magazine extension suggestions for 870

[Ignatius]

I have an 870 w a 20" barrel. I want to add a mag extension and clamp. I like the reviews on the wilson combat/scattergun technologies product but it is a 2 shot extension and I want to use a 3 shot tube so it is equal to the barrel.
Reliability is important, I have seen products by Tac Star and Choate, can others who have done this upgrade post your opinions and reviews? I want ZERO feed problems on this thing!

Ignatius OUT.

 

[dfariswheel]

For three shot extensions there's the Remington factory, the Choate, and the Tac-star.

The Remington factory is the absolute best, but it's expensive and harder to get.

The Tac-star has some history of quality problems, like misaligned tubes and weak welds on the collar.

The best buy for price/quality is the Choate.
It comes in satin blue or parkerized and comes as a complete kit including the extension, the spring, a heavy-duty follower, and the all important barrel clamp with a sling swivel.

If you can afford it and can find one, get the Remington.
Otherwise, buy the Choate.

 

[LoadedDrum]

I want to add the Nordic Components +3 extension to that list. The quality is there and since it is aluminum it adds far less weight to the muzzle end of your shotgun. They make other sizes too, such as +2,+4,+5, etc.

 

[rantingredneck]

I prefer the Remingon extensions, but the Choate is good too. Avoid Tacstar and ATI.

 

[ReloaderFred]

We tried them on our patrol Model 870's for awhile back in the early 90's, and ended up removing them. We found that over time, the additional spring tension collapsed the shells and broke down the crimps, and shot buffer got all over everything and into the actions. These were factory Remington extensions.

These guns and ammo were unloaded at the end of each shift, and reloaded before they went out in a car for another shift. This occured with both Remington and Winchester Magnum (12 00 Buck) 2 3/4" loads, which was our standard duty round.

Just be aware that if you leave the rounds in the extended magazine tube for any length of time, some of the shells may eventually break down. At least that was our experience.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[elChupacabra!]

+1 reloaderfred.

I keep 7 rounds of Remington Express #4 2 3/4" Buck in my Benelli Nova SP with the extended Benelli tube, and it's true, over time I have to replace what I keep in there because the crimps come unglued / uncrimped and buffer material starts to leak out. They still fire just fine, and I can't tell a difference in patterning at 15m, but it makes a mess that's no fun to clean out of the gun and it reduces my confidence in the rounds... so I periodically unload the shotty, inspect all shells, and replace those that have started to leak.

Just FYI

 

[jdh]

My stand-by has a +3 Tacstar now, had a +2 Remington. It stays loaded. It gets test fired and stoked with new ammo yearly. It is kept in the house and the trunk of the car in the Texas summer heat and winter cold. I have never had ammo break down nor have I had to replace a mag spring.

Also, I recommend S&B 12 pellet 00 buck loads. No buffer and a roll, not star, crimp.

 

[jakemccoy]

Based on what Reloader said, I'm thinking about getting rid of my extension now.

Does anybody run a side saddle (somewhere) but without an extension?

 

[Gord]

I have a four-round sidesaddle on my otherwise stock 870. Why?

 

[jakemccoy]

I have a four-round sidesaddle on my otherwise stock 870. Why?

Do you have any feelings of inadequacy or performance anxiety...lol

Seriously though, I have my 2 shell extension because (1) the gun came like that and (2) I'm thinking that I just might need those 2 extra. But if the costs outweigh the benefits, I'll lose the extension.

Do gun stores tend to sell the 870 mag cap, or do I need to purchase online?

 

[SiNNiK]

If I had an 870, I'd look at getting a Happy Face Cap.

I like #6 best.

 

[Bob Hostetter]

Try checking the stuff these guys have. I have used it for years and have ben very happy with it.


www.tacttec.com

 

[357wheelgunner]

Do you have any feelings of inadequacy or performance anxiety...lol

Seriously though, I have my 2 shell extension because (1) the gun came like that and (2) I'm thinking that I just might need those 2 extra. But if the costs outweigh the benefits, I'll lose the extension.

The solution to feelings of inadequacy is practice!

There's nothing wrong with going without a magazine extension. Some of the pro instructors use 14" barreled shotguns. It just means you might have to reload faster.

I keep a +3 extension on my shotgun, but instead of stuffing 7 shells in I only load with 5. The issue with the rounds compressing will occur in any tube magazine, regardless of capacity. Think about it: Are you really compressing a 4 round spring less loaded with 4 rounds, than you are a 7 round spring loaded with 7 rounds? The trick is to download. I keep 5 rounds in the tube, with 3 more on the shelf next to the gun, so that I can rack the slide, then thumb in 3 more for a total capacity of 8. Over the last few years, I've never had any issues with my rounds compressing and leaking. I use Remington Reduced Recoil 00 buckshot, if that matters.

 

[jpatterson]

18" 870 with a cloth side saddle on the buttstock and no extension.