Let’s Dive into Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer
The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer isn’t exactly the kind of product that sets your heart racing. It’s a small, unassuming part, but for those of us neck-deep in the world of Remington 870 shotguns, it can be a lifesaver. The Wilson Combat name carries weight, promising quality and reliability, so I was intrigued when I needed a solution for a forend incompatibility issue.
I’ve spent countless hours tinkering with shotguns, upgrading them for personal defense, hunting, and even a bit of recreational clay shooting. One persistent issue with the Remington 870 is the difference between older and newer forend designs and magazine tube nuts. This little washer promises to bridge that gap, allowing you to use newer forends on older models, which, believe me, can save a lot of headache.
When I first received the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. The hardened spring steel looked and felt robust, a stark contrast to some of the flimsier aftermarket parts I’ve encountered. It was small, yes, but clearly made with precision and attention to detail.
I considered alternatives like modifying the forend itself or trying to source an older style magazine tube nut. I chose the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer because it offered a clean, reversible solution that wouldn’t permanently alter my shotgun or its parts. Plus, the Wilson Combat reputation for quality gave me confidence in its reliability.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was hopeful that this little washer would solve my problem, but also wary of the price tag for such a small piece. I was eager to get it installed and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer during a complete overhaul and upgrade of a vintage Remington 870 I picked up at a gun show. The shotgun was mechanically sound, but the forend was worn and I wanted to install a newer, more ergonomic model. My workbench was my testing ground, and the goal was to achieve seamless integration of the new forend.
The installation process was surprisingly straightforward. The washer fit perfectly between the magazine tube nut and the forend, providing the necessary spacing and preventing wobble. It was a clean and simple solution, even under the pressure of needing the shotgun for a hunting trip in the next few days.
The ease of use was remarkable; it required no special tools or modifications. The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer simply slipped into place and did its job. I was initially concerned about it shifting during use, but it stayed firmly in place throughout my initial testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including a rigorous upland bird hunting trip, the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer has held up remarkably well. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through the shotgun since installation, and the forend remains solid and wobble-free. The washer shows no signs of wear or deformation.
The durability of the hardened spring steel is evident. It hasn’t bent or weakened, even after repeated cycling of the action and exposure to the elements. This is a critical point; a failure here could lead to a malfunction in the field, and the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer has proven its worth.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent. I simply wipe it down along with the rest of the shotgun during routine cleaning. This is a testament to the quality of materials and the simple, yet effective, design.
Compared to previous experiences with makeshift solutions or poorly designed aftermarket parts, the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is a clear winner. It’s a simple part that performs its function flawlessly, and it has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer
Specifications
The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is a seemingly simple component, but its specifications are critical to its function.
- Material: Hardened spring steel.
- Color: Stainless.
- Compatibility: Designed specifically for adapting late-model Remington 870 forends to older-model magazine tube nuts.
- Magazine Capacity Effect: 0 Round (does not affect magazine capacity).
These specifications matter because they directly impact the product’s ability to solve a common problem with Remington 870 shotguns. The hardened spring steel ensures durability and resistance to deformation, while the precise dimensions guarantee a proper fit and function.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is to bridge the gap between older and newer Remington 870 forend designs. It achieves this perfectly, allowing users to easily install newer forends on older shotguns without requiring permanent modifications.
The strength of this product lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It addresses a specific need with a straightforward solution, eliminating the need for complex modifications or custom parts. The only weakness is its relatively high price for such a small component.
The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer meets and exceeds expectations. It solves the forend incompatibility issue reliably and without any noticeable drawbacks.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer boasts a straightforward design. Its primary focus is function over form.
The build quality is excellent, with a robust feel that inspires confidence. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive, adding no unnecessary bulk to the shotgun.
Installation is incredibly user-friendly. No specialized knowledge is required, and it takes only a few minutes to install the washer.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from hardened spring steel, the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is built to last. With proper care of the shotgun, the washer itself should not need replacement.
Maintenance is minimal. Periodic cleaning along with the rest of the shotgun is all that’s required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is not intended to be customized. Its sole purpose is to facilitate the installation of different forends, thus expanding customization options in that area.
The washer itself doesn’t require additional accessories, but it unlocks the potential to use a wider range of forends from various manufacturers. This opens up a world of aesthetic and ergonomic customization options for the Remington 870.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer
Pros
- Allows installation of newer Remington 870 forends on older models.
- Simple and easy to install, requiring no specialized tools.
- Hardened spring steel construction ensures excellent durability.
- Provides a clean and reversible solution, avoiding permanent modifications.
- Solves a common problem with Remington 870 shotguns.
Cons
- Relatively high price for a small, simple component.
- May be possible to find similar washers at a lower cost from a hardware store (though quality may vary).
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer?
- Perfect for: Remington 870 owners who want to install a newer forend on an older shotgun. Gunsmiths or hobbyists who frequently work on Remington 870s.
- Who should skip this product? Those on a very tight budget might explore cheaper, potentially less reliable, alternatives. Those who don’t need to adapt a forend to an older shotgun model.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? The primary “accessory” is the desired newer-model Remington 870 forend itself. No other specific modifications are necessary for the washer to function.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer
The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is a small but vital component for anyone looking to upgrade an older Remington 870 with a newer forend. It’s a well-made, reliable solution that solves a common problem efficiently.
The price might seem a bit steep for what it is, but the Wilson Combat name and the quality of the materials justify the cost. This isn’t just a generic washer; it’s a precision-engineered part designed to perform a specific function reliably.
I would absolutely recommend the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer to anyone facing the Remington 870 forend compatibility issue. It’s a simple, effective, and durable solution that will save you time and frustration. If you value quality and reliability, this little washer is worth the investment. Don’t let forend incompatibility hold you back; grab a Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer and get your shotgun looking and feeling its best.