Defensive shotgun - standard tube vs. extended tube

O

oldguy870

New member
I have a Remington 870 Express with a standard tube (4+1 capacity) and an 18" bead sighted barrel. I am debating whether to put a Scattergun Technologies +2 round extension on it. I would need to drill out the dimples.

The case for getting the +2 extension are obvious. You get 2 more rounds.

The case for sticking with the standard tube are that the gun will be lighter on the front end and faster handling. You could also say it might be slightly more durable with the standard mag, nothing to come lose. I think this is only a very, very slight factor.

Which would you go with and why? Are two extra rounds worth a slower handling gun?
 
I don't think slower handling is a big deal, so "Are two extra rounds worth a slower handling gun?" - YES

Are two extra rounds worth drilling out the dimples? - No

Too much work :rolleyes:
 
In a previous thread, one member reported removing the dimples by driving a socket wrench into the mag tube. His set of socket wrenches had one that exactly fit in the mag tube (IIRC, it was metric). Others reported that none of their sockets was the correct size.

Do you have any reports of a shotgun being used in a typical (no riots) defensive situation where more than 5 shells were needed?
 
Just throw a butt cuff, or side saddle on for some extra shells. I only have six in my HD shotgun and six more on the weapon. If I can't ward them off with twelve #1 buck shells, the first one being a 3" 24 pellet one, I'll transition to a rifle.
 
I have read that while a lot of people use a socket to knock the dimples out you need to be careful not to damage the mag. If you are going to do it, drill.
 
IMO its more trouble than its worth. But thats just me. I doubt there would be any bad guys in the vicinity after 5 12ga rounds. If a bg is still in the area after hearing the sound of the action in a pump theyve got to be severely stupid. But that being said, 2 extra rounds is definately a good thing. If its worth the effort to you then its worth it. Make sense?;)
 
I would just ask if anyone else would be using it... My boss and kids don't like shooting it, because "it's too heavy in front." I have the stock 2 shot extension, and I am thinking of dropping it.
 
I am satisfied with 6 rounds of buckshot in my pump gun... But then again, I am totally confident I can handle most any altercation with a single stack standard 1911 type .45...

Brent
 
Here is a variation on the same question for the people who voted to have the +2 extension.

Let's assume the defensive scenario for the shotgun will give you enough time to clip a shell belt to your waist containing 21 rounds of 00 buck ...

... Do you still feel the +2 extension is important? Even with rounds on your waist, are you concerned about only 5 rounds (4+1) in the gun?
 
I put +2 mag extensions on my 870 two times in the past and removed them shortly afterwards.
I switch barrels on my shotgun and it's more of a pain to do with the tube extensions on.
It is slightly lighter and better balanced without the extensions IMO.
Not to mention it can be quickly loaded shot-by-shot by just dumping a shell in the ejection port and cycling it closed.
 
I have a + 3 extension that fits my 870 Wingmaster, and my 1100 auto.
Right now it's on the 1100. It can rattle off eight rounds in a heartbeat!
 
The question identifies the issues well.

Two extra rounds with a lighweight sporting barrel is of little consequence IMO. Yes I'd do it. There is a dimple-removing tool you can buy from Brownells I believe. Or...

Buy an 8+1 Mossberg 590. If you buy a 590 A1 (with its heavy barrel) THEN I would get the short 5+1 version and add a Vang Comp +1 or S&J Hardware's +2 extension (mine is a Maxx100. I would NOT get the 8+1 A1 -- man is that front heavy and hard to maneuver to me.
 

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A +3 should put you just pass the muzzle:

PIC_4765.JPG


I'll take 7+1 over 5 any day.
 
If you need more than 5 rounds from a shotgun the odds are that you are dead.
Click to expand...

The 'ol "odds are" argument again.

The odds are we won't be in any lethal confrontation where we need a gun.

And the odds are also 100% that it will happen to some of us, anyway.

The reason I have a +2 installed on both my Scattergun Tech 870's, is because the magazines are always loaded and there's less compression of the magazine spring over time when I download them by one and still have 5 rds.

If there's any warning of impending trouble, I can chamber a round and top of the tube with 2 more for 7 rds.

Another reason for having more ammo capacity is that a shotgun can be a grab and go gun and the only ammo you have is in or on the gun. A side saddle adds 6 more rounds and that option can be used for slugs. At this time, I have the side saddles removed from both.

There's more to the ammo question than just how much you think you'll need in a fight.

Just my thoughts on the matter.:cool:
 
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I am somewhat familiar with this concept and question regarding HD shotgun capacity. I once bought a longer barrel version 590A1 in addition to the shorter model. I liked the idea of having added rounds. I put a 6-round side saddle on it in addition to the band slipping over the stock that holds another 5 rounds. I also added a rail on top so I could mount a flashlight. And it is true this shotgun was one bad dude when the bayonet was attached. With the longer tube loaded, 6 rounds in the side saddle and 5 rounds on the stock, I would be ready for anything bad that I needed to deal with. But then I had some medical trouble. And then I had a lot of bills. And then I needed to sell off some guns to raise cash. The one that seemed most important to me I kept. And that was the shorter barrel. My idea of needing or wanting a higher capacity shotgun just seemed to go away.
 
My idea of needing or wanting a higher capacity shotgun just seemed to go away.
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Confucious once said that it may not be that you don't need something, but rather that the need just hasn't arrived yet. OK, he really didn't say that--I did.:D
 
No "One size fits all" solution here.

We all vary in what we can handle,rapidly and effectively.

Our missions also vary. though we lump them together.

Best advice, try one, preferably a 2 or 3 shot extension from a known and respected maker, and decide.

And learn to run the gun, reload at speed,etc.....
 
Interesting that no one else seems to see the value in having a +2 extension so it can be downloaded by one round in order to reduce stress on the mag. spring, while still having one extra round. Of course, that's for those of us who store our shotguns with magazines loaded and leave them that way over time.
 
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