Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension Review

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension and What It Taught Me

For years, I’ve relied on my trusty Benelli M4 for a variety of tasks, from sporting clays to home defense scenarios. While its performance has always been stellar, the limitations of its standard magazine capacity, particularly when facing prolonged engagements or competitive scenarios, were always a nagging thought. It was this very need for enhanced firepower that led me to seek out a solution, and after considerable research, my attention turned to the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension. This particular extension promised to offer a significant capacity boost without requiring a complete magazine tube replacement, a prospect that appealed to my practical nature.

My initial impression upon receiving the extension was positive. The blued steel construction felt robust and substantial, hinting at a product built to endure. It certainly looked like a significant upgrade from the faux extension that came with my M4. I had briefly considered a full-length magazine tube replacement from a more boutique manufacturer, but the price point was considerably higher, and the appeal of a simpler, bolt-on solution was strong. This Carlson’s extension offered a compelling balance of increased capacity and accessible installation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this magazine extension were primarily the shooting range and, to a lesser extent, my home workshop for the initial fitting. The installation process itself was where I first encountered a minor hurdle. While the instructions were clear, removing the original spring retainer cap inside the factory magazine tube proved to be the most fiddly part of the process. It wasn’t a major obstacle, but it did require a bit of patience and a thin tool to gently pry it loose.

Once installed on my MAC 1014 M4 clone and my factory Benelli M4, the fit was remarkably precise. The threading on the Carlson’s extension synched down tightly and securely, giving me confidence in its stability. During range sessions, I ran over a hundred rounds of various 2 ¾” shells through the M4 with the extension installed. The shotgun cycled flawlessly, with no feeding issues or malfunctions attributable to the extension. The increased capacity meant fewer reloads, allowing for more sustained shooting drills without interruption, which was precisely the goal.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension has proven itself to be a reliable and well-made addition to my Benelli M4. I’ve experienced no signs of degradation in its performance, nor any visible wear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs from handling. The blued steel finish has held up well, though I do notice it’s a slightly lighter grey than the factory finish, a minor aesthetic point that doesn’t impact function.

Maintenance has been straightforward; a simple cleaning and light oiling are all that’s required. The extension is easily removed for cleaning the magazine tube itself. Compared to some aftermarket extensions I’ve encountered over the years, this Carlson’s model stands out for its robust construction and lack of any “wobble” or looseness after repeated use. It has certainly met, and in some regards, exceeded my expectations for an aftermarket capacity enhancement.

Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension

Specifications

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension is constructed from durable steel with a blued finish. It is designed specifically for the Benelli M4 shotgun and the popular M4 clones, boasting a 7-round capacity for 2 ¾-inch shells. This is achieved by replacing the factory magazine cap and adding an extension tube that threads onto the existing magazine tube.

Included with the extension are a new high-visibility follower and a spring. However, the user feedback indicates that many opt to use the original magazine spring, citing its greater tension. The extension itself has an overall length of approximately 8.25 inches, fitting flush with the extended barrel shrouds common on these platforms. The base clamp with a swivel stud is a thoughtful addition, providing an immediate mounting point for quick-detach swivels, though the swivel itself is not included.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this magazine extension is to increase the shotgun’s round capacity, and in this regard, it performs exceptionally well. It reliably adds six rounds to the standard capacity of a 2 ¾-inch shell, bringing the total to seven in the tube plus one in the chamber. This translates to a significant improvement in sustained firepower.

The high-visibility follower ensures that the shooter is aware when the magazine is empty, a crucial safety and tactical feature. The threading is precise, ensuring a secure and gas-tight seal when properly installed. Its performance is consistent, with no noticeable impact on the shotgun’s balance or handling characteristics, aside from the slight increase in length.

Design & Ergonomics

The blued steel construction provides a rugged and dependable build, and the finish, while a shade lighter than the factory Benelli, is aesthetically pleasing and resists corrosion effectively. The overall design is straightforward and functional, focusing on adding capacity without unnecessary complexity. The extension feels solid and well-machined, with no sharp edges or rough spots.

The ergonomics are inherently tied to the shotgun itself. The extension’s added length is noticeable but not cumbersome, especially considering the substantial increase in rounds it allows. The base clamp with swivel stud is a practical design element that enhances the shotgun’s utility, particularly for tactical or hunting applications where a sling is essential.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the material specifications, the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension is built for longevity. The steel construction is inherently durable and resistant to impacts and the rigors of field use. Proper care, which essentially involves keeping it clean and lightly oiled, will ensure its reliable service for many years.

There are no complex parts to fail; it’s a straightforward threaded tube. Any potential wear would likely be on the threads over an extended period of frequent removal and reinstallation, but this is generally not an issue with quality components. The high-visibility follower is made of robust polymer and shows no signs of wear after extensive use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension comes with a new high-visibility follower and a spring, though the utility of the included spring is debatable for some users. The most significant “accessory” integrated into the design is the base clamp with swivel stud, which is a ready-to-go point for attaching a sling. This significantly enhances the shotgun’s modularity.

While the extension itself is a fixed component, its compatibility with the Benelli M4 platform means it benefits from the wide array of existing accessories available for that shotgun. The extension allows for the continued use of standard choke tubes, which is crucial for optimizing shot pattern for different distances and shooting disciplines.

Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension

Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension?

This magazine extension is an ideal upgrade for Benelli M4 owners and owners of M4 clones who are looking to enhance their shotgun’s firepower. It’s particularly suited for those involved in competitive shooting, home defense, or tactical applications where a higher round count is advantageous. Shooters who want a cost-effective way to achieve a 7-round capacity without replacing the entire magazine tube will find this product highly beneficial.

Those who might want to skip this are individuals who prefer to maintain a strictly factory configuration or those who may not want to deal with the minor difficulty of removing the original spring retainer. If perfect cosmetic color matching is a top priority, exploring other options might be necessary. A good set of punches and potentially a solvent might be helpful accessories for simplifying the installation of this extension.

Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension

The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli M4 7- Shot Magazine Extension stands out as a well-executed and value-driven upgrade for the popular Benelli M4 platform. It successfully delivers on its promise of increased capacity with a robust steel construction and practical features like the high-visibility follower and integrated swivel stud. While the installation can present a minor challenge with the factory retainer, the overall process is straightforward, and the resulting enhancement in firepower is undeniable.

For its price point, the value proposition is excellent, offering a substantial increase in rounds with reliable performance. I would readily recommend this magazine extension to any Benelli M4 owner looking to boost their shotgun’s capacity. It’s a solid, functional, and economically sensible modification that significantly enhances the practical utility of an already excellent firearm.