Magazine Extensions; Single- vs. Two-Piece - Remington 870 Tips & Tricks #11

Remington 870 Tips & Tricks #11: Magazine Extensions; Single- vs. Two-Piece:
One of the attributes that makes Remington 870s so flexible is the fact that their capacity can easily be expanded by simply replacing the magazine cap with a magazine extension. There are well over a hundred different extension kits to choose from, with capacities ranging from +1 to +18, and everything in-between.
Though the construction and features of these extensions vary, their basic designs tend to fall into two major varieties, single-piece and two-piece. It’s very helpful to understand the distinction between these two types, as both have their respective advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the best one for your purposes requires these attributes to be considered in the context of the rest of your build.
I recommend watching this video with the annotations turned on. I'll be adding various notes to provide further details or to answer questions you might have. I've tried to keep them unobtrusive; no giant flags blocking the video, no begging for subscriptions or likes.
I’ll be uploading more videos on various aspects of 870 magazine configurations in the coming months, and I'd love to hear any suggestions or requests you might have for future videos.
If you have any questions about this video, please ask in the comments below, or post over on the Rem870.com forums if you're looking to have a more in-depth discussion:
www.rem870.com/...
Before anyone asks, the barrel lengths shown in this video are 18.5" for the bead-sight, and 20" (plus extended choke) for the one with rifle-sights. The extensions shown here are the Remington factory +2 & +3, Wilson Combat/Scattergun +1 & +2, and Vang Comp +2.
www.remington.c...
shopwilsoncomba...
www.shop.vangco...
Thanks to Vitaly of the Rem870.com blog for providing the Wilson & Vang Comp +2s.
Thanks to my brother for his help with shooting and editing this video.
PROGRAMS USED:
AVS Video Editor 6.3 (which is a terrible program, I use it because it's all I have, but I hate it)
Adobe Premiere
Adobe Reader
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Rhinoceros 3D
Windows Paint
Windows Picture and Fax Viewer
Google Chrome
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 applicable laws and regulations in a safe manner and environment. The viewer assumes sole responsibility for any actions taken after watching this video.
The Remington model 870 shotgun, and all official art, images, and other assets of these and any other products mentioned herein are registered trademarks of their respective companies or patent holders. I make no claim to any of those assets, and use them herein for educational and informative purposes only.
I make no claim to any copyrighted work mentioned or shown herein; 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.

[@johnelder4273]

I'm from the future and just wanted to let you know that no one EVER puts out shotgun videos that are as well done as yours. At least not by the year 2525! Well done!

[@jkucukov]

Very informative video and gives the audience something to look for when shells start to bind. I'd recommend for anyone with a bore scope to run it down their mag tube and check for possible snags after extension installation.

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Great job explaining all of that. As a newbie, this was invaluable information.

[@robertcontreras3724]

I just purchased a rusty 870 project shotgun. I want to compliment this Guy on his video. I will watch a lot of them. Thanks.

[@tacdad]

I love your videos. I started watching them right before I bought my first 870. I actually just came to your channel to ask you about magazine extensions and unbelievably you just made one a day ago!! Your Awesome!! You must be from the future and knew my question was coming!!

[@TheRealbrotha]

Just bought a Remington 870 Tactical a couple of months ago. My first shotgun. I took it out to shot it for the first time last week and all of a sudden the barrel was loose. I stopped shooting and didn't know what was the problem. This video just gave me my answer and helped me fix the issue. My magazine extension is a 2 piece and not 1 as I thought it was. Like I said, my first shotgun. (Had to say that before the comments about how I'm clueless gets started) I took the 2 piece apart and put the coupling on first as the video showed and now my 870 works perfectly!! Just wanted to say thanks for the information. It was needed.

[@enriquemeza6093]

Awesome video. I was on the market for an extension. Glad I watched this before ordering. Thanks.

[@vic771]

Every other shotgun magazine extension video on the interweb could be deleted and so long as THIS video remained, all the core information would still exist. lol

[@vanwhalen3719]

Finally someone did a video because my single piece magazine extension tube that I put on my 870 is catching just like you said it might do . I will be looking for a two piece extension tube now . Thank You

[@terryhawley202]

Very nice review and explanation of the various types of tube extensions. With the CAD screen shots and detailed explanations you must have a very thorough understanding of designing/engineering, manufacturing and tolerance stackups.

[@g.p.d.2220]

Excellent video! Concise, clear explanations. Great cut always of details and outstanding graphics.

