Shotgun Plug length

[singleVI]

I cant find my plug so Ill have to cut one from a dowel rod. What is the length i should cut it? Its for my 870 20gauge. Thanks

[Graybeard]

As I recall they are about 4" but you can determine easily enough what is needed by this method. Start sticking rounds into the magazine until no more will go. Then measure how much of the next shell will go in. Add up that length and the length of the shells that went in that were more than two and cut the plug a hair more than that. Add it and verify it will then hold only two in the magazine. If I had a clue where to find one I'd measure a plug for you but I've not had one in a gun in so long I'd not even know where to look.

[singleVI]

Gotta have one for dove season or you get in trouble like my buddy did. only 3 shells. Thanks for your advice.

[Graybeard]

Yup I've been on dove fields when folks were written up for no plug. In fact I was once at a shoot at Ft. McClellan a local military base when a fellow showed up and got out to load his gun. Before he even had time to fire a shot he was checked by federal game warden and fined and sent home without ever firing a shot.

When they came to me I handed by gun over and admitted it was not plugged. He laughed and handed my O/U back to me.

I've not been dove hunting in at least 15 years I guess but were I to I'd use an O/U these days so no plug for me but for sure you need one in a pump gun. I've been known to get to a field without one and have to cut a stick and make one when I realized too many shells were going into the magazine. A section of pencil works fine.

Make darn sure you can't force more than two 2-3/4" shells into the magazine even if hunting with 3" shells.

[singleVI]

I cut down a 12 ga plug and now two 3" will BARELY fit. The 2nd shell will fit with a click but wont move more than an 1/8th of an inch into the mag. Shot all my 2-3/4" shells this weekend so I hope they fit.