Questions about Remington 870 mag extension

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Meese_Rancher

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Im looking into getting a mag tube extension for my remington 870 express and need some input. I have 28 and 23 inch barrels, the 28 Im going to use for hunting/clay shooting. First question, what is the max mag extension that would fit a 28? Im thinking a 5 round. To follow up, where can I find one and who would ship to canada?

I have a newer version 870 and from what I've read some filing down needs to be done in order to allow the follower to be able to move freely. My other question here is if I were to file these down and install a mag extension, would I be able to revert back to stock mag size when I change to the 23 inch barrel?

Thank you very much
 
You don't need to file it down but you will notice some dimples that need to be pushed out of the way somehow.
I don't have a newer 870 so I've never had to deal with it but I'm sure someone will be along to tell you the easiest way to remove the dimples or try a google search on 870 dimple removal.

What are you planning on hunting with the long barrel?

I'd suggest getting whatever extension is flush on a 20" barrel and use it for both unless you are hunting migratory birds then it's just extra weight since you will have to plug it at 2 I believe.
 
why do you need a +5 mag extension for hunting and clay shooting?
you dont need it for clays, you cant use it for hunting, and it will completely ruin the balance of your gun.

but in answer to your question regarding the dimples:
the Express has two dimples on the inside of the mag tube. these hold the Express style spring retainer, which also performs double duty as a magazine cap detent. in order for a follower to be able to pass across the end of the standard mag, those dimples need to be removed. theres a thread with one way of doing it here:
1603001.jpg

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=53267

once you remove the dimples on an Express, youll have no spring retainer or mag cap detent. a spring retainer is not necessary, but a mag cap detent is - without one youll have to keep checking to make sure your mag extension/cap is tight after firing your gun.

there are a few ways around the detent issue - it depends on what barrel you have: Express barrels dont have the small ball bearing detent (because they have the plastic detent in the mag tube), but Wingmaster, Police and some aftermarket barrels do. first youll need to check if your 28 and 23 inch barrels have a small ball bearing detent on the collar.
this is what the ball detent looks like:
870balldetentsystema.jpg


if you dont have one, you can add one in a variety of ways. the easiest is simply by using a $10 sling plate adapter which comes with one (not spring loaded, but still works OK). or you can get a gunsmith to add a detent to your barrel. or ive heard of people using wave washers, or even O-rings, though i dont think id choose such a solution for my own guns.
 
Can-down said:
You don't need to file it down but you will notice some dimples that need to be pushed out of the way somehow.
I don't have a newer 870 so I've never had to deal with it but I'm sure someone will be along to tell you the easiest way to remove the dimples or try a google search on 870 dimple removal.

What are you planning on hunting with the long barrel?

I'd suggest getting whatever extension is flush on a 20" barrel and use it for both unless you are hunting migratory birds then it's just extra weight since you will have to plug it at 2 I believe.
Click to expand...

I will be pheasant hunting with the long barrel, turkey with the shorter. When I go hunting I will take off the extension so I can use the plug. Thats why I asked whether or not I can revert back without any difficulties

manbearpig said:
why do you need a +5 mag extension for hunting and clay shooting?
you dont need it for clays, you cant use it for hunting, and it will completely ruin the balance of your gun.
Click to expand...

I was just asking what the max size was, I never said I would go that route, just curious. I realize I cant use it for hunting as I will need a plug, thats why I asked if it is possible to take off the extension and place the stock spring back in without problems.

I also go range shooting and will use an extension for that.
 
I used a set of sockets to remove the dimples from mine. Start with one that fits snugly, tap it throught the dimples. Keep getting larger until the follower is able to pass smoothly. It takes a little while to do, but isn't hard. The problem will be that your magazine cap will not have any ratchet system left, so every so often you will have to snug it back down. That being said, usually if I fire fifty rounds quickly, it will only be a little loose, so I wouldn't be too worried about losing your cap. I use a +3 extension, and it matches perfectly with a 20" barrel. The time to switch from an extension to original cap is about 1 minute. Unscrew the extension, remove spring and follower. Place original follower and spring, screw on magazine cap.
 
Guy came in the shop one day with one on a 30" barrel. Not recently. Recall it giving a total of ten rounds and needing somebody to help carry it. Silly thing, but fun. Haven't a clue where he got it.
 
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