Calling all 870 Express Gurus--Question on Upgrades

[Lonestar.45]

Guys, I'm just getting back into shotgunning after concentrating on rifles/handguns for a while.

I have a 12 gauge 870 Express I got new in 1988, 28" barrel w/Remchokes. I believe they were first offered in 1987, so it's an older one. My question is this: I'd like to put a mag extension on it. Does my shotgun have these "dimples" everyone is talking about? Can I put an extension on it w/out doing any permanent modifications? If so, could someone point me to a link or source for the right one?

Also, I got crazy and just ordered a Remington 18" cylinder bore Express barrel from Cabelas earlier today. This barrel ought to fit, right? The reason I ask is that my current barrel has the spring loaded ball bearing/locking cap deal, and I heard that some of the newer Express have a different system. I'm hoping this barrel I ordered will work with my cap retaining system. What do you guys think?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Yours shouldn't have the dimples, but the short barrel means you can only get a +2 extension. Cabela's sells these too. The extension replaces the end cap, most of these are just 'notched' like your magazine cap is.

FYI the steel cap UNDER the magazine cap is spring steel, and if you choose to remove it (you don't have to, but it's easier to add an extension if you do) it's easy to scratch/mar the finish on it. Pry it out gently with a brass screwdriver or (gasp) wooden popsicle stick.

 

[RCR29]

Article a/b the mag tube dimples, if yours has them.

http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=1&t=177067

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As for the barrel, it will fit fine on the gun, but the mag cap retention was changed on the later express models. The older models, like you have, have a spring loaded detent in the barrel which engages dimples machined into the outer ring of the mag cap. Newer express models use a plastic plunger with teeth to engage the teeth on the underside of the mag cap. If your new barrel does not have the spring loaded detent, you should go ahead and get the plastic plunger and new style cap. However, if you get a mag extension do not worry about all of that. Also, think about investing in a quality mag tube from wilson combat that comes w/ extra power spring, high vis follower, and sling mount.

 

[Lonestar.45]

Excellent info, thanks guys. This is just what I'm looking for.

I guess I'll wait until my new barrel gets here and go from there, but it sounds like I'll be getting a +2 extension. This plain setup ought to make for a handy HD or truck gun.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Lonestar,

Just be sure to get a barrel clamp if your magazine extension doesn't come with one. Not only do you need to reinforce the magazine extension's connection to the magazine tube threads, the clamp will keep the magazine extension from loosening if your new barrel doesn't have the same detent as the original one does. The 18" barrels Remington makes for the Express home defense model with factory magazine extension still have the old style detent system, so you have a chance of getting one like that. But if you get a clamp along with your extension you can be sure it'll stay put no matter how the barrel is configured.

hth,

lpl/nc

 

[Lonestar.45]

Thanks Lee, that's good advice. I'm probably going to go with a +2 extension and a clamp. I've been looking at the Scattergun Technologies and the Choate but can't decide on which one.