870 magazine tube extension opinions

R

Rampant_Colt

New member
I would like to add a +2 magazine extension on my 870 Express with 18" barrel. I've found a deal on a couple different ones and am not sure if one is any better than the other.



Natchez has ATI for $36:
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cf...e=ATI Remington 7-Shot Aluminum Mag Extension

Sportsmans-Depot has ProMag for $27:
http://www.sportsmans-depot.com/pro...Remington-12-Gauge-Models-870-1100-11-87.html

Cheaperthan dirt also has the ProMag for $27:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/31023437-1.html

Cabela's has a Carlson's for $63:
http://www.cabelas.com/magazines-clips-carlsons-magazine-extensions.shtml


Please advise or share your opinions on which would be the best one
 
The ATI is aluminum. That's not very strong, and the tube will dent easily.

The Pro-Mag is also aluminum.

The Carlson's looks like a re-branded Choate, and Carlson has NO reputation, being new, so it's a crap shoot as too quality.

My advice is to just buy a Choate. It's one of the best there is and is a great price/quality value.
It comes in any length from 2 shot to 10 shot, in satin blue or parkerized, and comes complete with the extension, spring, a heavy duty follower, and the all-important barrel clamp with sling swivels.
Choate has been making extensions for a LOT of years, with the only older one being the Remington factory model. Choate has one of the best reputations for quality.

You can buy it from Brownell's or Midway, or buy direct from Choate for about $45.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=4203/Product/SHOTGUN-MAGAZINE-EXTENSION
 
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I put a Remington tube on mine. I believe its steel and included a good barrel clamp with a sling swivel. No problems or complaints so far.
Nordic is probably the best aftermarket tube available, but pricey.
 
See if you can find one to borrow for a while to begin with. You might not like what it does to the balance of the shotgun. Most of the 'working' 870s here are without extensions.

If I were forced to use one, I prefer Remington's factory version. Choate is a reasonable second choice IMHO. And use a barrel clamp, too... not because the extension needs it, but because the threads on the magazine tube do.
 
I've never heard of the Nordic one. Gonna have to look into that. Thanks.

Lee, I would suspect that a fully loaded steel mag extension would likely slow down my ability to swing the gun quickly, and add extra unneccesary weight. Dfariswheel also recommended to avoid the aluminum mag extensions. Are the aftermarket mag extensions really that thin? Good food for thought. Thanks for your valuable input.
 
I had the Choate +2 extension but never got around to installing it. When I went to put it on something just did not seem right so I ordered a Wilson Combat +2 extension. I did not like everything about the WC either. Bottom line, I ended up using the tube and clamp from the Choate and the spring and follower from the Wilson Combat. Be prepared to spend some time dremmeling out, sanding and re-blueing the mag spring stop retainer dimple. I think that overall the Choate is one of the better ones for the price.
 
Thanks, NYCshooter!
Do you know if the WC mag ext is aluminum or steel?

Only the strongest materials are used in constructing the magazine tube extensions to insure maximum resilience during rough usage. Each unit is shipped ready to install with our extra-power magazine spring and fully machined, neon green high-visibility follower.
Click to expand...

It has rave reviews according to the link you posted..
 
I can't say what the Wilson (actually Scattergun Technologies) is made of, but I can say the spring is stiffer than stock, to help feed more reliably. They also have models for both 12 and 20 gauge shotguns.
 
I put a Wilson +2 on an older 870 Wingmaster (without the dimples) last year. It has been flawless.

The Wilson is steel.
 
I can't say what the Wilson (actually Scattergun Technologies) is made of, but I can say the spring is stiffer than stock, to help feed more reliably.
Click to expand...

I believe Wilson uses Wolff springs which, IMO, are the best. The extension itself is steel.
 
I think you'll be happy with the Choate, if you wind up being OK with the change in balance to the gun. They've been a good deal (quality vs. price) for quite a while now IMHO.

A loaded steel extension isn't really that heavy, relatively speaking, but it puts a few ounces out in front of the support hand. That makes the weight feel heavier than it really is. It may make a difference to you, or it might not bother you enough to worry about. The only way to know is to try it and see.

But if you do put a 2-round or larger extension on the gun, be sure and use a barrel clamp with it. Otherwise any lateral stress applied to the magazine extension could damage the threads on the magazine tube itself.
 
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