Magazine extension on 870, and changing barrels

[hqmhqm]

I have an 870 Express which I have two barrels for, a 20" barrel with rifle sights, and a 28" barrel I use for trap shooting.

I keep the shorter barrel on the shotgun when I store it in my safe (the longer barrel won't fit). That is my home defense configuration, planning to load it with slugs if needed.

I would like to get a magazine extension, like and extra three rounds capacity. However, I want to be able to change barrels as quickly and easily as I do now. I've seen pictures of mag extensions which look like they are also attached to the barrel for stability.

Is there a mag extension which doesn't need to be attached to the barrel, so I can quickly change to the longer barrel when I go trap shooting?

[W.E.G.]

I don't think you want the mag extension on the gun if you are on the trap range.

Most trap shooters have a certain way of thinking. A guy with an extended mag will have trouble winning hearts and minds on the trap range.

That said, the support dingus is just that. A support. It isn't actually necessary - but it is desirable for a "working" shotty.

One of these days I'm gonna weld a little bead on the mag tube to keep the support from trying to scoot off the end of the gun during recoil. Until then, the WECSOG radiator-hose-clamp device stays.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/rkba2da/3000-2.jpg

[hqmhqm]

We have a pretty informal group that shoots trap. Basically everyone uses a pump shotgun, generally a cheap one :). Although it's mostly just basic trap shooting, when things wind down we sometimes decide to load four in the tube and one in the chamber, and each person shoots five clays one right after the other.

[CZguy]

Is there a mag extension which doesn't need to be attached to the barrel, so I can quickly change to the longer barrel when I go trap shooting?

No, you need the clamp with a magazine extension.

One thing to consider, is doing without the extension. Four or five rounds is more than enough for home defense. Unless you anticipate being attacked in squad strength. :D

The balance of the shotgun is better also.

[Dave McCracken]

Mag extensions are nice to have, but certainly not mandatory. If you do add one, please use a clamp.

However, many of us have unextended mags on our defensive shotguns and we'll just have to do the best when the Zombie Hordes show up on the radar.

WEG, a little 'letrical tape works for me...

[Don Worsham]

You can't get 3 but you can get 1 or 2 extra rounds with these from Wilson Combat. No clamp needed.

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/sa_mag_extensions.asp

[ocharry]

choate makes a 3 shot extension,,, and a 4

3 shot works good with a 20" barrel,,,,comes right to the end of the barrel

you need a clamp on the extension

ocharry

[dfariswheel]

I strongly advise never to use a magazine extension without the clamp.
The clamp supports the magazine extension, and without it, a bump can knock the extension off the gun.

If you do bump the extension and it comes off, not only is the gun out of service, it invariably damages the gun's magazine tube threads, requiring a trip back to Remington to have a new magazine tube brazed in the gun.
This also requires a refinish, so the job is not cheap.

Note that how strong the extension is doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that the extension is screwed on the gun's magazine tube which is made of thin steel, with wide, deep threads that weaken it.
It doesn't matter if the extension is a solid steel bar, bump it and the extension will blow off, damaging the gun.

Use the clamp.
If you want to disassemble without a screwdriver, buy a clamp that has a sling swivel which can be used to unscrew the bolt with just your fingers.

[Lee Lapin]

It takes but a matter of seconds, minutes at the most, to get a magazine clamp off to change barrels. And if you put a magazine extension on, you should IMHO definitely use a clamp to support it. That support is critical to avoid damaging the threads at the end of the magazine tube if the extension gets bumped. The metal of the mag tube is very thin and is weakened by the threads, it doesn't take much of the leverage the magazine extension supplies to damage the end of the magazine tube. That's bad news if it happens to you.

lpl/nc

[hqmhqm]

OK thanks guys, good advice!