Looking for Input for a +2 Magazine Extensions Review

[coyo]

I'll try to remember to get the measurement you're looking for when I get a chance.

Mine measures 0.300".

[Synchronizor]

I know it's not in your list of 3 that you're testing, but I think that MAYBE the design in 2 of them may cause issues. I bought an ATI aluminium +2 extension (not the fluted one) and learned that 1 piece extension tubes can cause issues if they don't screw all the way down onto the stock mag tube which then leaves a gap in which the follower can jam, which means I have a 5+1 instead of a 6+1. I'm assuming this is why you're asking about the distance from the barrel guide ring to the end of the mag. Mine works flawlessly with the barrel off (so that the extension can screw all the way down onto the mag) but only makes it about half way down the threads with the barrel in place.

Yes, this is a major drawback to single-piece extensions. Because they need to have enough internal thread to be tightened down against the barrel guide ring on any 870, they tend to have a little more than is needed for most guns, and a gap is left inside the magazine tube. This gap can be more severe if you use a sling plate or other accessory that installs between the cap/extension and the barrel guide ring. It's very important that single-piece extensions be designed with this gap in mind, and you'll generally need the right follower to ensure reliability. Unfortunately, some single-piece extensions aren't designed very well, or come with poorly-matched followers.

Before I post this review, I'll be uploading a video that compares single- & two-piece extensions and explains the advantages and disadvantages of each type, so I can point to it when discussing them in the review.

Mine measures 0.300".

Thanks, that seems to be a fairly normal amount of exposed thread.

[12GAfun]

I currently use the Wilson Combat 2+ shot kit. I love it, no issues with loading its solid and well made. I like the spring and follower that came with it, also it allows me to load all 6 shells into the tube unlike my Remington +2 shot kit that I did have installed on there. It kept coming lose and after the first 6-7 shots it would not allow me to load all 6 into the tube.

The Wilson combat looks better runs better and was at a better price point than that of the Remington kit. Rem Kit 52.99/state tax, Wilson Combat 45.00/shipping. If I remember I think I got free shipping. Here are some pics of it installed onto my shotgun. I kinda wish I went with the 3+ kit instead because of the barrel room I still have.

Well I might have spoken to soon, I am now back from the range and put about 30+ slugs through it and the metal plate now rattles like hell and it came loose for the first time. I want to use this for deer hunting and rabbit also but with that plate rattling around not good for hunting now. I have tried everything to tighten it down and it's on there but that plate still rattles. I have noticed that there is also no way to remove that steel plate. I got it from Brownell's and I just contacted them and they just said return it for a exchange or refund. I am going with the Choate 3+ mag tube kit. I chatted with one of there online guys and he uses the Choate on his 870 and it has never loosed on him at all. Also no metal plate rattle. I will let you all now about the Choate model when I receive it. This will also give me 1 more shell in my firearm instead of 6+1 I will have 7+1 I like that better. The only difference is that the Choate comes with a Mag tube clamp and the Wilson Combat did not, but the Choate has gotten better reviews so far.

[Synchronizor]

The rattle in the sling plate is an unavoidable consequence of its design concept. There's simply no way to manufacture a plate that is a perfect fit to every 870 barrel right out of the box. If you make it too tight, most of your users will have to spend an evening fitting and refinishing it themselves. If you make it a hair loose, it might rattle a little, but it'll still function fine. Tightening the extension will have no effect on the sling plate, obviously, as the plate is in front of the extension's base.

You can remove the sling plates on Wilson Combat extensions if you grind off the welds that hold the retaining ring on; that's been done to my WC +1 extension. If you don't want the sling plate at all, this is a recommended step. WC extensions have a standard outer diameter, so there are a number of clamp-on sling attachment accessories that should be compatible.

But when you're talking about loosening, are you still referring to the sling plate, or did the entire extension come loose from the barrel guide ring? If so, does your barrel have a magazine cap detent in the guide ring? And were you using the lockwasher that came in the extension kit?

[12GAfun]

I was using the washer, I came slightly loose from the barrel guide ring. I might not have gotten it tightened down. When I first got my kit I didn't have a wave washer. I asked a few questions about its use when I didn't see it in the packet contents on other spots on this forum. I found one a few days later after getting the kit from brownell's. I got it for like a $1.00 and tax. So it not coming with the kit was not that big of a issue.
When I took it out that first day after install it did come really loose because of the washer. When I installed the washer on there it would come loose but not as bad. Brownell's has a 100% satisfaction guarantee for exchange of refund of the product. Just getting a Choate +3 mag tube extension kit instead the prices match and I think that the Choate which got better reviews will be a better choice

[Synchronizor]

Does your barrel have a detent in the guide ring?

[12GAfun]

I am not sure, I have removed the dimples when I installed the Remington kit I first got. My guide ring is smooth all the way around, just the treads on the original mag tube. It have the plastic cap that was held into the tube by those dimples. I do not see any little hole on my barrel ring.

[Synchronizor]

It should be pretty obvious whether or not there's a detent in your barrel guide ring.



If your barrel doesn't have a detent, you'll need to use a lockwasher or clamp to keep the extension from coming loose on you. This goes for all extensions, not just Wilson products.

[Nat_usp]

870Tactical 7+1

[ShotenTactical]

When I chose a +2 Magazine Extension, I didn't just look at the extension. The importance of what drives it is equally as important. I began, therefore, with what I have been using. Wolff Springs and a 3T Tactical stainless steel magazine follower. After looking at many, I choose the 3T Tactical variant because of its wide cup in the rear which reliably causes the end of the Wolff to sit exactly where it belongs and not jump. I already knew they made an XP variant so it was then a matter of choosing the right +2 Magazine Extension for my use, my situation and my weapon system. After trying many which all worked fine, I settled on the 3T Tactical variant. Why? Made of 12L14 Cold Rolled Steel Alloy and a solid thread pattern, it has both the strength and the weight. For those whom have chosen not to have their barrel ported, the 3T variant serves also to keep the muzzle down resulting in quicker followup shots.

I purchased a number of Wolff XP Springs made specifically for the purpose. I thoroughly cleaned and lightly oiled my magazine tube as well as the threads on both magazine tube and 3T Tactical +2 Magazine Extension including the interior of the Extension. I rubbed a light coating of synthetic grease on the follower and then dropped in the spring. It was admittedly a brute to get in there to the point where I could allow it to relax somewhat inside the Extension once it got close enough to the threads of the magazine tube. Once done, threaded it on and then cycled it numerous times using different numbers of full weight dummy rounds. From 1-6 rounds.

I then took it to the range with deliberately different types of ammunition. Putting NRA B27 silhouettes at varied ranges, I began slow and then fast and then back to slow look for hangups in the feed process. I was extremely pleased. The 3T Tactical +2 Magazine Extension is a one piece extension and the extra weight did as I expected it would. Performed flawlessly with the added benefit of keeping down the muzzle flip allowing for quicker followup shots. The overall new feed combination literally slammed the rounds up on the carrier. I am extremely pleased with the new extension and the new feed system. I would not use it or any other +2 with a standard length spring though some do, I noticed. The 3T Tactical stainless steel follower is machined, ground and highly polished. You can change out your extension(s) but always be mindful of what's driving it. It is a complete system.