Many people are curious about shotguns and how they work, especially the pump-action type. You might wonder if you can add a magazine to a pump shotgun, just like on rifles or semi-automatic shotguns. The answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no.” Shotgun designs, safety rules, and laws all play a role. This article will help you see what is possible, what is not, and what you need to know before making changes to a pump shotgun.
How Pump Shotguns Feed Ammunition
A pump shotgun uses a sliding action to load shells from a built-in tube under the barrel. Most have a tubular magazine, which is not the same as a detachable box magazine you find in many rifles.
- Tubular magazine: Holds shells in a line under the barrel. You load shells one by one at the front or bottom.
- Box magazine: Removable box that holds shells stacked on top of each other. You can swap it quickly.
The reason for the tube magazine is tradition and reliability. Pump shotguns are known for their simple, strong design. This design has worked well for over a century.
Can You Add A Magazine To A Pump Shotgun?
If you’re asking about adding a detachable box magazine to a standard pump shotgun, the answer is usually no. Most pump shotguns are not made to accept this kind of magazine. The receiver and feeding parts are different.
However, some pump shotguns are built from the factory to use detachable magazines. These are special models, not regular ones you see in most gun shops. For example:
- Mossberg 590M
- Remington 870 DM
These models have different parts inside and outside. You cannot convert most regular pump shotguns to use box magazines safely or easily.
Why Most Pump Shotguns Do Not Use Detachable Magazines
- Design Limitations: The inside of a pump shotgun is made for feeding shells from a tube, not a box.
- Reliability: Tubular magazines are less likely to jam. Box magazines can sometimes cause feeding problems with shotgun shells.
- Cost and Complexity: Changing to a box magazine would require new parts, tools, and knowledge. Most gun owners do not have what they need for this.
- Legal Issues: Some countries and states have strict rules on magazine capacity and modifications.
Shotgun Types And Magazine Styles
Here’s a simple comparison of how shotguns handle ammunition:
| Shotgun Type | Magazine Type | Shell Capacity (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Pump-action (standard) | Tubular | 5–8 shells |
| Pump-action (box mag) | Detachable box | 5–10 shells |
| Semi-auto (box mag) | Detachable box | 5–10 shells |
This shows that most pump shotguns use a tubular magazine. Only certain models use detachable box magazines.
Factory Models With Detachable Magazines
Some companies offer pump shotguns that come ready to use with a box magazine. These are not very common, but they do exist.
- Mossberg 590M: Uses 5, 10, 15, or 20-round box magazines. Built for law enforcement and home defense.
- Remington 870 DM: Uses a 6-round magazine. Known for reliable feeding.
- Adaptive Tactical Venom: A kit to convert certain Mossberg 500/590 models to use a 10-round box magazine.
These models are made to work with box magazines from the start. The feeding system, shell lifter, and receiver are all different from standard pump shotguns.
Why Some People Want Detachable Magazines
There are practical reasons some gun owners want a detachable magazine:
- Faster reloading: You can swap a magazine quickly.
- Higher capacity: Some box magazines hold more shells.
- Ease of use: Loading several shells into a magazine is faster than loading one-by-one into a tube.
But there are also drawbacks:
- Size and weight: Large magazines can be heavy and make the shotgun harder to use.
- Reliability: Not all magazines feed shells smoothly every time.
- Cost: Shotguns with box magazines are usually more expensive.
Modifying A Pump Shotgun: What You Need To Know
Trying to add a box magazine to a standard pump shotgun is difficult and often unsafe. Key reasons:
- Technical barriers: The frame, shell lifter, and trigger group are designed for tubular feeding.
- Safety: Improper changes can cause misfeeds or even dangerous accidents.
- Legal risks: Some places ban shotguns with high-capacity magazines.
If you want a pump shotgun with a box magazine, it’s best to buy a model that is made for this. Avoid kits and modifications unless you are an expert.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Many new gun owners think they can just “add a magazine” to their pump shotgun. This is not true. Here are two mistakes people make:
- Buying conversion kits for the wrong shotgun: Not all kits fit every model, and many do not work well.
- Ignoring laws: Some places do not allow high-capacity magazines for shotguns. Always check your local laws.
Practical Alternatives For More Capacity
If you want to carry more shells without switching to a box magazine model, here are some safe options:
- Tube extension kits: Increases the capacity of your tubular magazine by 1–3 shells.
- Side saddles: Holds extra shells on the side of your shotgun for faster access.
- Shell carriers: Worn on the belt or vest to keep spare shells ready.
These methods are legal in most places and keep your shotgun reliable.
Comparing Tube And Box Magazines
Here is a side-by-side look at tube and box magazines for shotguns:
| Feature | Tubular Magazine | Box Magazine |
|---|---|---|
| Reload Speed | Slower, one shell at a time | Fast, swap whole magazine |
| Capacity | Usually 5–8 shells | 5–20 shells (depends on mag) |
| Reliability | Very high | Medium to high |
| Weight/Size | Lighter, slimmer | Heavier, bulkier |
Tube magazines are simpler and more reliable for most uses. Box magazines give speed, but may not be needed for hunting or sport shooting.
Safety And Legal Concerns
Before changing any part of a shotgun, always check:
- Local laws and rules: Some countries and states ban high-capacity magazines or certain shotgun types.
- Warranty and safety: Changing parts may cancel your warranty or make the gun unsafe.
- Training: Practice safe handling and loading, especially if you use a new magazine type.
For up-to-date legal info, you can check the Wikipedia gun laws by state page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use A Box Magazine In My Old Pump-action Shotgun?
Most old pump shotguns cannot use box magazines. They are designed for tubular feeding only. Only special models built for box magazines can use them safely.
Is It Legal To Put A High-capacity Magazine On A Shotgun?
This depends on your country and local laws. Some places ban shotguns with magazines over a certain size. Always check the rules before buying or changing parts.
Are Box Magazine Pump Shotguns Reliable?
They can be reliable, but usually not as smooth as tube-fed models. Feeding problems are more common with box magazines. Proper cleaning and using quality magazines help.
What Is The Main Benefit Of A Detachable Magazine On A Pump Shotgun?
The biggest advantage is faster reloading. You can swap magazines quickly, which is useful for home defense or competitions.
Can I Install A Magazine Extension On My Tube-fed Shotgun?
Yes, many shotguns allow you to add an extension to the tube. This increases shell capacity by 1–3 shells, depending on the kit.
Upgrading a shotgun is a big decision. Think about what you need, check the laws, and choose safe, reliable parts. For most people, a standard tube-fed pump shotgun is the best mix of reliability and ease of use.
Leave a Reply