Question for Dfariswheel!

[Homerboy]

I'm asking you because you are the authority on shotguns. You answered my post recently on the mag spring for my 870 Express. I never realized I was taking the extension off wrong, but now that I know, the chore is much easier. I did go forward and order a standard spring, cap, and mag spring retainer for my 870 Express. I was not able to get the retainer in. Seems a bit too wide. Is there something I'm not doing? It is the older one (metal, not polymer).

Also, you stated that I should put the nut on the magazine tube (for the extended) and tighten until I get one click. If I do that, the nut seems very loose, and it is not touching the bottom of the tube. I generally give it 4-5 clicks, and then screw on the mag tube and then put the clamp on. The rounds all load smoothly, but I haven't fired the gun since I did this. Should I go more than one click?

I guess I'll keep the extended tube for now. Seems solid again. I'll hold onto the new spring and retainer in case I change my mind, but I cannot figure out how to get that retainer in.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[dfariswheel]

I'm asking you because you are the authority on shotguns

I am???

Screw the collar on until it gets SNUGGED DOWN then give it one more click.

It'll start clicking well before it's snug. You want the collar on tight, but you should be able to unscrew it with just your fingers.

You basically just press the 4 shot magazine retainer into the end of the magazine.
Put the 4 shot spring in, then put the cupped end of the retainer over the spring and just press it into the end of the tube.
It's usually harder to get back out them to get it in.

 

[Badger Arms]

The retainer has a slit in it. You can squeeze the retainer to close this slit and just start it. Then tap it down with a mallet or the plastic end of a screwdriver (do they even make wood-handled screwdrivers anymore?).

As for snugging the barrel down, I usually tighten the living daylights out of it with my fingers and then back off one click. I'm pretty strong, though.

 

[Homerboy]

Thanks Wheel (and Badger!). Okay, maybe you aren't the authority on shotguns, but you seem to know WAY more than I do!