[@ericwillimas8791]

I bought the one piece GGG. After three hours of drilling and sanding plus a Wilson combat follower. It finally worked

[@GraphicsByDMA]

Dude, you're the man. Your videos are awesome, you deserve a lot more views and followers!

[@walatsway7092]

This explanation and graphics are truly the best I’ve seen😊Thanks to this person for his excellent breakdown of function.

[@moncorp1]

Good lord this is one of the best, most professionally produced looking videos on YT.

[@paulbroshear1107]

Superb video! You just educated me on things I never even thought about. I'm about to get my wife an 870 and I was considering getting a magazine tube extension to go with it, and now I know what to look for. Many thanks!

[@vegasray144]

You did a great job presenting this information on the Remington 870 far better than most people, and I just wanted to say thank you and keep up the great work.

[@guidogt9878]

I'm indeed from the future and I'm here to tell you, great video! Super clear, and it points out the risks in every case. I believe a two-piece ext tube is the one for me. Thank you!

[@g.p.r.8682]

Wow, I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about this topic! Thanks, very informative.

[@hard2getitrightagain314]

WOW! May 4, 2020. Perfect video for my curiosity. Exceptionally good presentation. Well done!!!

[@TORCHrider]

This is the best explanation I have seen regarding the one and two piece extensions. The graphics were a great help. Thank You for an informative video.

[@KeepThePiece1776]

Sincerely one of the best and most thoroughly informative videos ever created. Job well done, sir.

[@adawilso]

Thank you so much. This helped me diagnose a mag issue I was having. Didn't realize I had a two piece mag extension that was coming loose.

[@bizprof3216]

Appreciate the video on this subject. I did not realize the 2 pieces of a 2-piece extension needed to be installed separately. Doing that solved the "gap" problem (and loose barrel) I was encountering.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Glad to hear it.

[@rfcdgaf]

What an incredibly well made informative video, thank you dude!!

[@FunVanDriver]

It's about time you made a video! Your videos on the 870 are great, keep them coming. I use an OEM 2 piece +2 extension and spring with a GG&G front sling loop and a Vang comp follower, this setup causes hangups sometimes.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Yeah, the Vang Comp follower is not one of the better aftermarket choices. Its sharp leading corners, loose fit, and triple-bearing band design make it unreliable with magazine extensions that have any kind of internal gap. With its high mass and bare finish, it's less than ideal even in seamless tubes. I'd also make sure your GG&G sling point isn't opening a gap between your tube sections. The Remington factory extension tubes don't have a ton of extra thread travel, and some of the GG&G sling plates are pretty thick.

[@beetee4295]

1st rate video production Thank you

[@raymondcava4669]

Clear explanation, you are well spoken, thanks for the video

[@cailrobbins]

Just wanna say your videos are great! I especially like the 870 series you are doing, thank you!

[@TheLZempir3]

Super professional video work. Animations etc were on point. Thanks for this content!

[@rburrows7786]

Just found your channel. Wow. Great. All technical without all the bullshiit. Just subscribed

[@charredskeleton]

You've definitely sold me on a two piece design.

[@j5m1v8g]

Great video!! Thanks for taking the time to illustrate things so well.

[@Pheasant815]

This is the best demonstration on extensions I've seen. Thanks!

[@securitron5]

Fantastic video. Great information, awesome drawings and animations.. really helpful, thank you!

[@Thee_Finger]

Wow, most well-made video I've ever seen for explaining a gun accessory? Amazing! Thank you for this content, very educational.

[@68BigSherm]

This guy is the 870 master.

[@zul448]

Very well made video. Love the 3d animations showing the internals in detail. Bravo!

[@rogerthomas1212]

Your videos are fantastic, can you show how and why you need to grind the two little tabs out of the magazine tube, thanks

[@og_steiney]

Hello From the Future! Excellent Library of 870 Knowledge you've given the world! Thanks

[@StephenJones31]

High quality production ...very well done!! Clear and understandable

[@benedictbenjo7136]

Very informative and professional presentation! I learned most of these lessons the hard way after extensive testing with my new extension tube. Just subscribed :)

[@daniyalyahu9010]

Best instructional training video EVER! Well done Brother 👍🏽

[@7alexze]

Thank you for making this video. Its concise and comprehensive explanation was extremely helpful.

[@MrThidj901]

This is a deep video. Wow! really, i dont see this informative and on-the-point type of video every year!

