Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension Review

Is the **Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension** Right for You?

When you own a reliable shotgun like a Mossberg, there’s always that nagging thought: “Could it be more?” For me, that thought materialized into a need for more capacity, especially after a few range days where I found myself reloading more often than I’d have liked. The Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension presented itself as a straightforward solution to this common desire. It’s a seemingly simple piece of hardware, yet it promises to enhance the practical utility of popular Mossberg models.

Upon first inspection, the extension felt solid, its steel construction giving it a reassuring heft. It didn’t feel like a cheap, flimsy add-on. The kit arrived with the essential components, including the extension itself, a new mag tube spring, and a high visibility shell follower. My initial impression was one of pragmatic optimism; it looked like it was built to endure the rigors of its intended use.

I briefly considered a few other aftermarket options, but their pricing seemed a bit steep for what essentially amounted to a capacity boost. This Choate Tool offering struck a balance between perceived quality and affordability. The first real impression was a sense of practical satisfaction—a feeling that a common bottleneck was about to be addressed with a durable, USA-made component.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension** to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a familiar outdoor shooting range, a place where I often push equipment to see how it performs under sustained use. The installation was straightforward, requiring the removal of the original magazine cap and follower, then threading on the new extension. The steel construction felt robust as I secured it.

In terms of performance, the extension immediately added a noticeable increase in capacity, which was exactly what I was after. The high visibility shell follower helped ensure smooth feeding, a crucial element when you’re trying to get rounds on target quickly. The entire system handled standard 12-gauge loads without issue, from lighter target rounds to more stout defensive shells.

There were a couple of minor quirks during this first use. Fitting the seventh shell into the magazine tube, even with the new follower, was a snug affair. It required a bit more effort than I initially anticipated, suggesting that the claimed one shotshell addition might be at the absolute limit of the tube’s practical capacity.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including trips to the range and some dry-fire practice sessions, the Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension has proven to be a reliable addition. It has seen action during extended shooting sessions where the increased capacity significantly reduced downtime. The steel construction has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of rust or significant wear, even after being handled in various weather conditions.

Durability is a strong point here. Despite being a relatively simple part, it hasn’t developed any cracks, looseness, or performance degradation. The threaded connection remains secure, and the internal components, like the mag tube spring and high visibility shell follower, continue to function as intended.

Maintenance has been minimal, which is a testament to its design. A quick wipe-down after dusty range days is all that’s typically required. When compared to other aftermarket extensions I’ve used over the years, this one holds its own. It doesn’t feel like a budget component that will fail prematurely, nor does it carry the premium price tag of some high-end tactical accessories.

Breaking Down the Features of **Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension**

Specifications

This magazine extension from Choate Tool is designed to add a single shotshell to the capacity of compatible Mossberg shotguns. The core of the unit is its steel construction, ensuring robust durability and a secure fit. It is proudly manufactured in the USA, which often translates to higher quality control standards.

The specifications are simple but effective. The extension adds approximately one shell’s length to the magazine tube, increasing overall capacity. This is achieved by replacing the original magazine cap and often requiring a longer spring and a specialized follower. The inclusion of the mag tube spring and high visibility shell follower in the package is a thoughtful touch, ensuring all necessary components are provided for a complete upgrade.

Compared to some other extensions that might offer more capacity, this one’s single-shot increase is modest. However, for many users, adding just one extra round can make a significant difference in practical application without drastically altering the firearm’s balance or length. The steel construction is a critical specification, promising longevity and resistance to damage in the field or workshop.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension is to increase shotgun capacity, and it performs this task adequately. My testing showed it successfully added an extra round to my Mossberg 835’s magazine. The high visibility shell follower is a nice touch, making it easier to track the status of the magazine, especially in lower light conditions.

The main strength lies in its simplicity and the added capacity. It does exactly what it claims to do. However, there’s a notable weakness: the fit for that seventh round can be exceptionally tight. Some users might find they can only reliably seat six rounds, while others can just barely squeeze in a seventh. This inconsistency can be a minor frustration for those expecting a perfect fit for an additional shell every time.

