Do I need to install a magazine extention?

Georgian · February 3, 2011, 04:06 PM

Hey yall. I have a plain jane riot model 870; 18.5" cylinder bore barrel, 4+1 capacity, with wood stocks. Its the classic, old-school police look, but I have been contemplating going with a Tank Rifle shop extention, but am unsure whether it will be better in the long run. The shotgun has been relegated strictly to home defense use, as I do not hunt with it. The old wood stocks either need to be replaced or refinished, which I am not experienced with. If I replace them I was hoping to find some police trade-in stocks. Does anyone know where I could find some? Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

TheKlawMan · February 3, 2011, 05:02 PM

Check ebay. they had a lot of used stocks yesterday.

70extreme · February 3, 2011, 05:41 PM

4 + 1 is fine for me. The 870 handles better without the extension.

scorpion_tyr · February 3, 2011, 06:59 PM

I really like the look of wood stock and forend with a tube extension. I say go for it. Just don't forget the dremmel

mwar410 · February 3, 2011, 09:23 PM

I just tested mine at 10 yds, it patterned just under 10" with 2 3/4" #4 buck, and that was personally shortened. I didn't see any reason for more than 5 shots.

Dfariswheel · February 3, 2011, 10:36 PM

Whether you need an extension or not depends on the circumstances in which you're most likely to use the gun.
If you live in a quiet area, the police respond fairly fast, and the most likely threat is going to be one or two burglars or intruders who will likely run at the first sign you're armed, you may not need it.

If you live in an isolated area and may have to hold them off for a while, a rough part of town, the police are slow, and you may be facing a small mob, you may need an extension.

Just remember in accessorizing a shotgun, the reason a shotgun is so deadly really isn't just the power, it's the speed you can get on target and shoot.
Anything at all you add will increase the weight and bulk and will actually slow you down.
In shotguns speed kills.... the bad guys.
You have to do a case by case "Real World" cost-benefit analysis to determine if the loss of speed is worth whatever gain you may get.
Too many people wind up with shotguns that weight half again the weight from adding what are really things for a range toy, not a true defense gun.

Truth is, in most situations the standard police type 18" barrel plain pump gun is the perfect defense gun.
If you live in something other than "most situations" you may want to add accessories, but remember that simple is better.

**44 AMP** · February 4, 2011, 04:47 PM

With a barrel that short, any extension is likely to stick out in front of the muzzle (I don't know the particular one you are thinking of) where it is subject to getting bent, dinged, or damaged. And what do you really get? 1 round? 2? On a longer barrel gun you can get an 8 shot and have it supported, but on the riot gun length......

How likely is a situation where you are going to shoot your gun dry with 4+1? I think one of the shell carriers, like a buttstock sleeve, or even one of the ones that mounts to the receiver is a practical thing. If you fire a round or two, or even three, you have shells you can feed into the mag, while still having a couple rounds in the gun just in case.

If you practice it a little, its quite fast to do.

Dfariswheel · February 4, 2011, 09:39 PM

Several companies make extensions that won't stick out beyond an 18 1/2" or even 18" barrel.
These hold an extra 2 shells.
With any extension, you should use a barrel clamp to support the extension so it won't get knocked off the gun.

Good 18 1/2" extensions are made by the Remington factory, Choate, Tank's Rifle Shop, Wilson, and several others.

Incognito · February 5, 2011, 09:53 AM

This one's got the Wilson Combat +2 extension along with a Clark Customs barrel clamp; rock solid. The stocks were bought on e-Bay for $25

about 6 years ago. Lately they've made a come back and are getting more expensive.

Bartholomew Roberts · February 5, 2011, 10:25 AM

The current ATF study proposes making a shotgun with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds "not suitable for sporting purposes." Although they discuss it only in terms of importation, it is worth noting that 18 USC 921(b) says that any firearm with a bore greater than 0.50" that is "not suitable for sporting purposes" is a destructive device and must be registered under the NFA.

So on top of the normal considerations, you have to consider whether the benefit of the extension tube is worth having the potential NFA hassle or having to get rid of the extension if the ATF adopts that regulation.

zippy13 · February 5, 2011, 10:37 AM

Incognito,
Come on now, let's get some wear marks on that closet queen. Has it ever been shot?

