The CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD – 12 Gauge Caliber, OEM Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD – 12 Gauge Caliber, OEM Origin promises to deliver increased firepower and faster reloads for the Legacy Sports International Citadel Boss 25 shotgun. This 10-round magazine aims to significantly enhance the tactical capabilities of the platform, and at a price point of just over $30, it immediately piqued my interest. With my background in tactical applications and home defense, I was keen to evaluate if this magazine could truly live up to the promise of increased capacity and reliability.
I’ve always believed that capacity is king in a defensive scenario. My existing 5-round magazines for my Boss 25 felt limiting. I found myself frequently wishing for additional rounds during range drills. The CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD seemed like the perfect solution to address this concern and improve my shotgun’s effectiveness.
Unboxing the magazine, my initial impression was dominated by its size. It’s undeniably long, far more so than the factory 5-round magazine. The polymer construction felt robust, though not quite as premium as some aftermarket options I’ve handled for other platforms. The spring felt strong, hinting at the potential need for a break-in period mentioned in some online reviews.
Compared to other aftermarket shotgun magazines I’ve used for different platforms, like the Saiga-12, the CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD felt less refined. Magazines from companies like SGM Tactical offer smoother feeding and more durable construction. I was hoping the CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD would at least match the reliability of the factory magazine, which has been flawless.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight apprehension. The increased capacity was undeniably appealing. I was slightly concerned about potential feeding issues due to the magazine’s size and the spring’s strength.
Real-World Testing: Putting CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD – 12 Gauge Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I focused on drills involving rapid target acquisition and multiple follow-up shots. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the magazine’s functionality.
Loading the CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD for the first time was a bit of a chore. The spring was incredibly stiff, requiring significant effort to fully load all ten rounds. I experienced a couple of failures to feed within the first few magazines, where the shell failed to fully chamber.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the magazine’s performance improved noticeably. I left the magazine fully loaded for a week, as recommended by other users, which seemed to help compress the spring. The frequency of failures to feed decreased significantly, but they didn’t disappear entirely.
After several hundred rounds, there were no significant signs of wear and tear. The polymer construction held up well to repeated loading and unloading. Cleaning was relatively straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any powder residue.
In comparison to the factory magazine, the CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD doesn’t quite reach the same level of reliability. While the factory magazine consistently feeds without issue, the 10-round magazine still experiences occasional hiccups, especially with lighter target loads.
Breaking Down the Features of CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD – 12 Gauge Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge. This magazine is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, ensuring compatibility with standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells.
- Capacity: 10 Rounds. The increased capacity provides a significant advantage in tactical and defensive situations, allowing for fewer reloads and greater sustained firepower.
- Origin: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Being an OEM magazine suggests it should be designed to fit and function seamlessly with the Citadel Boss 25 shotgun.
- Material: Polymer. The polymer construction helps to reduce weight and improve durability, making the magazine resistant to impacts and environmental factors.
These specifications are critical for optimal performance of the CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD. The 12-gauge caliber ensures that the magazine is compatible with the intended firearm. The 10-round capacity maximizes the number of rounds available before a reload. OEM origin suggests design compatibility, and polymer construction enhances durability for long-term use.
Performance & Functionality
The CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD performs its primary function – increasing capacity – effectively. It allows for a greater number of rounds downrange before reloading. However, its reliability is not perfect.
The primary strength is the increased capacity, which reduces reload frequency. Weaknesses include occasional feeding issues, particularly during initial use and with certain ammunition types. The magazine mostly meets expectations for increased capacity, but falls short on reliability compared to the factory magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable, with a robust polymer construction that feels sturdy. The magazine’s weight is noticeable when fully loaded but not excessively burdensome. The magazine’s length, however, can make the shotgun feel unwieldy.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, though the stiff spring can make loading difficult, especially at first. There’s a slight learning curve involved in ensuring proper seating of the magazine and reliable feeding.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction suggests good longevity, and after several months of use, there are no signs of cracking or structural failure. With proper care, it should last for a long time.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue and dirt. Disassembly for deep cleaning is not typically necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options directly applicable to the magazine itself.
The magazine is designed specifically for the Citadel Boss 25 shotgun, and compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited. There are no readily available aftermarket followers or baseplates designed specifically for this magazine.
Pros and Cons of CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD – 12 Gauge Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Significantly increases magazine capacity: Boosting capacity from 5 to 10 rounds dramatically reduces reload times during high-pressure situations.
- Durable polymer construction: The robust polymer material holds up well to repeated use and harsh conditions, offering long-term reliability.
- Affordable price point: At just over $30, the magazine offers a cost-effective way to enhance the firepower of the Citadel Boss 25.
- OEM origin: Designed specifically for the Citadel Boss 25, ensuring proper fit and function (in theory, if not always in practice).
- Easy to clean and maintain: Simple design allows for quick and easy cleaning.
Cons
- Initial feeding issues: Stiff spring can cause failures to feed during the initial break-in period.
- Increased length and weight: The extended length can make the shotgun feel unwieldy and potentially less maneuverable.
Who Should Buy CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD – 12 Gauge Caliber, OEM Origin?
The CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD is perfect for: Home defense enthusiasts looking to increase their shotgun’s capacity without breaking the bank, recreational shooters who enjoy extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads, and tactical shooters seeking a higher capacity magazine for training and competitions.
Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize absolute reliability above all else might want to stick with the factory 5-round magazines or explore more premium (and expensive) aftermarket options, or individuals who find the added length and weight of the 10-round magazine make the shotgun too unwieldy.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A magazine loader can be extremely helpful for easing the loading process due to the stiff spring.
Conclusion on CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD – 12 Gauge Caliber, OEM Origin
The CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD – 12 Gauge Caliber, OEM Origin offers a noticeable increase in firepower for the Citadel Boss 25 shotgun at an attractive price. While it may not be perfect, with occasional feeding issues during initial use, the benefits of increased capacity generally outweigh the drawbacks for most users.
The value proposition is strong. For just over $30, you get double the capacity of the factory magazine. This represents a significant enhancement to the shotgun’s capabilities.
I would recommend the CITADEL MAGAZINE BOSS25 12GA 10RD with a caveat: be prepared to spend some time breaking in the spring and potentially experiencing some initial feeding issues. Despite these minor drawbacks, the increased capacity makes it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their Citadel Boss 25’s performance. Buy it, break it in, and enjoy the extra rounds!