Do I need to keep the MAGAZINE SPRING RETAINER??

[mikeinla]

Do I need to keep the MAGAZINE SPRING RETAINER??
I have a Remington Versamax shotgun. Can I just put the cap back on WITHOUT the magazine spring retainer???

[1911su16b870]

I would leave the retainer installed unless I wanted to add tube capacity. Just realize if you remove the retainer, that spring can be launched when you remove the cap.

[Chaos47]

Even when you add an extension you put the original retainer back in. So yes you should use it.

[aippi]

I don't use it. The only purpose is the keep the spring in place during barrel changes. If you know it is not there and are removing the cap you can capture the spring safely. If you want to use it then you do not need a special tool to remove it or install it. If you cup your hand around the tube you can pry it out with a flat head screw driver by using the edge of the hand as a fulcrum. To install it simply get a cleaning rod, or as I do, use a wooden dowel. Put the follower then spring in the tube, run the dowel through the center of the spring, feed the spring into the tube some and place the retainer over it, using the retainer push the spring into the tube, the dowel will keep it in place and moving into the tube. You can generally push the retainer into the tube, remove the dowel rod and with the back of the screw driver tap it into the tube. You can also do this. Once you place the retainer over the spring you can take a box end wrench and use it to push the retainer down the rod and into the mag tube.

Or you can spend $60 plus at Brownells for the two amorers tools they sell for this.

Also, there is no application for the retainer if you are using an extension so the person posting that comment must have misunderstood the post. Just mentioning this so no body gets confused.

[bsg]

i don't use it.

[G-forceJunkie]

I remove them from all my shotguns. I want to be able to clean the mag tube when I clean. It is not hard to just use the cap to push the spring down then thread it on.

[m16]

I throw them away.

The spring isn't going to "launch" because you're barely compressing it when installing the cap.

[BigFatGuy]

on my mossberg the retainer actually distorted enough from using a screwdriver that it caused the mag tube cap to not fit properly. I tossed it, and haven't had any troubles since.

[Steve_In_29]

I take mine out.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I toss 'em. They make adding or removing an extension a PITA and are only there to keep the unwary user from launching the spring when the cap is removed.

[Blackhorse2010]

Even when you add an extension you put the original retainer back in. So yes you should use it.

Huh?