Ext. mag./sling ques. Rem870/Giles sling

[EricO]

I'm a little perplexed regarding the sling adaptors on the mag. tube extensions. I currently have a Giles sling on my Marine Mag 870, with the OEM/stock 2 rnd mag tube extension on it. Included with the Giles sling was the metal pc that goes between the mag extension and the threaded mag tube. The nylon sling was already placed through this pc and sewn. It was setup for righthand use, i.e., the sling goes to the left.

Here's my question: I'm planning on purchasing a Surefire 618FA weaponlight and since this beast is already quite heavy I planned on replacing the 2 (or is it 3?) rnd extension that Rem. includes, with a single rnd extension from Vang or Wilson Cmbt/Scattergun tech. This should cut down on weight a little. The problem is that the extensions for sale seem like they already have a pc that the sling goes through already attached to the extension. Are they attached or are they removable so I could slip my sling pc included with the Giles sling between the threaded mag tube and the new 1 rnd extension? If it's attached, then I would have to rip the stitches out of the existing sling, remove the metal pc, thread through the new one, and then have it resewn.

So, how does this work? Am I making it much more difficult than it really is?

Thanks for any info.
EricO
Also, if anyone has an extra 1 rnd 870 extension that will work for me, let me know if you'd like to sell/trade.

 

[ocabj]

I just saw your post and luckily, I have a copy of the Wilscon Combat catalog in my office at work. Page 69 has pics of all Wilson's extension tubes and the standard extension tubes com with a sling mount integrated, either vertical or side (left or right). It doesn't say if the sling mount can be removed, but from the looks of it, it doesn't seem like it.

They also have a QD (Quick-Detatch) Extension Tube which comes in vertical or universal. The universal has a QD stud at the very front of the extension tube so if nothing is attached to it, it's not in the way of anything. An empty QD stud my not be aesthetically pleasing, though.

Question: Do you really need to change the mag tube extension? I have an 870 Express (18.5" and 6+1 tube out of the box) that I dropped a Surefire 618FA on. I guess it's a little heftier on the front end after changing the forearm, but I don't really notice it all that much. I can't imagine that the weight difference between different brands of mag ext tubes is enough to be noticable, but of course, I could be wrong.

 

[EricO]

ocabj: Regarding your question - Perhaps I just need to hit the weights a little instead! Actually, I'd like to check various weights of Rem870's. My Marine Mag. has Sage ghostrings on it, a Speedfeed solid reg. stock, a sidesaddle and the Giles sling on it. It's not too much trouble but I'll tell you, it's a bear when attempting to do continuous loading drills while keeping up on target with one arm. It personally starts to kill my wrist after awhile, the angle just doesn't support the weight well. A pistol grip would help but I like the regular stock. As far as movement is concerned, a lighter weapon will move quicker, but recoil more. It's not a big deal though, I may just keep the OEM extension after I try out the light on it.

So, you keep a Wilson Combat catalog in your office, huh?.............................
EXCELLENT!!

EricO

 

[ocabj]

Yeah, you've got a lot of beef on your axe. I went with the GG&G single point mount and a Wilderness single point sling for mine (thanks to recommendations on this board). I've got the 6 shell side saddle as well, but no ghost rings (just bead). But weight is all subjective. I just don't know how much 'felt' weight you will notice when changing mag tubes. Hopefully someone else will throw in some input/opinions.

I keep copies of the Brownell's and Sinclair Intl catalogs in my office too.