Choate +2, Spring Q's

[RussB]

I have a Choate +2 extension, orange plastic follower & spring on my 870 Express. Today I took the 6 rounds (Fiocchi LE buckshot) out of the mag tube. They were in there for a couple weeks. They were swollen from excessive spring pressure, to the point that they wouldn't chamber.

The spring is about a foot longer than the mag tube w/extension. Should it be trimmed? It is very tight, i.e. lots of spring tension, and a real bear to compress when installing the +2...

 

[dfariswheel]

No, don't trim it.
Trimming the spring will ruin the spring and cause problems with the last few rounds failing to feed properly.

Many people who leave extended shotguns loaded often load it with one round less than full. This helps prevent your problem.

This is known as shotshell compression. This little monster showed up when police started using extended magazine shotguns, especially with plastic shells.
It's aggravated by carrying a shotgun in an upright position in a patrol car, because of the constant bouncing up and down.

What happens is the strong spring compresses the shells, and the plastic cases bulge between the shell head, and the shot column.

I've noticed the problem seems worse in cheaper, or foreign made shotsells, somewhat less in American shells, especially Remington brand.

In any event, try changing to Remington shells, and not loading the tube to full capacity.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Dfaris nailed it. I keep my HD 870 loaded one down, use US made shells, and have had zero probs.

OTOH, we changed our ammo monthly in the tower and response vehicles because of this.

 

[RussB]

Thanks for the great advice, gentlemen. I'll keep it downloaded one round, and get a hold of some Remington buckshot...