The Remington 870, a legendary pump-action shotgun, has earned its place in history for its reliability and versatility. One common modification to enhance its capabilities is the addition of a magazine extension. But navigating the world of Remington 870 magazine extensions can be confusing, especially when differentiating between factory options and aftermarket parts. This guide clarifies the nuances of factory magazine extensions for your Remington 870 and helps you make an informed decision.
Understanding Remington 870 Magazine Tube Options
Before diving into factory extensions, it's crucial to understand the variations in Remington 870 magazine tubes. The standard Remington 870 typically comes with a magazine tube capable of holding a limited number of shells, depending on the specific model and barrel length. This capacity can be significantly increased through the use of extensions. These extensions are available from various manufacturers, but this guide focuses on factory-produced options, which often offer superior quality and compatibility.
The Rarity of True "Factory" Extensions
It's important to preface this by stating that Remington itself hasn't consistently produced and widely distributed dedicated "factory" magazine extensions in the same way that aftermarket companies do. What many refer to as "factory extensions" are often parts from specific Remington models that came with longer magazine tubes from the factory. These are then acquired and sold separately in the aftermarket. Therefore, finding a true "factory extension" directly from Remington is unlikely.
Finding Longer Magazine Tubes: The Practical Approach
Instead of searching for a mythical "Remington factory magazine extension," focus your search on locating Remington 870 shotguns that originally shipped with longer magazine tubes. These models often had features such as a longer barrel or were designed for specific purposes (like waterfowl hunting) requiring higher shell capacity. These longer tubes are then the practical equivalent of a factory extension.
Sourcing Options for Longer Tubes:
- Used Gun Market: Check online marketplaces and local gun shops for used Remington 870s with longer barrels and high-capacity magazines. Remember to verify the condition and legality of any firearm purchase.
- Parts Dealers: Some reputable gun parts dealers specialize in Remington 870 components, including magazine tubes. They may offer tubes from discontinued models or those originally fitted to higher-capacity versions.
- Gunsmiths: Experienced gunsmiths may have access to hard-to-find parts or can potentially modify existing magazine tubes to increase capacity—though this is a more expensive and less reliable option than using factory-produced parts.
Choosing the Right Magazine Extension (or Longer Tube)
When selecting a longer magazine tube (even if it's technically from another Remington model), consider the following:
- Capacity: Determine your desired shell capacity. While some extended tubes drastically increase capacity, they can also add significant weight to the shotgun.
- Barrel Length: Ensure compatibility with your Remington 870's barrel length. Some extensions may not fit certain barrel configurations.
- Legal Compliance: Always check your local and state laws regarding magazine capacity limitations before purchasing any extension.
- Reputation of Seller: When buying used parts or from online sellers, prioritize reputable sources to minimize the risk of receiving damaged or counterfeit items.
Safety Precautions
Working on firearms requires caution. If you're not comfortable installing a new magazine tube, consult a qualified gunsmith. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions and potential injury. Always unload your firearm before working on it and ensure your safety glasses are on.
Conclusion
While a dedicated "Remington 870 factory magazine extension" may be difficult to find, locating magazine tubes from Remington models with higher capacities offers a practical and often superior solution. By carefully researching your options, ensuring compatibility, and prioritizing safety, you can enhance your Remington 870's capacity and performance. Remember to always prioritize safety and legal compliance when modifying any firearm.
