I recently inherited a Remingon Sportsman 58 semi-auto 12ga. This is my first gun let alone shotgun so, I'm new to this.

I recently went Pheasant hunting with some pals. I soon realized that I could only load in three shells (one in the chamber and two in the magazine). This was quite irritating.

I've looked up the parts and found a "Magazine Follower, Spring, and Cap." I was wondering if these parts are a form of plug for migratory birds or if this gun is only intended to load three shells?

I've gone through Remington's site and it wasn't much help. I do know that the stopped producing this model after a class-action lawsuit and started making the 1100's and 11-87's.

Any help is appreciated

 

Not sure what your gun looks like but my last Remington had a tube under the barrel and there was a cap that screwed on the end of it. Unscrew it and you should find the plug and spring. Good luck.

 

it does have the magazine tube underneath but there is a magazine cap in about in the middle of the tube though that stops more than more than two shells from being loaded.

there are basically two spings (before and after the cap). here is what the breakdown looks like.

I don't know if the magazine follower spring and cap can be removed to allow more shells or not. I don't know if removing these parts would interfere with the gas operation.

 

I used to have a Model 58 that was my grandfather's. But I loaned it to my uncle and it never came back

I don't remember it having a plug in the magazine tube, but it did only hold two shells in the magazine, as I received it. Note, if this is your first gun, and maybe your first hunting experience, you might want to check the laws in your State. Many State's do not allow you to hunt with a gun that has more than 3 shells, which is why I never tried to adjust the Model 58 I had. Ohio used to have a limit of three shotgun shells, probably still do.

 

I know for fact that in Ohio 3 shells is maximum. If the plug is remove you're in trouble so check your local laws.

 

Im not too familiar with that gun and its strange that it would not be manufactured to hold 5 shells. According to the link you posted, there is no plug. I would suggest you call the customer service for remington...they are really, really helpful.

 

If you plan on shooting birds, three shells is all you can have in your gun. In Iowa you are required to have the plug in while hunting. It should be very easy to take out.

If you need 5 shells maybe you should invest in a thrower, box of clays, and game load??

 

thanks for all the reply's!

I don't believe there is a shell limit for Pheasant in Kansas. I know there is for migratory birds. I will definately check into it.

The part I was wondering about is not called a "plug." It's the "Follower Cap" that I was questioning about whether it can be removed.

I will try to call Remington

 

In the breakdown parts link you provided in your second post, there is no part identified as a "follower cap", so I am still unsure what you are referring to.

 

I believe he is referring to the magazine follower, Item 44?

Anyway, if your magazine only holds 2 shells then you are S.O.L. My 1100 holds 4 shells (plus the one in the chamber for 5) but I have to plug it for duck hunting/pheasant hunting.

You either 1. don't have the capacity to put more than what you can currently put in 2. there is some sort of plug stopping you from doing so because the previous owner wanted it that way.

Here is what a magazine plug looks like, I have a feeling this is what is stopping you:

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/853591

 

you are right it's not called "Follower Cap." I'm not sure where I got that from. The part is actually (#3) the "Action Spring Stop." It is between the (#45) "magazine spring" and (#2) "Action Spring." Looking in the gun it looks like the stop is held in place by the (#46) "Magazine Spring Pin."

I'm begining to think that it will only hold three shells. Which is fine, especially it its the law.

 

My "field" hunting experience is that it is rare to need to fire more than three times. After that, whatever I was shooting at was gone or out-of-range. The exception that sticks in my mind is deer hunting on the Eastern Shore of MD, with a shotgun slug gun, and being surrounded by deer. I wish I had had a 20 shot magazine, because we had over 60 doe permits for crop damage. But I got 7 after reloading two times

Best day I ever had deer hunting

 

If the 2 shot filler plug was left in the magazine & not removed & cleaned well this is possable. I have seen 2 shotguns both pump guns brought into NC from out of state, both had the spring cap rusted in place, I think the guy was from Ohio.

I suggested he bring both to a good Shotgun Smith. Sure enough after they both were soaked & the plugs were removed & the springs replaced, they both were 5 shot pumps again.

Just a reminder burned powder is carbon, so don't forget those magazines both Rifle & Shotgun & a good cleaning with swabs also spraying the spring off with brake spray cleaner AKA Gun scrubber only less $.

It would not hurt the gun to be taken in for a tear down & a cleaning & relube. That's a nice Remington & was made to last a few lifetimes.

 

The Sportsman 58 is located www.remington.com/aboutus/history/m58.html and you will find your shotgun...

The Sportsman term means... only a three shell total... 2 in the magazine and one in the barrel.

You have a keeper....

Ralph

 

I also have had a Sportsman passed down to me. I have now been using it for 28 years. I love. The most reliable gun in my neighborhood. But it will only hold a total of three shells. I agree with arkayassoc he said that if you have not hit your game after three shots its long gone. Anything after three shots is just throwing lead in the air.
Hope you have as much fun with your sportsman 58 as I have. But this year I will be retiring it to the gun case not because I want to but I think it has served its time well. I will be replacing it with the 11-87 with 3 1/2" chamber. I hope it serves me as well as my Sportsman 58 has.
Good luck

 

I have used my 20 gauge Sportsman 58 on many hunts. It was my father's and he bought new with 26" improved cylinder and 28" modified barrels. After many years and much use it is still as pristine as it was when I fired it the first time 25 years ago. I have alot of sentiment for this gun, but was surprised by the mention of a lawsuit in the original thread. Does anyone know what this was about? Is there anything that I should be concerned with as I continue to shoot this gun for sport? I has not been my primary shotgun for some time, but when I want to shoot a 20, it is my choice most of the time. I appreciate any information that anyone is aware of.

 

This is what I dug up on it and appears to only affect 12 gauge http://www.gunsmoke.com/scot/guns/re...it_result.html