My Model 870 surprise

[JimmyN]

I bought a new Model 870P not long ago. I have a double SxS, and a semi already, but they are 26 and 28 inch and I wanted something shorter to use for SD at home. And although I've used pumps and like them I never owned one of my own.

The box and manual are labeled:

Order No. 24897 Barrel Length 20" Capacity 5

MODEL 870 POLICE "PARKERIZED"
PUMP ACTION SHOTGUN - R3 PAD
20" BARREL IC CHOKE BEAD SIGHT
WOOD STOCK AND FOR-END


I really wanted an 18" barrel, but decided to go ahead and get the 20" since I hadn't found an 18, had the 20 in my hands, and I could hear it calling my name. Since it was a 20" I ordered a Choate 8 shot extension for it (adds 3 to capacity).

Well my extension arrived today and I put it on, lo and behold it sticks out past the barrel 1-1/2". Shocked by this I stuck a rod down the barrel and measured it and it's actually an 18-1/4" barrel rather than a 20". I never questioned it being a 20" as it seemed really short compared to what I had.

So my question is, do you think muzzle blast will burn it sticking out an inch and a half past the muzzle? Or should I go ahead and get a 7 shot extension?

 

[WNTFW]

I'd take the extra shell.

 

[Jack2427]

It is really a question of looks.You did good for a 870P.

 

[wdlsguy]

Or should I go ahead and get a 7 shot extension?

I would.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Go for the 7 shot.....to me it would look goofy with the tube magazine sticking out further then the barrel.

 

[USMC Tanker]

Go for the 7 shot.....to me it would look goofy with the tube magazine sticking out further then the barrel.

Agreed.

 

[Snarlingiron]

Leave it as is. The blast won't do anything to it, and the protrusion will prevent issues if you ever have to use it at very close range. I.e. you won't be able to place the barrel in contact with whatever it may be that you are shooting up close and personal. This was actually recommended to me by an instructor at a shotgun class.

 

[Viking88]

I have been using the same configuration w/ the mag tube sticking out past the 18" barrel. It works just fine. 5000+ rounds of birdshot through it with no problems. The blast residue wipes right off.

 

[Lucky]

Are there any issues with fingers slipping forwards? If your left hand slips for some reason, could you lose a couple fingers in front of the barrel more easily?

 

[Viking88]

I've never heard about anything like that before, doesn't mean it couldn't happen. I have the 8 round extension and all 10 fingers, so I would say all is well!

 

[JimmyN]

Thanks for the replies, I think for now I will just keep the +3 on there. It certainly won't hurt to have the extra round available, and it looks like I won't be the first to use a +3 with an 18" barrel.

It really doesn't look that bad extending past the barrel some, and the Parkerized finish on the Choate extension matches the 870 perfectly.

 

[MRIman]

If it bothers you that much,I'll swap you a 2 shot ext. for your 3
shot. I've got a 20" on mine and don't like it being that short.
She might have 20 rds. through her.
It's the same make as yours.
Let me know.

MRI

 

[JimmyN]

I may take you up on that, since you'd prefer the +3 and I'd rather have a +2.

PM sent

 

[Banshee]

the shot will be long gone before your fingers ever get there.