T. O'Heir · February 5, 2011, 10:40 AM

"...any extension is likely to stick out..." Had an 18.375" barrel on mine(old Wingmaster before they became high end) with a Choate 2 shot extension. Never had any issues with it coming loose. Didn't stick out. More than 2 certainly will though. Extensions mostly just look mean.
Guy came into the shop long ago with a 10 round mag on a 30" barrel. Forget what shotgun. Took 2 guys to carry, loaded, but it looked mean.

Incognito · February 5, 2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippy13

Come on now, let's get some wear marks on that closet queen. Has it ever been shot?

Lol, that's my duty shotgun. It comes to work with me everyday, and yes it gets shot every other month.
I do try to take really good care of it so your comment is very much appreciated; thanks

zippy13 · February 5, 2011, 11:18 AM

>I do try to take really good care of it

You've succeeded, bravo!

StuntManMike · February 5, 2011, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Just remember in accessorizing a shotgun, the reason a shotgun is so deadly really isn't just the power, it's the speed you can get on target and shoot.
Anything at all you add will increase the weight and bulk and will actually slow you down.
In shotguns speed kills.... the bad guys.
You have to do a case by case "Real World" cost-benefit analysis to determine if the loss of speed is worth whatever gain you may get.
Too many people wind up with shotguns that weight half again the weight from adding what are really things for a range toy, not a true defense gun.

I am going to go the other way with this and state that the extension, due to the added weight, will speed you up. The added weight helps with recoil and muzzle climb, which makes follow up shots faster.

rjrivero · February 5, 2011, 12:06 PM

14+1 now you've got something. This is the X-Rail baby. The "BIG ONE" holds 22 rounds.

TheKlawMan · February 5, 2011, 07:36 PM

I agree that reduced felt recoil due to the added weight of an extended magazine may be a blessing, expecially if you have synthetic stocks as do I. (Some even suggest that I increase the weight by inserting spent hulls filled with shot into the end of the extesion to relieve recoil.) The 2 round factory extension on my Remington 870 ends flush with the end of the 18" barrel (which is actually 17 7/8" from the end of the receiver but is legal since barrels are measured from the face of the closed bolt for that purpose.)

TheKlawMan · February 6, 2011, 02:20 PM

There is a Remington factory 870 2 shot extension for sale on the accessories buy, sell, or trade forum.

February 3, 2011, 04:06 PM	#1
Georgian Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2004 Location: SE Georgia Posts: 208	Do I need to install a magazine extention? Hey yall. I have a plain jane riot model 870; 18.5" cylinder bore barrel, 4+1 capacity, with wood stocks. Its the classic, old-school police look, but I have been contemplating going with a Tank Rifle shop extention, but am unsure whether it will be better in the long run. The shotgun has been relegated strictly to home defense use, as I do not hunt with it. The old wood stocks either need to be replaced or refinished, which I am not experienced with. If I replace them I was hoping to find some police trade-in stocks. Does anyone know where I could find some? Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! __________________ ~"Speak softly and carry a big stick"~T. Roosevelt God Bless

February 4, 2011, 04:47 PM	#7
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	With a barrel that short, any extension is likely to stick out in front of the muzzle (I don't know the particular one you are thinking of) where it is subject to getting bent, dinged, or damaged. And what do you really get? 1 round? 2? On a longer barrel gun you can get an 8 shot and have it supported, but on the riot gun length...... How likely is a situation where you are going to shoot your gun dry with 4+1? I think one of the shell carriers, like a buttstock sleeve, or even one of the ones that mounts to the receiver is a practical thing. If you fire a round or two, or even three, you have shells you can feed into the mag, while still having a couple rounds in the gun just in case. If you practice it a little, its quite fast to do. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

February 5, 2011, 10:40 AM	#12
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...any extension is likely to stick out..." Had an 18.375" barrel on mine(old Wingmaster before they became high end) with a Choate 2 shot extension. Never had any issues with it coming loose. Didn't stick out. More than 2 certainly will though. Extensions mostly just look mean. Guy came into the shop long ago with a 10 round mag on a 30" barrel. Forget what shotgun. Took 2 guys to carry, loaded, but it looked mean. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

February 5, 2011, 07:36 PM	#17
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	I agree that reduced felt recoil due to the added weight of an extended magazine may be a blessing, expecially if you have synthetic stocks as do I. (Some even suggest that I increase the weight by inserting spent hulls filled with shot into the end of the extesion to relieve recoil.) The 2 round factory extension on my Remington 870 ends flush with the end of the 18" barrel (which is actually 17 7/8" from the end of the receiver but is legal since barrels are measured from the face of the closed bolt for that purpose.) Last edited by TheKlawMan; February 6, 2011 at 02:18 PM.