[@vpsaline]

very helpful to understand how to install coupler correctly

[@scotts7137]

Wow. Did not think there was that much to know about these. I bought a Wilson Combat 1pc 2 round extension. I'm sure it will work fine, but I wish I saw this video first. Nice job!

[@SynchronizorVideos]

+scott s The Wilson Combat extensions are good kits, a great choice for a no-nonsense defensive or combat shotgun. My own 870 wears a WC +2 for HD duty. Sturdy, good Parkerized finish, reliable design, almost impossible to install incorrectly, strong but not overly-stiff spring, and they don't shoot loose like some other extensions tend to. They are somewhat unrefined & heavy, and don't have some of the features you get with higher-dollar extensions. The followers are also a tad chintzy, though not unreliable. That's all non-critical stuff though, and it helps keep the extensions affordable without sacrificing core performance.

[@TBoneBoomBoom]

Wow...glad I stumbled onto your video...it was EXCELLENT, and I look forward to watching the others...thanks for posting this!

[@jamesmahoney9188]

Yet another excellent video! Very well done (again)!!

[@TacticalTupperware]

Awesome!!! Thanks for another quality video!

[@ftswarbill]

Well made video Sir.

[@grindfestoutdoors]

Fantastic job dude. Excellent video even 2 minutes in! Subscribed!

[@jackgeorge5799]

Lots of great info here. Thanks for creating this vid!

[@forestnfren8146]

your 3d presentations are pretty on point.

[@aaronpena4605]

Best video I have ever found on this subject thank you!!!!!!

[@toamaiusdvignir9468]

Hands down the most informative 870 videos on KZbin. I really enjoy watching, keep up the good work. Do you know if the Marine Magnum dog carrier follower spring is identical to the express spring, or is it identical to the (heavy) spring? Extractor, is Marine Magnum forged or MIM just nickel plated? It retails for less than then the standard non-MIM so it makes it confusing because if it is non-MIM it doesn't make sense why it would be cheaper. Thanks for your time.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

The Marine Magnum carrier dog follower spring has the same stiffness as the standard heavy springs used in Expresses, Wingmasters, and other 870s, they're just a little more corrosion resistant. The extra-heavy spring you're probably thinking of is actually a carrier latch spring from a Remington 1100. 1100s use the exact same carrier dog follower springs as 870s; their carrier latch springs are different parts that serve a function unique to semi-auto shotguns. The 1100 carrier latch springs are about the same size as carrier dog follower springs though, but they're a little stiffer, so they can be used as extra-heavy carrier dog follower springs. That can offer some advantages in certain applications, but it also increases friction and makes the action stiffer. I ordered one of each spring to compare them for myself, and I ended up going with the Marine Magnum version in my 870. It's worked flawlessly, not a single problem so far. Older Marine Magnum extractors may have been machined, but from what I've seen, Remington has switched to nickel-plated MIM parts in current Marine Magnums. It's not really something to worry about though. I actually prefer to run MIM extractors in my 870 because they're just as reliable as the machined ones, but have a more refined shape that reduces wear on the receiver. I don't know why the Marine Magnum parts are slightly less expensive than the equivalent parts without the nickel-plating. I'm not arguing, though.

[@toamaiusdvignir9468]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it.

[@jonathansullivan6557]

Really fantastic and informative video thank you. I have a pardner pump 18.5 barrel that Is not ejecting shells and it would cost more than its worth to fix it. I also have a long barrel 870 that I plan to use the pardner barrel on on order to make the 870 my tactical gun but I need a longer tube on the 870. This puts me in the right direction.

[@Badenhawk]

Dude, this video is very well made, you are awesome!

[@mtlamont]

Great video and information. Thank you!

[@luisarroyo6594]

Fantastic explanation.

[@glenncranford6004]

Great video

[@scubasteve3032]

Great video, thanks!

[@bryanwagner1777]

Great video! Articulate, easy to understand graphics and stays on point.

[@nacholibre1962]

A great video. The graphics were excellent and really helped. Thank you.

[@ShooterSD72]

Most informative and thorough review on this subject! Boom picked up a subscriber.

[@1up_heath804]

Thanks for the knowledge and actually showing the difference. Great video!!!

[@tehyeh]

Very informative, thank you for making this!

[@amatodap]

Extremely informative & helpful. Thanks for the vid!

[@davidkirkpatrick712]

You have an incredible vocabulary

[@girdielbohmer2148]

Thank you for sharing knowledge! I´m about to buy my first shotgun and this video is very helpfull in my decision making!

