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

Putting the XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 Through Its Paces

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade immersed in diverse environments, from the rugged outdoors to precise laboratory settings, I’ve encountered my fair share of tools designed to simplify complex tasks. The XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 is one such specialized item that promised a cleaner solution for a common shotgun modification. My journey to this specific tool began with a desire to upgrade the magazine capacity on my trusty Remington 870, a firearm known for its adaptability. However, the newer Remington models (and many clones) feature internal detents in the magazine tube, a subtle but significant hurdle for installing extension tubes that wasn’t present on older versions. This roadblock meant traditional methods like drilling or filing were the go-to, often leaving unsightly marks and potential entry points for debris. I sought a more elegant, less invasive approach, leading me to this swage. My initial impression upon receiving the tool was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering; it felt robust and purposeful, a far cry from flimsy alternatives I’d sometimes encountered. While I briefly considered simply buying a compatible shotgun that already had the detents removed, the allure of a specialized tool that promised a cleaner modification was too strong to resist. My first reaction was a quiet optimism that this might indeed be the elegant solution I was hoping for.

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

First Use Experience

My initial foray with the XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 took place in my home workshop, a space I’ve meticulously organized for firearm maintenance and modifications. The primary objective was to install a +2 magazine extension on my Remington 870 Express. I prepared the magazine tube by ensuring it was clean and then liberally applied a high-quality gun grease to the swage tool itself, as recommended. Following the instructions, I gently tapped the swage into the magazine tube with a plastic mallet, aiming to work it past the internal detents.

The process, however, proved less straightforward than anticipated from the product description. While the swage did engage the detents, extracting it required significant effort, necessitating the use of a pair of vice grips. This initial experience left me questioning the ease of use; it wasn’t a simple in-and-out operation as I’d hoped. There was a palpable resistance, and the removal process took more force than I was comfortable exerting on a firearm component.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over subsequent attempts on different Remington 870 variants, including a few friends’ shotguns that also sported these internal detents, a pattern emerged. The swage tool, while conceptually sound, consistently required more force and finesse than advertised. In one instance, attempting to extract the swage resulted in a noticeable bulge on the end of the magazine tube, making the barrel’s fitment problematic.

Durability-wise, the tool itself appears to be well-made and has withstood the repeated forceful removals. The steel construction shows minimal wear, but its effectiveness in cleanly removing the detents without secondary modification is inconsistent. Maintenance is straightforward: a good cleaning and re-greasing after each use are sufficient. However, the recurring need for significant leverage and the risk of minor damage to the host firearm make its reliability a point of concern for its intended purpose. Compared to the alternative of carefully filing or drilling, which I’ve done in the past, this tool offers a less invasive attempt, but the subsequent effort to make the follower pass freely can often negate that advantage.

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 specifically designed for 12 gauge Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 series shotguns. Its purpose is to reshape the internal detents that retain the magazine spring retainer, allowing for the installation of magazine tube extensions. The tool is constructed from solid steel, giving it a substantial feel and the necessary mass for the peening action required to modify the detents. Its dimensions are precisely engineered to fit within the magazine tube’s inner diameter without causing excessive play or damage, assuming proper usage. The manufacturer, XS Sight Systems, has clearly targeted a specific niche problem with this tool.

This tool is essentially a shaped plug designed to be driven into the magazine tube to collapse the internal detents. Unlike traditional methods that remove material, this swage aims to reform it. The black finish is purely cosmetic and doesn’t impact its function, though a polished finish might have been more aesthetically pleasing on the tool itself. While no specific measurements are provided for the tool’s exact diameter, its effective diameter is slightly larger than the interior of the magazine tube at the point where the detents reside, ensuring contact.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this swage is to prepare a Remington 12 gauge magazine tube for a magazine extension by deforming the internal detents. In theory, it should allow the follower to slide past smoothly. However, my real-world experience has been a mixed bag, leaning towards the disappointing. While it does seem to lessen the prominence of the detents, it rarely eliminates them entirely. Multiple strikes are often required, and even then, I frequently found myself needing to follow up with a file or a small grinding tool to ensure the magazine follower could travel unimpeded.

