Mag Extension? But why?

[Chef Duane]

All,
I am a new 870 Express 28" owner but am not new to shotgunning. (I have a Maverick 88 Tac for home defense and a Charles Daly Miroku O/U.) I have been considering putting a +3 or +4 mag extension on the 870 simply because my thinking is that having additional capacity would always be desirable. However, the reason I bought the 870 (other than a great price) is for birding. Here in Texas we are limited to 2 + 1 so I would be required to put the appropriate plug in when hunting. Now, if I am only going to be birding then why would I need an extension, but I kinda' want the extra capacity. As you can see I am in a quandary. Anyone have any guidance or input as to the reasoning FOR and extension or NOT for an extension. Maybe I am agonizing over something trival and there is an easy answer I am not realizing. Thoughts?

[Scorpion8]

Maybe I am agonizing over something trival and there is an easy answer I am not realizing. Thoughts?

You are over-thinking it. Yes, you can't use the extra magazine capacity while birding/hunting, and you already have the Maverick88 for HD. The obvious solution is TWO 870's, one for birding w/o an extension, and one for HD with an extension (much better than the Maverick). Enabler's R' Us is the name of this place!

[Germansheperd]

Put the magazine extension on at home and take it off and install your plug while hunting. It’s less than a 5 min swap anyways. One of my field guns for my parents property. An old rebuilt Express with a mag ext, 21” Remchoke barrel (adjust chokes as needed). I never need to carry extra ammo just load 6 in and keep it “cruiser ready”.

[Chef Duane]

I suppose I am overthinking it and am probably talking myself out of a mag extension. BUT, could a mag extension be installed (+3 or +4) and then when bird hunting I could just put in the appropriate length plug so if F+G rolls up and decides to do a check, I'd be legal. How does one determine the appropriate length plug with an extension installed?

[Scorpion8]

How does one determine the appropriate length plug with an extension installed?

If you have the original green plug, just add enough length to accommodate the added # of shells of your mag extension. Any wood dowel can be used. Trial and error, just try feeding and make sure you're limited to the 2+1 for hunting.

[Chef Duane]

Scorpion, thanks for the info. I'm thinking that's what I'll do - go ahead and get an extension and make a dowel for use when hunting.

Whew! I feel better now! Thanks for all the feedback.

[Scorpion8]

Yea, there are no "official" magazine limiters. The 870 comes with one in the box and you can buy them, but all you have to do is prove to your game agent that you can't install more shells than the regs allow if you ever get pulled aside to check. Usually what triggers them is hearing 5 shots in a row or something akin to that.