Remington

[Nightcrawler]

Okay, I really do want to buy a new shotgun when I get home (leave Sunday!). It's not that my Chinese 870 clone doesn't work, but I have promised it to a friend who needs a shotgun.

I was seriously considering the Mossbergs. The Mossberg's biggest attraction for me (aside from the reduced price) is the safety. Being left handed, the Remington 870's safety is most disagreeable.

Also, I'm to understand that the Mossberg's safety is the only one that's actually a certified drop safety, too, for carrying a round in the chamber. True?

However, having fired the Mossberg 500s of my friends, I can say that I prefer the slicker action of the Remington 870 hands down.

So here's the configuration of Remington 870 I desire:

-18" cylinder Bore Barrel
-Tritium bead sight
-6-round full length magazine tube (that doesn't extend past the barrel)
-Synthetic stock and forend
-"Youth" stock with reduced length of pull

That's it. I don't want a sidesaddle because I'm left handed. Not only do they look like they'd interfere with firing grip, getting the shells out would be awkward.

The short stock would make for faster handling and reduced overall length. The glow-in-the-dark bead would allow for fast hits with buckshot in any lighting conditions.

So how can I get this shotgun in this configuration? Also, info on getting a reversed safety would be greatly appreciated.

Now, the big question. Let's talk Remington 11-87. Can I get one similarly configured?

 

[Fred Fuller]

Why not just get a mirror-image, true left handed 870? They still make it in the Express model, and there are used Wingmasters out there in lefty configuration too. http://www.remington.com/firearms/left_hand/870explh.htm

Granted you will have to get it set up the way you want but given the modularity and popularity of 870s it would be no big deal to get it done.

And there is a mirror image lefty 11-87 available too... http://www.remington.com/firearms/left_hand/1187prlclh.htm

May cost a bit more but hey- it would fit.

lpl/nc

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Pick up an old Wingmaster $200

Buy a Hogue 12" LOP stock set $30

Buy a Meprolight tritium bead $30

Buy a Wilsons 2 round extension $45

Never done it, but I understand reversing the safety is not a big deal.

Essentially did the same thing in May (except I didn't reverse the safety and added a forearm light).

BA/UU/R

 

[Nightcrawler]

Why not just get a mirror-image, true left handed 870?

I've never in my life owned a "reversed" firearm that ejected to the left. I've done all of my shooting, practicing, and training with right-ejecting guns, and prefer it immensely. It makes loading rounds into the chamber, observing the chamber, and clearing stoppages so much easier.

As for the other suggestion, you're assuming I can find a used Wingmaster. The used market where I live has always sucked (the majority of shooters are hunters who buy one or two guns and keep them forever).

Meprolight makes a tritium shotgun bead? How does it install? (Probably requires gunsmithing...)

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Fair enough. New ones in 18" should be easy to order/find somewhere.

The Mepro bead screws in. If your front bead is press fit, you will need to drive it out and tap the barrel, but it's a piece of cake.



The tritium is suspended in the center. During day light, it acts like a fibre optic. Very easy to pick up. A night, it's also very clear.

 

[Delmar]

I'm another lefty who shoots right handed weapons, and I have been using 870's for decades.

I bought a Mossy 500 back in the 70's and loved the safety location-however, it did not like the 3 inch goose loads much. The action bars were spot welded to the forearm and they broke in the middle of my hunt. I pinned them and sold the thing for a song. I would expect Mossberg has fixed this issue long ago, or I would be hearing about this same issue long and loud.

Just a thought, nightcrawler-what about a Browning BPS? Safety is in the same location as the Mossy, and they shuck pretty smoothly too.

Welcome back to the big PX, Nightcrawler! Isn't having lots of choices fun??

 

[Rupestris]

I've never in my life owned a "reversed" firearm that ejected to the left. I've done all of my shooting, practicing, and training with right-ejecting guns, and prefer it immensely. It makes loading rounds into the chamber, observing the chamber, and clearing stoppages so much easier.

Ditto.

I've seen on several websites where you can get a Rem safety converted to LH for about $30. IIRC, that is parts and labor. If you have a Gander Mountain in your area, they can do it for ya.
In fact, last time I was there they had a used 870 Express with two barrels (28" Rem choke VR, and a plain bbl about 24"), the metal trigger assembly, beat up wood and some character marks. It was tagged $189 for the package. I still kick myself when I think about it. :banghead:

What area/state will you be in?
Maybe someone here can help you find an 870.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Have you looked at the Wingmaster LEO trade ins that show up in the classified section pretty regularly?