New shotgun and noob question

[Benjammin]

I just bought an 870 Express (18", 7 shot mag- one piece, no extension), my first real firearm. I haven't shot it yet, but I'm pretty happy with the fit and feel of it. I was originally looking for a defensive use shotgun (home/camping), but I was also thinking of trying out clay shooting. I completely forgot about that though when I was at the store, and didn't think to ask the clerk if it would be possible to swap barrels. The barrels I see online seem sized to line up with the mag cap on 5 shot magazines, could they be used with the extended mag?

[Vitaly]

I just bought an 870 Express (18", 7 shot mag- one piece, no extension), my first real firearm. I haven't shot it yet, but I'm pretty happy with the fit and feel of it. I was originally looking for a defensive use shotgun (home/camping), but I was also thinking of trying out clay shooting. I completely forgot about that though when I was at the store, and didn't think to ask the clerk if it would be possible to swap barrels. The barrels I see online seem sized to line up with the mag cap on 5 shot magazines, could they be used with the extended mag?

Benjammin, welcome to the forum!

Could you please post a picture of your shotgun, so we can better understand your question? Thanks!

[Benjammin]

its like this, only with a standard style buttstock

[jpfrog]

This topic is currently being discussed on this thread also.... http://www.rem870.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=224

In summary, if your magazine tube looks like the one in the pic you posted, and the barrel guide ring on your barrel is forward of the forend instead of flush to it, then you will not be able to install a longer barrel. I don't know when they started manufacturing separate magazine tubes and barrels for Tac/HD models, but it seems they did so with the thought of it solely being used for one purpose, and that the owners (mostly LEO or Military) would not want to ever decrease capacity or install longer barrels. As you can see in the thread link above, there are still many Tac models being produced with standard magazine tube lengths that have had factory extensions added....those models allow for removal of the extension and replacement with a longer barrel.

[Benjammin]

Thanks for the info, thats what I figured. Part of my wants to take it back for an exchange, but part of me likes this one for what it is (and what I originally intended it for) I've never shot clay before, but thought it might be a worthwhile endeavor, perhaps I should wait to actually try it before I worry about having the right gun for it.

[RandyWag]

Thanks for the info, thats what I figured. Part of my wants to take it back for an exchange, but part of me likes this one for what it is (and what I originally intended it for) I've never shot clay before, but thought it might be a worthwhile endeavor, perhaps I should wait to actually try it before I worry about having the right gun for it.

Hey man welcome to the forum! I shoot clays with my tactical express and i have no problem with it.

[Benjammin]

Thanks!

[Vitaly]

Benjammin, I think that long magazine tube without extension (like yours) is more reliable than the magazine tube with extension. There is small chance of follower getting stuck because of the "step" inside the tube where extension connects to tube.

[Benjammin]

Thats good to know. I figured it would be more durable too

[Randomguns]

Hey, Just FYI. I have a (don't anybody shoot me) Chinese knock off of an 870 that I bought as a "tool" that I could throw on the floor of my truck and not worry about it. It has an 18 1/2" barrel similar to yours and Turns out I can take the barrel off of my 870 and put it on with a spacer that I made that fits over the mag between the nut and the ring, works great. I also shoot trap with it just for fun and does just fine.