Defensive shotgun - standard tube vs. extended tube

I have a Remington 870 Express with a standard tube (4+1 capacity) and an 18" bead sighted barrel. I am debating whether to put a Scattergun Technologies +2 round extension on it. I would need to drill out the dimples.

The case for getting the +2 extension are obvious. You get 2 more rounds.

The case for sticking with the standard tube are that the gun will be lighter on the front end and faster handling. You could also say it might be slightly more durable with the standard mag, nothing to come lose. I think this is only a very, very slight factor.

Which would you go with and why? Are two extra rounds worth a slower handling gun?

I don't think you'll find the bit of extra weight much of a detriment (esp. with practice), and two extra rounds before reloading is a significant increase when the std. full load is four or five.

I have several 870s and all of them except the two pending SBS approval have extensions corresponding to the bbl length (+2 or +3). I have never had a functional problem with either a factory extension or a WC/ST extension, but I did have a failure with a cheap no-name aftermarket one years ago (the last such that I ever bought).

If it makes you feel better than do it. Just run 1000 rounds through it in whatever configuration you like.

Well, out of about 20 things I own that go bang, my HD choice is my favorite old bone-stock 870 Magnum Express. It wears 5 extra rounds on a stock side-saddle.

The only thing I've added is a sling.

I'm pretty certain that'll take care of anything that goes bump in the night around here.

If I'm attacked by 5 guys with heavy armor, night vision equipment, silenced AR's, and frags. Well.... I'm dead anyway.

I would say your not going to notice the weight difference. So I would add the extension

it will change the balance....i like the +1's

Here is a variation on the same question for the people who voted to have the +2 extension.

Let's assume the defensive scenario for the shotgun will give you enough time to clip a shell belt to your waist containing 21 rounds of 00 buck ...

... Do you still feel the +2 extension is important? Even with rounds on your waist, are you concerned about only 5 rounds (4+1) in the gun?

Better to him them and not need them... I have both the Vang Comp and WC/ST tubes. They are excellent. FWIW, if this is a HD shotgun, then I would get a white light (read Surefire) before anything else.
Gratuitous picture....

Better off grabbing a pistol instead.

Increasing capacity by 40% is one heck of a benefit. I have a #5077 (18.5" with factory extension) and upgraded ST spring and follower. I've never had a failure of any sort nor have I, or any friends, ever felt that it was front end heavy.

Is that an 870 with a benelli stock?

Mesa Tactical Urbino stock.

Yep. Mesa Tactical Urbino. I dont know why the mag clamp is off in the picture. Polic Magnum turn in, barrel is 18" and I put an XS Big Dot Tritium on it.

I drilled out the dimples on my 870. My only caution is that you will get some rust inside the magazine tube after drilling it out unless you do some cold bluing, or keep some lube on the inside of the mag. tube. I think my 870 handles fine with an even longer than +2 extension.

Copyright © 1996 - 2013 :: AR15.Com LLC :: All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.