Why the mag extension for "tactical" shotguns?

[richardschennberg]

Real-world tactical depends on the intended use or worst-case scenario. A factory 4-shell tube may be adequate for HD and even military rear-echelon use. Police SWAT and front-line military would be better served with a tube as long as the barrel, usually 7-shell capacity for 18" barrel and 8-shell for 21" barrel.

Tactical matches are "on the clock" including reloads so competitors typically use the longest tube allowed. For USPSA/IPSC 3-gun this means 8-shell capacity for Standard/Tactical and 10-shell capacity for Open. The most popular setup for tactical shotgun matches is a 21-22" barrel and an 8-shell tube (+4 extension)
Richard
Schennberg.com

 

[kngflp]

The 870 express by my bed has 18" barrel and no extension. It can be deployed easily (by me) one handed without me even sitting up out of bed. The Wingmaster in the closet has a 20" barrel and is just begging for an extension and side saddle. Damn my education fund taking away money from my gun fund.

 

[444]

"444, while I aggree that weight is an issue, we are talking about home defense shotguns. The longest distance I ever intend on carrying that thing is about 35 feet (from one end of my ouse to the other.)"

Well, we obviously have different uses for our shotguns. I try to take a four day, formal training class at least once a year. During that four days, I probably spend six hours of each day with that shotgun in my hands or on it's sling (on my body). Out of that six hours each day, I probably spend 30-45 minutes a day holding that shotgun at the low ready. Weight (to me) is a HUGE factor. I am not a small guy. I work as a professional firefighter. But I am not man enough to hold MY shotgun up that long and not get real tired which takes away from the training considerably.
However, I agree with you, if my shotgun was never going to leave my house, I wouldn't care what it weighed either.

 

[natedog]

My 18" 870P is already front heavy with a Surefire on it. I think I could live without the extra 2 shots, especially considering it handles a whole lot faster without the extra weight up front.