February 3, 2011, 05:02 PM	#2
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	Check ebay. they had a lot of used stocks yesterday.

February 3, 2011, 05:41 PM	#3
70extreme Member Join Date: November 19, 2010 Posts: 33	4 + 1 is fine for me. The 870 handles better without the extension.

February 3, 2011, 06:59 PM	#4
scorpion_tyr Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,326	I really like the look of wood stock and forend with a tube extension. I say go for it. Just don't forget the dremmel __________________ “Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight.” - Thomas Jefferson

February 3, 2011, 09:23 PM	#5
mwar410 Senior Member Join Date: December 25, 2008 Location: maine Posts: 234	I just tested mine at 10 yds, it patterned just under 10" with 2 3/4" #4 buck, and that was personally shortened. I didn't see any reason for more than 5 shots.

February 3, 2011, 10:36 PM	#6
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Whether you need an extension or not depends on the circumstances in which you're most likely to use the gun. If you live in a quiet area, the police respond fairly fast, and the most likely threat is going to be one or two burglars or intruders who will likely run at the first sign you're armed, you may not need it. If you live in an isolated area and may have to hold them off for a while, a rough part of town, the police are slow, and you may be facing a small mob, you may need an extension. Just remember in accessorizing a shotgun, the reason a shotgun is so deadly really isn't just the power, it's the speed you can get on target and shoot. Anything at all you add will increase the weight and bulk and will actually slow you down. In shotguns speed kills.... the bad guys. You have to do a case by case "Real World" cost-benefit analysis to determine if the loss of speed is worth whatever gain you may get. Too many people wind up with shotguns that weight half again the weight from adding what are really things for a range toy, not a true defense gun. Truth is, in most situations the standard police type 18" barrel plain pump gun is the perfect defense gun. If you live in something other than "most situations" you may want to add accessories, but remember that simple is better.

February 4, 2011, 09:39 PM	#8
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Several companies make extensions that won't stick out beyond an 18 1/2" or even 18" barrel. These hold an extra 2 shells. With any extension, you should use a barrel clamp to support the extension so it won't get knocked off the gun. Good 18 1/2" extensions are made by the Remington factory, Choate, Tank's Rifle Shop, Wilson, and several others.

February 5, 2011, 09:53 AM	#9
Incognito Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 370	This one's got the Wilson Combat +2 extension along with a Clark Customs barrel clamp; rock solid. The stocks were bought on e-Bay for $25 about 6 years ago. Lately they've made a come back and are getting more expensive.

February 5, 2011, 10:25 AM	#10
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	The current ATF study proposes making a shotgun with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds "not suitable for sporting purposes." Although they discuss it only in terms of importation, it is worth noting that 18 USC 921(b) says that any firearm with a bore greater than 0.50" that is "not suitable for sporting purposes" is a destructive device and must be registered under the NFA. So on top of the normal considerations, you have to consider whether the benefit of the extension tube is worth having the potential NFA hassle or having to get rid of the extension if the ATF adopts that regulation.

February 5, 2011, 10:37 AM	#11
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Incognito, Come on now, let's get some wear marks on that closet queen. Has it ever been shot?

February 5, 2011, 11:18 AM	#14
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	>I do try to take really good care of it You've succeeded, bravo!

February 5, 2011, 12:06 PM	#16
rjrivero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,399	14+1 now you've got something. This is the X-Rail baby. The "BIG ONE" holds 22 rounds.

February 6, 2011, 02:20 PM	#18
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	There is a Remington factory 870 2 shot extension for sale on the accessories buy, sell, or trade forum.