U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G Review

First Thoughts on the U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G

The U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G promises a simple, effective solution for adding a sling to the ubiquitous Remington 870 shotgun. As someone who’s spent years advising customers on tactical and hunting gear, I’ve seen countless DIY sling setups, some brilliant, some downright dangerous. This set, offered by U. Mike’s, aims to provide a secure and reliable alternative to those jury-rigged solutions.

I’ve long preached the gospel of the sling for any long gun, particularly shotguns, and wanted a clean, blued swivel set for my old faithful 870. I’ve tried other sling mounting options that involve complicated gunsmithing or bulky adapters, and they’ve always left me wanting a simpler method. I chose the U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G because of its promise of easy installation and a streamlined design, hoping to avoid any permanent alterations to my shotgun.

Upon unboxing, the set looks pretty straightforward. The blued steel components appear solid, although the finish isn’t as polished as some higher-end options I’ve seen. The ratcheting magazine cap seems robust, and the included swivel hardware looks standard. It’s hard to get too excited about sling swivels, but my initial assessment is that this is a functional set designed for practicality, not aesthetics.

Compared to a traditional sling stud installation requiring drilling and tapping the stock, this set is far less invasive. It’s also a step up from some cheap, universal sling adapters that often feel flimsy and insecure. The U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G seemed a worthwhile gamble to get the job done. My first impression is cautious optimism. I hope it delivers on its promise of easy installation and rugged reliability, but only time and testing will tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G on my Remington 870 Express during a weekend of upland bird hunting. The varied terrain, from dense brush to open fields, provided a good test for the sling setup. Installation was straightforward; the magazine cap replaced the factory one easily, and the stock swivel screw was simple enough to install after pre-drilling a pilot hole as some other users have suggested.

In the field, the sling allowed me to carry the shotgun comfortably hands-free. This was crucial for navigating thick cover and scaling uneven ground. I encountered light rain during the hunt, but the blued finish seemed to hold up adequately, showing no immediate signs of rust. After a few hours of use, I didn’t notice any loosening of the magazine cap or swivel screws, which gave me a sense of confidence in its security.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including multiple hunting trips and range sessions, the U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the blued finish of the magazine cap from bumping against branches and other gear. Functionally, however, the set remains solid; the swivels still rotate smoothly, and the magazine cap hasn’t loosened despite repeated firing.

I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear beyond the cosmetic scratches. Cleaning is simple; I just wipe down the metal parts with a lightly oiled cloth after each use. Compared to a more elaborate sling system with multiple attachment points and straps, this set requires virtually no maintenance. It performs as expected and has improved the usability of my 870 considerably.

Breaking Down the Features of U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G

Specifications

The U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G is designed specifically for 12-gauge Remington 870 shotguns. The set includes a magazine cap with an integrated sling swivel mount and a separate sling swivel stud for the buttstock. The swivels themselves accommodate 1-inch slings.

The components are constructed from steel with a blued finish, intended for corrosion resistance. The magazine cap is designed as an external ratchet cap, which theoretically should hold its position securely under recoil. This specific set is designed for Remington 870s with wooden stocks, as the rear swivel requires a pilot hole and screw attachment.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G is to provide secure sling attachment points on a Remington 870 shotgun. It excels at this, offering a simple and relatively non-invasive method for adding a sling. The sling makes the shotgun much easier to carry and allows for better weapon retention in various situations. The 1-inch swivels are a standard size and compatible with a wide variety of slings.

The main strength is its simplicity and ease of installation. The blued finish offers decent corrosion resistance, but it’s not as durable as a Cerakote or similar coating. The set meets expectations for basic sling attachment, though a more robust finish would be welcome.

Design & Ergonomics

The U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G is a straightforward, no-frills design. The blued steel construction feels solid and durable. The ratcheting mechanism on the magazine cap is functional, but it adds a bit of bulk to the front of the shotgun.

The set doesn’t significantly alter the ergonomics of the 870, which is a plus. Some users might find the placement of the front swivel slightly awkward, depending on their preferred shooting style. There isn’t a major learning curve, installation is relatively simple, and the set is unobtrusive.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the steel construction, the U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G is reasonably durable. The blued finish will likely show wear over time, especially with heavy use in harsh conditions. Regular cleaning and light oiling will help to prevent rust and extend the lifespan of the set.

Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe down the components after use. The set is unlikely to require any repairs unless the swivels themselves break, which can be easily replaced. This is a simple, robust setup built to last.

Accessories and Customization Options

The U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the magazine cap, swivel studs, and swivels themselves. Customization options are limited, as it’s a fairly basic setup. However, the 1-inch swivels are compatible with a vast range of aftermarket slings.

You could potentially replace the blued swivels with stainless steel or quick-detach (QD) swivels for added versatility and convenience. Aftermarket sling options are plentiful, ranging from simple nylon straps to padded tactical slings. The set doesn’t directly support other accessories, like weapon lights or shell carriers, but those can be added separately to the shotgun if desired.

Pros and Cons of U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G

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Who Should Buy U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G?

The U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G is perfect for Remington 870 owners who want to add a sling without complicated modifications. This set is ideally suited for hunters, recreational shooters, and home defense enthusiasts. It benefits anyone seeking a simple, affordable, and reliable way to carry their shotgun hands-free.

Those seeking a high-end, customizable sling system should skip this product. Someone needing quick-detach swivels, or a more durable finish should consider other options. A must-have modification would be applying a protective coating to the blued components to enhance their resistance to wear and corrosion.

Conclusion on U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G

The U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G is a solid, no-frills solution for adding a sling to your Remington 870 shotgun. Its simplicity and ease of installation are its biggest strengths. The blued finish isn’t the most durable, but the steel construction provides adequate strength and reliability.

At its price point, the value is undeniable. It’s a cost-effective way to significantly improve the usability of your shotgun. I would personally recommend the U. Mike’s MAG CAP/SWIVEL SET 870 12G to anyone seeking a basic, dependable sling setup for their 870. If you’re looking for an easy way to add a sling to your Remington 870, give this set a try – you likely won’t be disappointed!

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