The worst thing happened to me the other day.

[gearbox]

Okay, I realize "worst" is quite a subjective definition, but I digress.
I was at a local sporting goods store and noticed a Remington 870 Tactical. It had a green (Parkerized?) receiver and barrel, 20" bead-sighted barrel, extended mag tube, and Speedfeed pistol grip stock.
My current 870Exp has been having problems cycling anything besides the highest quality ammo, and that just won't do.
So I fell in love with the feel of a pistol grip.
I got home and looked it up, but fell further in love with its cousin, the 870P Max. It's pretty much my ideal gun.

The soul-searching comes in how to save money on my new battle-rifle.
I want an 870P receiver and trigger group.
I want an 18" IC barrel with tritium-inserted rifle or ghost-ring sights.
I want a fore-end light.
I want a shortened LOP pistol grip stock.
I want a mag tube extension.
I want blackish or grayish parkerization.
I want a side-saddle or buttstock ammo carrier.

I know I could get an 870P and build it up, but it might cost just as much as an 870P MAX once I add everything plus shipping.

So talk me into an 870P Max or talk me out of it.

PS who makes a fore-end with a universal/Picatinny rail or a clamp-on rail for the barrel?

 

[mattw]

can't go wrong with any 870.. check out the surefire fore-ends

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main.pl?pgm=co_disp&func=displ&sesent=00&carfnbr=124

 

[gearbox]

I do like the Surefire. If I were to build up a shotgun the Surefire would be a contender, but it might be cheaper if I were to get a fore end with a rail to stick an X200 on since I'm planning on getting a handgun light.

 

[Dave McCracken]

One step at a time. Did that with my first 870, and it has served me well for nigh 50 years in its various avatars. Still short a GOOD light, but here and now I can live with that.

 

[Billmanweh]

re: the rail mount

sidearmor

 

[gearbox]

I guess I really am in the market now...I'm looking around for the best prices on the 870P Max.

Billmanweh, that's similar to what I've seen before, but what I'm thinking of is basically a barrel/mag tube clamp with a very short rail and a sling mount.

Dave, I'd upgrade my current 870, but I don't really feel like risking it since I've been having cycling issues with it. I'll relegate it to skeet duties once I get a reliable 870.

 

[Dave McCracken]

870s are usually reliable as crowbars. I suggest you get it to a smith and get it right.

Most glitches have to do with the shell latches, action bars and cleanliness.