removing mag extension Once you go... you dont go back

[gonecountry]

Hi all. I am picking up a factory remington 18inch barrrel with the 2 shot extension and spring. I have an 870 Express with the laminate stock so it is a newer model (fall '06) I've been searching on here and have read about how I am going to have to drill or punch out the dimples in my mag tube so that they wont jamb up the follower after I get the extension on.

My question is : What kind of trouble am I going to run into if I want to go back to my regular magazine length and my 28 inch barrel ? Thanks

p.s. Im considering not drilling out the dimple and leaving it a 5 shot, but just putting the ext on for looks. I know sacrilage

 

[badboybeeson]

no trouble at all.
The law states that there is no mag limit to a pump 12ga.
if your hunting then just buy a longer mag block for the inside on the mags tube, or use 2 of the remington ones, or just take off the longer mag tube.
bbb

 

[Gibson]

No limit for a pump shotgun.

 

[JohnC]

no limit unless you're hunting waterfowl or in some jurisdictions (eg Ontario) other species
For hunting if you have a mag restriction just cut a dowel to fit as a plug

 

[Ike]

From a mechanical POV, the Express barrel does not have a ball detent so if you go back to the regular Express mag cap assembly it will not stay locked (since the plastic insert has nothing to lock against with the diples removed) and will loosen up when firing. If you have a gunsmith install a ball detent onto the barrel and then use a standard mag cap it will be fine.

Cheers

 

[gonecountry]

From a mechanical POV, the Express barrel does not have a ball detent so if you go back to the regular Express mag cap assembly it will not stay locked (since the plastic insert has nothing to lock against with the diples removed) and will loosen up when firing. If you have a gunsmith install a ball detent onto the barrel and then use a standard mag cap it will be fine.

Cheers

Thanks Ike, you were the only one to understand my question, and you answered with what I wanted to hear. I was not asking about mag capacity limits, just if I would run into trouble putting my magazine back to standard length after I got rid of the dimples in the mag tube.

Thanks again Ike

 

[Hitzy]

Just use some loctite, it won't shoot loose.

 

[Ike]

No problem,
Actually if your barrel doesn't have an extension (Express models don't, Wingmaster and Police models do) the extension or cap will come loose unless you either:
1) Have a support clamp to lock it, these are the kinds that stabilize the extension to hte barrel
2) A locking extension like the Dlask model.
3) A plate style sling loop that has a ball detent built into it

Easiest is probably the ball detent on the barrel, and a gunsmith can stake one on easily and cheaply. If you are buying a barrel with it already on then use an old style mag cap and you will have no problems.

Cheers