Remington 870 Modifications

[Cuda71]

I am looking into buying an 870, but I have a few questions first. I particularly like the look of the older style 870 Police Magnums (with the wood stock and ribbed wood fore-end). I've seen refinished stocks and fore-ends from Police Magnums for sale, so here are my questions:

Is it possible to install these on a newer model, say an 870 express?
Is this something that I can do myself or would I need a gunsmith?

I was looking at the 870 Express Synthetic 7-Round:

http://www.remington.com/products/f...model_870_express_synthetic_7-round_specs.asp

This raises one more question: Can this model also be fitted with a 26" or 28" vent rib barrel if I decide on getting one in addition to the 18"?

I'm new here to the forums, and I greatly appreciate any help you can offer.
Thanks!

 

[IDriveB5]

Welcome to the forums.
Most, if not all, stocks/forearms can be swapped about different 870s. Those old wood stocks are nice, arent they?

 

[Fred Fuller]

Welcome to THR!

Is it possible to install these on a newer model, say an 870 express?
Is this something that I can do myself or would I need a gunsmith?

It works well, I have 'take-off' Police gun furniture on a couple of Expresses here, and I like it.

Stocks are generally not a problem to change out- it takes a #2 Phillips to get the recoil pad off and a long-shank slot screwdriver to remove and replace the buttstock. Keep in mind that some synthetic stocks don't need the stock bearing plate that wooden stocks do- be sure you have the right amount of space in the back of the receiver for the 'socket' of your stock to fit into. You may have to put in a bearing plate if your gun doesn't have one. Chances are a bearing plate won't be included with a take-off stock set. (See http://www.urban-armory.com/diagrams/rem870.htm , it's Part #60)

Actually it's pretty easy to swap out fore-ends a lot of the time, but when it isn't easy... well, you can mess stuff up trying. Best bet is to buy a good fore-end tool if you plan on doing lots of mods to 870s in the future. For a one-time thing I'd get someone who had the tool and some experience to do it. It can be a bit tricky to get the new forearm lined up so it doesn't rub on the barrel sometimes too- that's easier done by someone who has some experience.

I was looking at the 870 Express Synthetic 7-Round:

http://www.remington.com/products/fi...ound_specs.asp

This raises one more question: Can this model also be fitted with a 26" or 28" vent rib barrel if I decide on getting one in addition to the 18"?

That's a good choice for a platform to start building the gun you want IMHO, if you want to start with a HD type gun. You get a good magazine extension off the bat, plus you don't have to mess with magazine tube dimples.

You CAN put on a longer barrel. You'll need a standard magazine cap and a standard length magazine spring. I'd find one of the old style spring steel magazine spring retainers just to make life easier while the gun is in sporting configuration- and don't forget the plug, if you go after migratory birds.

If I were you I'd look for an older style Express barrel (or a Wingmaster or Special Purpose barrel- you can use anything in the same gauge but a Special Field barrel) that has the detent in the barrel ring (to keep the magazine cap in place), and get one of the old style magazine caps that has dimples around the outside edge to engage the detent in the barrel ring. Newer Express barrels don't have the detent, the newest ones don't even have the hole drilled for it. Without the detent you will have to jackleg some way to keep the magazine cap tight, like teflon tape on the magazine threads or something. It might take more looking to get the parts to do it 'the right way' but would make life easier in the long run.

Have fun, stay safe-

lpl/nc

 

[JimmyN]

You can still get the Police Magnums with walnut stock, I bought one NIB about 6 months ago.

It is a model # 24897
The label on the box and manual says:

MODEL 870 POLICE "PARKERIZED"
PUMP ACTION SHOTGUN - R3 PAD
20" BARREL IC CHOKE BEAD SIGHT
WOOD STOCK AND FOR-END

The wood stocks on the Police model are walnut. The wood on the Express models is birch, with a walnut stain. I've seen the Express wood on Ebay for as little as $20.00 for a stock and forearm.

 

[357phase]

Start on last page of e-bay under remington 870.Some fellow sells a butt stock and forearm set that looks very nice.Not sure of the type of wood but has sling swivel and R-3 recoil pad.$29.99 for set is,I think a very good price.So far I've bought five and very pleased.These are the same stocks that came on my factory police models when I compared them.I see these listed all the time.They might be needed to fire the gun so you might want to hurry before being considered e-bay illegal.

 

[357phase]

I meant start on last page and work forward.I don't usually see them under page four or five before they're gone.These look like brand new take offs.

 

[Cuda71]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Just out of curiosity, how much do the Police Magnums with the walnut stocks and fore-ends cost? I'm still trying to decide which way would be better for me: buying one outright or adding the walnut parts.

Also, what exactly is the difference between the #24897, #24899 and #24888?

Thanks again.

 

[IDriveB5]

You will also need forearm wrench to swapp forearms.

My idea of an ideal set up:
monte carlo stock with 20" RS Remchoke barrel, 2 shot tube extension, sling.
Think that would make a great deer gun and HD gun.

Anyone know if they are making monte carlo stocks in the new brown laminate?

 

[SecondAmend]

I recently picked this up. It's an 870 Express Magnum that came with 18.5" barrel, 6-cap mag, Butler Creek pistol grip w/ folding stock. I put a Limbsaver on it and trimmed out some of the rubber for a more custom fit. I also have inexpensive red dot scope on it and will be adding a tactical light soon. For me, it's the perfect configuration for a HD role. I have 10 rounds of "00, 9 pellet Buck" ready and available.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Once again, the most important thing to have on your defensive tools is wear marks.

Shoot the thing until it feels like a part of your body, not a tool.

 

[JimmyN]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Just out of curiosity, how much do the Police Magnums with the walnut stocks and fore-ends cost? I'm still trying to decide which way would be better for me: buying one outright or adding the walnut parts.

Also, what exactly is the difference between the #24897, #24899 and #24888?

Thanks again.

The Police Magnums will usually run at least $150 more than the Express models, depending on what you get. I paid $425 at a gun show for the model I posted above. The Police model uses some stronger parts, heavier springs, and has better fit and finish, as they are assembled in a special area of the plant.

To see the Police models (and model #) you need to go to Remington's Law Enforcement web site. http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/870.htm

As far as I know all the 870 barrels are interchangable, and barrel swapping is easy. Just open the action, remove the magazine cap and pull the barrel off. If you have an extension on the magazine it is a little more trouble, as you have to deal with that 4' long spring.

If you get one with a standard length magazine, you'll have the magazine cap, standard spring, and the spring retainer. When you buy the extension you'll get the extension, an extra length spring, and usually a clamp depending on which brand you buy. That way you can put a longer barrel on for hunting, clays, etc, and you'll already have the standard cap and spring to use with it.