauge shotguns. For years, I’ve lamented the limited capacity of standard shotgun magazines, especially during multi-gun competitions and extended training sessions. This aftermarket magazine, with its advertised 10-round capacity, immediately piqued my interest.
I was primarily seeking a reliable and high-capacity solution for my Citadel BOSS 25 shotgun to minimize reloads. Frustratingly slow reloads are a major disadvantage in dynamic shooting scenarios. The promise of nearly tripling the standard capacity was too good to ignore.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt robust, constructed from what appeared to be durable polymer. Its weight suggested a solid build, inspiring confidence, though the slightly rough finish hinted at its aftermarket origins. I was cautiously optimistic; aftermarket shotgun magazines have a mixed reputation for reliability.
Compared to the factory 5-round magazine and a competitor’s 8-round offering (which consistently failed to feed properly), the CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin presented a more aggressive, high-capacity stance. My primary reason for choosing it over others was the advertised 10-round capacity coupled with the hope that a magazine marketed specifically for the Citadel BOSS 25 would function more reliably than a generic model. I was definitely excited, but also a little skeptical, knowing that aftermarket accessories can sometimes be hit or miss.
Real-World Testing: Putting CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing occurred at an outdoor shooting range, simulating a practical shotgun course. I subjected the magazine to various drills involving rapid target engagement and movement. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing.
Initially, the magazine seemed to perform well, feeding the first few rounds without issue. However, after loading seven rounds, I experienced several failures to feed. The action would cycle, but the next shell wouldn’t properly align with the chamber.
I didn’t expect perfection out of the box, but the initial hiccups were a bit concerning. Some aftermarket magazines require a break-in period.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 200 rounds of mixed birdshot and buckshot, the CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin showed marginal improvement but remained inconsistent. Failures to feed still occurred, typically when the magazine was loaded near its full capacity. The body showed no signs of external wear, a testament to the material’s resistance.
Cleaning was relatively straightforward. The magazine disassembled easily for inspection and cleaning. The spring tension felt appropriate, and there were no immediately obvious causes for the feeding issues. Compared to my experience with the factory magazine, which has been flawlessly reliable, the aftermarket magazine definitely underperformed.
Breaking Down the Features of CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
Caliber: 12 Gauge. This magazine is specifically designed to function with 12-gauge shotguns, primarily the Citadel BOSS 25.
Capacity: 10 Rounds. The increased capacity allows for more sustained firing before needing to reload.
Origin: Aftermarket. Being an aftermarket product means it’s manufactured by a third-party company and not directly by the firearm manufacturer.
Material: Polymer Construction. The body consists of durable polymer to withstand the stresses of repeated use and maintain a light weight.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the shotgun’s functionality. The increased capacity enhances firepower, while the aftermarket origin highlights potential reliability concerns. Polymer construction balances durability with manageable weight.
Performance & Functionality
The magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed 12-gauge shells into the shotgun’s chamber. While it does increase capacity as advertised, its performance is inconsistent, marred by frequent failures to feed, especially with heavier loads or when fully loaded. Its biggest strength is the potential for increased firepower, though this is significantly undermined by its reliability issues. It falls short of expectations due to its inconsistent feeding.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design closely resembles the factory magazine but with an extended length to accommodate the higher capacity. The polymer construction makes it relatively lightweight, adding minimal extra weight to the shotgun. The build quality appears decent, although the rough finish suggests less precise manufacturing compared to factory magazines.
There’s a slight learning curve associated with loading the magazine. It requires a firm push to seat the shells correctly. It is easy enough to load, but the increased spring tension when fully loaded demands more strength.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction suggests a reasonable lifespan, and after several range sessions, the magazine shows no visible signs of cracking or significant wear. Disassembly for cleaning is easy, and the internal components are accessible for inspection. It appears designed for ease of maintenance with no specialized tools required.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is a magazine, so there aren’t any directly compatible accessories or customization options in the traditional sense. However, users can choose different types of 12-gauge ammunition, which can affect the magazine’s performance. The magazine’s compatibility with various shell lengths (e.g., 2 3/4″, 3″) is a consideration.
Pros and Cons of CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 10-round capacity dramatically increases the firepower of the Citadel BOSS 25.
- Durable Construction: The polymer body feels robust and has withstood moderate use without visible wear.
- Easy Maintenance: Disassembly and cleaning are straightforward, requiring no specialized tools.
- Relatively Lightweight: The polymer construction keeps the added weight manageable.
- Potential for Faster Follow-Up Shots: The magazine could provide a tactical advantage with less need to reload.
Cons
- Inconsistent Feeding: Failures to feed are a recurring issue, especially when the magazine is fully loaded.
- Aftermarket Reliability: The aftermarket origin raises concerns about long-term durability and performance compared to factory magazines.
- Not Always Reliable: Inconsistent Performance undermines confidence during critical situations.
Who Should Buy CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin might be suitable for recreational shooters who want to experiment with higher capacity magazines and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. Those who engage in controlled range environments or are comfortable troubleshooting feeding issues could find some value in it.
Serious competitors or anyone relying on their shotgun for self-defense should skip this product. The reliability issues make it unsuitable for high-stakes scenarios.
A must-have modification (if possible) would be a stronger magazine spring to improve feeding reliability. Also, thorough testing with various ammunition types is essential before relying on this magazine.
Conclusion on CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The CITADEL BOSS 25 -10 ROUND MAGAZINE – 12 Gauge Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promises increased firepower, but falls short on reliability. While the increased capacity is appealing, the frequent failures to feed are a significant drawback.
At $33.99, the price is relatively low, but the inconsistent performance diminishes its value. The price doesn’t justify the spotty functionality.
Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this magazine, unless reliability isn’t a priority. Invest in proven, reliable magazines or consider other modifications to improve your shotgun’s performance instead.