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870 detent ball?

1329 Views 4 Replies 1 Participant Last post by  ShotgunPro
Hello all,
I'm considering purchasing this 18-1/2" barrel for my 870 express. My 870 gets absolutely no use now and I'm thinking of making it a tacticool HD weapon.

Remington 870 HD barrel 18.5"Cyl Bore 12ga : Barrels at GunBroker.com

When reading the description, it mentions a detent ball. What exactly is this and what is its purpose?

My end goal is to get an 18" barrel, Spec Ops Knoxx pistol grip stock, magazine tube extension, and side shell holder. Will this barrel pose a problem with the tube extension?

Thanks in advance.
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I don't know. But your Express probably has dimples in the mag tube that will need to be drilled out if you want a functional mag extension. I had to do it to mine.
From my quick google research, it is there to accommodate older style 870s. From what I've read you'll be fine with or with out it.
The detent ball is for use with the mag extension. When you screw the mag extension on, the ball will keep it from coming unscrewed. It's what you want.

My end goal is to get an 18" barrel, Spec Ops Knoxx pistol grip stock, magazine tube extension, and side shell holder. Will this barrel pose a problem with the tube extension?

Thanks in advance.
So, you want an 18" barrel, but the description specifically states:

These are called Home defense barrels because they have the detent ball and at 18.5" they end flush with the Remington Law Enfocement 2 round extension where the 18" barrel will end about 1/2 inch behind it. They also fit the 4+1 models as the your magazine cap simply pushes the detent ball out of the way.
I think you want the 18.5" since you'll add a mag extension later.
Thanks guys. Love ya long time!
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