Magazine Extension for 18" Barrel

[mjoseph20]

I know this question has probably been asked but what is the recommended magazine tube extension for a 870 express with a 18" barrel? From what I've been reading, it appears +2 is the right one but I didn't know if a +3 would extend past the end of the barrel. Also, what is the best brand to buy? It seems Choate makes a decent one.

[Synchronizor]

A +2 extension will line up with the muzzle of an 18.5" barrel (there may be minor differences in length between brands). If your barrel is an actual 18", not an 18.5", the extension will stick out a little, but it won't cause any problems.

I personally like the factory Remington +2 & +3 extensions because they share the same spring, clamp, and coupling nut, and they feature a follower stop, anti-walk clamp/sling mount, and can accept a bayonet. I don't have any experience with the others, but Vitaly has at least one post comparing different extensions over on the main site.

[rythomas0704]

I know this question has probably been asked but what is the recommended magazine tube extension for a 870 express with a 18" barrel? From what I've been reading, it appears +2 is the right one but I didn't know if a +3 would extend past the end of the barrel. Also, what is the best brand to buy? It seems Choate makes a decent one.

I am not sure what kind of luck you are having actually locating any extensions as I was only able to find ONE in stock over 4 websites, CTD, Brownells, Midway, and Amazon. I even checked local gun shops and even contacted a few manufacturers directly. Unfortunately this new scare about gun control is making it very hard to get parts for a lot of firearms.

I personally recommend Nordic Components but they are pricey. $75 for +2. But they are probably the best. It is the one I am going to purchase soon to replace the one I JUST received TODAY. Remington is very nice but the part that is for a bayonet adds a little bit of length to it.

I found a Choate +2 and with hesitation I ordered it until Nordic Components gets more out to distributors. After getting it and installing today I am VERY pleased. It is actually very good quality and the fit and finish are excellent. The Choate has a follower, spring, extension (of course) and clamp/sling mount. I did NOT use the follower that was supplied as it seemed to be a little tight. I just used my original one until I get am upgraded one. Also, I modified my clamp to accept a small picatinny rail which made it a super low-profile light mount. My barrel is roughly 18.25" and the extension stops about half inch behind the muzzle. Should fit an 18" perfect.

Link to my post on the install: http://www.rem870.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=586

Hope this helps.

[Bastard File]

On my 18-1/2" guns I use a Wilson Combat +1 as I like the looks. Also have Wilson +1's on two 20" guns as well. I do have a 870 Marine Magnum that came factory supplied with a +2 under the 18-1/2" cylinder bore barrel and it functions flawlessly. I do have a Choate 9 +1 on a 26" Express, but it does not run full length and it too has the look I wanted. My "practice" gun is an Express Magnum with factory black synthetic furniture. It has been cut to 20" and a Wilson Combat +2 extension installed with a Clark clamp.

[mercman]

I also prefer the Remington extensions for the previously stated reasons. I had a Choate 9 shot extension on a 30" barrelled 1100 that I had a few years ago and wasn't especially impressed with it. that one didn't utilize a clamp but seemed to still be solid.

[Automag]

I am desparetely looking for a Remington brand +2 extension. I bought a Choate +2 for the time being. Actually the Choate is a very high quality mag ext., and pretty nice. I have a Rem 870 Super Mag w/18 1/2 barrel and the Choate +2 ends just behind the barrel.
But i like the look, quality and "all Rem" continuity of the Remington brand, expensive as they are hard to find. I guess i'll have to wait till i find a Rem brand and be happy with my Choate for now, like i said, it's not a bad extension.

[Synchronizor]

I am desparetely looking for a Remington brand +2 extension. I bought a Choate +2 for the time being. Actually the Choate is a very high quality mag ext., and pretty nice. I have a Rem 870 w/18 1/2 barrel and the Choate +2 ends just behind the barrel.
But i like the look, quality and "all Rem" continuity of the Remington brand, expensive as they are hard to find. I guess i'll have to wait till i find a Rem brand and be happy with my Choate for now, like i said, it's not a bad extension.

Have you tried calling Remington's customer service line to see if you can order the parts directly from them? I cut out the middle-man and got my +3 extension tube straight from Remington. It let me pick the part with the exact finish I wanted, and I was able to get the tube only, since I already had the coupling nut, clamp, and spring from my +2 extension kit. $26 for just the tube versus $113 for the entire kit.

[Automag]

Thanks for the tip. I will contact the Rem service center directly, however i will have to buy the whole kit. I dont have the coupling, i could manage w/o the other parts (have them), but i will need that coupling. Thanks for the help!

[Synchronizor]

You can buy the coupling nut by itself as well.

[Automag]

Wow, thanks! I can now get my Rem +2 mag ext and not go broke doing it. You've been real helpful, thank you! I wasted 4 hours scouring the net last nite, and other nights too, looking for this item. All i've found is usually--out of stock, sold out, etc. I never knew u could just call Remington and buy exactly what u need. You learn something new everyday, thanks again...