Shotgun Magazine Extensions: My Thoughts

[Gun-Reck]

If I could get a hold of one of these?

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Would suffer the extended mag.

 

[AlexanderA]

A full-length magazine extension, when fully loaded, makes the shotgun extremely muzzle-heavy. But the magazine doesn't have to be fully loaded. In that case, the gun should handle as well as one without a magazine extension. "Better to have and not need than to need and not have."

 

[Blue Brick]

Easy way to solve this debate is for everyone to use a break open single shot.

 

[Hugger-4641]

Easy way to solve this debate is for everyone to use a break open single shot.

This isn't or shouldn't be a debate, just a compare and contrast of preferences. I get the OP's point of view and I don't think anyone is saying he's wrong. Just different strokes for different folks.

 

[Hugger-4641]

A full-length magazine extension, when fully loaded, makes the shotgun extremely muzzle-heavy

I haven't noticed this, I shot some clays with mine recently and did fine, but the 5 or 10 extra rds on my stock probably helps balance it some.

 

[Boattale]

Like many here, I prefer the standard tube.

 

[Skribs]

My Mossberg came standard with the extension. Does that mean it's the standard capacity?

I haven't noticed a particular inability to maneuver with these. I'm not a particularly big or strong guy.

I think that the chances of needing more than 4 rounds is very slim. I think it's greater than the chances of needing the slight maneuverability edge you may get from having a 4 round magazine.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I like the tube to be at least as long as the barrel.

The tube on my FN SLP sticks out a little past the barrel.

I know how fast I can blow through 8 or 9 rounds in a shotgun and I know how long it takes to reload the thing.

I'll take all I can get (and still be practical).

 

[johns961]

I have three early 80's 870's with 18" barrels. I have the Vang Comp plus 2 extensions on them. They work good. Also got rid of the Remington rubber follower and went fiberglass.

 

[bubbatime]

I agree with the OP. An 18” barrel on an 870 is a very handy and light feeling firearm. And yes shoot one load one is a valid tactic. You’re having a bad day if you need more than four buckshot rounds.

I had a 2 shot extension on my 870 but it messed up the balance and feel of the gun. So I removed it. Wilson combat sells a very nice, very small one shot extension. It is like an inch larger than a 4 shot mag tube, is bulletproof, has no weird transition, no place for shells to jamb or get hung up, and barely weighs anything. I think the OP would love the Wilson one shot extension.

 

[Skribs]

You’re having a bad day if you need more than four buckshot rounds.

You're having a bad day if you need more than 0.

 

[Hugger-4641]

You're having a bad day if you need more than 0.

Depends on what you're doing.
Black Birds, Hogs, and Snakes; sometimes 10 ain't enough.

 

[SwampWolf]

Not to mention werewolves.

 

[GEM]

Capacity is irrelevant unless you have silver 00. Anyway, I still don't see the problem as one can buy 'defensive' shotguns with higher capacities than 4. Also, saying the average number will be your number means you were asleep in statistics class. Nor is assuming you can't miss with a shotgun a reasonable assumption. Folks need to run a shotgun in realistic but simulated house environment or match.

 

[huntersdog]

I'm old school. I, K.I.S.S and don't mess much with factory guns.

 

[Hookeye]

On a hunting gun, the mag extension adds weight and screws up the balance. My 870 HD was a Wingmaster Magnum w 20" RS Remchoke bbl. Added the extension.

Of course i shot my deer and it dropped DRT. But if he had run, boy was I ready LOL

Current HD rid is a semi auto w extension.
Never liked side saddles, think the shotgun card stuff a better option.

 

[Blue Brick]

I'm old school. I, K.I.S.S and don't mess much with factory guns.

+ 1

 

[JCooperfan1911]

I agree with the OP. An 18” barrel on an 870 is a very handy and light feeling firearm. And yes shoot one load one is a valid tactic. You’re having a bad day if you need more than four buckshot rounds.

I had a 2 shot extension on my 870 but it messed up the balance and feel of the gun. So I removed it. Wilson combat sells a very nice, very small one shot extension. It is like an inch larger than a 4 shot mag tube, is bulletproof, has no weird transition, no place for shells to jamb or get hung up, and barely weighs anything. I think the OP would love the Wilson one shot extension.

I bought one. It’s great. Thanks for the tip! My shotgun is now 5+1.

 

[SunnySlopes]

I'm not going to rescue the hostages and don't believe in werewolves. I bought an 870 Express for $300 and made some mods for myself. Knoxx recoil limiting stock. Aluminum mag follower. Wilson giant safety. Volquartsen extractor. Remington barrel with rifle sights.

The only other mod I anticipate is a picatinny rail and red dot for dusk hunting for coyotes and hogs.

The extension adds negligible weight to the gun and I've never loaded it to capacity. It has a bracket and is quite strong. Then again, I've never been forced to crack meth heads' skulls with it. I suppose it could fail in such a scenario.