XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 Review

Let’s Talk About XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1

The XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 is a specialized tool designed to simplify the process of installing magazine tube extensions on Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns. Instead of grinding or drilling out the factory-installed magazine tube detents, which can weaken the tube and create openings for debris, this swage aims to smoothly flatten those detents. The goal is a cleaner, more professional installation with less risk of damaging the firearm.

I needed a solution for adding a magazine extension to my trusty 870 without resorting to destructive methods. I’ve seen too many botched jobs where people have ground away too much material or drilled improperly, leading to functional problems down the road, so a non-destructive method sounded appealing. My first impression upon receiving the XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 was that it felt solid and well-machined, with a simple, straightforward design.

Compared to options like using a Dremel with a grinding wheel or drilling, the XS Sight Systems tool seemed like a safer and more controlled approach. While full-length magazine tube swages exist, they are much more expensive and overkill for just a few detents. This tool offered a middle ground in terms of cost and complexity.

My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, given some of the mixed reviews I had seen. I was hoping it would live up to its promise of a clean and easy detent removal, but I also prepared myself for the possibility of needing to refine the results with other tools.

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Real-World Testing: Putting XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 in my workshop on my Remington 870 Express. The lighting was good, and I had all the necessary tools on hand: a rubber mallet, gun oil, and vice grips for extraction. It was a relatively controlled environment, free from the elements, which allowed for a precise assessment of the tool’s performance.

The initial attempt proved a bit challenging. Even with generous lubrication, the swage required significant force to drive past the detents, and it became stuck in the magazine tube. Extracting it required some careful maneuvering with the vice grips and a fair amount of force.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several uses, I’ve developed a better technique. The swage has held up reasonably well, with no signs of significant wear or damage. However, I’ve noticed that it still requires a considerable amount of force, and extraction can be tricky, often requiring the use of vice grips.

Cleaning is straightforward – a quick wipe down with a solvent and a light coat of oil. Compared to grinding or drilling, this tool definitely leaves a cleaner finish and avoids the potential for rust in the long run by not creating new access points for moisture. While it’s not a perfect solution, it’s a decent alternative to more destructive methods, though it may require some additional finesse and elbow grease.

Breaking Down the Features of XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1

Specifications

The XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 is designed specifically for Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 12-gauge shotguns. It’s a cylindrical tool made of steel, finished in black, and intended to be driven into the magazine tube to flatten the detents that secure the magazine spring retainer. The tool’s caliber specificity ensures a proper fit within the magazine tube, maximizing its effectiveness and minimizing the risk of damaging the tube.

These specifications are critical because the tool must fit snugly within the magazine tube to effectively flatten the detents without causing excessive bulging or deformation. The steel construction provides the necessary strength to withstand the hammering and force required to swage the detents.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 is to allow for the installation of magazine tube extensions by removing the factory detents without resorting to grinding or drilling. In theory, it should provide a cleaner and more professional result. The strength of the tool is that it avoids creating holes in the magazine tube.

The tool’s weakness is that it often requires significant force and can be difficult to extract, sometimes requiring additional tools like vice grips. It meets expectations in terms of avoiding material removal, but falls short in ease of use.

Design & Ergonomics

The XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 features a simple, cylindrical design made from solid steel. The weight is substantial enough to inspire confidence in its durability, but not so heavy as to make it unwieldy. The tool feels solid in hand, but it lacks any ergonomic features to aid in grip or extraction.

The tool is easy to understand – simply lubricate and hammer it in – but the practical execution can be challenging due to the force required. There’s definitely a learning curve involved in finding the right balance of force and lubrication to achieve the desired result without getting the tool stuck.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 suggests that it should last for many uses, provided it’s not subjected to extreme abuse. So far, I’ve seen no signs of significant wear or deformation after several uses. Maintaining the tool is simple; just keep it clean and lightly oiled to prevent rust.

Repair is unlikely to be necessary, as there are no moving parts or components that can easily fail. The tool seems designed for longevity, assuming it’s used as intended.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 itself does not come with any accessories, nor does it offer any customization options. It’s a standalone tool designed for a specific purpose. However, its function is to facilitate the installation of magazine tube extensions, which themselves offer a wide range of customization options.

The tool is compatible with any magazine tube extension designed for Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 12-gauge shotguns. This compatibility allows users to personalize their shotguns with various extensions from different brands, catering to their specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1