870 Express not holding 2 3" shells in plugged tube

Using 3" shells in my 870 Express - has the plug in - and I can only get 1 other shell in the tube. Shouldn't I be able to get two in there? I've tried re-orientating the plug facing in several different directions with no success. My next move is going to be trim the plug - anyone else had this problem?

That gun good for 3"?

Also, are u certain theres not another shell in there already?

Yes it's rated for 3" and no there is not another shell in there lol

Why is this even a question? Cut the plug!

Trim the plug. Just make sure it can not hold three 2 3/4" shells in the tube after the trim and you are good.

Or Find a smaller stick

i that the plug that came with the gun

or was it bought later

One time I had a friend join me for a dove hunt so I borrowed a Remington 1187 from a friend. Come to find out when I got out to the ranch the gun didn't have a plug. I took a thick plastic hanger and broke a long piece to the same length as my 870's plug and it held up throughout the hunt. In fact until now I forgot to tell the friend I borrowed the gun from about it...

Moral of the story it is safe to cut to fit.

I'd say the bigger moral of the story is find out what is not working correctly before cutting pieces of your gun, because it should hold 2 three inch shells with the plug in.

Good thought. It should work as designed. It may be the tube mag isn't working properly. Can you fit four shells in the tube without the plug?

If you can rule out broken mag components you might want to try a broken hanger plug before cutting down the supplied one.

Plugs are cheap. Quit over thinking it and just cut the plug and be done with it. I know guys that use pencils for plugs and never had a problem.

The fact that plugs are cheap isn't the point, the point is that that gun is supposed to hold 2 shells in the magazine. He either has it in wrong or has the wrong plug in it. Period.

There's a lot of difference in length on those two shells. If it is a tight fit with 2.75" shells, there is no way that 2 3" shells are going to fit.

If it's a 3 inch gun, it should fit.
If it's the correct plug, then I'd be concerned about the type of spring retainer...
If it's the metal wedge type, make sure it's concave end is inward toward the magazine; If it's the plastic twist out, make sure its not in too far;

Last thought, some "tactical" followers, have a projection off the back of them to serve as a spring guide, and that would contact the plug prematurely. I've seen all of these cases.

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Aftermarket plugs are cheap and are a one size fits most piece. They are plastic and made to be cut to size. Cut too much and you know it right away so you buy another one. Cut it and be done. Period.

take that plug out and use a wooden dowel cut to correct length