Removing a Magazine Extension - Remington 870 Tips & Tricks #16

Recently, some folks have been asking how to take an 870 from an extended magazine setup to a standard capacity for hunting or sporting - or maybe just a lighter and simpler non-extended fighting configuration. This is pretty straightforward in broad-strokes terms, but there are a bunch of little details that are easy to overlook, and can lead to minor problems. This video gives a run-through of all those details, and will be a jumping-off point for a number of future topics.
Sorry the channel's been quiet this year. Life hasn't left me much time to make content, especially with my low-budget capabilities, limited equipment, and hacked-together video pipeline, but I pushed hard to get at least one more video out before the new year. I'm really hoping I can be more productive in 2018; keep an eye on the channel for news about that.
However, I'm not going anywhere; I still have videos in progress, and you will see more content from me sooner or later. In the meantime, I'll continue to monitor my channel, and will do my best to respond to any comments on any of my videos that ask a question or otherwise warrant a response, so please don't be shy if you have questions or comments.
PROGRAMS USED:
Audacity
AVS Video Editor 6.3 (which sucks)
Google Chrome
Microsoft PowerPoint
QuickTime Player
Shotcut
Windows Paint
Windows Picture and Fax Viewer
DISCLAIMERS:
By accessing this video, the viewer signifies their understanding of, consent to, and agreement with the following:
The procedures and information presented in this video should not be taken as professional or official instruction. Any information given here is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of posting, but may be subject to change. All actions shown were performed by a properly-equipped and knowledgeable individual, and were carried out in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations in a safe manner and environment. If altering or modifying your 870 has legal ramifications in your locality, it is up to you to account for that. The viewer assumes sole responsibility for any actions that they take, and any consequences that result.
The Remington model 870 shotgun, and all official art, images, and other assets relating to this and any other products shown or mentioned herein remain the property of their legal owners. All media used in this work was either created by me, or was published or otherwise publicly available in digital or physical form. I make no claim to anything in this video that I don't own; I use them herein for the purposes of education and entertainment only, and the purpose, character, and substantiality of their use does not, to the best of my understanding, constitute copyright infringement according to 17 USC § 107.

[@TacticalTupperware]

If I buy a new Remington 870 barrel will it come with the built in detent? Is Remington selling barrels without the detent installed?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

It depends on the barrel. Barrels that are meant for hunting shotguns or civilian models without magazine extensions won't have a detent, while Police barrels and those meant for some Express Tactical models will. Barrel detents will be more common on older barrels, since the internal-ratchet cap retention system is a relatively recent design change. However, some used barrels will merely have a hole where the detent used to be, as it wasn't uncommon for the detents to come loose from their staking and get lost (probably one of the reasons for the simpler new-style cap retention system). A gunsmith with the right tools can replace a missing detent, or even install one in a barrel that never came with one, but the wave washer is a much simpler and cheaper fix.

[@TacticalTupperware]

Synchronizor Thanks for clearing a few things up. I’m looking to buy a 28” barrel for my 870 and noticed none of the pics I could find had a detent showing. Are the wave washers reusable? Or are they one and done?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

They're reusable. I suppose if you're changing barrels over and over again it might eventually flatten out and lose force, but for $3 each, you could always order a couple extra to keep on-hand. Nice to have some spares anyway, in case you lose one.

[@TacticalTupperware]

Thanks for your help!

[@waynehajek6346]

I really enjoy your content and presentation style. Hope to see you back again soon.

[@cheesburgerpicnic7276]

I miss this guys videos , greatly informative .

[@jordano1842]

You are the single most helpful KZbinr on all things Remington 870. I really appreciate all of your advice and thorough information. Thanks so much!

[@lowcard1]

Just wanted say that you make great videos. Hope you make more in the future.

[@ZiKanWatch]

where did he go?

[@musicandcoffee2853]

Glad to see you are still putting out videos here. You are BY FAR the master when it comes to making clear, consistent, and concise shotgun instructional materials. Excellent work and I’m looking forward to more as always!

