870 Shell tube internals

The notches can be gently pounded out using sockets (ie socket wrench sockets) and then files smooth.

Stuff a rag into the base of the tube to keep any materail from getting into the guts of the fire control group.

You can use some all thread and a couple of nuts to put inside the socket, put the all thread through and put the nut on. Then feed the other nut down on top of that. Using a hammer, slide the socket into the tube and hammer the end of the all thread. Remove the socket after a few taps and then do it again.

Once you can get the socket into the tube past the dimples, I used a small ballpeen hammer and tapped at the dimples to flatten them out more. Be sure to check that the guide will slide past them.

Then I hit them with a fine file to smooth them out. Be sure to REALLY clean the tube out afterwards.

I did mine last year and have yet to have any issues with it.

There have recently been a few posts from people trying to flatten the dimples out, and in turn ruining the magazine tube or the threads.

You Do NOT Want To Bend The Mag Tube.

I believe that drilling out the dimples is the way best to go.

Start with a very small (very sharp) bit, let it find the center in the bottom of the dimple and drill a pilot hole through. Repeat for other side.

Then I'm pretty sure I used a 3/16"(.187) bit. (again very sharp)

No need to drill any larger than the OD of the dimple. With sharp bits you should only have a tiny burr to remove if at all.

To cover up the exposed metal all you really need to use is a black marker or paint on a Q-tip. As long as you keep it clean and lubed it won't rust.

Once you have converted it remember that you no longer have anything to retain the mag spring. So use caution when removing the mag cap or extension in the future.

Best Of Luck With It.

BTW - Did you buy it like that?

Banshee said:

the dimples are easy to iron out with a small hammer and a round bar that will fit inside the tube.

Click to expand...

With all due respect to you Banshee as your are pretty much the resident expert on 870's around here.

I cringe at the thought of telling a new guy to take a hammer to his new gun.

Before I drilled mine out, I started out thinking I would try some of these other methods. Hammers, sockets, round bar, grinders etc. But I stopped when I realized all I was going to accomplish was ruining my new gun.

So now I have 2 small, neat little holes in the mag tube which get covered up by the barrel ring. I didn't bend, tweak the tube or otherwise bugger up the threads (as one poster stated)

Again, I believe that drilling out the dimples is the way best to go.

Anything else just seems silly.

My .02

This is the gun I drilled out the dimples on.
2004 870 Express 12-GA. 18" w/Tac-star 2 shot. Speed feed police forend and new style Remington butt stock.

As for procedure, start with a small (sharp) drill bit and work your way up to about .187 (3/16"), and don't try to drill through both sides at once.
Otherwise the only thing I would add to my previous post above is to strip down the gun entirely including removal of the trigger group. (so as to not get any chips in it) Then clean it / blow it out best you can after drilling, re-lube and assemble. Otherwise see above.



Note, on the drilled pictures. the four points you see were left over from the embossed dimples. I saw no reason to drill any larger than necessary.


Top side

Bottom side

Top

Bottom

Hope this helps.

No hammers were used in altering this gun!