Removing dimples on remington 870 magazine tube.

Super-Dave · December 23, 2008, 03:04 PM

I just got a new remington 870 turkey express.

I wanted to install a magazine tube extension.

I tried the socket method and it work with a 16mm socket.

You should oil up the tube and socket well and remove the shell follower.

Insert the socket that fits in the tube but does not pass by the dimples. Slightly hammer it in. as it pops out the dimples ,it gets stuck and you cannot remove it. (This is Good it means the dimples are pushed out.)

Take all the other sockets in you socket set smaller than the on you used and load them in the magazine tube like they were shells. Take a hammer and a screw driver and tap the exposed sockets inside the reciever. The stuck socket will shoot out the magazine tube. Dump all the other sockets out of the tube and you are good to go.

NO drill, No drimel tool no bluing or parkerizing rubbed off.

It worked great for me. Give it a try.

zippy13 · December 23, 2008, 03:41 PM

Good going, Super-Dave! I like simple solutions.

One point to ponder, different socket sets have different wall thicknesses -- your 17mm may not work as well as Super-Dave's.

Super-Dave · December 23, 2008, 03:51 PM

Just keep trying different ones untill you find the perfect fit.

Try them very gently and make sure you tap it with your hammer gently.

xm21 · December 25, 2008, 08:26 AM

If the dimples are not totally removed the follower will not go past.What is plan B?

Super-Dave · December 25, 2008, 08:48 AM

It worked fine for me. The dimples poped out and the follower goes through easily.

zippy13 · December 25, 2008, 11:31 AM

xm21
Perhaps you need a socket exactly like Super-Dave's.

Super-Dave
Can you be micrometer-man on the OD of your famous 17mm, and post the dimension.

94bluerat · December 25, 2008, 12:46 PM

I tried 3 different styles of Craftsman sockets 17mm was too big 16mm was too small. I also tried inch based sizes. Let us know what brand of socket you used. I have some other assorted brands of loose pieces and one of those may work.

Thanks!

Super-Dave · December 25, 2008, 05:20 PM

I used the stanley sockets they sell all walmart.

it is like $18.00 for a pack of stanley metric sockets

I think I was wrong on my first post I think it was the 16mm stanley socket.

davidsldennis · January 10, 2009, 10:23 AM

Well I got the dimples out using the socket method and finishing with the Drimmel tool. Smooth as a Baby's But, and it didn't break through (NO HOLES). Does anybody know how to cover the now exposed metal inside the magazine tube due to the drimmel work? I'm just worried about rust. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please let me know, Thanks

Scattergun Bob · January 10, 2009, 01:58 PM

Dave I think you are right it looks like a 16MM from my husky set is just about perfect. Good job on the work around.

XM21- I would try a different brand of socket ODs will be different, you are correct any dimple on the inside is a BAD THING

must be baby butt smooth for the follower to run properly!

davidsldennis - Cold blue with q-tips to cover the shinny parts if you must.

TheManHimself · January 10, 2009, 02:05 PM

CLP or a thin coat of grease should do the trick. Cold blue isn't much of a corrosion protectant - cold blue in and of itself is a type of controlled corrosion.

Scattergun Bob · January 10, 2009, 02:39 PM

PLEASE do not use grease or oil on the inside of your mag tube

Grease works like a gasket and will stop up the spring/follower.

Quote:

Cold blue isn't much of a corrosion protectant - cold blue in and of itself is a type of controlled corrosion.
Today 10:58 AM

I may be confused

but I thought that was what the blue and brown process on metal in the white was for?

Super-Dave · January 12, 2009, 07:46 AM

Why not use one of those bluing pens?

They sell them at my gun store for like $8.00

Scattergun Bob · January 12, 2009, 10:49 AM

Yes, bluing pen! I just happen to have lots of q-tips and a big bottle of cold blue.

scorpion_tyr · March 17, 2009, 06:09 PM

Wow... I really wish I had read up on here a little more before I bought a dremel tool just for that!

WagonM · March 17, 2009, 10:33 PM

scorpion_tyr: bought from local retail? Return for a full refund it's not too late..

Mike U. · March 18, 2009, 01:47 AM

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but, why are there no dimples on my 870 Express Magnum?

I keep reading about these dimples and wondering how I got so lucky as to not have them on my 870.(WOOHOO!!)

**JohnKSa** · March 18, 2009, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Cold blue isn't much of a corrosion protectant - cold blue in and of itself is a type of controlled corrosion.

Cold blue is probably generally less of a protectant than hot blue, but both are typically types of controlled corrosion. I say "typically" because some forms of cold blue (like Blue Wonder) may work differently.

