Mag extension without a clamp?

H

Hoss Delgado

New member
I have a Benelli Supernova, and I bought a 2-shot SureCycle extension for it. I installed the extension, but never got around to putting the clamp on it, and I didn't really think it was that important. Then I read a post on here recently that makes me think you're not supposed to use it without a clamp. I (unfortunately) haven't shot it that much yet. But before I do any more, is it safe to leave the clamp off, or do I need to put it on? Also, if I do put it on, will it scratch up the barrel?
 
I'll use a 1-shot extension (which is little more that a fat magazine cap) without a clamp. Two or more, and it gets a clamp. Period.

It isn't the EXTENSION that needs protecting- it's the thin threads at the end of the magazine tube that the clamp screws onto. Think of the extension as a lever, and imagine how much pressure it can bring to bear...

Of course, ymmv. Concerns over possible scratches on a barrel pale to insignificance when compared to having to replace a magazine tube IMHO.

lpl
 
Hoss Delgado

I don't think it is a "have to" more a "want to" decision. Looking at pictures of your extension tube, it looks much like the single piece fixed thread nut type that has become popular. The original design "pioneered" by scattergun technologies did not have a clamp. I have some of those that are 18+ years in service and going strong. Understand I am only speaking of THICK WALL short extensions.

If you choose to use a mag clamp and are concerned with marring barrel finish, HERE is a trick. There is a product called Plastic Dip, only apply lightly to the inside of the mag clamp, only apply 1 coat, (Follow the directions) it will apply a no melt on burn, mar-less surface to your clamp. It is not totally solvent resistant so every so often you may have to repeat.

Good Luck with your project, and be safe
 
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Ah, that makes sense about the threads. And you're right, I guess visual damage isn't that big a deal compared to having to replace parts.

The extension is actually three pieces. First, there's the cylinder itself. Second, a sort of "collar" which screws in and connects the cylinder to the mag tube. Last, there's a plastic piece that drops into the tube and sits it the front of the extension. To be honest, I'm not quite clear why the last piece is separate. I don't know if the extension is thick or thin, as I don't have much to compare it to, but I think it's of good construction based on the fact that it's stainless steel and the others I looked at were aluminum.

The plastic dip sounds like a good idea, I'll take a look at it.
 
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The recoil force is directed backwards, towards the shooter. Some of the rebound forward forces are cushioned by the mag tube spring. It's still probably a good idea to use a clamp on a +2 or +3 and it would be an absolute on a +4 & longer. A clamp does help protect a tube extension from side impacts.

All 870 shotguns have a very short threaded mag tube end so a clamp is needed with a +2 extension and longer because there is only a few threads holding the extension on.

Mossberg doesn't use a clamp on the 930SPX and it has a +3 extension but it has a much longer threaded mag tube end.


GC
 
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Hoss Delgado

If this is indeed a multi-piece mag extension, then by all means use the mag clamp. It binds everything in place, just like the factory original extension produced by Remington.

Good Luck & Be Safe
 
Nordic + 7

Nut and end cap screw off, leaving just a tube . When disassembled.
Thousands of rounds fired with No mag. clamp & zero problems.
That white-ish home made spacer at the end of the mag. ext.
allows that extra little bit of room for 1 more shell.


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Nut and end cap screw off, leaving just a tube . When disassembled.
Thousands of rounds fired with No mag. clamp & zero problems.
Click to expand...


If you ever drop your shotgun and it takes a hit on the tube extension it will damage the end of the shotgun mag tube. That can be a very costly repair. Quality clamps only cost around $30.


GC
 
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Hoss D,
So, you don't like the clamp idea. How about something totally tacti-custom?… be the first one on your block to have your barrel fitted with a forward hard point anchor.
 
If you ever drop your shotgun and it takes a hit on the tube extension because it will damage the end of your mag tube and that can be a very costly repair. Quality clamps only cost around $30.
Click to expand...

or a tree limb could get stuck between barrel and tube.
 
Well Max, you said a mouth full there! But it is full race tactic-cool untill then
Click to expand...

Come shooting with me 400 shells and clay in about 2-3 hr time frame.

F tactic-cool . Shooting is where it is at.. P.s. thats my sons ,I use a Mossberg 590.


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Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the OP's second post, I think he say's he's using the mag follower in front of the mag extension??

I don't have my extension yet,,,I didn't think there was anything plastic that goes in the front. Or is there??
 
No, they sent a replacement follower as well, and that's yet another piece, and also a replacement spring. I guess I didn't think about that as being part of the extension.

I'm not exactly sure how to explain it, especially since I'm not quite sure WHY it's a separate piece. Maybe if I write out the steps to put it together...

First I took off the old cap and weaseled out the "ring" that held the spring in, and took out the spring. I replaced the old spring and follower with the new one and dropped the spring in. Now I've got the cylinder + collar, and the mystery part. Now, if I were to put on the tube right now without the mystery part, the front of the magazine + extension would actually have a hole in it. To plug it, I drop the mystery part down into the cylinder before putting it on. Then I screw on the cylinder.

If I press on the mystery part, it compresses the spring, but I can't find that this actually does anything. Furthermore, in my limited experience, no other extension I've ever seen has this as a separate part. Like I said, I don't really get why it is.
 
Back to square one… I suspect we all assumed you wanted the mag extension for the typical tactical wannabe/HD reasons. Most folks don't hunt with an extension and shooting sports are usually done with a two shot repeater. You're in the rare situation of shooting a lot of targets in little time, and under your own safety rules. On second thought, looking at the bigger picture, in your particular situation, you might not need that clamp after all.
 
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