870P mag extension tube

[tony luna]

I just picked up a used 870P with an 18" barrel - four round capacity, no mag extension tube.

I already had an 870 Express with an 18.5" barrel and a +2 mag extension tube - model #25077. The end of the barrel and the mag extension tube are even.

I put the +2 mag extension tube (from the 870 Exp) on the 870P and, naturally, the tube is 0.5" longer than the barrel.

Are any of the aftermarket +2 mag extension tubes (Wilson Combat, Vang Comp, ?) shorter (by 0.5") than the one that came on the 870 Exp? I'm looking for one that will fit flush with the 18" 870P barrel.

Thanks in advance.

[River Jack]

Not sure I can tell you which manufacturer makes the 2+ tube that will be the exact same length as your barrel. I also have the 870P (in blue w/ factory top-folder stock) and looked for a long time to find the tube that I currently have. In fact, I just recently scored one here in a trade. Not sure what manufacturer of mine is but it is all metal, blued, and is about 0.5" shorter than my 18" barrel (which looks fine to me). The one that I was searching for when I found this one was a factory Remington (I posted a WTB add in the classifieds and got a response the next day), as I know they made one a few years back. Very difficult finding one in blue now though. Maybe the one I ended up with is Remington as it is very solid and seemingly well made.

If you have the parkerized version, you should be able to find what you are looking for easier than my search. From what I've read, Wilson's and Mesa Tactical (I think) make some good quality stuff but in parkerized finish. You can e-mail them your question.

Look at the shotgun picture threads on this site. When you see a pic of one that you like, see if the poster mentions what brand it is. If not, send the poster/owner a PM and ask them. That may be your best bet.

I also have a Choate after market 2+ still in the box that I never even tried to attach, as it did not match my gun like I wanted. It is supposed to be equal in length to the barrel, but I never confirmed it. It is blued, but darker than my gun. If you want it, I'd be willing to sell or trade.

[mike100]

The wilson ones are shorter.

Older 870 police bbls are something like true 18" bbls (maybe 18.050"). The more modern 870 home defense type variations measure at 18.5 inches. I think they did this so the factory mag extension wasn't longer than the barrel, which always looked odd. Additionally, it makes measuring the minimum legal length a little bit more clear as some people don't know to measure from the breach face.

The blued factory Remington ones are reserved for dept. purchases only. I had one and foolishly traded it away...It was, however, kind of homely looking and the Wislon one looks right. You'll have to get an aftermarket support clamp though. I have found that i like the stubby +1 extension best. The SG doesn't feel front heavy.

[MAX100]

All after market tube extensions are made for the older 18" barrel 870 shotguns. They should fit close to the end of the muzzle with a 18" barrel 870.

I custom make tube extensions to fit most any length barrel 870. You shouldn't need a custom tube extension though. Call around to some of the manufactures and ask what the overall length of their +2 870 tube extension is. You need one that is about 6.25" long. I believe most +2 870 tube extensions are 6 1/8" long.

A tube extension needs to be 6 3/4" long to be even with the muzzle with one of the newer 18.5" barrel 870 shotguns. My +3 tube extension is 6 3/4" long and even with the muzzle. It gives 7+1 capacity with a newer 18.5" barrel 870.

Not sure what manufacturer of mine is but it is all metal, blued, and is about 0.5" shorter than my 18" barrel (which looks fine to me).

River Jack What is the length of the tube extension from the base to the tip? It sounds like you have a 18.5" barrel because your tube extension is 1/2" shorter than the muzzle.


GC