Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer Review

The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer: A Review After Real Use

For any enthusiast of the classic Remington 870 platform, particularly those who appreciate the elegance of older designs, a common dilemma arises when integrating newer parts with vintage firearms. This is precisely where the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer steps in, offering a seemingly simple yet critical solution for gunsmiths and DIYers alike. The problem is well-known: fitting modern wood forends onto older 870s, or securing worn magazine tube nuts, can be a frustrating affair without the correct hardware. I recently found myself in this exact situation, needing to revitalize a well-loved but slightly worn 870, and this particular small part from Wilson Combat became the focal point of my attention.

My specific need arose from an attempted upgrade on a treasured 1970s era Remington 870 Wingmaster. I had acquired a beautiful, period-correct walnut forend that, unfortunately, was designed for a slightly later iteration of the 870’s magazine tube nut system. The older system relied on a specific detent and often a staked nut for retention, which this newer forend lacked the provisions for. Drilling and staking felt like a barbaric approach to such a classic piece, and I was determined to find a less invasive solution. I briefly considered generic, off-the-shelf washers from a hardware store, but the precise shaping and material suggested by the product description piqued my interest in a purpose-built solution. My initial impression of the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer was one of quiet utility; it’s a small, unassuming piece of hardened spring steel, but its potential to solve a persistent compatibility issue was immediately apparent.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing environment was primarily my well-lit, organized workshop bench, where precision and proper tool selection are paramount. The specific task involved installing the aforementioned vintage walnut forend onto the receiver of the Remington 870. The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer was employed to bridge the gap in retention mechanisms between the old-style magazine tube nut and the modern forend. The installation was surprisingly straightforward; the washer fit snugly around the magazine tube and seated correctly against the inner face of the forend, providing the necessary tension to keep the magazine cap firmly in place.

During this initial installation, I noted the material’s resilience; the hardened spring steel offered a satisfying firmness without feeling brittle. It held its position without any tendency to deform under the pressure of the magazine spring and follower. There were no immediate surprises or quirks, just a clean, functional fit that addressed the compatibility issue directly. This contrasted with some generic washers I’ve used in the past, which can sometimes be too thin or too flexible, leading to a less secure fit.

Extended Use & Reliability

After completing the installation, the 870 has seen moderate use, including several trips to the range and repeated field stripping for cleaning and inspection. The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer has held up remarkably well through this continued use. There are absolutely no signs of wear, such as cracks, excessive flexing, or loss of tension, even after countless reassemblies and removals of the forend. The stainless finish has remained intact, showing no corrosion or discoloration, which is a testament to its quality.

Maintenance has been non-existent; the washer is part of the internal mechanism and requires no cleaning beyond what is done during a standard firearm cleaning. Its design inherently resists the accumulation of debris. When compared to my prior experiences with less specialized solutions, this component’s reliability is a significant advantage. It provides a consistent, secure engagement that has eliminated any concerns about the forend loosening over time, a problem that can plague less well-thought-out modifications.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer

Specifications

The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is constructed from hardened spring steel, ensuring its durability and ability to maintain consistent tension over time. It’s specifically shaped to interface correctly with both late-model Remington 870 wood forends and old-model magazine tube nuts. This unique shape is crucial, as it allows for the installation of newer wood furniture onto older shotguns without the need for permanent modifications like drilling and staking. The washer functions as a wave washer, providing a spring-like action that retains the magazine tube nut.

The stainless steel finish offers excellent corrosion resistance, a vital feature for any firearm component, especially one that might encounter moisture or be handled frequently. While the product description lists “Magazine Capacity: 0 Round,” this is standard for a small hardware component like a washer and doesn’t impact its function. The primary benefit of its hardened spring steel construction is its resilience; it won’t flatten out under pressure, ensuring a secure fit for the magazine tube nut and, by extension, the forend.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary function, the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer performs exceptionally well. It successfully bridges the compatibility gap between older and newer Remington 870 forend designs, enabling the installation of desirable wood furniture onto vintage receivers without invasive modifications. This is a significant win for collectors and those who value the aesthetic and historical integrity of their firearms. The washer provides a consistent and reliable retention force for the magazine tube nut, which is essential for the forend’s stability.

Its main strength lies in its elegant simplicity and effectiveness. It directly addresses a specific design anomaly in the Remington 870’s production history. The only potential “weakness,” if one can call it that, is its specialized nature; it’s designed for a very particular application and won’t have utility outside of that scope. However, for its intended purpose, it functions precisely as advertised, meeting and exceeding expectations for a part designed to solve a specific gunsmithing puzzle.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Wilson Combat part is, by necessity, utilitarian, but it’s executed with precision. The hardened spring steel provides a substantial feel, indicating good material quality. Its shape is specific and seems to be precisely engineered to engage the relevant parts of the Remington 870’s magazine tube nut and forend interface.

Ergonomically, a washer has no direct contact with the user during normal operation, so traditional ergonomic considerations don’t apply. However, its design contributes to the overall “ergonomics” of the firearm by ensuring the forend is securely attached, leading to a more stable and confident shooting experience. The stainless steel finish also contributes to a clean aesthetic that complements most firearm finishes.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from hardened spring steel and its stainless finish, the durability of the Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is expected to be excellent. For its intended use, which involves being compressed by a magazine spring and remaining largely static within the forend assembly, it is effectively a “fit and forget” component. It is designed to withstand the constant spring pressure without deforming or losing its tension over time.

Maintenance is essentially zero. Once installed, it requires no special attention beyond standard firearm cleaning. Its stainless composition means it won’t rust or corrode easily. The only conceivable failure point would be extreme misuse, such as attempting to bend or deform it with tools, which is well outside its intended application. It’s built to be a permanent, reliable part of the firearm’s assembly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is a standalone component and does not typically come with accessories or offer direct customization options in the traditional sense. Its value lies in its singular, precise function. However, it enables customization of the Remington 870 itself by allowing the integration of different forend types.

When considering its application, one might consider pairing it with other Wilson Combat parts or high-quality aftermarket Remington 870 components to achieve a fully customized build. The primary “customization” it facilitates is the aesthetic and functional choice of forend furniture. Its hardened spring steel construction ensures it integrates seamlessly without compromising the integrity of any custom build.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer

Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer?

This Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is an essential purchase for Remington 870 enthusiasts and gunsmiths who are undertaking specific restoration or customization projects. It is ideal for individuals who want to fit a newer style of wood forend onto an older receiver without resorting to invasive modifications like drilling and staking. It’s also a valuable component for anyone dealing with a worn or loose magazine tube nut on an older 870, providing a reliable means of re-establishing secure retention.

Anyone looking for a generic washer for unrelated applications should look elsewhere; this part is precisely engineered for its stated purpose. Those on an extremely tight budget who are willing to experiment with less reliable hardware store solutions might consider alternatives, but at the risk of compromising fit and function. I would also suggest pairing this with a quality magazine cap and spring for a complete and reliable forend assembly.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer

The Wilson Combat Extension Tube Washer is a testament to how a small, precisely engineered part can solve significant compatibility challenges in firearms. While its $3.83 price tag might initially seem steep for what is essentially a specialized washer, its hardened spring steel construction and tailored design justify the cost for those who truly need its specific functionality. It performs its intended job flawlessly, providing a secure and stable interface for Remington 870 forends.

For anyone restoring or customizing an older Remington 870 and needing to integrate newer furniture, or simply trying to fix a worn magazine tube nut, this component is a highly recommended solution. It offers a clean, reliable, and non-invasive method to achieve a factory-like fit where original solutions might be lacking. I can confidently recommend this product to the discerning 870 owner who values proper function and lasting quality.