870 LW 20 Gauge Barrels Interchangeable?

[Elmer]

I have a friend who owns an older 870 LW in 20 gauge that she hunts and is very competent with. She'd like to get another barrel for it to use for a home defense gun. Her's is a 2 3/4", and is marked 870LW.

I seem to remember some kind of differences in the older lightweight 870's and the later ones. Are all the 20 gauge LW barrels interchangeable? If so I can just find her a used one and cut it down.

Thanks!

 

[waidmann]

The older upland field models (straight stock) were set up for a shorter stroke and did not fit the standard 870 I recall they had 2 round magazines. A measurement from the ring to the end of the barrel extension (or chamber) should tell you what you have in comparison to current offerings.

 

[Elmer]

Yeah, the Special Field, right?

It's definitely not one of those.

 

[Black Knight]

The normal barrel lengths for a defensive shotgun are 18 or 20 inch. It may be difficult to find a 20 gauge cylinder or improved cylinder choke barrel in these lengths. I'm not saying they are not out there but with most defensive shotguns being 12 gauge the 20 gauge barrel may be scarce. Good luck.

 

[Elmer]

The normal barrel lengths for a defensive shotgun are 18 or 20 inch. It may be difficult to find a 20 gauge cylinder or improved cylinder choke barrel in these lengths. I'm not saying they are not out there but with most defensive shotguns being 12 gauge the 20 gauge barrel may be scarce. Good luck.

No, I doubt they even made an 18 in the LW. I'll just get a 26-28-etc., and turn it into a 18.5 cylinder

 

[Black Knight]

Back in the late 1980's and early 1990's some police and sheriff departments were using Remington 870's in 20 gauge for their female officers. I believe they ordered them with the 18 - 20 inch barrels and youth stock. The article I read back then mentioned that they were concerned that the female officer might have difficulty with the full size 12 gauges. I believe the experiment failed for logistical reasons. Who knows you may be able to find one of these shotguns somewhere.

 

[Elmer]

Thanks, she's got the gun, just need a LW barrel.

 

[Virginian]

All 870 LW barrels, except the Special Field models, are interchangeable. 1100 LW and LT barrels are different. If you can find an older non vent rib model reasonable, just cut it off.

 

[Elmer]

All 870 LW barrels, except the Special Field models, are interchangeable. 1100 LW and LT barrels are different. If you can find an older non vent rib model reasonable, just cut it off.

Thank you. That's what I'll be looking for.

BTW, what a cute little gun! Weighs maybe 5 and half lbs. I'll give her some #2 buckshot and it'll be a great house gun.

 

[Blue Line]

remember older 870 20 ga's were built on a 12 ga frame before the LW was made (a true 20 frame). If a quarter will pass thru the mag ring its for a 12 ga frame. If it wont then its for the true 20 frame.

 

[Virginian]

Actually, the LW 20 was built on the 28 gauge size receiver. Remington was looking to design a 20, and decided to try the 28 since it was all forged steel. 40 years later I'd say they were right.

 

[Blue Line]

I have the older 20 built on the 12 frame and barrels are expensive when you can find one.