Rem 870 Express 18" Barrel Length Question

[disneyd]

Remington advertises the 870 Express HD as having an 18" barrel. Can anyone who has one measure from the breach face to the end of the muzzle? I'm just curious if Remington is cutting it close at exactly 18" or if they put a little extra on there just to be safe. I'm considering buying one and would feel better if they're 18.25 or 18.5.

Thanks

 

[dfariswheel]

While I'm not 100% SURE, it looks like Remington has started putting 18 1/2" barrels on their Police and Express 18" guns.

Older 870's with Remington factory magazine extensions have the extension sticking out beyond the muzzle by about 1/2".
This was so the cap on the extension could be used to mount a bayonet.

Current 870's show the muzzle exactly even with the extension, and several posters say the barrels now measure a true 18 1/2".

 

[The-Fly]

I haven't measured my 870 18" barrel, but I wouldn't worry too much. Remington is a MAJOR manufacturer and there are thousands and thousands of 18" 870's out there, and I've never heard of anyone having legal issues with em.

 

[Rupestris]

My short Rem bbl measures 18.5".
I was concerned when I ordered it as well. My Express came with the 26"bbl. When I measured that, it was closer to 25.5".

The extra 1/2" gives a little room to have it recrowned if it ever gets damaged.

Chris

 

[disneyd]

Picked it up this afternoon and it measured 18.5" from muzzle to breach face.

Now, for the next question. It came assembled in the box and the magazine cap is way past hand tight (I can't get it off). What's the best method for getting this off without marring the finish on the nut? (Yes, I have to take everything apart as soon as I get it).

Thanks again

 

[Rupestris]

Congrats on the new addition to your family!

(Yes, I have to take everything apart as soon as I get it).

As well you should. Give it a good cleaning while its apart.

As for the cap, use a pair of channel locks with a rag around the cap. It should come right off. After that, tighten by hand when reassembling.

 

[waterhouse]

If there is a magazine tube extension, and if there is a barrel clamp connecting the mag extension and the barrel, make sure to loosen this before trying to unscrew the magazine extension.

I don't mean to sound simplistic or condescending . . .once when I was probably too tired to be handling a gun I spent about 10 minutes trying to unscrew the mag extension while it was still firmly clamped in place.

Anyhow, if you've already taken off the clamp, or if you just have a regular end cap, I'd go with the fabric wrapped channel locks as well (been there, done that)

 

[Xrunner]

If you do go with the fabric wrapped channel locks make sure to have a good amount of fabric so the teeth of the locks don't scratch the metal. And yes... I am speaking from experience here.

They also sell so pretty nifty rubber "padded" channel lock type pliers if you feel the need for a new tool.

 

[deputy tom]

I use a piece of old leather belt instead of cloth due to past bad experiences with plier jaw teeth cutting thru said cloth.The leather works alot better for me.Lube the threads before re-assembly.This will prevent future issues.YMMV.tom.