Discuss all accessories and upgrades available for the Remington 870 shotgun: stocks, forends, barrels, chokes, magazine extensions, followers, safeties, sights etc.
With the purchase of a quality follower from S&J Hardware, I'm happy to find that I have no issues loading and firing all 6 shots from the mag tube.
Here's a pic of how she sits now;
coyo wrote:I just bought a 4 shot 870 Express (18" barrel) and have a 28" on the way (the reason for the 4 shot and not the factory 1-piece 6 shot tube).
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.
I'll try to remember to get the measurement you're looking for when I get a chance.
AFAIK both the Wilson and the Vang are 1 piece and could have this issue. The Remmy extension is 2 piece, as is the Nordic Components and from what I've NOW learned, the better design to go with.
I've had absolutely no problems with the Remington +2 ext. and i've got one on my HD shotgun, and one for my Super Mag. I actually don't mind the orange factory follower at all. When using that, the Remington spring and extension it's very dependable and works well. I know Choate wasn't on your list, but i've used their +2 and +3 mag extensions, and they make an excellent product that works great. I like using the GG+G enhanced follower with a Wolff spring in my 870's. That combination has proven to be the best follower/spring combination for me. I got the lengths of the Nordic +2 and +3 Mag. extensions and as i finish upgrading my new Express Tactical i am going to switch to a Nordic +3 Magazine extension. After careful measuring i know that the Nordic +3 will mate up nicely with my 18.5" barrel (wether i use the Rem Tactical Breacher or not). I have ordered and installed a Wilson +2 Mag. extension in the past, but i really wasn't too happy with it (just my opinion) so i returned it.
This is very timely for me. Five fiends and I recently bought police trade-in 870Ps with the older style 18" barrel. I prefer the Remington +2, but it will stick out 1/2" past the end of the 18" barrel. Are there any +2 extensions that are closer to flush with the end of an 18" barrel?
The Wilson Combat +2 is sized to match 18" barrels, as is the Vang Comp. Of those two, I'd recommend the Wilson Combat. Better knurling, more reliable, and less expensive. Their sling plates are permanently attached, which is a bit annoying, but they fit better than the plates the Vang Comp comes with, and there's also a version with no sling plate at all if you already have a clamp-on sling point in mind. The followers these extensions come with aren't terribly high-end, but they're quite reliable. Just snap off that weak center post before it falls off on its own.
Thanks, the Wilson Combat without sling plate looks like it might be the choice if it works with a Magpul Forward Sling Mount. I was considering the Nordic Components since it is a two piece and I presume it does not have the gap issue of the one piece extensions? It looks like the Nordic +2 may sit almost flush with the 18" barrel from what I can tell on their website.
The "gap issue" with single-piece extensions does not necessarily make them inferior to two-piece extensions. With good design and the right follower, single-piece extensions can be every bit as reliable as a two-piece. The Wilson Combat extensions are an excellent example of a single-piece design done right, which is why they're widely used by custom builders, police, and other federal agencies. And for just $45, they're an excellent value.
I've heard nothing but good things about the Nordic extensions, but you'll pay more for them than you will for a Wilson Combat, and they're more complicated. They're also made of aluminum instead of steel, which can be nice for a hunting or competition shotgun, but I think the Wilson Combat extension is a better fit for a dedicated defensive weapon. Of course, I'm also more comfortable recommending the Wilson Combat kits because I've been able to examine and evaluate them personally.
My first extended tube was the factory Remington +2. I didn't care for the design where it mated, the clamp, nor the looks at the very end. Every time I removed it, I was concerned that I might not have gotten it back on correctly. The Remington extension was flush with the end of the barrel.
So I got a Vang +2. Much nicer design, but the sling mount had a very sloppy fit. A member here made me a new sling mount that fits the barrel profile perfectly.
I don't need a mag to barrel clamp, because my flashlight mount also serves that purpose. Also, the Vang comes with a metal follower and the whole tube is about 1" shorter than the Remington extension. It looks quite a bit better. I am very happy with this set-up.