The effectiveness hinges heavily on the force applied and the precise alignment of the tool. If not driven in deep enough, or with sufficient force, the detents remain too prominent. Conversely, applying too much force, as one user noted, can lead to bulging the tube, which is a far worse outcome. It excels at the attempt to make the detents less intrusive, but it frequently falls short of achieving a perfectly smooth passageway for the follower without additional work. This means it doesn’t entirely replace the need for secondary finishing, undermining its primary selling point of being a clean, self-contained solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage is straightforward and utilitarian. It’s a solid piece of steel, tapered at one end to facilitate insertion and shaped to contact the internal detents. Its simplicity is its strength in terms of build quality; there are no moving parts to break, and the material choice suggests longevity. The ergonomics are, however, entirely focused on its intended use as a striking tool. It lacks any specific grip features, as it is meant to be struck with a hammer or mallet, not manipulated by hand for extended periods.

The lack of a polished surface on the swaging portion is a minor point, but noticeable. While not essential for function, a smoother finish might have aided in easier extraction and potentially reduced friction during insertion. The tapered end is well-executed, allowing for relatively easy starting, but the transition to the main body can feel abrupt. The overall impression is that of a tool built for a specific, forceful task rather than for intricate handling.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of this swage is, frankly, excellent. Crafted from solid steel, it’s built to withstand repeated hammering and forceful extraction. I have yet to see any signs of structural compromise, such as bending, cracking, or significant deformation, even after numerous uses. The material is robust enough to handle the shock of impact.

Maintenance is minimal; a thorough cleaning to remove grease and debris after each use, followed by a light re-application of gun oil or grease, is all that’s needed. This prevents rust and ensures a smoother insertion for subsequent uses. Storing it in a dry place, perhaps in a small pouch or tool roll, is ideal. The primary concern regarding “durability” isn’t about the tool itself wearing out, but rather its potential to cause wear or damage to the shotgun’s magazine tube if used improperly or excessively.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1 is a standalone tool, and as such, it does not come with any accessories. There are no interchangeable parts or customization options available for the swage itself. Its design is fixed and intended for a singular purpose.

However, its effectiveness is often enhanced by the use of other items during the modification process. High-quality gun grease or a specialized lubricant is crucial for facilitating insertion and extraction. A plastic or rubber mallet is generally recommended for initial striking, while a brass drift or punch can be useful for final persuasion of the detents. For extraction, a sturdy pair of vice grips is almost always a necessity. These are not included but are integral to the process as experienced by many users.

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

Who Should Buy **XS Sight Systems Magazine Tube Detent Swage – Rem 12 ga RE-7000-1**?

This tool is best suited for avid Remington 870/1100/11-87 owners or clones who are comfortable performing minor firearm modifications and want to avoid drilling or filing their magazine tubes. It appeals to those who prefer a “reformative” approach over “material removal” for aesthetic or functional reasons. If you are patient, methodical, and willing to accept that a follow-up might be necessary, this could be a viable option. It’s for the tinkerer who appreciates specialized tools and wants to attempt a cleaner modification.

However, beginners or those easily frustrated should probably avoid this tool. If you demand a guaranteed, perfect result on the first try, or if you are concerned about the slightest risk of damaging your firearm, this swage is not for you. Those who prioritize absolute simplicity and guaranteed success should consider seeking professional gunsmithing services or sourcing a shotgun with an already compatible magazine tube. A must-have accessory for anyone using this tool would be a high-quality gun grease and a sturdy mallet; a pair of vice grips is also highly recommended for extraction.

Conclusion on **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 tool with noble intentions and a well-constructed design, aimed at solving a specific problem for Remington shotgun enthusiasts. It offers a less destructive alternative to drilling out magazine tube detents, promising a cleaner modification. While its build quality is commendable, and it does seem to lessen the prominence of these internal obstructions, its performance is often inconsistent. Many users, myself included, find that achieving a fully functional magazine tube for extension installation still requires follow-up work with files or abrasives. The risk of damaging the firearm through forceful application or difficult extraction is a significant drawback that cannot be overlooked.

At its price point, the value proposition is debatable. If it performed flawlessly every time without requiring secondary finishing, it would be an absolute steal for Remington shotgun owners. However, given the frequent need for additional steps and the potential for errors, its actual utility is diminished. I would recommend this tool cautiously, primarily to experienced individuals who understand the nuances of shotgun modification and are prepared for potential troubleshooting. For those seeking a guaranteed, effortless solution, other methods or professional help might be a more prudent investment.