Magazine/Barrel Clamps, How "Necessary" Are They?

[jlagman]

I've been a bit sidetracked the past while with new gun purchases that I've neglected my 870 project. I'd like to mount the Surefire integrated forend light, but the sling swivel on the bottom of the barrel/magazine clamp would obstruct the bezel. I like the idea of retaining a 2-point sling but some of these aftermarket barrel/magazine clamps are expensive, considering the purpose I think they serve.

If I did away with the clamp entirely, what affect would it have on my gun, would the point of impact shift or would the magazine tube be less secure? What if I got a cheap plastic clamp instead? I really like the idea of moving the sling swivel from underneath, to the side, but I have a hard time justifying $100 just to do that. Thoughts?

 

[Marine Magnum]

I have 5 870s with factory magazine extensions, and there is no way I would not use a clamp on them. The factory extensions are too long and the threads too flimsy to not use a clamp. If you are using the Wilson Combat/Scattergun Technolgies extension, you do not need a clamp. I am almost sure the Vang Comp extension does not need one either. Both extensions have much more robust threads and are designed to be used without a clamp. I have not seen a point of impact shift shooting slugs after removing my extensions and putting them back on, and I am pretty sure if you use an extension designed not to use a clamp there would not be a point of impact shift either. If you have not already purchased your extension, I would just get one from Scattergun Technologies. They are relatively cheap and can have a side sling mount on them that would allow you to use a sling and still have the Surefire.

You can remove the sling swivel on the stock magazine clamp or order one without the swivel. I do not know how to remove it, and I do not know if the Surefire will clear it without the swivel. I also do not know what the exact model number of clamp without the swivel. You can email this guy AIP Tactical Combat Shotguns and get a clamp without a swivel for a decent price. J.D. McGuire was the only person, including Remington customer service representatives, that understood I needed a different sized clamp for an older Wingmaster I bought. Remington had no idea there were two different sizes, but he knew what I needed instantly. Just email him and tell him what you want need or want to do and he can help you. His prices are very good, but I think you can only pay by money order.

I do like these: Nordic Components Mag Extension Tube Barrel Clamp 12 Ga Aluminum Matte. They have a models with quick detach sling attachments, but they are more expensive.

 

[jlagman]

Nice handle, the gun I'm working on is an 870 Marine Magnum.

I guess all the extra cost of mall ninja-ing my gun is what's starting to frustrate me. The Surefire forend weapon light is pretty pricey on its own and it's not that the flashlight's bezel runs the risk of making contact with the sling swivel, but it will interrupt the beam pattern and cast a stupid shadow, especially with the 2-point sling attached.

The Mesa Tactical clamp is like $100 at my LGS, a tad pricey to just move the sling swivel to the side.

I also want to keep the 2-point sling, the length of pull is just right as it is, my arms aren't all that long, so even adding a single point sling plate between the receiver and buttstock will make it too long for my tastes, which will cost even more money to solve as I'd probably need a shorter buttstock, which is always packaged with a forend I won't even use anyways.

 

[Marine Magnum]

Haha. When I was thinking of a screen name, I had a Marine Magnum sitting on my fucking dresser and thought, what the fuck, I'll just use that as a name. I have since gotten rid of it, but it was a huge mistake. I like Remington 870s even better than AR-15s, and I fucking love ARs. If I could have only three guns, it would be an 870, an AR-15, and a 1911. I do not have the 1911, yet, but want to get one when I have enough funds.

Anyway, there are all kinds of mounting options for weapons lights. I am sure you can find one that will work for you. For instance, that Nordic Components mount could have a flashlight on one side and a sling mount on the other. There is also this: Elzetta ZSM Tactical Shotgun Flashlight Mount FAQ. At some point in time, I want to get a flashlight mount for my 590 which is my home defense gun, and the Elzetta looks like the one I would get. It is made of some type of polymer or plastic that should not damage the finish on the gun.

 

[jlagman]

Wait...the Surefire 618 forend is an ITAR controlled item, ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!?!?

Guess I'm stuck with putting a light on the rail that the Mesa Tactical clamp comes with.