Scattergun Bob · March 18, 2009, 09:39 AM

Remington, Thanks to folks complaining and the craziness of having two separate barrel and magazine lines have SEEN THE LIGHT and dropped the infernal plastic retainer for the original detent and nut. Once in a while reality prevails!

Good Luck & Be Safe

jaspocx · July 16, 2010, 01:37 PM

great idea I will give it a try. Thanks

Hazborgufen · July 17, 2010, 09:43 PM

Where did you hear that, Scattergun Bob? I just recently posted a thread about my new Wingmaster having the dimpled tube with the plastic retainer. I called Remington and was told that all new Wingmasters are going to come that way. I didn't ask about the Express, but I would imagine it would be the same.

I suppose I should ask, does having the dimpled tube somehow limit my barrel choices?

spyderdude · July 19, 2010, 11:46 AM

I don't understand why Remington even bothers with the dimples. I know they're there as a preventative measure from installing a magazine tube extension, but if its that easy to remove the dimples then why bother?

Old Guard Dog · July 22, 2010, 05:48 PM

The Chinese Pardner pumps have the same dimples and plastic retainer, too.

drail · July 24, 2010, 08:28 PM

The dimples are there to protect you from yourself! Anyone who needs more than 4 rounds in a shotgun MUST be some kind of psychopath!

I am so glad I got into the 870 game before the dimples were dreamed up. Be careful with the socket deal, I have heard of several people ending up with the socket really really stuck inside the tube and damaging the tube trying to hold it while driving the socket out. I think I would just grind the dimples off. I also wouldn't worry too much about the finish inside the tube, the spring and the rims will grind most of that off over time anyway.

Deja vu · October 10, 2013, 08:53 PM

I tired this method and the 16mm just fell inside and the 17mm seemed about right so I tried that and now it seems stuck. I am afraid to use to much force and never be able to get it out.

December 23, 2008, 03:04 PM	#1
Super-Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 795	Removing dimples on remington 870 magazine tube. I just got a new remington 870 turkey express. I wanted to install a magazine tube extension. I tried the socket method and it work with a 16mm socket. You should oil up the tube and socket well and remove the shell follower. Insert the socket that fits in the tube but does not pass by the dimples. Slightly hammer it in. as it pops out the dimples ,it gets stuck and you cannot remove it. (This is Good it means the dimples are pushed out.) Take all the other sockets in you socket set smaller than the on you used and load them in the magazine tube like they were shells. Take a hammer and a screw driver and tap the exposed sockets inside the reciever. The stuck socket will shoot out the magazine tube. Dump all the other sockets out of the tube and you are good to go. NO drill, No drimel tool no bluing or parkerizing rubbed off. It worked great for me. Give it a try. __________________ If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever. George Orwell Last edited by Super-Dave; December 25, 2008 at 05:21 PM.

December 23, 2008, 03:51 PM	#3
Super-Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 795	Just keep trying different ones untill you find the perfect fit. Try them very gently and make sure you tap it with your hammer gently. __________________ If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever. George Orwell

December 25, 2008, 08:48 AM	#5
Super-Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 795	It worked fine for me. The dimples poped out and the follower goes through easily. __________________ If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever. George Orwell

December 25, 2008, 05:20 PM	#8
Super-Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 795	I used the stanley sockets they sell all walmart. it is like $18.00 for a pack of stanley metric sockets I think I was wrong on my first post I think it was the 16mm stanley socket. __________________ If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever. George Orwell

January 10, 2009, 10:23 AM	#9
davidsldennis Junior Member Join Date: January 10, 2009 Posts: 1	I did it!! Well I got the dimples out using the socket method and finishing with the Drimmel tool. Smooth as a Baby's But, and it didn't break through (NO HOLES). Does anybody know how to cover the now exposed metal inside the magazine tube due to the drimmel work? I'm just worried about rust. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please let me know, Thanks

December 23, 2008, 03:41 PM	#2
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Good going, Super-Dave! I like simple solutions. One point to ponder, different socket sets have different wall thicknesses -- your 17mm may not work as well as Super-Dave's.

December 25, 2008, 08:26 AM	#4
xm21 Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2008 Posts: 177	If the dimples are not totally removed the follower will not go past.What is plan B?

December 25, 2008, 11:31 AM	#6
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	xm21 Perhaps you need a socket exactly like Super-Dave's. Super-Dave Can you be micrometer-man on the OD of your famous 17mm, and post the dimension.

