Remy or Nordic 3 shot ext?

[cwebb]

Need one but which one?

I've flip-flopped so much on this decision that I'm throwing my hands up and submitting this question to the community. One note: I plan on running the Magpul forward sling mount on whichever extension I go with.

Thanks in advance for you help with my dilemma!

In the meantime has anyone else noticed that Remington and Nordic 3 shot extensions are vaporware right now? No-go on Brownells, Optics Planet, Cheaper Than Dirt, Walmart, Basspro...not to mention that nearly every picture of a Remington 3 shot extension on Ebay is actually a 2 shot extension and visa versa?

[Synchronizor]

As far as function goes, I can only speak for the Remington extensions. They work well, though they can be a bit finicky until you figure out how to install them properly. They are also geared more for reliability with 2.75" combat loads, rather than maximizing the usable space inside, so don't expect it to hold seven 3" or 3.5" shells - you may even lose one round with some longer-crimped 2.75" shells. And since they're two-piece setups with a bracket, they can't be installed and removed as quickly and easily as some others (I've started to prefer singe-piece extensions these days because I reconfigure my 870 so often), but if you're not switching things around constantly, that shouldn't be much of an issue. I wrote a very long review on the Remington +2 extension awhile back. Everything I say there should also apply to the +3, aside from a few of the numbers for length, weight, capacity, and spring force.

While I haven't had any personal experience with the Nordic extensions, I do know that they're very popular with competition shooters, and those folks tend to know what works and what doesn't. They're also very flexible systems, and should save you some weight since they're made of aluminum (though the Remington kits really aren't all that heavy for steel extensions). But being made from aluminum, they're probably not as tough as the Remington extensions, which were originally developed for the military (as evidenced by the stepped-down end meant to accept M16 bayonets). They should be fine for hunting, or even home defense, realistically. But if you want something that can get kicked around at a training course or block a baseball bat and still function, the Remington extension (or some other steel kit) might be a better choice.

In the meantime has anyone else noticed that Remington and Nordic 3 shot extensions are vaporware right now? No-go on Brownells, Optics Planet, Cheaper Than Dirt, Walmart, Basspro...not to mention that nearly every picture of a Remington 3 shot extension on Ebay is actually a 2 shot extension and visa versa?

You can order Remington extension parts individually through Remington's parts department. If you find a good deal on a Remington +2 kit, all you need to make it a +3 is the +3 extension tube, which is only about $30, and then you can set yourself up with both +2 and +3 configurations.

[cwebb]

Sweet thanks for the great info. I'm leaning towards the Remington tube because I'd like to keep as much original Remington parts as makes sense.
I've read great praise for the Nordic tubes and clamps, hence my dilemma.
One of the Nordic owners mentioned that their aluminum tube was thicker to add strength and that anything that would dent it would likely dent steel too. But steel is well...steel. If I dent that I probably have bigger problems like, what part of me got dented too.
You make a great point about one vs two piece extensions. I may swap the tube in and out.
Thanks again!

[Synchronizor]

Yes, the Nordic extension tubes are thicker than standard steel ones (12ga 870 mag tubes have 1" outer diameters, and most extensions also use 1" outer diameters to provide a standard size for clamp-on accessories), but it doesn't seem to be that much thicker (1.06" is a number I've heard tossed around, but that might have been for the older extensions rather than the new MXT tubes). Plus, Nordic uses a 6061 alloy, which is inexpensive and easy to work with, but not very strong compared to others. Some 7000-series aluminum alloys can be tempered to strengths comparable to many steels.

This isn't meant to knock the Nordic product, and I really can't make a definitive comparison without knowing the exact dimensions and alloy temper for the Nordic tubes, and the specific alloy used by Remington, but the Nordic extensions do seem much better suited to competition or hunting than rough combat. For home defense, I would say either would likely work fine, since the ideal way to use a shotgun for HD is generally from a "dug in" position where you're letting the invaders come to you.

[cwebb]

Well it's official. The interwebs is sold out of the Remington +3 shot extension tube. Even Remington Country lists the part as 'not available'. I've Googled several variations on the part description including the correct mfr part number and every site is sold out...Ebay too. Now I MUST have one!

[Synchronizor]

Remington doesn't put +3 extensions on a lot of guns, +2s are a lot more common. It could be that they only do intermittent production runs of the +3 extension tubes, in which case you may just have unlucky timing. You could try calling Remington directly, and see if they can tell you when the +3 tubes will be back in stock. Until then, you can keep an eye on sites like Ebay or Gunbroker.

[cwebb]

Funny you should mention it...I called Remington today and apparently they internally requested +3 extensions last month but they weren't available/made yet and Remington estimated several weeks to a month or so before they are likely to be available.

The Nordic +3 extensions are sold out on several big sites as well but are available on Ebay at the moment. I considered them but the slightly thicker diameter tube may present problems with fitting a clamp unless I go with a Nordic clamp.

No guarantee that the Remington will play nice with my 870 either as I'm pretty sure that my barrel profile is different than that of a Police model.

It's likely going to be a bit of trial-and-error to find the right combo.

More soon.

[Synchronizor]

No guarantee that the Remington will play nice with my 870 either as I'm pretty sure that my barrel profile is different than that of a Police model.

The main thing to be aware of is the height of your barrel. Aside from a few special heavy-wall barrels, most 12ga 870 barrels are pretty similar in outer diameter, but some (mostly older ones, I believe, but I'm not sure about the specifics) sit further above the magazine tube than others, and you need the the right height bracket (two versions are out there) to keep from pushing or pulling the extension tube out of line. One of my 870 barrels is a "tall" one, and If I pair it with one of my Remington extensions (which have a "short" bracket), I get hang-ups.

[cwebb]

Thanks for the specifics. I checked out some of your videos on YouTube. Great stuff!
I suspect that I'll be ok with a Remington...if they ever get around to making more...or the Nordic tube. Kinda holding out for the Remington.