Remington Barrel Retention.

rc · June 1, 2009, 11:05 PM

I bought the 870 synthetic 7 shot and got a new 26" express barrel and magazine parts online to convert it to a bird gun also. I didn't realize the barrel's are not 100% interchangeable with a magazine cap switch. The problem making the switch is that there is no ball detent on my 26" express field barrel and no dimples on the end cap of the magazine tube of the 7 shot model due to use of the factory mag extension. The plastic retainer of the current 4 shot express model simply turns on the mag spring without the dimples and will not retain a standard factory cap. Can my express barrel be drilled and a spring and ball detent staked into place on the factory barrel lug without much trouble? I was considering drilling the 26" barrel and trying to install the older style retainer system on the new barrel so they will switch over without the problem of the end cap vibrating loose during a hunting trip. I've read about some people using teflon tape. Would that be a better way to solve my problem for a switch barrel system? Thank you for sharing your thoughts. rc

xm21 · June 2, 2009, 02:35 AM

Wave washers from Brownells.They are made to retain the cap on 1100's when you replace the forend with one that does not have the ball detent.

RoscoeC · June 2, 2009, 06:13 AM

I haven't tried it myself, but I have heard that a rubber O ring works well.

WagonM · June 2, 2009, 09:12 AM

I am in the EXACT same boat as you do, RC. Sounds like we have the same 18" 6+1 "tactical" too. Anyway, I do find myself needing to tighten the cap from time to time when shooting the 26". It's a pain.

I did speak to Remington and they can indeed install a detent ball for not too much money (I forgot how much), we just need to ship the barrel to them, or find a smith locally.

I have not decided which way to go yet...

June 1, 2009, 11:05 PM	#1
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,767	Remington Barrel Retention. I bought the 870 synthetic 7 shot and got a new 26" express barrel and magazine parts online to convert it to a bird gun also. I didn't realize the barrel's are not 100% interchangeable with a magazine cap switch. The problem making the switch is that there is no ball detent on my 26" express field barrel and no dimples on the end cap of the magazine tube of the 7 shot model due to use of the factory mag extension. The plastic retainer of the current 4 shot express model simply turns on the mag spring without the dimples and will not retain a standard factory cap. Can my express barrel be drilled and a spring and ball detent staked into place on the factory barrel lug without much trouble? I was considering drilling the 26" barrel and trying to install the older style retainer system on the new barrel so they will switch over without the problem of the end cap vibrating loose during a hunting trip. I've read about some people using teflon tape. Would that be a better way to solve my problem for a switch barrel system? Thank you for sharing your thoughts. rc

June 2, 2009, 06:13 AM	#3
RoscoeC Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2006 Location: DFW Metromess Posts: 562	I haven't tried it myself, but I have heard that a rubber O ring works well. __________________ “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." --Helen Keller "Do not cry havoc when you should but hunt with modest warrant." --William Shakespeare Glock Certified Armorer NRA Life Member

June 2, 2009, 02:35 AM	#2
xm21 Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2008 Posts: 177	Wave washers from Brownells.They are made to retain the cap on 1100's when you replace the forend with one that does not have the ball detent.

June 2, 2009, 09:12 AM	#4
WagonM Member Join Date: March 14, 2009 Location: WA Posts: 69	I am in the EXACT same boat as you do, RC. Sounds like we have the same 18" 6+1 "tactical" too. Anyway, I do find myself needing to tighten the cap from time to time when shooting the 26". It's a pain. I did speak to Remington and they can indeed install a detent ball for not too much money (I forgot how much), we just need to ship the barrel to them, or find a smith locally. I have not decided which way to go yet...