Getting My Hands on the **Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds**
My journey to acquiring the Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds began with a familiar rumble of dissatisfaction during a day out at the range with my trusty 20-gauge pump-action shotgun. While generally reliable, I found myself wishing for just a bit more capacity during extended shooting sessions, particularly when engaging multiple targets or during longer defensive shotgun drills. The thought of quickly adding just a couple more rounds without a full magazine tube replacement was incredibly appealing. I’d been eyeing various magazine extension kits, but many seemed overly complicated or expensive for what felt like a minor upgrade. After a bit of research, this particular Choate Tool extension stood out for its straightforward approach and the promise of increased capacity. I also briefly considered a competitor’s similar offering but found its design slightly bulkier. Receiving the extension brought a sense of practical anticipation; its matte finish and seemingly robust construction felt promising for something that would likely see some rough handling.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds took place in my home workshop. Following the provided (albeit basic) instructions, I began the installation process on my Remington 20-gauge. The user feedback I’d seen regarding the need to drill out internal dimples and plug the magazine tube before drilling was invaluable, significantly streamlining this step. I meticulously followed these advisements, ensuring a clean workspace and secure plugging of the tube to prevent any debris ingress.
The installation itself required some focused effort, but the piece ultimately integrated well with the existing magazine tube. Once attached, I immediately loaded it with 20-gauge shells to verify capacity and feeding. The extension slid smoothly onto the existing magazine cap threads, and the new components felt secure.
I took the shotgun to my usual outdoor range for a more practical evaluation. The added length was noticeable but not unwieldy, and the balance of the shotgun felt only slightly altered. I conducted a series of drills focused on rapid target acquisition and simulated defensive scenarios. The primary objective was to see how reliably the added shells fed into the action.
During extended use, the matte finish held up well against minor scuffs and fingerprints. Exposure to a light, dusty environment at the range didn’t seem to affect its performance; the cycling of shells remained consistent. The ease of use was high after the initial installation, which, as noted, required a bit of foresight regarding the drilling. Any initial surprises were positively addressed by the user feedback I’d consulted beforehand.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the subsequent weeks, the Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds became a permanent fixture on my shotgun. I’ve used it during several range days and even a local sporting clays event where the slightly increased capacity proved beneficial between stations. The extension has endured repeated loading and unloading, including some rather forceful magazine tube taps when clearing malfunctions.
There are no visible signs of wear like cracks or significant dents, which is a testament to the machined steel construction. The matte finish remains intact, showing only minor cosmetic blemishes that are expected from regular field use. Performance-wise, the reliable feeding of two extra shells has been consistent.
Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range trip is sufficient. The threaded connection remains snug, and I haven’t experienced any loosening. Compared to a previous, less robust extension I tried years ago on a different platform, this Choate Tool unit feels far more durable and reliable. That older extension suffered from a tendency to loosen and develop feeding issues; this one has avoided those pitfalls entirely.
Breaking Down the Features of **Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds**
Specifications
The Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds is designed to be a simple yet effective upgrade for compatible Remington 20-gauge shotguns. Its core function is to increase magazine capacity.
- Magazine Capacity: This extension adds an additional +2 Rounds to the shotgun’s magazine tube. This is its primary selling point, offering a modest but noticeable boost in firepower.
- Material: The extension is Machined from steel. This provides significant durability and a robust feel, assuring users it can withstand the rigors of shooting and handling.
- Finish: It features a Matte finish. This finish is practical for reducing glare and provides a non-reflective appearance, which is often preferred for tactical or field applications.
- Manufacturer: Produced by Choate Tool, a company known for producing firearm accessories and modifications. Their reputation suggests a focus on functional, durable products.
- Country of Origin: USA. This indicates domestic manufacturing, which is a preference for many consumers.
These specifications translate directly into real-world benefits. The steel construction means it’s unlikely to bend or break under stress. The matte finish is practical, and the +2 round capacity directly addresses the desire for more shots between reloads. This capacity increase is significant enough to be useful in defensive situations or during long shooting days without making the shotgun excessively long or unwieldy.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary role of increasing magazine capacity and facilitating smoother feeding, the Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds performs admirably. The extension reliably accommodates two additional 20-gauge shells, and critically, these shells feed into the action with consistent smoothness. I experienced no instances of binding or failure to feed from the added capacity during my testing.
