Ball Detent install

[ronaldlee]

How much trouble is it to install a ball detent on an 870 barrel that does not have one? Also, do you know where I can get a 870 20 Ga. magazine cap W/Swivel stud and made for the internal magazine tube ratchet. Uncle Mikes  has one listed [1800-5] ,but when you try to buy it you can only select the 12 Ga model. I have a cap W/ swivel stud and external detent but I worry  it would back off if I forgot about it for a while. Ron

[gunnut69]

Basically one drills a hole the size of the ball and deep enough to allow a spring to live under the ball. A punch is made to push the ball below the surface of the metal and the edge of this punch creates a ring depression which moves metal over the ball to retain it but allows it to protrude enough to be effective.. Measurements to create this punch are what will dictate the success of the installation.

[ronaldlee]

Thanks for your reply Gunnut.

[earlybird]

actually the ball detent in these barrels is not a ball at all but a spring loaded plunger. It works better than a ball because it has more travel and is easier to install than a ball would be. the part is available from the factory and parts houses.