I just bought a 870E last night, Its a 4+1 with 26" barrel. My plan for the gun is bird hunting as well as home defense, so I want to get a 2 round mag extension for it and a 18" barrel. Will the mag extension be interchangeable with both barrels? TIA
Not a very active section I see.
could very well be purchased a sg and want to return it back to store thread.
would like to apologize for the post i made. i do not know the situation that you purchased the sg. i would think that at 26’’ it is a bit long for in home use. an 870 has so many modifications that can be made you have a great platform to start with.
My older 870 Express 4+1 had dimples in the magazine tube. The purpose of the dimples is to hold keep the magazine spring retainer inside the magazine tube from spinning. The “teeth” on the magazine spring retainer interfaces with teeth in the inside center of the Express magazine cap to keep it from coming loose.
The Police and Wingmaster models do not have dimples in the magazine tube, and uses a friction fit magazine spring retainer. This retainer does not interface with the magazine cap.
With magazine extensions, this retainer is not used. The Wingmaster/Police barrel band has a ball detent that locks the Wingmaster/Police magazine cap in place.
Magazine extensions and Wingmaster/Police magazine caps have notches on the outer rim that interface with the ball detent on the barrel band.
In order to install a magazine extension, the dimples had to be removed so the follower, spring, and shells can move freely inside the tube. It’s also preferable to have a ball detent in the barrel to interface with the extension, but most Express model barrels lack this. So you essentially rely on the barrel clamp to keep your magazine extension from spinning free.
IMO, the best option is to get the Express model with the FACTORY 2 shot extension (above) which already comes with a barrel with a ball detent and an extension. Second option is to buy the Express with the 26"/28" barrel, then buy an 18" barrel with ball detent and an aftermarket or factory mag extension.
Whatever you do, DO NOT buy one of the newer Tactical models with the longer magazine tube. You will not be able to use any other barrel due to the extended magazine tube.
DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE NOT MY PHOTOS AND NOT MY GUNS!