Who upgrades to the ball detent magazine retention system?

[Synchronizor]

Different companies make them. I use an Uncle Mike's cap, and I can think of absolutely nothing negative to say about it

[RedEarth]

. . .Both of these shotguns had the new-style plastic spring retainer/cap ratchet; and both guns had had their mag caps back off, leaving the barrels loose and rattling around until I tightened them down. . .

The 870 Express (18") I just bought has the new plastic spring retainer. When I got it home it was extremely easy to take off as well, not quite loose enough so that the barrel was rattling, but still alarmingly easy to remove, it was not tight by any means. It does, however, lock down pretty doggone tight when tightened properly. I would suspect that while shooting the heat would only make it tighter, so I doubt it would loosen while in use.

After it cools down though, not sure... something to keep an eye on I suppose.

[blgoode]

Thanks!!

[Synchronizor]

The 870 Express (18") I just bought has the new plastic spring retainer. When I got it home it was extremely easy to take off as well, not quite loose enough so that the barrel was rattling, but still alarmingly easy to remove, it was not tight by any means. It does, however, lock down pretty doggone tight when tightened properly. I would suspect that while shooting the heat would only make it tighter, so I doubt it would loosen while in use.

After it cools down though, not sure... something to keep an eye on I suppose.

It's really not that big a deal if the cap sometimes works loose after a large number of shells. Like I said before, my trap barrel has no ball detent and my magazine tube isn't stamped for the plastic ratchet retainer, but I just tighten the cap down firmly and keep an eye on it, and it works fine. It's a simple matter to check the cap between rounds of trap or flushes in the field; and you'll never realistically let off that many rounds in a home defense scenario.

[Bastard File]

If you're fortunate enough to have a very competent gunsmith in your area, that should pose no problem for them. I've had several barrels modified to ball detent by my gunsmith. As I've said however, wave washers work very well also.