The main strength is its uncomplicated functionality; it does exactly what it’s supposed to do, adding capacity without introducing new problems. Its performance is directly tied to the quality of its construction and the precise machining. A potential weakness, though one mitigated by user knowledge, is the initial installation requiring modification not explicitly detailed in the basic instructions. However, once properly installed, its functionality is seamless. It meets and slightly exceeds expectations for a simple capacity upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this extension is straightforward and functional, aligning with the practical ethos of Choate Tool. The machined steel construction gives it a solid, premium feel, and the matte finish is aesthetically pleasing and practical. It doesn’t add unnecessary bulk or sharp edges, which could snag on clothing or gear.
Ergonomically, the extension integrates seamlessly with the firearm. Its length is well-proportioned, ensuring it doesn’t drastically alter the shotgun’s handling characteristics. The threaded connection is positive and secure, leading to no perceived play or looseness. Practical design details include the absence of unnecessary embellishments, focusing instead on a robust and reliable component.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience and the material used, the Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds is built for longevity. Under normal use for its category, this extension should last the lifetime of the shotgun it’s attached to. The steel construction is inherently durable and resistant to impacts.
Maintenance is minimal, involving occasional cleaning and oiling to prevent rust, especially if exposed to moisture. There are no complex parts to break or wear out. A key point to watch out for, as noted earlier, is ensuring the internal dimples are properly dealt with during installation to prevent premature wear or feeding issues. Potential failure points are minimal, primarily related to the threaded connection if not properly secured, or potential corrosion if neglected.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds is an accessory in itself, primarily intended to modify the base shotgun’s functionality rather than being a platform for further accessories. It does not typically come with additional accessories.
Customization options for the extension itself are virtually non-existent, as its purpose is singular: adding capacity. However, its design allows it to be compatible with standard 20-gauge shells and generally fits Remington 20-gauge shotguns that accept standard magazine extensions. There are no user-replaceable parts on the extension itself, making it a fixed, durable component.
Pros and Cons of **Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds**
Pros
- Adds a valuable +2 Rounds of capacity for extended shooting.
- Constructed from robust, Machined from steel for excellent durability.
- Practical Matte Finish reduces glare and wear marks.
- Manufactured in the USA, a mark of quality for many.
- Installs easily with basic tools and user knowledge, once the internal dimples are addressed.
Cons
- Installation instructions could be more detailed, requiring user awareness of internal dimples and necessary plugging.
- Slightly increases the overall length of the shotgun, which might be a consideration for storage or maneuverability in tight spaces.
- The initial price point, while reasonable for the quality, might be a barrier for those seeking the absolute cheapest option.
Who Should Buy **Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds**?
This extension is ideally suited for any owner of a compatible Remington 20-gauge shotgun who finds themselves wishing for more shots between reloads. This includes sport shooters who participate in events requiring multiple shots or longer strings of fire, as well as those who choose a 20-gauge for defensive purposes and want that extra margin of capacity. Home mechanics and workshop enthusiasts who perform their own shotgun maintenance will appreciate the straightforward installation and durable construction.
Anyone looking for a no-frills, highly durable magazine capacity increase without excessive complexity should consider this product. Those who require a sterile, medical-grade component or have specific length restrictions on their firearm might want to look elsewhere. For optimal use, ensuring you have a proper drill bit set and a method to plug the magazine tube during installation is highly recommended.
Conclusion on **Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds**
The Choate Tool Remington 7 Shot 20 Ga. L.W. Matte Finish +2 Rounds is a well-made, practical upgrade for any compatible Remington 20-gauge shotgun. Its steel construction and matte finish speak to its durability and thoughtful design, while the added capacity is genuinely useful. While the installation could benefit from more explicit instructions regarding internal modifications, this is a minor point for those who are comfortable with basic firearm upkeep. For its price, the value proposition is strong, offering a significant increase in functionality and reliability. I would confidently recommend this magazine extension to shotgun owners looking for a robust and effective way to boost their firearm’s capacity without compromising on quality or performance.