Marshall
Member
Am I to assume that after you file down the dimples there is no way to put the stock mag tube back on? Help me understand this please. Also, a VR barrel and an extended magazine, do you go without a clamp or what?
Thanks
Thanks
870 Express dimples.
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Domino
Member
I remember having to file and polish the dimples on the inside of the magazine tube in order to allow shells to pass when I put a magazine extension on my 870 over a year ago.
I do not remember if doing this prevents you from putting the original hardware back on but I can't see how it would
. From my understanding they are just there to prevent the installation of a mag extension.
I ended up having feeding problems untill the the dimples were totally polished out and I replaced the magazine follower.
I do not remember if doing this prevents you from putting the original hardware back on but I can't see how it would
. From my understanding they are just there to prevent the installation of a mag extension.I ended up having feeding problems untill the the dimples were totally polished out and I replaced the magazine follower.
IIRC, once the dimples are filed down, the old mag cap will no longer stay seated, as it is designed to be depressed past the dimples into the mag tube then twisted 90 degrees to lock it in there.
If you already have an 870 that you want to file dimples off of, that's something to consider...you will be committing to that mag extension. If you are planning to purchase one and just want an extended mag, I'd suggest the 870 Express HD, as there are no dimples in that mag tube (at least not in mine).
Finally, if the mag extension is any more than +1, I'd say you need a barrel clamp. They're actually open on top so should accomodate a vent rib bbl.
Hope this helps.
If you already have an 870 that you want to file dimples off of, that's something to consider...you will be committing to that mag extension. If you are planning to purchase one and just want an extended mag, I'd suggest the 870 Express HD, as there are no dimples in that mag tube (at least not in mine).
Finally, if the mag extension is any more than +1, I'd say you need a barrel clamp. They're actually open on top so should accomodate a vent rib bbl.
Hope this helps.
Marshall
Member
That helps a lot, thank you much!
The dimples or lack thereof do not exactly affect the mag cap. Keep reading.
They are there to secure the mag spring retainer which is not really needed anyway. Keep reading.
The trouble is that the newer guns use the serrations on the mag spring retainer to help secure the new style mag caps because they have stopped putting the small hole and bearing in the barrel ring that the old style caps used to use.
If you remove the retainer and have a new barrel without the detent ball and a new style mag cap, you wil need to keep an eye on the cap for loosening in the field.
The "universal" caps have both the inner and outer serrations so you can use them with the new style retainers and/or the old style barrels.
I have maybe two (out of nearly a dozen) shotguns that still have a spring retainer in them. I can add or remove extensions (and springs) as I feel the need to reconfigure these guns with no problems at all.
I have spoken and written to Big Green about these anti-extension dimples and they have stopped just short of swearing on a Bible that their only purpose is to secure the mag spring. I do not believe them.
Mike
They are there to secure the mag spring retainer which is not really needed anyway. Keep reading.
The trouble is that the newer guns use the serrations on the mag spring retainer to help secure the new style mag caps because they have stopped putting the small hole and bearing in the barrel ring that the old style caps used to use.
If you remove the retainer and have a new barrel without the detent ball and a new style mag cap, you wil need to keep an eye on the cap for loosening in the field.
The "universal" caps have both the inner and outer serrations so you can use them with the new style retainers and/or the old style barrels.
I have maybe two (out of nearly a dozen) shotguns that still have a spring retainer in them. I can add or remove extensions (and springs) as I feel the need to reconfigure these guns with no problems at all.
I have spoken and written to Big Green about these anti-extension dimples and they have stopped just short of swearing on a Bible that their only purpose is to secure the mag spring. I do not believe them.
Mike
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