Let’s Dive into Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge
The Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge might seem like a small, unassuming part, but it plays a critical role in the reliable cycling of your shotgun. This isn’t just any spring; it’s a purpose-built upgrade designed to enhance the performance of your 12-gauge shotgun, specifically when using extended magazine tubes. As someone who’s relied on shotguns in various tactical and hunting scenarios for over a decade, I’ve learned that even the smallest components can make or break your experience.
My journey to finding this spring started with persistent feeding issues in my modified Remington 870. The original spring, even when new, felt inadequate and seemed to lose tension quickly, leading to frustrating jams. This upgrade promised a solution, and I was eager to test if it lived up to the hype.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately impressed by the Wilson Combat spring’s robust construction. The heavier gauge steel compared to the factory spring was immediately apparent. It felt like a significant step up in quality.
I considered other replacement springs on the market, but Wilson Combat’s reputation for quality and precision swayed my decision. Brands like Wolff Gunsprings are also reputable, but Wilson Combat is known for high quality aftermarket firearm parts. The other contenders simply didn’t inspire the same confidence.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The solid feel and reputation of Wilson Combat instilled confidence, but the real test would be its performance under pressure.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge was the local shooting range. I wanted to put it through its paces with various loads. The primary shotgun used was my Remington 870 with a one-shot extended magazine tube, the very one that had been giving me fits.
I ran approximately 100 rounds through the shotgun, including a mix of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. The difference was immediately noticeable. The shotgun cycled flawlessly. The feeding issues that plagued me with the factory spring were completely gone.
The weather conditions were fairly typical for a late spring day: sunny with a slight breeze. Even if it were wet, the Wilson Combat spring is made of steel and would have worked fine. The only condition I could imagine would be bad is extreme cold where tolerances could shrink, or the lubricant in the magazine tube could congeal and cause sluggish operation. The only adjustment I had to make was getting used to the slightly increased force required to load the magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge continues to perform flawlessly. It’s been through several more range sessions. I have also used it during a simulated home defense scenario on my property. The extended use has shown no signs of degradation in performance.
The spring shows no visible signs of wear or fatigue. It maintains its tension and consistently feeds rounds without issue. Cleaning the spring is simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed.
Compared to my previous experiences with the factory spring, the Wilson Combat spring is a night-and-day difference. Where the factory spring felt flimsy and unreliable, the Wilson Combat spring feels robust and dependable, significantly improving my shotgun’s reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Wilson Combat. A renowned name in firearm upgrades and accessories.
- Caliber: 12 Gauge. Specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns.
- Compatibility: Fits Remington M870, 1100, and 1187 – 12 Gauge. Offers wide compatibility with common shotgun models.
- Use: For use with one-shot extended magazine tubes. Optimizes performance with extended magazine tubes.
- Color: Silver. A standard finish that blends seamlessly with most shotguns.
These specifications are important because they ensure the spring is correctly sized and powerful enough to handle the increased demands of an extended magazine tube. A proper spring ensures consistent and reliable feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge excels in its primary function: ensuring reliable feeding of shells in shotguns with extended magazine tubes. Its increased power provides consistent pressure. This pressure minimizes the risk of jams and misfeeds, which are critical in tactical or defensive situations.
Its main strength is its reliability. I experienced a noticeable improvement in feeding consistency compared to the factory spring. The spring could benefit from an even heavier-duty version for extreme use cases.
The spring exceeded my expectations. I was initially skeptical that such a small component could make such a significant difference. The performance boost was undeniable.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wilson Combat spring is a straightforward, functional design. It’s made from high-quality steel. The weight is negligible, but its sturdiness is immediately apparent.
Installation is relatively simple, though it may require some basic mechanical knowledge. No special tools are needed. The slightly increased spring tension requires a bit more force during loading, but it’s a minor trade-off for the increased reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and the Wilson Combat name, I expect this spring to last for many years of regular use. Regular cleaning and light lubrication will further extend its lifespan.
Maintaining the spring is easy. Simple cleaning and infrequent re-lubrication are enough. The high-quality steel resists corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge is a standalone component. It does not come with any additional accessories. It enhances the performance of extended magazine tubes.
It is compatible with most standard magazine tube followers. It is ideal if you already use other Wilson Combat parts. This will ensure optimal performance and seamless integration within your shotgun setup.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge
Pros
- Enhanced Reliability: Significantly improves feeding consistency and reduces malfunctions.
- Increased Power: Provides stronger spring pressure. This leads to more reliable cycling, especially with extended magazine tubes.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Can be easily installed with basic mechanical knowledge.
- Affordable Upgrade: Offers a significant performance boost for a minimal investment.
Cons
- Slightly increased loading force. This might be a minor issue for some users.
- Limited to specific shotgun models. It only fits Remington M870, 1100, and 1187 – 12 Gauge models.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge?
The Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge is perfect for shotgun owners who rely on their firearms for home defense, tactical applications, or competitive shooting. If you have a Remington 870, 1100, or 1187 with an extended magazine tube, this is a must-have upgrade. Anyone experiencing feeding issues or wanting to improve the reliability of their shotgun will benefit greatly.
This product might not be necessary for those who only use their shotguns for recreational shooting with standard capacity magazines. People who prefer other shotgun brands like Mossberg or Benelli should skip this product since it is only compatible with specific Remington models.
A must-have accessory to consider alongside this spring is a high-quality magazine follower. Also, regular cleaning and lubrication of the magazine tube are essential for optimal performance.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge
The Wilson Combat Magazine Tube Spring 12 Gauge is a small but mighty upgrade that delivers significant improvements in shotgun reliability. It’s a cost-effective solution. It addresses common feeding issues.
The price of $8.68 is a bargain for the peace of mind it provides, knowing your shotgun will cycle reliably when it matters most.
I wholeheartedly recommend this spring to anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Remington 12-gauge shotgun with an extended magazine tube. It’s a simple upgrade. It offers a tangible performance boost. It is an essential component for any serious shotgun user. Don’t hesitate; upgrade your shotgun today.