December 25, 2008, 12:46 PM	#7
94bluerat Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2007 Location: South of Canada Posts: 204	I tried 3 different styles of Craftsman sockets 17mm was too big 16mm was too small. I also tried inch based sizes. Let us know what brand of socket you used. I have some other assorted brands of loose pieces and one of those may work. Thanks!

January 10, 2009, 01:58 PM	#10
Scattergun Bob Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Location: Nine Mile Falls, Washington Posts: 1,186	Dave I think you are right it looks like a 16MM from my husky set is just about perfect. Good job on the work around. XM21- I would try a different brand of socket ODs will be different, you are correct any dimple on the inside is a BAD THING must be baby butt smooth for the follower to run properly! davidsldennis - Cold blue with q-tips to cover the shinny parts if you must. __________________ First, with the most, WINS! Regards, Scattergun Bob

January 10, 2009, 02:05 PM	#11
TheManHimself Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2008 Posts: 730	CLP or a thin coat of grease should do the trick. Cold blue isn't much of a corrosion protectant - cold blue in and of itself is a type of controlled corrosion.

January 12, 2009, 07:46 AM	#13
Super-Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 795	Why not use one of those bluing pens? They sell them at my gun store for like $8.00 __________________ If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever. George Orwell

January 12, 2009, 10:49 AM	#14
Scattergun Bob Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Location: Nine Mile Falls, Washington Posts: 1,186	Super Dave Yes, bluing pen! I just happen to have lots of q-tips and a big bottle of cold blue. __________________ First, with the most, WINS! Regards, Scattergun Bob

March 17, 2009, 06:09 PM	#15
scorpion_tyr Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,326	Wow... I really wish I had read up on here a little more before I bought a dremel tool just for that! __________________ “Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight.” - Thomas Jefferson

March 17, 2009, 10:33 PM	#16
WagonM Member Join Date: March 14, 2009 Location: WA Posts: 69	scorpion_tyr: bought from local retail? Return for a full refund it's not too late..

March 18, 2009, 01:47 AM	#17
Mike U. Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2007 Location: In Oz, next door to the Lollipop Guild's HQ Posts: 404	Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but, why are there no dimples on my 870 Express Magnum? I keep reading about these dimples and wondering how I got so lucky as to not have them on my 870.(WOOHOO!!) __________________ L'Chayim!

March 18, 2009, 09:39 AM	#19
Scattergun Bob Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Location: Nine Mile Falls, Washington Posts: 1,186	Remington, Thanks to folks complaining and the craziness of having two separate barrel and magazine lines have SEEN THE LIGHT and dropped the infernal plastic retainer for the original detent and nut. Once in a while reality prevails! Good Luck & Be Safe __________________ First, with the most, WINS! Regards, Scattergun Bob

July 16, 2010, 01:37 PM	#20
jaspocx Junior Member Join Date: July 16, 2010 Location: DFW Posts: 1	removing dimples great idea I will give it a try. Thanks

July 17, 2010, 09:43 PM	#21
Hazborgufen Member Join Date: May 6, 2010 Posts: 23	Where did you hear that, Scattergun Bob? I just recently posted a thread about my new Wingmaster having the dimpled tube with the plastic retainer. I called Remington and was told that all new Wingmasters are going to come that way. I didn't ask about the Express, but I would imagine it would be the same. I suppose I should ask, does having the dimpled tube somehow limit my barrel choices?

July 19, 2010, 11:46 AM	#22
spyderdude Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Posts: 579	I don't understand why Remington even bothers with the dimples. I know they're there as a preventative measure from installing a magazine tube extension, but if its that easy to remove the dimples then why bother?

July 22, 2010, 05:48 PM	#23
Old Guard Dog Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: SE PA Posts: 101	The Chinese Pardner pumps have the same dimples and plastic retainer, too.

July 24, 2010, 08:28 PM	#24
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	The dimples are there to protect you from yourself! Anyone who needs more than 4 rounds in a shotgun MUST be some kind of psychopath! I am so glad I got into the 870 game before the dimples were dreamed up. Be careful with the socket deal, I have heard of several people ending up with the socket really really stuck inside the tube and damaging the tube trying to hold it while driving the socket out. I think I would just grind the dimples off. I also wouldn't worry too much about the finish inside the tube, the spring and the rims will grind most of that off over time anyway. Last edited by drail; July 24, 2010 at 08:33 PM.

October 10, 2013, 08:53 PM	#25
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	sorry to bump a really old thread but I need some help. I tired this method and the 16mm just fell inside and the 17mm seemed about right so I tried that and now it seems stuck. I am afraid to use to much force and never be able to get it out. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...