Overall, it meets expectations for its core function but doesn’t necessarily exceed them due to the tight tolerance for the maximum capacity. It’s a functional upgrade, but the user needs to be aware of the potential difficulty in fully loading it to its theoretical limit.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this extension is utilitarian and straightforward, which is perfectly suited for its purpose. The steel construction gives it a rugged feel, and the finish is generally good, offering decent protection against the elements. It integrates seamlessly with the existing magazine tube on compatible Mossberg models.

Ergonomically, it’s designed to function as a replacement for the original magazine cap. It’s not overly bulky, and the threaded interface is well-machined, allowing for a secure connection. The slightly extended length is noticeable but generally not intrusive.

A practical design detail is the indexing feature mentioned in some user feedback. The cap being indexed on the bottom, similar to the original 590 cap, ensures it locks securely into place via the detent ball on the barrel lug. This is a significant plus, as it prevents the extension from loosening during recoil, a common issue with less well-designed extensions.

Durability & Maintenance

Under normal use for its intended category, the Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension is built to last. The steel construction suggests a long service life, resistant to impacts and corrosion. I haven’t observed any signs of premature wear or failure, even with regular handling and exposure.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth and perhaps a light application of oil on the threads is usually sufficient. It’s not a complex mechanism, so there are few points where dirt or grime can significantly impede function, aside from the magazine tube itself.

Potential concerns are minimal, but the tight fit for the maximum shell count could, over time, potentially stress the follower or spring if constantly loaded to that absolute limit. However, this is more a capacity observation than a durability issue. It’s a robust piece of equipment that requires very little attention.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension comes as a kit, providing the essential components for the upgrade. This package includes the Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension itself, the mag tube spring, and a high visibility shell follower. These are the primary “accessories” for this particular product, ensuring you have everything needed for the installation.

There are no real customization options for the extension itself, as its design is fixed. However, its compatibility with specific Mossberg models is a key aspect. It is designed for Mossberg Model 835, Mossberg Model 590, and Mossberg Model 930 shotguns. This ensures it fits specific weapon platforms without requiring modifications to the firearm itself.

The value of the included mag tube spring and high visibility shell follower should not be overlooked. These are crucial for proper function, and having them included in the package saves the user from having to source them separately. This makes the overall offering more complete and user-friendly.

Pros and Cons of **Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension**

Who Should Buy **Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension**?

This Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension is an excellent choice for owners of Mossberg Model 835, Mossberg Model 590, and Mossberg Model 930 shotguns who are looking for a straightforward, reliable way to increase their firearm’s ammunition capacity by one round. It’s particularly well-suited for those who engage in activities where an extra shot can be beneficial, such as certain types of competitive shooting, home defense scenarios, or simply for extended range sessions that require fewer reloads. The steel construction and USA manufacturing make it a durable option for users who value reliability and longevity in their firearm accessories.

However, if you are seeking a significant capacity increase beyond one round, or if you require an extension that sits perfectly flush with an 18.5-inch barrel and don’t want any muzzle extension, this might not be the ideal choice. Those who demand absolute precision in shell seating for maximum capacity every single time might also find the slightly tight fit for the seventh shell to be a minor annoyance. For these users, exploring alternative, potentially higher-capacity extensions or different firearm platforms might be more appropriate.

If you decide to go with this extension, ensuring you have a good quality cleaning kit for your shotgun is always recommended. Furthermore, a sturdy sling and a reliable shotgun shell carrier can complement the increased capacity by making it easier to manage and deploy additional ammunition.

Conclusion on **Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension**

The Choate Tool Mossberg Magazine Extension is a well-made, functional upgrade for compatible Mossberg shotguns. Its steel construction and USA origin speak to its quality and durability, promising a long service life. The ability to add a crucial extra round of ammunition offers a tangible benefit for a variety of shooting applications, from recreational range time to more serious defensive considerations. The inclusion of the mag tube spring and high visibility shell follower makes for a complete and convenient package.

While the price point of $33.61 is quite reasonable, especially considering the material quality and included components, potential buyers should be aware of the tight tolerance for achieving the maximum seventh shell capacity. This is a minor drawback in an otherwise solid product. It’s a worthwhile addition for any Mossberg shotgun owner looking for a simple, robust, and effective way to enhance their firearm’s utility. I would certainly recommend it to those who fit the described user profile and are looking for a dependable, single-shot capacity increase without breaking the bank.