[@Soli_Deo_Gloria_.]

Brother I really wish you would continue on in making videos. You're thorough and detail oriented. I've learned a lot from you and trust that all people that view your video do too. God bless you and yours and hope to see you soon 🤠

[@Rltvader1]

Synchronizor we miss you

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I hope to get back to videos at some point.

[@dustysavoy6951]

I'm surprised you don't have more subs. These are very well made, informative and useful videos. Excellent vids man. I was surprised not to see 100k+ subs based on quality of content.

[@metal_slug7729]

I just bought a new Remington 870 Tactical. Your videos are perfect and they help answer all of my questions. Thank you. Please keep the videos coming.

[@edwardpfister651]

Welcome back, Synchronizor...! Really missed your EXCELLENT channel...!

[@paulblackburn2929]

Why haven't posted anymore videos?

[@3rd00l]

Hope you find the time to getting back to making vids, everything you put up is incredibly informative and some of the best presented vids on youtube.

[@deathb4digital]

Excellent content as per usual. Thank you!

[@captainawesome3544]

Are you still there ? Your shotgun shells explained videos were very informative

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Still here. Hope to get back to making videos at some point.

[@NoWr2Run]

@@SynchronizorVideos GREAT TO HEAR THAT, THOUGHT SOMETHING BAD HAPPENED TO YOU. LIFE IS NOT FAIR AT ALL & SOMETIMES THERE'S WAY MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO FIGURE OUT THAN MAKING VIDEOS. THANK YOU SIR & I WISH YOU WELL IN THIS F'KED UP WORLD. DO WHAT YOU HAVE TOO OR CAN & THEN YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO MAKE MORE VIDS. AGAIN T.Y. SIR, YOU HAVE HELPED ME A HELL OF A LOT ON MY 870 BUILDS, A+ BROTHER.

[@Nutty.357]

Enjoy your videos! Are you still making vids?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Been on a break for awhile. Hope to get back to making videos someday.

[@galactusgalan4233]

Your videos are extremely helpful and informative. Thank you.

[@Zarkaithnia]

Thank you for coming back! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Also thanks for the retainer bit. Now I have the option of having a tube extension and if I go hunting I can put a retainer in there with the plug.

[@fabricekds4462]

Are you going to make more videos ? We miss you !

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I hope to.

[@fos8838]

@@SynchronizorVideos I really hope you do. Been waiting years for shotgun shell storage video. All your videos are really helpful and very well put together. Take care.

[@enderesberk]

@@SynchronizorVideos Oh Brother where art thou? We are still waiting your suggestions, comments and ideas about handguns, shotguns, ammo informations, storage, handling. Long story short we need you about everything.

[@waynehajek6346]

I just happened across this channel late last night. I subscribed and now I'm disappointed that the most recent video was 3 years ago. I really like the subject and content as this young man really knows shotguns. Hopefully he'll be back soon and I hope that he is well and thriving. All my best to you young man and I hope that you still, occasionally, monitor your channel. Looking for you to come back soon and strong.

[@jackjohnson65]

Just acquired my first 870 and love your You Tube videos and information, thank you for posting.

[@rebekah-chriss-k4872]

Sweet stuff just got into the 870 game so your 870 videos are great

[@TacticalTupperware]

