870 Setup for 3-Gun?

Candyman87 · Sep 9, 2017

Hi guys- I've been gone from THR for a while but had a question I'm hoping you guys could answer.

I've recently gotten into some 3-Gun but have been using my home defense 870 and due to the 18.5" fixed IC barrel I haven't been able to get tight enough groups to get a spinner to flip over in the 6 rounds that I've got onboard.

I've got a spare 870 Express that I'm looking to setup for 3-gun on a budget. Right now I'm thinking it'll be a 24" Carlson barrel threaded for Remchoke tubes and a magazine extension. The question is which magazine extension would give me the greatest capacity without sticking out farther than the barrel?

Quick math shows me a +4 should do the trick, but I'm looking for confirmation before spending $100 or so on an extension.

And no, getting a new gun isn't on the table. Since we bought the new house I've been banned from purchasing new firearms, but she signed off on letting me spend a few bucks on modifications of a gun I already have.

Thoughts?

lmccrock · Sep 11, 2017

I suggest contacting the extension vendor. Also, posting on a competition-focused forum might help, http://forums.brianenos.com/forum/49-shotgun-technical/

Have fun!

FL-NC · Sep 11, 2017

Get the specs on the length of the tube, then tape a piece of whatever (dowel? cardboard?) to the end of the stock flush tube to get an idea of the OAL of the tube. You will also want to find out how far your proposed barrel sticks out, and mock it up in a similar way. Then you will have your answer. Also get yourself a turkey choke for shot stages, and whatever plays nice with slugs for those stages.

OldSkoolTarHeel · Sep 11, 2017

I've seen a number of competitors using extension tubes that stick out past the end of their barrel. I may be wrong, but even a wide open choke doesn't start to fan out much for a few inches after leaving the barrel.

1KPerDay · Sep 11, 2017

First thing you should do is check your local 3-gun club or organization and make sure that you are not going over the limit for tactical or whatever division you are shooting. Different clubs and organizations have different rules on shotgun capacity in their respective divisions, including rules on how many rounds a shotgun CAN HOLD, and how many may be loaded at the start of a stage.

Corpral_Agarn · Sep 11, 2017

I like Nordic components quite a bit for extension tubes and followers.

I use an 18.5 FN SLP with a light modified choke and usually do just fine.

Light Modified seems to be a good balance.

ETA: are you shooting in the "Heavy Metal" division?

Candyman87 · Sep 14, 2017

I will be shooting in factory division so I'm limited to 8 rounds in the magazine. I picked up a +4 Choate extension and it's about an inch or two shorter than the 24" barrel. I plan to use extended choke tubes that will take the brunt of the impact when being placed into the barrel. At $35 or so, they're cheaper to replace than the barrel. I just don't want the magazine tube taking the impact.

870 Setup for 3-Gun?

Candyman87

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lmccrock

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FL-NC

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1KPerDay

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Candyman87

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