Basic Question: Any reason to NOT add a Mag Extension on 870?

[marklbucla]

In order to add the Tac-star Mag Extension on my 870, I guess I'd have to file off that little bump at the end of the magazine tube keeping the magazine spring retainer(?) in place. Is there any reason why I should NOT go ahead and do this? (devaluing, ruin springs, etc...)

 

[Fed168]

Sure, go ahead and add the extension. You can always go back to the standard tube if you want to go hunting.

I ran into a similar problem with an 1187 and the tube dimples. Start by working on the cheapest, most easily replaced part- the follower.

My suggestion:
Leave the dimples for now, and take the factory follower, match it to the new follower, and score marks where the grooves match. Then take a dremel or similiar tool and cut grooves into the follower until it fits, moves freely and comes out of the tube as the factory follower would. Polish the cuts.

I did this, but did not put an extended tube on. So far it works like a charm, and if I need to replace it, I'm out a couple bucks versus sending the gun back for a new magazine tube. Followers are replaced quicker than tubes, less fuss and muss.

You can still use the factory parts as necessary.

 

[DML]

The big question should be.....Why do I want it? Is it because I need it or because it's cool? I am a firm believer in KISS.

Example.....A retired deputy sheriff called me to order an 870. When I asked him if he wanted a 1 shot or 2 shot extension he replied," Why the hell would I want that? If I can't settle my problem with 4 loads of OO buck, 2 more shells ain't gonna' make a whole lot of difference."

Except for some matches or combat situations, I personally don't see any need for extensions. Besides that, the gun handles a lot better without it.

I'm sure that there will be a lot of disagreement, but I would ask that you be honest with yourself as to why you think you need extended magazine capacity.

 

[Oleg Volk]

Balance changes. Plus: you have more ammo AND reduce muzzle rise. Minus: try holding the gun with one hand for reload...

Your call.

 

[Darrin]

I've got a Mossberg 590. 20" barrel and 8 shot tube. How many do I need? Probably 1 to 4 in a 'social' setting. However, popping off 8+1 at the range can be real stress relief for me.

FWIW, I asked myself a similar question just recently with my carry handgun. I had a 9mm with two 15 rd mags. The gun was big and very hard for me to conceal. I asked myself, "What do I need?" I sold the big 9mm and got a small .40 with three 7 rd mags. (Have since added one more.)

Indeed, your call.

 

[Coronach]

Balance does change, and generally not for the better. Weight goes up, which is great when you're firing, and not so good any other time.

And Oleg, doing a reload is easy, it just involves one of two things:

1. Muscling the weapon long enough to execute it

-or-

2. Tucking it into underarm assault, reloading, and bringing it back up.

I favor the latter...it is almost as fast as keeping it shouldered, and offers a steadier platform for executing the reload, and keeping the muzzle on target.

Mike

 

[Dave McCracken]

I wouldn't add an extension on a shotgun that may need to be operated by pixies, the old or infirm. The extra weight really hinders employment and fatigues these shooters PDQ.

At least one gun cognizant Fed agency stays with the standard magazine for this reason, some of their agents are on the small side. Larger individuals operate the standard capacity issue 870s just as well as they do the extended jobs. Shoot one, load one.

 

[Joe Mamma]

It may hurt reliability: The mag follower can get stuck at the seam where the extended mag tube meets the "main" mag tube (for lack of a better term). This may just be a little hangup that fixes itself if you shake the gun. But you don't want to pump the gun and pull the trigger and hear a "click" instead of a "bang". I had/have this problem on my gun (870 with 18" barrel and +2 extension). I am on my third different type of follower. It took me a long time to figure out what the problem was.

Also, if you drop the gun or otherwise bump the extended mag tube, it could bend something and open up a seam at the same spot and create the same problem.

Joe Mamma

 

[BerettaNut92]

Tucking it into underarm assault

Coronach, that sounds so cool! I always thought I was a wuss for tucking it under my arm...but I can be doing a tactical underarm assault on someone now!

Mark, is anyone other than you going to be handling the shotty?

 

[marklbucla]

Nope, just me. I did get Jasmin to hold it up for a picture once though.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'll hold off on putting one on unless I really get into competing or something.

 

[Mannlicher]

as said elsewhere, its better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. I have two shot extensions on all my HD guns now.

 

[9mmMike]

.....And Oleg, doing a reload is easy, it just involves one of two things:

1. Muscling the weapon long enough to execute it

-or-

2. Tucking it into underarm assault, reloading, and bringing it back up.

I favor the latter...it is almost as fast as keeping it shouldered, and offers a steadier platform for executing the reload, and keeping the muzzle on target.

Funny you should mention that.

I took a tactical SG course where the instructor insisted that we be able to hold the SG with one hand, mounted at the shoulder, during a reload. He was just so sure that it was THE ONLY WAY. Now here he was with a light-weight 18" Mossy and a couple of us with 870's w/20" barrels and +3 mags were hurting pups. He said we were worthless and weak (well he implied it anyway!).
I like the "underarm assault reload" as well. I figure that I still have the muzzle over the target. It's not like I'm shooting a rifle.


Topic specific: I like extensions. They don't mess the balance too much if they're empty and it's nice to have the room for more if you wish.
They are also nice for switching ammo (like inserting a slug) without needing to make room by ejecting rounds to the ground.


Mike