Where It All Began
The roots of extended magazines for the Remington 870 trace back to military and law enforcement applications in the 1960s. The 870’s robust design made it a favorite for close-quarters combat, but its standard five-round tubular magazine left something to be desired in high-pressure scenarios. Early modifications were crude—often little more than welded steel extensions that crammed in extra shells at the cost of smooth operation. These weren’t built for precision; they were built for volume. The trade-off was clear: more rounds meant more weight, more recoil, and a higher chance of malfunctions. But in the chaos of combat, those extra shots could mean the difference between victory and retreat. The civilian side of the story unfolded differently. By the 1980s, hunters and sport shooters began experimenting with extended magazines, though the focus was less on capacity and more on adapting to different shell lengths. The 870’s versatility—its ability to handle everything from 2.75-inch skeet loads to 3-inch hunting shells—meant that magazine extensions had to be just as adaptable. Early aftermarket solutions were often jury-rigged, using parts from other firearms or custom-fabricated components. Reliability was inconsistent, and shooters learned quickly that not all extensions were created equal. The lesson? 870 shotgun magazine extension how to choose magazine extension wasn’t just about slapping on the longest tube possible—it was about balancing function, safety, and practicality.The Early Signs
The turning point came when manufacturers started treating extended magazines as a serious product rather than a hack. Companies like Magpul, Brownells, and even Remington itself began offering factory-approved extensions, designed to work seamlessly with the 870’s action. These weren’t just longer tubes; they were engineered solutions with reinforced feed lips, improved shell alignment, and reduced risk of double-feeds. The shift marked a pivot from the "more is better" mentality to a more calculated approach: How can we extend capacity without compromising performance? The rise of tactical shotgunning in the 1990s and 2000s accelerated this evolution. Shooters in competitive disciplines like trap and skeet, as well as those in law enforcement and military roles, demanded magazines that could handle the rigors of high-volume fire. The result? A market flooded with options—some innovative, some gimmicky. But beneath the hype, a few key principles emerged. The best extensions weren’t just about holding more shells; they were about maintaining the 870’s legendary reliability while pushing the limits of what the platform could do.The Turning Point
The real inflection point arrived when extended magazines became a staple in home defense. The 870’s reputation as a reliable, easy-to-use firearm made it a popular choice for non-combatants looking to bolster home security. But the standard five-round magazine left many feeling underprepared. Enter the extended magazine—a solution that offered more rounds without requiring a full reload as often. Suddenly, the conversation around 870 shotgun magazine extension how to choose magazine extension wasn’t just about shooters; it was about everyday citizens making critical decisions about safety and preparedness. Legal considerations became a major factor. Many states and municipalities have restrictions on magazine capacity, particularly for shotguns used in self-defense. What was once a purely performance-driven choice now had to account for local laws, insurance policies, and even neighborhood perceptions. Shooters had to weigh the benefits of extended capacity against the potential legal and social repercussions. The turning point wasn’t just technological; it was cultural. The 870, once a tool for hunters and military personnel, was now a household name in the broader conversation about gun rights and responsibility."You don’t extend a magazine just for the sake of it. You do it because you’ve shot enough to know when five rounds aren’t enough—and when ten might be asking for trouble." — A retired law enforcement shotgun instructor, speaking at the 2018 Shot Show
The Build-Up, Year by Year
| Period | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| 1960s–1970s | Military and law enforcement modifications; crude welded extensions for high-capacity needs. |
| 1980s | Civilian experimentation with extended magazines; focus on shell length compatibility. |
| 1990s | Manufacturer-approved extensions (Magpul, Brownells); rise of tactical shotgunning disciplines. |
| 2000s | Legal scrutiny increases; extended magazines become common in home defense discussions. |
| 2010s–Present | Hybrid designs (e.g., Magpul PMAG-compatible shotgun magazines); emphasis on reliability and ergonomics. |
Lessons From the Journey
- Capacity isn’t everything. A longer magazine doesn’t guarantee better performance—feed reliability and recoil management often suffer with excessive extensions.
