Remington 870 HD question

[Slater]

I was in a local sporting goods store the other day, and they had 4 or 5 of the 870 HD models on the rack. These are the variants with the extended magazine.

I noticed that on a couple of them the mag tube extended beyond the end of the barrel noticeably, while on the others the mag tube looked more or less flush with the barrel.

Is one of these an older style? I think they're all listed as having the same magazine capacity, but they sure don't look identical.

 

[dfariswheel]

Recently Remington changed the barrel length from 18" to 18 1/2" inches.

Last years models with 18" barrels will have the extension sticking out beyond the muzzle. This was originally to allow using the front cap of the extension as a bayonet mount.

This years models will have the longer barrel and the extension will be flush with the muzzle.

So, the extensions didn't change, the barrels did.

 

[Slater]

I see. Thanks.

 

[JP1954]

I just bought an 870 a couple months ago. Mine has a 20" barrel and has an 8 shot capacity (7 in the magazine.) the magazine is a wee bit longer than the barrel. I guess the obvious explanation in my case would be to accomodate the extra rounds.