Which Extension tubes and why

[PRicanHeRo]

I want to get an extension tube for my remmy 870, 21 inch barrel. Please recommend one and why. Heard a lot of good things about Nordic but don't know why there good. Also any considerations I may need to keep in mind for the future or if the tube will affect other parts. Thank you.

[Synchronizor]

I really like the Remington extensions. They have a two-piece construction, with a separate tube and coupling nut, so if you install it correctly, you won't have any gap inside the tube that can cause hang-ups. Since the +2 and +3 extensions use the same coupling nut and spring, all you have to do if you have one extension assembly is order the other tube from Remington, so you can add the other option for a lot less than buying a whole separate extension kit.

They also include a smaller-diameter ring near the end that serves two purposes. It acts as a follower stop that prevents you from crushing your spring if you're not paying attention when loading the gun, and it keeps the clamp/sling swivel from walking around under recoil (though I will say, the sling swivel tends to rattle when there's nothing attached to it, which kind of bugs me. I only install it on builds where I need a sling there). Since the Remington extensions were designed for military use, they also have a stepped-down portion on the front to accept a bayonet. Not really a feature everyone will use, but options are always nice.

Remington's +3 extension would fit nicely under a 21-inch barrel (I assume we're talking about a 12-gauge model, here).

[PRicanHeRo]

Thx for the reply. Is the spring an upgrade or standard and how about the finish?
Also, I'm looking to upgrade the follower. Are there only certain followers I can install with the +3 extension other than the dimples cause I will be leaving that alone. Your thoughts and thank you, very helpful.

[Synchronizor]

Is the spring an upgrade or standard and how about the finish?
Also, I'm looking to upgrade the follower. Are there only certain followers I can install with the +3 extension other than the dimples cause I will be leaving that alone.

The spring is the standard Remington part, and works in either extension.

My +3 extension tube is parkerized. The +2 tube and coupling nut have the Express finish (or my own blueing where I've touched it up)

Any 870 follower will work in these tubes. I use a Delrin follower from S&J Hardware that I've modified to fit my preferences.

If your 870's built-in magazine tube has the dimples in it, you will need to take care of them in order for things to work properly.

[PRicanHeRo]

What is the best way to remove the dimples, and do they have to be removed no matter which extension tube I use?

[Synchronizor]

What is the best way to remove the dimples, and do they have to be removed no matter which extension tube I use?

Yes, they must be removed for any extension. They will snag your follower, shells, and likely your spring, too. You might be able to get a +1 extension to work (sort of) with the dimples, but you're better off just removing them.

I've never removed them myself, my 870 didn't have them. There are plenty of people here who have, though. Search through the forums and blog for info. J.D. from AI&P Tactical has a YouTube video showing one method:

http://youtu.be/IG5yt-5KlJE

[vmax]

The best way to remove the mag tube dimples. Hammer and socket method. Takes afew minutes. No drilling or grinding.

[Synchronizor]

The best way to remove the mag tube dimples. Hammer and socket method. Takes afew minutes. No drilling or grinding.

This can work, but you'll want to be careful when doing it, as it can mess up the gun at the point where the magazine tube is brazed to the receiver, or deform the tube itself.

[PRicanHeRo]

Yeah I won't be doing it that way. Drill it, or gunsmith unfortunately. Thx for all.