- Legal and practical limits vary widely. What’s legal in one state may be restricted in another, and insurance policies can be affected by magazine choice.
- Material matters. Aluminum extensions are lightweight but may wear faster; steel is more durable but adds weight and can cause feed issues with certain shells.
- Shell type dictates extension type. A magazine optimized for 2.75-inch shells may not work well with 3-inch loads, and vice versa.
Where Things Stand Today
Today, the market for 870 shotgun magazine extension how to choose magazine extension is more refined than ever. Manufacturers have moved beyond simple tube extensions to hybrid designs that integrate with modern accessories like Magpul’s PMAG system, allowing shooters to swap between shotgun and rifle magazines in the field. These innovations have blurred the lines between shotgun and rifle platforms, offering unprecedented flexibility for tactical and sporting applications. Yet, the core principles remain unchanged. The best extensions still prioritize reliability over raw capacity. Shooters who’ve spent decades testing magazines agree: extending beyond what the 870’s action can handle smoothly is a recipe for frustration. The modern extended magazine isn’t just about holding more shells—it’s about doing so without sacrificing the 870’s legendary dependability. And with legal landscapes continuing to evolve, the choice of magazine extension has never been more intertwined with personal, practical, and even political considerations.
Conclusion
The story of the 870’s extended magazine is more than a tale of mechanical evolution—it’s a reflection of how firearms adapt to the needs of their users. From military modifications to civilian home defense, each step in the journey has been shaped by real-world demands and the lessons learned from them. The key to choosing the right extension today isn’t just about finding the longest tube available; it’s about understanding how that extension will perform in your specific use case, whether that’s rapid-fire sport shooting, home defense, or the unpredictable chaos of a tactical scenario. As the market continues to innovate, one thing is certain: the conversation around 870 shotgun magazine extension how to choose magazine extension will remain as dynamic as the shooters who rely on these tools. The goal isn’t to outdo the next guy—it’s to find the balance that works for you, your firearm, and the laws that govern it.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: What’s the maximum legal magazine capacity for an 870 in my state?
Magazine capacity laws vary widely. Some states have no restrictions on shotgun magazines, while others cap them at seven rounds or less. Always check your local laws and consult with a legal expert before modifying your firearm. Organizations like the NRA-ILA provide up-to-date resources on state-specific regulations.
Q: Can I use a rifle magazine extension on my 870?
No, not safely or legally. Rifle magazines (e.g., AR-15 PMAGs) are designed for different chamber pressures and shell types. Using them on an 870 risks catastrophic failure, including tube rupture or injury. Stick to shotgun-specific extensions.
Q: How do I know if an extended magazine will feed reliably with my shell type?
Test it before relying on it. Feed reliability depends on shell length, wad design, and magazine material. Start with a single type of shell and observe how it feeds at different rates of fire. If you experience double-feeds or misfires, the extension may not be compatible.
Q: Are aftermarket extended magazines safer than factory ones?
Not necessarily. Factory-approved extensions undergo rigorous testing for reliability and safety. Many aftermarket options lack this scrutiny. If you choose an aftermarket magazine, research its reputation and consider consulting a gunsmith for an evaluation.
Q: Will extending my 870’s magazine void my warranty?
Possibly. Most firearm warranties exclude modifications, including extended magazines. Check your warranty terms before making any changes. Some manufacturers offer limited warranties on aftermarket parts, but this varies by brand.
Q: Can I carry an extended magazine in public under concealed carry laws?
It depends on your state and local laws. Some jurisdictions prohibit carrying extended magazines in public, even if they’re legal for home use. Always verify the specific rules in your area to avoid legal complications.
Q: What’s the best material for an extended magazine—aluminum or steel?
Aluminum magazines are lighter and often preferred for rapid-fire applications, but they may wear faster with heavy use. Steel magazines are more durable and better for high-recoil loads but add weight. Choose based on your primary use: aluminum for sport shooting, steel for home defense.