Here are a few topic ideas: *Steps to smooth out the action of the 870 (I can see the guns you own are much smoother than mine). *Use of metal vs. polymer/plastic followers. Pluses and minuses. *Brands Single piece extensions that work best. *Use of upgrades “police” springs in the trigger group. *Review on different brands of snap caps. *Things to look for when buying a used 870. *Plus and minuses of polymer tigger group vs. metal trigger group. *Review of the different seat springs Remington offer.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Thanks for the ideas. Several of these are already on my list, but to address them one by one: *All I've done to my 870 is shoot it. 870s slick up nicely with use. *I think plastic followers are better. Metal followers usually have more mass for the spring to work against, and they can damage the receiver over time in certain circumstances. *I haven't come close to testing them all, but two lines of single-piece extensions that I've really been impressed with are the Wilson Combat and S&J Hardware extensions. The Wilsons are solid, reliable, and a great value for the money, while the S&J kits are more refined, monolithic, and have a number of nice premium features if you're willing to pay the extra money. *There are only two special springs in Police trigger plate assemblies, and neither are "better" parts, they're just there to tune the gun specifically for police work. One simply makes the trigger pull heavier, the other has some minor advantages relating to the carrier, but there are disadvantages to it as well. I would like to talk about how Police 870s compare to civilian models at some point, but I don't have access to a Police model at the moment. The mechanical stuff is all pretty minor anyway, most of the benefit to the Police 870 is a tougher finish & furniture that better stand up to regular combat or other hard-use applications. *A-zoom aluminum snap caps are good as snap caps, but the rims will wear out eventually and cause malfunctions if they're used for function tests. Also, beat-up aluminum is abrasive, and can be tough on finishes. Tipton plastic snap caps won't hurt your gun during cycling, but they suck, their rims are way too thick. If you want to do drills at home, get proper dummy rounds, not snap caps. Dry-firing an 870 won't really hurt it anyway. *Apart from general used shotgun buying advice, if you're looking for a used 870 for a defensive build project, look for one with the updated flex-tab action. Older guns can be converted, but you'll save yourself effort and (usually) expense by starting with a mid-1980s or newer gun that already has the newer parts. I would like to do a video (or multiple videos) where I pick up a used 870 and make a project gun out of it, but I don't have the free cash at the moment. If you're looking for a hunting gun, pay attention to whether a gun is a magnum model or not, and see if you can find one with interchangeable choke tubes. *I think the plastic trigger plates are better for a number of reasons, including impact resistance. However, I would like to do some formal testing comparing the two. That's out of my budget now, but maybe in the future. *I do plan to do a video on sear springs.

[@TacticalTupperware]

Synchronizor ...ask and you shall receive! Thanks for the info!!

[@jakedubuque702]

You good bro it's been a while

[@Frank-bc8gg]

Great to see you still alive, happy new year!

[@C1418OS]

Wow man you really know your stuff, I'm very impressed.

[@raykarl2119]

Where are you now, 2019?

[@sirpwnsy1435]

Hey bud, just wanted to say you make the most detailed and helpful 870 videos on here and I appreciate that. However a video I’m in desperate need of is a full trigger group dis-assembly and re-assembly as mine needs a very thorough cleaning. Picked it up used and looks as though it’s never been cleaned, its extremely dirty. A video on this would help me out a ton and I know you would make it top notch. Thanks!

[@SynchronizorVideos]

The 870's trigger plate assembly is designed to be cleaned as a unit. Unless you have broken or damaged parts in there, you shouldn't need to pull it apart completely. Fully disassembling & reassembling the thing requires special tools, and replacements for certain parts that have to be destructively removed. It's also much more of a challenge to take apart and put back together than anything else in an 870; and it's something that most typical gun owners probably shouldn't attempt, as getting even one step wrong can make the gun inoperable or unsafe. I am planning to do a video on this, but I still need to get certain tools, and practice certain steps in the process before I can do it right. It's probably not happening anytime real soon.

[@sirpwnsy1435]

Synchronizor Alright, thanks for the reply. I’ll try to clean it as a unit. Anything I should keep an eye out for?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Just look for chunks of junk or obvious rust. I've found Q-tips are helpful if a trigger assembly is really neglected. After you've cleaned everything, make sure it all moves smoothly without any major sticking or hang-ups.

[@roymunson4172]

Any new vids coming up?

[@TacticalTupperware]

Your back!!!!

[@justinkase3361]

Great 870 videos- not just this one; all of them. thank you

[@joshtwyman6319]

Man I miss your videos especially now that I have a 870 in 20 gauge still hoping you get to come back to KZbin.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I hope to make a return.

[@tommyw.9424]

@@SynchronizorVideos Awesome! I just bought a used 870 with an 18.5" barrel and Remington +2 and your videos have helped me a lot to get set up for making it a sporting gun too.

