I do know that on some 870s you have to mod the inside of the mag tube that is attached to the gun so that the mag follower will go past the end of the original tube and into the extension. Not that this would have anything to do with not being able to remove it (I wouldn't think) -- just another 870 annoyance when modding it.
I'll be honest, I see a Mossberg 590A1 in my future. The long 26" barrel will go back on the 870, along with the wood, and it'll be a hunting/sport gun. The 590A1 will take the place that my 870 is fulfilling now.
Why? I just think the 500/590 design is better. A little more complicated, a little more time consuming to strip, but still not hard to do at all. Also, I like the layout of the controls and buttons on the 500/590 better than the 870.
The pushbutton safety on the 870 (in the exact same location as many hunting rifles) says to me "The 870 is a hunting shotgun. That's what it's designed for. It feels just like your hunting rifle, so you don't have to learn another gun." Same thing with the slide release on it -- "You're hunting with this gun; your right hand has no need to stay on the grip. You've got lots of time."
The Mossy, on the other hand, with the tang located safety says "Left hand, right hand -- doesn't matter, you're ready to go." The slide release located right under the ring finger says "You're already holding on here, and your trigger finger is busy -- just use your ring finger; it'll be faster and more convenient."
What am I saying? The Mossberg 500/590 design was built around a general purpose design philosophy -- a hunting gun, a sport gun, a
combat gun (hence, the 590 with it's bayo lug). The 870 seems designed around a hunting-only philosophy, and while it works well as a self-defense or combat arm, it's not designed as well to the role.
Does any of this make sense, or am I just rambling?
Also, sorry to get off topic Overkill. Maybe you can read my post to your 870 and it'll get bored and just take itself apart for you.
