got my first 870...how to modify

[ndolson]

I just got the 870 I bought. I guess I didn't notice in the pictures, but the forearm was kind of "bubbafied" to account for the side saddle on the receiver. Not a big deal, but I do intend to swap it out.

Do they make forearm grips that account for receiver mounted side saddles? If not, I'll probably just remove it and get a side saddle for the buttstock.

I want to get a new stock set too. I *kind of* like that ATI top folding stock, but I also like the fixed stock alot too and am not sure if I will decide at some point I don't like the top folder. Also, it has just the typical front bead sight, I'd like to change the sights out for maybe fiber optic sights, rifle sights, something else.

This is my first shotgun and I don't really know much about them. But I'd appreciate the input from others on how to trick it out. I'm kind of a sucker for wood stocks too, but might stay with synthetic for durability reasons....I'm so confused heh.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Modify yourself first. It costs less and works better too. The process will add wear marks to the bolt and action bars- those are the second most useful accessory a shotgun can have.

In other words, buy some light birdshot loads. One box of several brands would be a good start. Find yourself a place to shoot, and find yourself someone who can show you the basics of running a shotgun. Check over the gun you have and make sure it is functional and safe to shoot- having someone who knows 870s can be a big help there. Don't forget ears and eyes- proper hearing and eye protection is important. Make sure none of the ammo you bought causes problems in the gun, then buy a bunch of whatever works and is cheapest.

Get a shotgun cleaning kit if you don't have one. Go to the Remington website and dig up the 870 owners manual online, and/or get someone who knows the gun to help you. Fieldstrip your gun. Clean it and get familiar with it, its major components, how it works.

So far you will not have spent one penny you didn't seriously need to, and will have commenced becoming a shotgunner. That's the best modification to the gun you can make- fixing the nut that holds the butt 8^).

The other stuff can wait- you might decide you like it 'as is' and save even more money that you can spend on ammo and training.

Stay safe,

lpl/nc

 

[Fred Fuller]

Doubletap- deleted.

 

[357wheelgunner]

I like the side saddle mounted on the buttstock. That's how I have mine set up, and it balances a fully loaded 7 round tube and 20" barrel very nicely. Having the sidesaddle on the reciever makes the gun feel bulky IMO.

I'll be the first to say it: BA/UU/R!

 

[Dave McCracken]

Brother Lee preaches well. Work on you first.....

 

[ndolson]

Well I want to at least get a new stock set...I'm very anal about the quality/conditions of my firearms. The forearm grip was hack sawed to allow for the receiver mounted side saddle. Looks kinda...bubba

 

[nicholst55]

Nothing wrong with swapping out for new wood. You can find takeoff 870 wood very inexpensively if you look around online.

Otherwise, I agree with the advice you've been given ~ buy some ammo and practice; get to know your gun. Unfortunately, a lot of people think that shooting is all about accessorizing a gun, many before they even fire it! Especially with a used gun, make certain that it functions correctly before you start hanging bells and whistles on it. A LOT of stuff is hung on guns simply for the 'cool factor!'

Oh, and that folding stock may look really cool/tactical/manly, but have you ever fired a stout shotgun load in a gun equipped with one? Not fun! AMHIK

 

[Stretchman]

Synthetic stock and fore end for about 66 Bux. But if you are going to add a stock, think about something higher end, Like Mesa Tactical or CavArms. Or maybe a Knoxx, although I don't like moving parts. If they fail and you're out for a bit, you're pooched.

Practice goes without saying. But once the gun is built, you have got it, the way you want it, and the few hundred extra is maybe a few hundred rounds. In the grand scheme of things, not a whole lot. Ask these guys how many rounds they've fired. When you starrt hearing 50000 plus, realize that's at least 25000 dollars worth of ammo. You could build quite a shotgun for that.

My philosophy is a little of both. Make it easier for you to use, and buy enough ammo to get good. Happy medium I am sure exists.

 

[357wheelgunner]

"When you starrt hearing 50000 plus, realize that's at least 25000 dollars worth of ammo."

Who pays $0.50 a round for shotshells?!?

 

[ndolson]

Well I just picked up some 2 3/4" target loads (100 rd pack from Walmart) for $15...I'll shoot some of that, shoot some of the 2 3/4" 00 buck I have, and maybe if that goes good, I'll try out the 3" 00 buck Magnums.

Couldn't be any more violent than shooting one of my Mosin Nagant m44's w/ steel buttplate

 

[Fred Fuller]

You shoot Mosin Nagants and call yourself anal about your firearms? C'mon... 8^). Gotta do better than that- this is a tough crowd around here.

Seriously, shotguns are working class guns, especially pumpguns. Always have been, always will be, no matter how much they gussy 'em up with fancy wood and deep polished bluing and little gold birds and stuff sticking out of the side of the receiver like raisins in an oatmeal cookie. It's still just a cornshucker at heart.

That's why so many shotgun snobs look down their noses at people who shoot pumpguns. But there are lots of 870 fans like Dave McC who can show lots of the snobs a thing or three about dusting clays or dropping doves. It's always the Indian, not the arrow that makes the difference- the singer, not the song.

Clean that old warhorse up good (the 870, not the Mosin Nagant 8^), sandpaper out any rough spots in the furniture so you don't get splinters, and start learning the gun. What you have there is what we call a Cinderella 870- the party dress can wait for later. The heart and soul are there, that's what you need to get familiar with first. The fancy schmancy can wait.

Start figuring out what you like and don't like about the way the gun is now, and when you get some experience with it (and maybe a few other borrowed guns on the range, and some others you handle in various FFL's shops) then you can start changing things based on what you know feels better to you. Stock length, different recoil pads, all sorts of things will change how a gun feels to you.

Nothing wrong with cha cha cha changes, just best to get what you know suits you when you do change things. That way you only spend the money once.

Enjoy it, and stay safe,

lpl/nc

 

[ndolson]

Well I tried out some Winchester 3" 00 Magnum loads. Man...rowdy...plain and simple. I expected less the first shot and got a whole lot more. It was great.

At around 15m, my pattern with target loads was probably 12". Peppered the whole center mass of the target nicely. The 2 3/4" buck was manageable, good group. The 3" magnums were lotsa fun.