[@jakemarchbank]

@@SynchronizorVideos :)

[@adksherm]

@@SynchronizorVideos we love you and miss you man please come back

[@shaunc5102]

I just purchased a new 870 Tactical, it has the 2 pieces tub, standard 4 mag with a +2 extension from the factory..

[@Crlarl]

Have a happy new year! Edit: Setup a Patreon. I'll give you money.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I'm working on that.

[@jakethesnake1503]

Please do a video on those single 6 shot tubes, I'd love to add 2-3 more shots even having the shell tube extend past the barrel above ;)

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I intend to, once I can buy or borrow one to show off. As far as extensions go, installation is pretty much the same; just remove the dimples and install the kit as you would on a standard 870. The one thing that's different is you'll need a longer spring to get an extension kit meant for a 4-round base mag tube to work on a 6-round tube.

[@guaporeturns9472]

Where are you?

[@csteelerx1]

good to see you

[@normalpeople11]

Thanks for including info on the 20 gauge 870. I'd like to see more on accessorizing the 20 gauge platform. I haven't been able to find a dependable way to secure a light on mine for home defense. I even had Vang Comp (who otherwise do perfect work) try to attach a rail to my forend and it promptly flew off under recoil. What are your suggestions?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I know CDM makes a 20ga 870 mount for lights or other accessories that can attach to a 1913 rail. Pretty sure I've seen others as well on various 20ga builds.

[@butterdog0102]

Could you possibly do a video on slug hunting like scopes insulation barrels or cheap tips

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I plan on doing a video about shotgun slugs, and a video on different ways to mount an optic on an 870.

[@Cooldibs]

I just noticed the color of your bolt, did you change it out? Usually they're painted back arn't they?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Depends on the model. A lot of bolts are black, but others are chromed or nickel-plated. My 870's something of a hodgepodge, and I have a tackle box full of of parts. I usually have a chrome Wingmaster bolt in the gun because I like the way it looks.

[@dominicblouin3919]

In this video, you mentioned the process for removing the factory installed extension on an 870 tactical is different. I tried a regular 870 end cap and it's too short. Are there special caps for this? I'm having a hard time finding information online. Thanks!

[@finaltouchautodetailingllc]

Not sure what the hell I did, but I was practicing loading/ unloading a brand new 870, through some strange happening the shells got stuck and the shells are now out but the bolt is floppy inside the chamber and the pump is stuck back, and there seems to be no way to get the barrel off, it's just scrwed

[@flyboytim2009]

I like your videos. Where will you go if KZbin shuts you down for being a gun related channel?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Hopefully I won't be going anywhere soon. I'm not a huge fan of KZbin (especially recently), but the fact is, it's a free, stable platform with a lot of traffic, and I don't really have the following to move somewhere else and still effectively reach people. If I want folks to find and benefit from my videos, this is really the place to be. I haven't had any issues with KZbin so far aside from the bots tagging a few videos for limited ads awhile back, and that was fixed with no drama once I noticed and requested a human review. The announced upcoming regulations may be problematic for a lot of channels, which is a shame, but none of my videos so far are on NFA items, "high-capacity" detachable magazines, selling or manufacturing guns, etc; so even if those new rules go into full, strict effect the way some folks are thinking they will (which may or may not be the case, we'll just have to wait and see), I don't think my channel is likely to be targeted. I am planning on setting up a Patreon at some point, and eventually I'd like to build my own website. If I can afford it (and figure it out), independent video hosting there would be nice to have. Full30 is another possibility I'm keeping in mind, if it grows & develops enough to be interested in my content.

[@flyboytim2009]

Synchronizor Well, I certainly hope so. Your videos are very informative. Love the graphics and your in depth explanations. Stick around please. 👍👍👍

[@flyboytim2009]

Synchronizor BTW, I have a stock, 1979 Wingmaster I plan to accessorize into an 18" barreled home defense shotgun. I’ll need your help.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Check out the Rem870.com forums. They're free to join, and there are a lot of folks there (including me) who can answer questions or weigh in on things. It's a much better forum for detailed discussions than KZbin comments.

