Convert 870 Express 18.5" to 28"?

[JohnFLand]

I have an 870 Express with 18.5" barrel and factory installed 2-shot extension. I'm interested in trying my hand at clay sports, but don't want to buy a new shotgun yet. I have a 28" barrel that I can use.

I'm interested in "converting" the 870 back to the original mag configuration for a more traditional look. Can this be done, and what parts (particular the spring part number) would I need? Just the spring and mag cap?

[TheKlawMan]

I am thinking about doing just as you and am looking for a used 28" barrel. I may keep it configured with the extension and 18" barrel for HD purposes. That or keep it as is for HD and find something used with wood stocks for sport.

I am not sure but the manual seems to indicate that we may need a magazine spring retainer in addition to the shorter spring and standard mag cap. But it only says the retainer is needed on some models, without specifying the model.

[TheKlawMan]

I'm interested in "converting" the 870 back to the original mag configuration for a more traditional look. Can this be done, and what parts (particular the spring part number) would I need? Just the spring and mag cap?

Are you still having troube with loading the extra two shells? I finally figured out how and the problem was that I wasn't popping the mag tube more than once as I screwed it in (as AIPPI instructs).

[Barbarossa]

I believe you can use the old style steel spring retention clip, once you have removed the impressions in the magazine tube. (since the plastic spring retainer is no longer captive)

Then you should be able to use any standard 28" 870 barrel of your choice.

*Note: Newer 870's use the pressure of the plastic spring retainer to help hold the barrel nut on, rather then a detent on the barrel. I believe the barrel nut is backwards compatible though. (you should see spines inside the nut, and dots on the outer edge. spines hot the plastic retainer, dots hold the detent.)

Standard spring
Wilson Std. length (won't work with Std. Magazine plug)
Plug for hunting
Magazine Cap

[JohnFLand]

Are you still having troube with loading the extra two shells? I finally figured out how and the problem was that I wasn't popping the mag tube more than once as I screwed it in (as AIPPI instructs).

No, I'm good -- followed AIPPI's instructions.

[JohnFLand]

I believe you can use the old style steel spring retention clip, once you have removed the impressions in the magazine tube. (since the plastic spring retainer is no longer captive)

Then you should be able to use any standard 28" 870 barrel of your choice.

*Note: Newer 870's use the pressure of the plastic spring retainer to help hold the barrel nut on, rather then a detent on the barrel. I believe the barrel nut is backwards compatible though. (you should see spines inside the nut, and dots on the outer edge. spines hot the plastic retainer, dots hold the detent.)

I don't think the spring retention clip will work; Midway has this warning: "Fits all older 870 models and newer 870 Wingmaster and Tactical. Does not fit newer 870 Express."

Since my 870 Express is newer and came with the 2-shot extension, I've never had a standard barrel cap nut OR spring retainer. That's kind of what I'm asking: what parts do I need to "shorten" my mag: just a shorter spring (what part no.?) and a cap nut? Or is there something more?

[Barbarossa]

I don't think the spring retention clip will work; Midway has this warning: "Fits all older 870 models and newer 870 Wingmaster and Tactical. Does not fit newer 870 Express."

This is because the tactical and Wingmaster don't have the indents in the magazine tube...If your express has these removed it is now the same as the tactical and wing master. It's under $5.00

If your express doesn't have the indents remove, that could be the issue with your feeding problem mentioned above.

This is the standard 870 express retainer.

[JohnFLand]

I should have mentioned -- I have the 870 Express Tactical, which lacks the mag tube indents.

So, it looks like I need the plastic 870 express retainer mentioned above, a cap, and a spring -- would this spring work: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=938147 ?

[JohnFLand]

Oops, never mind, I just notice Barbarossa's links to the parts I need. Thanks!

[JohnFLand]

Double oops -- still need help on a spring retainer part. The part linked to above, "870 express retainer", has this warning: "Fits newer 870 Express, not Wingmaster or Tactical. "

[Barbarossa]

Express tactical = tactical = metal = no-indents
Express = plastic = indents

If you want to hold off I can stick the metal spring retainer into the tube of my express once I get home, and post a photo.

I need to do the indent mod. (Or have Aippi do it with a refinish)

[JohnFLand]

Is a retainer actually needed, or is that a convenience? In other words, can I just carefully compress the spring and screw on the cap?

[BigDogatPlay]

Is a retainer actually needed, or is that a convenience? In other words, can I just carefully compress the spring and screw on the cap?

You can, but the retainer does provide a nice flat surface for the spring to bear against. The inside of the tube cap does not. A kinked spring is probably a remote possibility, but it's one I prefer to avoid.