Just curious, is the 2 shot extension on the 18" home defense model removable if one wanted to just use the regular 4 shot capacity magazine tube and put a traditional magazine tube cap on it, convert it into a regular capacity 870?
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870 Extension removable?
- Thread starter ilmonster
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It shouldn't be a problem.
I don't know if their latest shotguns still have this, but most of the 4-shot magazines they made over the years (Wingmasters, 1100s, etc.) have a humorously cheesy, but functional, spring retainer that doesn't require "dimples". It's a steel plug that goes under the mag cap. You put in the follower and spring, compress the spring, and ram the steel plug into the magazine tube until it's flush with the top of the tube. If you don't use a steel hammer, or you use a steel hammer and a block of wood, you can even do it without boogering up the mag tube.
Then you slide on the barrel, screw on the cap, and you're done.
What's really fun is when you want to put in a duck plug or clean the magazine tube. Then you have to pry out the steel plug, and the contents of the magazine tube will fly out from the spring tension. They'll go at least 20 feet if unobstructed, and more on a good day. I recommend doing this with safety glasses on, in a somewhat confined space where you won't lose parts. Don't do it in the yard.
Here's the part you need, along with a standard-length spring: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=10921/Product/MAGAZINE_SPRING_RETAINER__OLD_STYLE
I don't know if their latest shotguns still have this, but most of the 4-shot magazines they made over the years (Wingmasters, 1100s, etc.) have a humorously cheesy, but functional, spring retainer that doesn't require "dimples". It's a steel plug that goes under the mag cap. You put in the follower and spring, compress the spring, and ram the steel plug into the magazine tube until it's flush with the top of the tube. If you don't use a steel hammer, or you use a steel hammer and a block of wood, you can even do it without boogering up the mag tube.
Then you slide on the barrel, screw on the cap, and you're done.What's really fun is when you want to put in a duck plug or clean the magazine tube. Then you have to pry out the steel plug, and the contents of the magazine tube will fly out from the spring tension. They'll go at least 20 feet if unobstructed, and more on a good day. I recommend doing this with safety glasses on, in a somewhat confined space where you won't lose parts. Don't do it in the yard.
Here's the part you need, along with a standard-length spring: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=10921/Product/MAGAZINE_SPRING_RETAINER__OLD_STYLE
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I got tired of the spring retainer so I dont use it anymore, no problems yet. That thing is a pain to get installed.
Make sure the mag cap you buy works with your barrel. Your barrel likely has a ball detent on the barrel ring so you will need a mag cap that is compatable with that system. I think they usually say on the package. I bought a Remington cap that was set up to work with the current "non-detent-type" guns, didnt work. I think I ended up with an Uncle Mikes or some other off brand that works for ALL 870s, got that from Cabelas. That and a regular length spring and its a 2 minute project.
Make sure the mag cap you buy works with your barrel. Your barrel likely has a ball detent on the barrel ring so you will need a mag cap that is compatable with that system. I think they usually say on the package. I bought a Remington cap that was set up to work with the current "non-detent-type" guns, didnt work. I think I ended up with an Uncle Mikes or some other off brand that works for ALL 870s, got that from Cabelas. That and a regular length spring and its a 2 minute project.
True, but then you will lose the spring if you take the cap off without holding onto it. If you never plan to take down or field-strip the gun, you won't notice, I guess.
WRT the detent: if you buy a cap with a sling swivel, it should be compatible with all 870s, 1100s, etc., with a detent ball or a ratchet retainer, even if it's a Remington-branded cap. Mine is. So if you want a swivel, you can kill two birds with one stone.
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
im,
As has been said, you need a regular magazine cap and a standard length magazine spring. You can get both from Brownells. You can get the magazine spring retainer, or leave it off, as you prefer. A reasonably healthy person should be able to contain the magazine cap when it's removed with no trouble, even with no magazine spring retainer in place. As with so many spring loaded gun parts, controlling the parts during disassembly is necessary.
The newer magazine caps are a 'one size fits all' design with both the necessary dimples around the rim of the cap for the detent, and the 'teeth' inside the cap for the post magazine tube dimples plastic ratchet. But the thing to be sure of in buying a magazine cap for an 870 with a detent in the barrel ring like you have is that it does in fact have the dimples around the rim of the magazine cap where it contacts the barrel ring.
fwiw,
lpl
As has been said, you need a regular magazine cap and a standard length magazine spring. You can get both from Brownells. You can get the magazine spring retainer, or leave it off, as you prefer. A reasonably healthy person should be able to contain the magazine cap when it's removed with no trouble, even with no magazine spring retainer in place. As with so many spring loaded gun parts, controlling the parts during disassembly is necessary.
The newer magazine caps are a 'one size fits all' design with both the necessary dimples around the rim of the cap for the detent, and the 'teeth' inside the cap for the post magazine tube dimples plastic ratchet. But the thing to be sure of in buying a magazine cap for an 870 with a detent in the barrel ring like you have is that it does in fact have the dimples around the rim of the magazine cap where it contacts the barrel ring.
fwiw,
lpl
Thanks for the info. Although I own an 870, I have never owned one of the extended magazine models. My 20" 870 (for HD) has the older detent cap, and I've never had a problem with getting the little mag tube steel cap back on.
I ask because I've seen one of the tactical versions with the gray powder coat and screw chokes and mag. extension made a year or two ago that looks interesting for $400 new. A nice second HD gun.
I ask because I've seen one of the tactical versions with the gray powder coat and screw chokes and mag. extension made a year or two ago that looks interesting for $400 new. A nice second HD gun.
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