[@flyboytim2009]

Synchronizor thanks. I’ve been receiving their emails for a year or so now. I’ll join the forums.

[@WickdPerfekT]

Synchronizor, any advice on best method for removing dimples towards adding an extension? Also, favorite mag extension? One or two piece?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I believe drilling the dimples out is the best method. It's easy to do with tools most folks will have kicking around in their garages, and has little chance of screwing something up in the gun so long as you have a bit of common sense. The holes will be covered up by the barrel guide ring once the gun is put back together, so there's nothing to look bad or be an ingress risk. The only two-piece extensions I have personal experience with are the Remington factory +2/+3 kits. They work fine and are quite sturdy, having been designed for military 870s. They also let you mount a bayonet, if that sort of thing floats your boat. They're not the most space-efficient though, and do need to be installed correctly. For single-piece kits, I really like the 2nd-gen extensions from S&J Hardware. Strong, space-efficient, versatile sling plate, good spring, excellent follower, reliable, and they stay in place really well even without any bracket or clamp. You'll pay a bit of a premium, especially for the +2 & +3 versions (since they're monolithic machined parts and a longer extension means more material and machine time), but they're what I prefer to run for HD. The Wilson Combat extensions are also pretty good if you want something more affordable. A little heavier and less space-efficient than the S&Js, and they lack some of the extra features, but they're good, reliable extensions that are an excellent bang for the buck since they use a more cost-effective (but still all-steel and very strong) multi-piece construction.

[@WickdPerfekT]

@@SynchronizorVideos thank you very much.

[@mpett2]

Question for you. What do you think about all this nonsense regarding the mim extractors and having to have a machined one. I have never seen or heard of anyone having issues with the mim part.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I have seen one case where a MIM extractor was slipping off the rims of shells, and popping in a used machined extractor remedied the problem. However, there were several details about that situation that are worth considering. First, the 870 in question was being run very, very quickly - right on the limits of what its magazine was capable of handling. Running an 870 that quickly is just asking for feed issues even if the other parts of the gun work flawlessly. The gun really can't be aimed properly when being shot that fast, so there's little practical reason for this situation to even come up (this occurred at a range during a torture-test of a magazine extension). Second, the shells were all a particular low-end, low-price, steel-cup target load, and those are never the most reliable shells anyway. Rim shape & diameter can vary slightly with those cheap shells, which may have contributed to a poor grip on the part of the extractor, and steel-cup shells are decidedly inferior to brass-cup shells when it comes to expansion & recovery due to pressure. Since the gun was being run so quickly, extraction was beginning while the shell was still expanded in the chamber, meaning the extractor had a lot more resistance to work against. Finally, that MIM extractor had seen many thousands of shells over several years, and it was by no means in perfect shape. The machined extractor that replaced it was of unknown age and condition. Even if both extractors had seen the same number of rounds each, that's still a sample size of one for each, which really doesn't prove much. Bottom line, I think the MIM extractors are fine parts. They work reliably, and while a defective one will occasionally show up, I see just as many (if not more) defects and problems with the machined extractors. The MIM extractor mentioned above functioned perfectly with all other shells, and also extracted those specific cheap target loads just fine when the gun was cycled at more normal speeds. Some people replace them just for peace of mind, and that's fine. It's important to trust your equipment, and if a $15 part lets you do that, go for it. But when people ask me if it needs to be replaced, I say not unless they're actually seeing it cause problems.

[@jakethesnake1503]

Use what you have I'm in the same boat. It's not a life and death firearm for me so if it breaks ill fix it then.

[@martinmaier8556]

Hi any recommendations on a 2 round extension for an 870 with a 18.5 barrel

[@V0LKODAV]

Hi, I’m trying to fix Canadian Indastis limited 607H 12g, it’s not holding shells in tub mag, doesn’t have catcher and I don’t see where it was? Can you please help me with some suggestions or fallowing information.

