[rugerfreak]

Was down at the local pawnshop today and noticed a couple 870P's behind the service counter tagged to be put away for lay-a-way.

When I asked about 'em---we have more in the back if you want to look them over.

Long story short---I picked up an 870P for $195----plain 18'' barrel----mag extention----clamp with swivel---syn stock and short forearm-------metal follower-----says Police Magnum on the side-----parkerizing wasn't in too bad of shape----pretty much just honest wear. Dealer said they were trade-ins from the Nebr. State Patrol.

A good thorough cleaning is in order----but other than that----what parts should I look to update---if any??---- to keep this old warhorse in top functioning condition for years to come???

Every thing works now----but I'm looking for absolute reliability---so I'm talking preventative maintenance here.

The shortened Speed-Feed 13" LOP stock w/pistol grip is a definite mod I'm going to make---as the current stock is way too long for me------Surefire forend is another highly likely mod too.

[Coronach]

A. You're probably OK as-is. It is possible to wear out an 870, but you gotta work at it.

B. Dave McC will be along shortly to give you a list of things that you should check, in general.

C. Mostly, its gonna be case-by case.

As far as modifications? These would be my list of mods, in order of my perception of their utility:

1. Surefire forend. If this gun is to be a defensive piece, this is almost a must-have. You can survive without it, but try doing a whole COF with a hand-held light and see if you want to.

2. Fitted stock (or at least one that you like)

3. butt-cuff or sidesaddle for ammo. Avoid the Speedfeed ammo-holding stock. I've found it to be highly variable in how readily it coughs up ammo, it only adds 4, and seems like a malfunction waiting to happen. I've used one extensively now for several years. I don't like it. At all.

4. extended mag tube. Gives you 1-3 more shots in the tube, but it can really turn a light, fast-pointing weapon into a railroad tie.

5. Ghost ring sights. Expensive, not really needed for close-in work, but pretty nice for anything requiring precision (slugs?)...and basically as fast as a bead.

6. big-head safety. I've never had a problem with the existing one. I carry it cruiser-ready (loaded tube, empty chamber, safety OFF), but if you use the safety, this is probably a better option.

7. Hi-vis mag follower. I always visually inspect and feel for the presence of a round or the follower...so if I cannot see it, I just look harder or grope around. A nice cheap mod if you're concerned about it...hardly a must-have, though.

JMO,

Mike

PS just remember: as-is you have a pretty effective weapon. Anything else is icing on the cake.

[Lee Lapin]

Good deal on a great gun- congrats. Hope yours has a factory ImpCyl fixed choke, if you go back again and feel up to it, look thru and see if you find a MOD choke 18" gun- if you do please let me know! They are special order items from Remington but they do turn up from time to time. I'd be glad to have it transferred to my FFL if one turns up... .

Deep cleaning is definitely in order. That means field strip completely per the owners manual (online at the Remington site if you did't get one with the gun). Don't shortcut this part, just pulling the barrel off is not enought. You need to pull out the trigger plate and bolt/action bar assembly too, so you can get into every nook and cranny and clean it out and relube as needed. You may find everything just fine, depending on the armorer/s responsible for this gun, or it may be a mess, but you need to look to make certain. Pay attention to the inside of the magazine tube and the areas behind the shell latches in the receiver. Most pump shotgun difficulties originate in these areas.

Most issue guns get ridden around a whole lot, carried a little and shot even less. There tends to be more external wear than internal damage. I doubt there is much you need to do as far as PM is concerned, I would order a replacement magazine spring or three if I didn't have one on hand. Yours might be OK but it doesn't hurt to have a spare for good measure. Other than that I doubt much needs attention.

If the gun has the plain, old style Speedfeed non-magazine type synthetic stock with thick sidewalls, I would NOT change it out. It can be shortened to fit you and a KickEez or other good replacement recoil pad installed. It will be a heck of a lot sturdier than any one of the thinwalled replacements.

Try shooting a gun with a SureFire fore-end if you can find one. They don't have a lot of hand room on the fore-end and you may find it cramps your style- especially if you need to have the stock shortened. My wife shoots a 12 1/2" LOP and needs a full length field type fore-end on her guns so as not to have to over-extend her support arm.

I'd swap out the standard bead for a Meprolight tritium bead (about $22 for the bead, 'smith will have to drill and tap a hole for it). Other than that, and adding a SideSaddle and sling, that's about it. Good luck, and enjoy!

lpl/nc

[Gunsnrovers]

On principle, I have always put in new magazine tube springs on the shotguns I've bought (have never owned a new one). The few bucks it costs just seems worth it to avoid any frustration. Aside from that, it they function out OK, you're probably in great shape.

Congratulations and enjoy.

Wish police trade ins were still a reality in California.

[Dave McCracken]

Strip it down, clean out the receiver and relube with a thin coat of oil, CLP or SLIP.

Empty the mag tube. Replace the spring if it's kinked or corroded. Clean and relube the inside of the mag tube.

Check the mag follower for cracks. Both the metal and plastic ones occasionally do crack, I'm told, especially if the thing's been kept loaded for years.

Clean and lube the bolt, you might want to examine the firing pin spring. If it looks like there's an uneven rate of spiral to it, replace it. Make sure the extractor on the bolt moves well and is clean.

The ejector mounted in the receiver should not have sharp edges or anything but a smooth radius on the front end.

After ensuring the weapon is unloaded, TWICE, check the safety function. Make sure it moves smoothly from side to side.

Check the chamber for plastic buildup right where the 2 3/4" shells end in that 3" chamber. If there is buildup, it can send pressures up and impair smooth cycling and function when 3" shells are used.

Next, go shoot it. Use any load you have, but after breaking in use at least 200 rounds of duty stuff shot glitchless before posting this as a defensive weapon.

HTH....