Rem 1100 dimples and a +5 extension

I

IMtheNRA

New member
I have one of the WalMart specials - a parked/synthetic Rem 1100 that I picked up last year. While attempting to install a Choate +5 mag extension (just for fun at the range), I encountered the infamous "dimples" on the Remington mag tube.

Now, I know it will be simple to just drill them out, but I wonder what would happen if I decide at a later date to remove the +5 extension tube.

It seems that the original magazine spring retainer is itself retained by these dimples. I suppose that when the dimples are gone, I could use the magazine cap to hold in the retainer and the spring, but it would make breaking down the gun for cleaning a hassle considering the occasional launching of the spring and retainer if I unsrew the cap while forgetting that it holds the retainer in the absense of these dimples. I would like to keep the installation reversible since eventually I will want to go back to the original 4-rd magazine on this shotgun.

So here are my questions:

Is there another type of magazine spring retainer that will work without these dimples? Did the older 1100's use a retainer that was just wedged/squeezed into the end of the magazine tube instead of locking into the dimples? If so, where can I get the older retainer and will it work in my shotgun?
 
First off, with an 870 one doesn't need a retainer, and I bet that it's the same with the 1100. Yes, you may launch the spring once, but after that you'll remember, and with the retainer gone it'll be easier to clean the mag tube.

The older donut style retainer should work fine. It's a standard part, and should be in inventory at Remington's site.
 
Gotta go along with Dave. I have an 870 express that I had to drill the dimples for an 8 shot extension, and I too would like reversibilty, but like the man said, first launch you'll remember;)
Of course you could find something in the hardware store that you can rig up with a little imagination; but why bother:rolleyes:
 
On my 1187, the plastic (dimple type) retainer is also the what keeps the cap from coming loose. As suggested above, I bought an old style retainer at a gun show. I got a 1 3/16X 1 X 3/32 #20 O ring from the local hardware for around 50 cents. Put this on the stock mag tube after your put your forearm on and the tension of the rubber will keep your take down knob from coming loose. That way, you won't be launching your spring when you remove the knob to take the barrel off, and your cap won't be coming loose during a shooting session. I have shot many rounds of sporting clays, and used the gun in 3gun IDPA shoots (with the extended mag) and never had a problem with the knob after using the Oring.
 
FWIW, I used a Dremel tool with a grinding stone to take out the dimples on an 870 from the inside. I was actually able to get the metal smooth and flush with the rest of the tube without going all the way through the dimples. There's enough metal there. You just have to be careful. Once I was done, I took the polishing attachment and smoothed out my light grinding.
 
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