Stock Options

[simonjester]

Ok so I picked up an 870 express 20 Gauge and I want to replace the laminate stock. I'm torn between going with wood or a camo synthetic stock. It also appears there are not a whole lot of 20 gauge options out there...

I am also considering the youth stock as this would fit DW better.

I plan on using the gun for HD and perhaps turkey hunting....

Will the 20 gauge youth fit on a non youth 20 gauge? I believe all the newer models are the light weight model correct?

Any suggestions?

 

[Fred Fuller]

Correct - all the 870 Express 20 gauge guns are built on the same 20 gauge frame, and not the 12 gauge frame used for earlier 20 ga. Wingmasters. For future reference, here are the 870 receiver codes:

The last letter in the serial number of your 870 will tell you what length shell the receiver is set up to handle.

CODE = FRAME SIZE
V = Full size 12 ga. frame, 2 3/4"
M = Full size 12 ga. frame, 3" magnum
W = Full size 16 ga. frame, 2 3/4"
X = Full size 20 ga. frame, 2 3/4"
N = Full size 20 ga. frame, 3" magnum
K = Small frame 20 ga. LW, 2 3/4"
J = Small frame, 28 ga., 2 3/4"
H = Small frame, .410 bore, 3"
-from p. 16, _The Remington Shotguns: A Shop Manual_, by Jerry Kuhnhausen

The issue with the different shell lengths in the receiver is the placement of the ejector, while the ejection port might be the same length (except for the 3.5" guns), the ejector is set up to handle a different length shell, and a 3" fired shell might not clear the ejection port of a receiver set up for a 2.75" shells.

Of course, sometimes an ejector has been changed or a different one was installed at the factory, so this list might not be iron clad...

 

[simonjester]

Curious what if your last letter is a C?