[@jakeweston8616]

Is it normal for a Remington 870 Police Mag to have what appears to be a very light amount of oxidation in the barrel chamber? The rest of the bore is fun. I bought this gun brand new a couple of years back and haven't shot it much and take care of it.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

It's not unheard-of. You should be able to scrub that out fairly easily.

[@falloutm134]

I just put some Teflon tape on the mag tube tread to prevent the cap from backing off.

[@brantleyhester6641]

Are you still making videos? Another channel? 2019

[@metal_slug7729]

Brantley Hester I was wondering the same thing myself.

[@brantleyhester6641]

@@metal_slug7729 Hope he didn't give up the channel because of KZbin's bullshit

[@SynchronizorVideos]

No new channel; I'm just on hiatus because adult life can be a pain in the butt sometimes. KZbin's treatment of gun channels hasn't helped, but the main obstacles right now are really that I desperately need to build a new computer, and I need to finish setting up my workshop in my new residence. I do hope to get back to making videos in the future.

[@brantleyhester6641]

@@SynchronizorVideos I hope you can make new videos soon man. You have the most informative channel for shotguns and ammo. I understand the adult life. I used to have long hair like you. Same color as yours and pony tail down to my waist. Grew it out for seven years but had to cut it for a job. Got kids now too. Hang in there bro it'll straighten out

[@metal_slug7729]

Synchronizor I’m glad you are are still here. Everything is going to work itself out. Thank you for making this channel. It’s definitely one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to your next video.

[@HDcamel]

Love the shirt.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Credit to Harry Partridge for the idea. Check him out if you're into animation, he's great.

[@fernandog9821]

i just bought a ATA arms Cy 12 gauge shot gun and would like to get a mag extension for it but haven't been able to locate one for this model can you help. Thank you

[@jakethesnake1503]

My 870 Magpul edition, when fired the "bolt" slides back reveling a bit of the shell, then I pump it back more to extract the spent shell. Is it safe that the bolt opens a bit? My hatson did not do this. The bolt would stay complete shut until I cycled the next round.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

The 870's slide unlocks as soon as the hammer falls, the hammer spring pushes the action bar lock down in addition to propelling the hammer. Because of this, the slide is free to move, and depending on how you're holding your 870 and the level of recoil you're getting out of your shells, the slide can sometimes open itself under inertia as the recoiling gun is stopped against your hand or shoulder. It's nothing to worry about usually, the bolt will stay locked into the barrel until the slide moves a certain distance, so by the time the action actually opens, pressures in the barrel have dropped to safe levels. I have seen this cause misfeeds in extreme cases, such as when a recoil-reducing grip jerked the gun back and forth under recoil hard enough to open the action all the way and eject the fired hull. But in your case, if the action is just opening a little bit under recoil, it shouldn't cause any function problems. If it bugs you, try holding the fore-end more firmly, and letting your shoulder rock back more with the recoil.

[@drazenkajba8741]

happy New Year. Can you get me an extractor for rem870? There is no one in Europe. Thanks

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Have you checked with Remington? They have distributors set up in other countries that may be able to help you. They used to have a page for that back before they updated their website (and made it much worse), but you could always email them. 3rd-party sellers like Brownells also have sites set up for European customers.

[@drazenkajba8741]

thank you very much. I really need to get a cbc, but that's the same. I will try. thank you very much

[@krismcduffie938]

I have a 20 ga 870 youth master with the short 16.5" barrel i believe it is. I want to add a mag extension for home defense. Do you know what extension with fit and be flush to the end of my barrel? I dont want it to stick out past the muzzle.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Pretty sure it's not a 16" barrel, as that falls below the legal minimum for shotguns - at least in the U.S.

[@graf_tec]

Hi

[@jammerlr7780]

I looked for a video on removing the magazine tube from the receiver and replacing. Haven’t been able to find one. Is that something that can be done?

[@DickTickles]

Glad I stay subbed even though new videos do take a while, they're worth watching when they come out.