Rem 870 customizing for IPSC shooting-HELP!

[Katigroszek]

Hi!

I'm pretty new shotgunner and I always used friends' Mossbergs 500 and 590 before. But when it came to buying a shotgun for myself I came across this Remington 870 Magnum Express 12/76 and got it.

I have to change a few things to get it shooting more efficiently in dynamic matches - I want to change the stock forend and stock (they are checkered wood), hopefully trigger group (triggerguard is to small for me and a trigger too narrow and short and too heavy also) and sights (I got U-notch rear with a white mark and a white dot rifle-like front sight).

I'm thinking of buying:

- magazine extension to 7-8 rounds
- Cabellas' laminate thumbhole stock and forend (are they any good? Do You think pistol grip stock would be better?)
- change trigger group (metal triggerguard, please! But with the pushbutton safety like the stock triggerguard has!)
- change sights to something more visible and quicker (but without modifying the sights bases if possible)
- fit a barrel heat shield (that would clear the existing rear sight base).

Please advise (and direct me to a internet shop that would ship to Europe)!

 

[Black Knight]

There is a problem with adding a magazine extension on an Express. They have a dimple in the magazine tube that disturbs the function of the magazine extension's spring. Some use a tool to tap the dimple smooth while others drill it out and smooth the tube. For stocks check out Speed Feed. These are used by many police departments and firearms manufacturers. Remington itself uses them. By the time you pay for all you want to do you may find it cheaper to check out www.remingtonle.com and look at the 870P variants. Even though they say law enforcement most can be purchased by special order at a gunshop or sporting goods store.

 

[dfariswheel]

There is no replacement trigger group for the 870 with a larger trigger guard or, as far as I know, an adjustable trigger.
Some years ago, one manufacturer did make a trigger group that included an adjustable trigger, but its no longer made.

All thats available today are the plastic or powdered aluminum factory trigger guards.
Since the aluminum guard can't be welded due to the compressed, powdered aluminum composition, about all you could do is cut the guard away then use epoxy or screws to attach an expanded bow.

There is no wide trigger available for the 870.
You might be able to still find a trigger shoe which attaches to the trigger to make it wider, or a custom gunsmith can make something up.
Years ago, these wide trigger shoes were available in gold, silver, and blue, but I think manufacture stopped some time ago.

As for sights, probably the best option is to replace the front sight blade in the ramp with a different sight.
Remove the rear sight assembly from the rear base, then have the receiver drilled and tapped for a receiver (ghost ring) sight.
The remaining rear sight base will not interfere with the new sights.

 

[AKElroy]

Gunbroker.com has dozens of NIB 870 Police shotguns listed, most with the features you are seeking. The Police versions already have a polished chamber as well, they have nearly zero plastic parts, and they are hand fitted a little better than the express. I would look at the prices your 870E would get on that site & consider trading up for a Police version with these upgrades in place. Might actually save some cash, or get close, and you end up with a better shotgun.

 

[AKElroy]

Remington is also newly offering a high polish blue version of the 870P with a polished stainless bolt & pretty walnut. I am coveting one of these w/ the 7 shot mag, TLR-2 tac light & mount, 6 shot side saddle & ghost ring sights with Tritium front insert. Now THAT would be a retrotactical piece of coolness.

 

[Katigroszek]

Thanks guys!

I'n not from US - I'm Polish and buying or selling gun here is not easy The market is small. I could sell the shogun only loosing much money. I must say I rather like it, only want to make it suit my needs better.

Now I now I'm stuck with the stock trigger and triggerguard - it's a pitty, but there's nothing to do (I do not want to customize it dremmel way You know )

As for the sights - I'd rather stay with rifle like sights on the existing mounting points, only I like to have them much MUCH bigger and VERY EASY to get on the target (especially front) - I have bad eyesight and the front sight is to small and a rear notch - to narrow and U-shaped, which I particullary do not like. Could You direct me to a internet shop selling Hi-Viz sights for that shotgun modell?
Or a ghost ring sets, if I decide to visit a gunsmith and drill my receiver?

 

[Katigroszek]

I,ve found everything I need here:

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/index_sgt_part_acc.htm

only I do not know if they would accept VISA payment and send it to Poland and for how much - the do not answer my emails. Could anybody ask them and tell me that, because I'm afraid to place my order via internet without knowing it for sure...

 

[herkyguy]

Choate for the magazine extension. I have a 5 rd extension. drill the dimples out then clean the gun THOROUGHLY to get all the metal filings out before you shoot it again. I have never heard of tapping them out, but if you have the patience, that would be nice.

 

[Katigroszek]

I've thought of tapping the dimples, but it could cause the finish to wear in those places and force me to refinish the shotgun, which is additional cost. I'd rather drill them, as the inside of the magazine would stay lightly lubrucated preventing rust, so naked metal from the inside is perfectly OK.

Could anyone ask the Wilson Combat for me if the send to Poland and for how much? Please do!

 

[Katigroszek]

Found almost all I need (trigger parts too!):

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=21078/Product/REMINGTON_TRIGGER_SYSTEM

There are manny other things including AR-15 stock adapters and Scattergun Technologies parts.