[@cavtroopermunoz]

Excellent and informative video.

[@arthurbradshaw7035]

870 owner, great video. Subscribed thanks.

[@Swokpmund]

Fantastic description my fiend. Thank you.

[@Rogerp1971]

Great video!

[@brucensheri]

Thanks for educating me.

[@12bore36]

Nice video

[@warriorofgod3027]

You do the best videos!!! Thank you

[@Captainsandwich7.62x39]

awesome video

[@resolute123]

Thank you very much. This was a very useful video and clearly presented.

[@olsk0004]

Excellent, excellent video.

[@ridermak4111]

Just when I think I’m aware, you wipe out a LOT more of my ignorance ! 😆🤙

[@rideronthestorm9223]

Outstanding video!

[@dongregg6075]

Thanks

[@RC-ky7vn]

Very informative...thanks!

[@repeteg2991]

EXTREMELY informative !!! Thanks!

[@GoreTorn16]

Thank's a lot for this video ***** . I learned something new about my Remington870. Fortunately, I lucked out as an intermediate. I selected the right tube, spring and follower for my Shotgun. 1 piece +2 tube, high grade steel follower and spring that came with the tube.

[@mtplainsman1068]

Excellent presentation! Thank You!

[@nelsonenaccion4x424]

Outstanding video xplain so well THANKS

[@thanakislupusthesaltywolve7208]

Nice video you did a good job really enjoyed it the cool part about the two piece extension you can mount a bayonet on it so the clamp that you use if it has a band that lug your set

[@SynchronizorVideos]

There are some single-piece extensions that can mount bayonets, too.

[@blackdogsurvival9339]

Great video! Subscribed!

[@wiltonsmith3397]

Very good video! Thank you!

[@frankpatriot5895]

Great details thank you

[@chilibean3000]

Terrific video. I need some help. Today i purchased a brand new 870 with an 18.5 inch home defense barrel. Everything I'm reading says i have to modify the existing tube by filing off some dimples or small bumps within the tube, in order to get the extender to fit properly. Do i also have to do that with a genuine Remington extender or just the aftermarket extenders? I would hate to think Remington would require a customer to modify a weapon just to get one of their factory pieces to fit properly. Thanks much for your response.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Any magazine extension will need the dimples removed to function properly. Remington uses dimpled magazine tubes on hunting or sporting 870s that aren't equipped from the factory with magazine extensions. They're there for a combination spring retainer/mag cap lock part to lock into; this system is cheaper and less problematic than the staked-in mag cap detents used on older or more combat-oriented 870 models.

[@Corkfish1]

@@SynchronizorVideos I have an old sporting model 870. If I dont want to remove the dimples can I therefore assume there's no option for additional capacity?

[@SynchronizorVideos]

@@Corkfish1 How old is it? The dimpled mag tubes and new-style cap retention system are a relatively new change to the 870 product line, and they didn't roll out to all sporting 870 models at once. You might not even have the dimples if your gun is an older unit.

[@Corkfish1]

@@SynchronizorVideos Its probably 30 years old, but I removed the cap to check for the dimples and they are there. It's not a critical modification for me. I just thought if it was a simple screw on application I'd do it. Great video by the way. Definitely better than the other ones addressing the issue.

[@ImplicitFlower]

I just went full bubba on mine and dremeled the dimples off. Took nothing but 5-10 minutes. Then again I bought a rough looking old 870 express. Might be a bit more professional with a newer gun. Either way you’ll be best off just removing the dimples.

[@thegunfoogle2864]

Decided to go with a Nordic Components on my Model 11. It seems like the best option as barrel clamps are no-go on a reciprocating barrel.

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Doesn't Nordic recommend clamping their extensions? They are two-piece kits.

[@thegunfoogle2864]

They are a two-piece kit, but the original Remington auto has a barrel that reciprocates, so a clamp would not be an option. The entire barrel reciprocates about 4 inches, and the shell is released not by the rearward travel of the bolt, but by the forward travel of the barrel.

[@john7m7usa]

Excellent video, very clear!

[@mikeallen8724]

i never bother hitting like but this i learnt so much i had to give it the thumbs up.

[@olathestanwalker6717]

Great job! Nice video.

[@j.l.herrera8912]

Excellent explanation dude, thanks a lot!

[@12bore36]

good information

[@MrDownhill101]

Awesome video brother! Thanks!