870 Express extended mag: Keep coupling tight?

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alpining

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I'm sure this has been covered elsewhere, but the search function didn't come up with a dedicated thread.

I'm putting a magazine extension on an 870 Express (no detent available). What are the DIY options for keeping the magazine coupling tight?

I don't want to use a sling plate. I can't find a Canadian source for a wave washer of the right dimension (Brownells won't ship them; other suggestions welcome). How much of a pain is it to add a detent? How solid would it be to use an o-ring and/or teflon tape on the threads?

Thanks in advance!
 
I've had success with an o-ring or blue locite if you dont anticipate taking it off often. The best option though is to use a magtube clamp since it will also add strength to the mag tube in case you drop it. I use a Nordic Components but you can pick up a TacStar for like $10-12 if price is an issue.
 
Thanks bandi. I can't use a tube clamp since it's only a +1 extension. (besides, I like the ease of disassembly without the clamp, but that's another topic!)

Anyone here have experience adding the detent themselves?
 
Adding a detent is possible, but you need proper tools. Casey at TacOrd is a good choice it you want to get it done.

Better option - buy the cheapest sling plate w/built in detent, and then grind down the sling loop part you don't want.
 
the sling plate thing is the easiest/cleanest option.

why dont you want a sling plate? they are far better than the factory style swivel on the end of the mag cap. and nothing says you HAVE to have a sling attached to it anyway.

i would not rely on a mag clamp as a 'detent'. most are crap and will loosen eventually.
 
manbearpig said:
the sling plate thing is the easiest/cleanest option.

why dont you want a sling plate? they are far better than the factory style swivel on the end of the mag cap. and nothing says you HAVE to have a sling attached to it anyway.
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I didn't think I needed a reason to not want a sling plate:p But... here goes:

It doesn't need to be there (other effective solutions exist), it shouldn't be there (it's outside of spec), it adds unnecessary weight, it breaks up the lines, and it reduces thread engagement on the extension coupling. Oh... and I don't want to use one. That's just off the top of my head. But this isn't a thread about pros and cons of a sling plate. It's about keeping the magazine cap from rattling loose without using a sling plate.

Personally, after having looked around a bit, I think the easiest / cleanest option is a detent on the barrel band. That's what is used on the Wingmaster (and Police, iirc), and Remington has had some time to think about pros and cons.

I'm still asking if anyone has DIY experience installing the detent themselves.

Or, if someone has a line on a source for the wave washers that can be used, that would be helpful, too.
 
I just bought an express barrel, and it has a detent on it (this was a slug barrel). I asked the guy at Epp's and he said all the spare barrels he has seen have the detent (I honestly dont know if this is just for slug barrels), so if you want the detent it would be cheaper to sell the barrel that you have and buy one with a detent rather than pay to have one installed.
 
My 18.5 barrel that came on my express with mag extension had a detent.. And then one day it poped out. Go for a blue lock-tite, and people are just giving you positive other ideas. No need to get dramatic, that's for the guys over in hunting shot guns section. ;)
 
Buzzballer said:
My 18.5 barrel that came on my express with mag extension had a detent.. And then one day it poped out. Go for a blue lock-tite, and people are just giving you positive other ideas. No need to get dramatic, that's for the guys over in hunting shot guns section. ;)
Click to expand...

DRAMATIC?! I'LL GIVE YOU DRAMATIC!!!

(just kidding)

Apologies if that's the way it came across - I thought I was being polite and keeping it light. Too stingy with the smilies, I guess :p

(and thanks for the heads-up about the hunting SG section :))
 
For future reference, if anyone has the same question: I went with the detent. Installation took about 15 minutes. I had to clean out and smooth up the drilled hole in the barrel band, and that's what really took the time. Works 100%. Not quite as nice as the detent on my Wingmaster, but that's what Express models are all about.:D
 
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