[vanfunk]

Hello Folks,
Yesterday I found for sale a Remington 870 Express "HD" with factory 7-shot magazine, NIB for $275. I bought it 'cause I wanted an inexpensive home defense tool. All things considered, I'd rather have the Police model but this one appears to be pretty well put together. I put 50 rounds of Winchester birdshot through it yesterday to check its function, and it was fine and dandy. I'm going to start using it for HD right away, but was wondering if there are any "must have" upgrades needed on this model to insure the highest reliability. To my eye, the shell lifter looks a little on the flimsy side, etc. Also, just wondering about the stock - how durable are the factory stocks? Any other tips or hints you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
vanfunk

[Rupestris]

Lets see...
Pistol grip, heat shield, forend light, side saddle, sling, Ghost ring rear sight, bayonet, shell follower made of unobtanium, a compass in the stock, garlic/holy water/wood stake rounds, a Bat signal, GPS, fold out fly swatter, LCD display...


Nope, I can't say any of those are "must have".

All I can think of is practice, practice, and more practice.

Nice SG ya got there.

[mattw]

all i've got in the way of an HD shotgun is a standard 870 express magnum with an 18.5" barrel. if i need any more than 5 shots of 00 buck i'm in trouble.

[obm]

the 870's are good to go out of the box. any enhancements are just that...enhancements....good to have, but not "must haves".

[LeonCarr]

vanfunk,

The only accessories you need for your 870 are ammunition and practice. It is good to go out of the box. Try the low recoil buckshot and slugs that a lot of companies have.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[A Cleaner]

I know it doesn't sound very fun to hear people say that you don't need any of those cool upgrades but they're right, IMHO. Consider this, shooting someone to protect yourself/family inside your home is serious business. Serious business requires tools you can count on. Simplicity and reliability is your shotgun's half of the deal. Prudence, proficiency, and the will to defend loved ones/self is your half of the deal.

Buy a few cases of ammo instead of a modification and practice like you mean to do it.

[Bill B.]

I use 2 of em box stock and am well satisfied! :)

[Rupestris]

all i've got in the way of an HD shotgun is a standard 870 express magnum with an 18.5" barrel. if i need any more than 5 shots of 00 buck i'm in trouble.

Same here.
5 rounds backed up by a determined wife in " protect the children" mode with a 1911 and a phone should be just about :neener: enough.

[Nnobby45]

You forgot the wind velocity indicator (propeller) like the one you have on your hat. :p

Keep testing for reliability. I ran some LE Ranger slugs thru my Wilson Express and they didn't want to extract some times--same in my Wingmaster. Fed. Tac. slugs are smooth as a whistle in both.

Make certain that the stock isn't too long. If you plan on shooting slugs outdoors past 40yds., then Ghost Rings are fine, but for HD, you're already prepared.

[SanduneCC]

Seriously, 2 items come to mind:

. Replace the barrel clamp with one that has a swivel sling stud so you can mount a sling.

. If the factory stock is too long, replace it with a Speedfeed 13" LOP. If you do this, buy the kit that has the LE forend and replace that too.

That's it.

[Dave McCracken]

Your shotgun, as is, is an incredibly effective weapon. Little is needed besides BA/UU/R. Shoot it until you can do it perfectly under adrenaline surge at zero dark thirty, because you may need to.

A sling is essential when we have to militia things up in a wide spread crisis, but just gets in the way for in house use. Install QD studs, but leave the sling off inside.

Run at least 200 rounds through it glitchless, using the ammo that will be used for crisis management.

HTH....

[Rupestris]

You forgot the wind velocity indicator (propeller) like the one you have on your hat. :p

The manufacturer told me that the hat was supposed to make me invisible. The ultimate in tactical headware. How did you see me? :D

[Geno]

Go to Wilson Combat's site and check out the steel shell follower. Their logic is compelling. Other than that, I see no other needed changes. To date, my like 870 is flawless as is. I have NOT changed out mine yet. I may some day purchase the steel follower.

Doc2005

[1911JMB]

I would highly reccomend a surefire forearm, and lots of practice. If you love that unnessasary "tactical" crap like heat shields and pistol grips, get it because you like it and can afford it. But the fact is, all of it is useless for a hd gun.

[Nnobby45]

I would highly reccomend a surefire forearm, and lots of practice.

You can easily remove the light and replace it with a small plug furnished by SureFire. That may be best for outdoor use during daylight hours--reduces weight a little and keeps your light safe.

I agree with Dave about the sling indoors, but find it indespensible outdoors. When shooting on public lands, I don't like to leave my shotgun behind when I go to check my targets--which could be a hundred yds. when testing slugs, and it leaves hands free--not that the sling is limited to just that. If you're going to leave the sling on in doors, then at least shorten it up so it's less likely to snag on things.

[vanfunk]

Thanks for all the replies, folks!

I'm going to leave it stock for now. I've never been into the latest uber-tactical stuff, but was wondering if there were any parts that should be replaced with stronger or better versions right away.

I might go ahead and GunKote it, though. In my experience, matte blue finishes like the one on the Express don't hold up to much use.

Today I'm going to pattern it with 00 Buck at 15 yards (longest shot in my home) and then do some "plinking" with slugs :evil:

Thanks!
vanfunk

[c_yeager]

The gun is good to go as is. The only things that really dissapoint me about the express are the glued on front bead and the "on-size-fits-all" stock that doesnt seem to fit many people at all. I have the good fortune of being among the .0001% that actually fits the stock almost perfectly (5'10"(on my tippy toes), fireplug build) but that bead just bothers me.