Help needed with 870 Express HD replacement barrel

[Shrinkmd]

I ordered a 30" barrel to try learning trap, and I didnt realize that 870 home defense owners can have issues putting other barrels on. I just checked, mine has a real 4 shot magazine, a 2 shot screw on extension, and no "dimples" or detents anywhere I can see. The barrel just slides on, and then the mag extension tube screws in, makes ratcheting sound going on. Just a spring, no other parts I can see (unless I lost them).

So, with this setup, can I just install the new barrel and use the mag extension tube and clamp? Or do I need a new cap? Looks like there are universal, old style, dimples, or ratcheting. I don't want to use the extension because it will end up scratching my new barrel when I put the clamp on. Should I just get the universal Remington cap with swivels? And can I use the same magazine spring?

At least my gun doesn't have the fixed 6 round magazine. Then I think I would be outta luck!

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

If you want to go 5 shot(4+1)---you'll need a shorter spring---an old style sheet metal mag tube plug and magazine cap.

OR just use what you have and you'll be good to go---just be prepared for funny looks at the trap range with your hi cap shotgun.


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/87...-11-87-12-16-gauge-black?cm_vc=ProductFinding


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/14...100-11-87-12-gauge-metal?cm_vc=ProductFinding


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/23...uge-and-1100-16-20-gauge?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

[Shrinkmd]

I'll think about the high cap version? Also, did all 870 Express have a magazine spring retainer? I have found some posts from people who said they didn't include one on the mag extension guns. If I lost it would the gun still function normally?

I really don't want to scratch the new barrel with the retaining clip. Any ideas on how to install one without scraping the barrel?

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The hi caps don't have the retainer----std Express' use the mage tube dimples and ratcheting plastic plug----since your gun doesn't have the dimples, you'll need the old style retainer.

 

[sappyg]

Hmmm. I switched from an 18.5" barrel with a 2 shot extension to a 28" barrel last week for some backyard clays but I left the extension in place. The gun does not wear a mag clamp and it works fine.
If you want the standard 4 shot mag it should be easy enough to pick up a cap and spring.

 

[Shrinkmd]

Success!

It fits. I will order those other parts to make it a nice 4 shot, the extension looks silly. I did not put the clamp on, that might make it look less silly.

So now I am confused about which cap to use. There are several different Remington magazine caps on Cabelas, and then the ones linked to at Midway. Do they all work?

I looked at my magazine more carefully, and there are definitely NO dimples on it (although the orange plastic follower has the grooves on it if the dimples were there). As far as the detent, I see one on the barrel, where it clicks into place on the ratcheting magazine cap.

Should I just backorder the three parts Omaha-BeenGlockin picked out and call it a day? Also, while I'm dressing it up, is the GGG steel follower worth getting?

Time to start reading the shotshell reloading books...

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

You need a cap with grooves toward the outer edge------the plastic plunger type uses a cap with notches inside

 

[Virginian]

Here's what you need, from a 2013 Remington parts list.
F200429 870 MAGAZINE CAP 12 GA W/ DETENTS UNIVERSAL $15.00
F91657 870 MAGAZINE SPRING RETAINER 12 GA METAL $3.40
F19479 870 MAGAZINE SPRING 12-16-20 GA & EXP $3.40
If you want to upgrade to a metal follower, I'd suggest aluminum. Steel can hammer the retaining ridge inside over along time. I like Brownell's version myself. If you check ebay you may well be able to do better on prices including shipping.

 

[Shrinkmd]

Would this blackhawk cap work?

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/MAG-CAP-Rem-870-870-Express-Swivel-Set,938,1387.htm

It says

Includes replacement cap for internal magazine tube ratchet types

I can't seem to find that other one anywhere, and I have used BlackHawk accessories before and am pleased with the quality.

Again, my barrels have a single little pin which can move in and out on them.

Thanks!

 

[Virginian]

Yes it will work, but it will not retain the spring independently of the cap if you want to do that.
You can get all Remington part #s from....... wait for it.....Remington.

 

[Shrinkmd]

Oh, I understand. So I still need the standard size spring and the metal retainer clip, but then just get the Blackhawk cap since the remington one is on forever backorder.

I am holding back on the reloading questions, and which brand of over under questions. First I need to hit some of the birds...

Thanks for your help

 

[Inebriated]

Order THIS and THIS.

The Wilson Combat ring ships with all their extensions, and does a FANTASTIC job of keeping the standard end cap (the one meant for guns that use the plunger, without the notches on the outer edge) on. This is the combo I use for swapping out barrels, and I've never had a problem.

Also, if you have a dremel, you can order the end cap, and just dremel in the notches just like on your Remington extension. Can't see them when installed, but works perfect. I've also done that.

Either one will keep that barrel on and the end cap tight. And it'll look nicer than the Blackhawk.

 

[Virginian]

An O ring will hold the cap on fine, and doesn't have to dig into metal like the wave washer.

 

[Inebriated]

Never has a wave washer "dig into metal", but whatever works...