Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds Review

Is the Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds Worth It? Let’s Find Out

For years, my Remington 870 Express Tactical has been a workhorse, but the factory 4-round capacity always felt a bit limiting. Whether I was at the range pushing its capabilities or considering its utility in certain home defense scenarios, the desire for more onboard ammunition was persistent. This led me to seek out an upgrade, specifically a magazine extension that wouldn’t compromise the shotgun’s proven reliability. The Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds stood out as a robust solution from a reputable manufacturer, promising to significantly increase my shotgun’s firepower.

My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid construction. The blued steel felt substantial, a welcome contrast to some of the flimsier aftermarket accessories I’ve encountered over the years. It has a no-nonsense, utilitarian aesthetic that perfectly complements the utilitarian nature of the Remington platform. While I briefly considered some less expensive, polymer-based extensions, the appeal of all-steel construction for something that handles significant recoil and pressure was undeniable. This felt like a component built to last.

The sheer simplicity of the design instilled a sense of confidence. It’s a straightforward addition, designed to bolt on and enhance functionality without introducing complex mechanisms that could fail. My immediate reaction was one of anticipation, eager to see how this straightforward upgrade would transform the shotgun’s capabilities, offering a tangible increase in capacity and, frankly, a more imposing presence.

Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing regimen began at my local indoor range, a controlled environment perfect for initial fitment and function checks. The installation itself was remarkably straightforward. For my older Remington 870, which predates the internal magazine dimples, it was a simple matter of unscrewing the original cap, removing the original spring and follower, and then threading on the new extension. The fit was snug and precise, with no gaps or wobbles.

I loaded the magazine with standard 2 ¾ inch high-brass shells, a common choice for both sporting clays and defensive use. The extension smoothly accepted all seven rounds, and the high-visibility follower slid effortlessly into place. Cycling the action for the first time with the loaded extension was a moment of truth. The shells fed flawlessly into the chamber, and the extension held its capacity without any issues during rapid firing drills. The slight overhang past the barrel, while visually striking, didn’t interfere with my aiming or handling.

After a couple of hundred rounds, I noticed a slight improvement in balance, though this is subjective and dependent on the shotgun’s original configuration. The blued steel finish held up remarkably well to handling and the occasional minor bump against the shooting bench. There were no feeding failures, no binding, and the spring provided consistent tension throughout the capacity.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the following months, this magazine extension became a permanent fixture on my 870. It has seen use across various shooting disciplines, including informal clay target shooting and practice sessions focused on tactical reloading drills. The extension has endured numerous loading and unloading cycles, from dusty outdoor ranges to the controlled environment of my workshop.

The Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no signs of stress on the steel, no apparent wear on the threading, and the spring has maintained its integrity. Cleaning is as simple as disassembling the shotgun for normal maintenance; the extension slides off easily, allowing access to the magazine tube and spring for a quick wipe-down.

Compared to other magazine extensions I’ve used, this Choate Tool model stands out for its sheer robustness and consistent performance. While some aluminum extensions can develop nicks or dents, or lose their finish over time, the blued steel on this unit feels incredibly resilient. It has definitely surpassed my expectations for long-term reliability, maintaining its functionality without any degradation.

Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds

Specifications

This particular model offers a significant upgrade in firepower, increasing the shotgun’s capacity to a total of 7 rounds plus one in the chamber. The magazine extension is machined from solid, blued steel, ensuring impressive durability and resistance to corrosion. It comes complete with a base clamp, a high-visibility shell follower for easier monitoring, and a long spring specifically designed to reliably push all shells up into the receiver.

The +2 Rounds capability means that compared to a standard 4-round capacity shotgun, you gain six additional shots before needing to reload. This is particularly useful for extended shooting sessions or situations where immediate follow-up shots are critical. The material choice of blued steel contributes to a robust feel and a finish that, while requiring some basic care, is generally long-lasting.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this extension is to reliably increase shotgun capacity, and it excels at this task. The 7 Round capacity allows for more engagements without the need for frequent magazine changes. This is achieved through a well-designed spring that consistently pushes shells forward, ensuring smooth feeding into the shotgun’s action.

The key strength lies in its integration with the Remington platform; it functions as if it were an original component. There are no significant weaknesses to report in terms of its core functionality. It performs exactly as advertised, providing the promised increase in rounds with dependable cycling. This model comfortably meets, and in many scenarios, exceeds the expectations for a magazine extension.

Design & Ergonomics

The Choate Tool design is all about utility and ruggedness. The blued steel construction gives it a substantial feel, conveying a sense of quality and longevity. While it adds some length to the front of the shotgun, this is a necessary trade-off for increased capacity and doesn’t negatively impact the overall balance or handling for most users.

The ergonomics are dictated by the shotgun itself, as the extension simply replaces the factory magazine cap. The high-visibility shell follower is a subtle but appreciated design element, making it easier to visually confirm the magazine’s status. The finish is smooth and uniform, fitting aesthetically with most Remington shotgun finishes.

Durability & Maintenance

This extension is built for the long haul, designed to withstand the rigors of repeated use and recoil. The solid blued steel construction means it’s less prone to cracking or damage than plastic alternatives. For maintenance, it’s incredibly straightforward; simply remove the extension during standard shotgun cleaning to access the spring and follower.

There are no obvious weak points in the design. The threading is robust, and the clamp mechanism is secure. Given the material and construction, it’s likely to last for the lifetime of the shotgun, assuming normal care and avoiding excessive abuse.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular kit is designed to be a complete package, including the magazine extension, base clamp, long spring, and high-visibility shell follower. There are no additional accessories included, as the focus is on providing the core component for capacity enhancement.

While this unit is designed for specific Remington models, it is worth noting that some newer Remington shotguns feature internal magazine dimples. These may require drilling out with a 3/16 drill bit for the spring to fully extend into the new magazine tube. This is a common modification for older models, and the instructions provided address this potential requirement.

Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds

Who Should Buy Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds?

This magazine extension is an ideal upgrade for any owner of a compatible 12 gauge Remington 870, 1100, 1187, or Versamax shotgun who desires increased ammunition capacity. It is perfect for sport shooters, especially those involved in disciplines like 3-gun competition or extended clay target sessions where quickly engaging multiple targets is key. Homeowners looking to maximize the defensive potential of their scattergun will also find this upgrade highly beneficial.

Those who prioritize rugged, no-nonsense components and prefer metal construction over polymer will find this a perfect fit. Individuals who are comfortable with minor firearm modifications, such as potentially drilling out magazine dimples on newer models, will find the installation straightforward. However, if you are uncomfortable with any modification or prefer a more streamlined aesthetic with a flush barrel, this might not be the ideal choice.

For optimal use, ensuring you have a good supply of reliable 2 ¾ inch shells is recommended. A quality sling and a comfortable shooting stance are also essential when handling a shotgun with an extended magazine tube, as the overall length and weight distribution will change.

Conclusion on Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds

The Choate Tool Remington 870/1100/1187/Versamax 7 Shot Extension 12 Gauge+2 Rounds is a superb upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their Remington shotgun’s capacity. Its solid blued steel construction speaks to its durability, and the included components ensure reliable function. The increase from a standard 4-round capacity to a 7 Round capacity is substantial and directly translates to more opportunities to engage targets without interruption.

Considering its robust build, straightforward installation (with a minor potential modification), and the significant increase in utility it provides, the price of $62.79 is more than justified. It’s an investment in performance and reliability that pays dividends in capability. For owners of compatible Remington shotguns seeking a dependable, long-lasting magazine extension, this model is an easy recommendation. It transforms a great shotgun into an even more formidable tool for sport and defense.