870 carrier dog spring query

[JohnFLand]

My understanding is that the Police model Remington 870 has a stiffer carrier dog follower spring (a black spring that is a Model 1100 part). What are the advantages and disadvantages (if any) of going with the heavier spring? I've read this:

"A heavier carrier dog spring is used to ensure when the carrier elevates the shell, it will be held there until the bolt can push it into the chamber. This ensures positive feeding when using heavier payload rounds."

So that seems to be an advantage, but are their any disadvantages?

[aippi]

No disadvantages. It is the only function issue different in the P model over the Express or Wingmaster. It is also done for "Marketing" since both springs cost $3.20. So since the black one works better and cost the same they should put it in every 870 but they then loose the Marketing value for the P model.

[NYCShooter]

It is the only function issue different in the P model over the Express or Wingmaster.

Doesn't the P also have a stronger magazine spring?

[aippi]

Yes, if a 4+1 but most are 6+1 or 7+1 these days and those have Part number 94645 which is the exact same magazine spring in the Express Models.

With this in mind the 4+1 mag spring is part number 92447 and will give you better feed and sells for $3.40. The one for the 4+1 Epxress and Wingmaster is part number 19479 and also cost $3.40. Here again is the Marketing of the Police Model. Think about this. The heavier 4+1 police mag spring cost $3.40 and works better, yet the other one they put in the Express and Wingmaster also Cost $3.40. So, why do they not put the better one in all 870's since the cost the same. The answer is that they loose the Marketing of the Police model to justify you paying so much more for it even though all the parts are the same except three in the 4+1 and two in the 6+1's. The internal parts cost between the Express and the Police is $6.50. And I can build a 4+1 870 Police from the parts list for about $25 less then I can build the exact same 4+1 Express providing they have the same stock set.

[NYCShooter]

Yes, if a 4+1 but most are 6+1 or 7+1 these days and those have Part number 94645 which is the exact same magazine spring in the Express Models.

Good to know. In any case, I always upgrade the springs in my 6+1 870's with Wolff springs and S&J Hardware followers.

[JohnFLand]

JD, thanks for the quick and informative replies!

I have installed the heavier carrier dog spring in one of my 870 12ga guns (thanks for your how-to video!), will do the other as well.

Question: will the heavier 1100 spring work in a 20ga 870?

[aippi]

Yes, it works in the 20ga and the solid steel extractor works in the 20 also.