You should get an 870. I did.

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Stretchman

member
Joined
Dec 29, 2006
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387
Location
Dania Beach, Florida
Got a new weapon today

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Looked around online, at most of the local gun stores, and finally decided today. I had an 870 Express before that I purchased in 1981. I liked the finish of the weapon, and the fact that it came with a mag tube extension. The price was $340.00 from a local gun shop. I priced the weapon at another gun shop, and they wanted 100.00 more. I also looked at Bass Pro, but they didn't have it in the configuration that I wanted, so I decided today to drive down and get it.

I actually got the same saleman that I had yesterday, and he was happy to make the sale. I waited until he was finished with another customer. I also picked out a case, and got some 2.75 express 00 buck for it. I haven't patterned it yet, but I need to go to Bass Pro and get ammo, which they have a good price for and a lot of selection. Out the door with everything for about 400.00. I could have done worse.

O really wanted a Mossberg, but as I pondered the situation, I figured that by the time I was done, all the extras I would be payung for would be gone. Speed stock and the heatshield would have been replaced, and if I go to a pistol grip stock, the safety is easier to access. Plus, I liked the finish of the Remmy a lot better.

Thanks for all of the help, and putting up with my stupid questions.

I do have a few more though. I am looking for a good home defense round, in reduced recoil, and I figure that anyone who has patterned an 870 could give me a heads up on what might work, and what to avoid. I know I still have to pattern it myself, but I don't want to have to buy one of each when I go down to the store, as it might get pricey.

I have found a tactical course for the local area for 175.00. They will only do single or group training. I may post a message later to find out if anyone else wanst to take the course, since it may get a group discount for going with more than one person. I haven 't got the full details yet, but I will be checking on it. I am in South Florida for a point of reference.

Again, thank you for all the help and patience. I wouldn't know half of what I do without this board.

Stretch
Quit cigs 1M 1W 2D 11h 25m ago. So far saved $242.85, 1,619 cigs not smoked and counting ...
 
Loaded it out to make sure that it would function, and it seems that the spring got caught in the mag tube somewhere, and after feeding one shell, the rest of them rattled around and refused to feed. Is this normal for a new gun? It has the factory + 2 magazine extension onit, and will take 6 rds of 2.75 shells. Just wondering if it was normal, or if I maybe need to take it apart and lube it?

Stretch
Quit cigs 1M 1W 2D 11h 41m ago. So far saved $242.92, 1,619 cigs not smoked and counting ...
 
stretch,

Field strip it according to the instructions in the owners manual, and CLEAN IT. Do that before you do anything else- Remington puts gunky sticky preservative in new guns that needs to be cleaned out. Pay particular attention to the chamber and the inside of the magazine tune and the extension tube. Then lube it lightly with RemOil or the equivalent.

You should not have problems with the follower/magazine spring hanging up in the magazine tube. That's a non-starter. If cleaning and lubing properly doesn't fix it, then it needs attention from the factory.

Hope it works out for you,

lpl/nc
 
I am looking for a good home defense round, in reduced recoil, and I figure that anyone who has patterned an 870 could give me a heads up on what might work, and what to avoid.
Click to expand...

I don't have an 870, but I use the Federal "Tactical" 00 reduced recoil buck and it works great for me.
 
Also, after you've thoroughly wiped down the weapon, put some moly grease (less than $5 from Wal Mart automotive section) on the pump slide rails. Then work the slide a couple of hundred times.

John
 
Ok, now for more stupid questions. The instruction manual that I have doesn't show the weapon that I have. I have a magazine extension on it. There are two collars in the front. One is knurled collar where the normal magazine would end, and the other is a cap at the very end of the magazine.

There is also a brace that is close to the muzzle of the shotgun that looks like it would need to be loosened if the knurled knob should be turned instead of the end cap.

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That's what it looks like. TIA

Stretch
Quit cigs 1M 1W 2D 12h 23m ago. So far saved $243.09, 1,620 cigs not smoked and counting ...
 
Remove the slotted screw and the mag ext clamp can be slid off the barrel & mag. You may be able to loosen extension tube a little at that point but I doubt it. In any case the "knurled collar" will need to be removed to allow you to remove the barrel. It will likely be too dang tight and require some padded pliers to remove without damage.
On my guns, I treat the collar as a mag cap and I only screw the tube down 'til snug and let the clamp keep it in place.
It is important to not tighted the knurled collar back down with the ext tube threaded in too far as you can tweak the end of the ext tube where it meets the fixed mag tube.
HTH.
Mike
 
Quit cigs 1M 1W 2D 12h 23m ago. So far saved $243.09, 1,620 cigs not smoked and counting ...
Click to expand...

What it really saves you is your health and probably your life, but you already know that. Giving up smoking has to be one of the hardest things there is to do. I know a guy that was a drug addict and an alcoholic. Dumping cigarettes was way tougher than either of those, at least for him.

Nice shotgun. I've got an 870 I've had for maybe 20+ years. Ducks, quail, pheasants, geese, turkeys, doves, and lots of deer. Used it for clays too.
 
Rgr on the smoking quit. Best thing I ever did. I quit in 2002 for 33 months, only to start again. Still miss my little Capt. Black Cherry Vanilla cigars though. :rolleyes:

Anyways, got the stick broken down and cleaned out. Didn't remove the trigger assy, since I didn't have a punch for it. But it took a little while. When I sold my shottie in 86, I didn't fire it at all, so the last time I had taken one down was 1981, before the USAF.

18 inch BBL, 6+1, and balances real nice. I was thinking about getting a pistol grip before, but now, I can't say. I kind of like, no, love the way it handles as is.

Taking it down makes it feel like it belongs to me now. After all I've read, I can't see where I might ever need another long gun. If I do get one, it'll be some years down the road ( believe that? ) and I can't say what I'll end up with ( M4 ) but it'll probably be black. I am happy as all get out.

I need to take it to the range and put it through it's paces. I also have to take some 9mm ammo down there and test a mag of it in my G19 so I know it'll cycle. Probably there tomorrow.

Best load out for HD is one less that mag capacity? I have a trigger lock for it too. So I cycle the trigger empty, make sure that it's ready to feed, then load it, but leave the chamber empty, and the safety on?

Man, I am so totally pleased. I took my time and shopped for it for a while, and have no buyer's regret whatsoever. That is unusual for me. Every time I bring something home, I am normally second guessing myself. Not this time.


Thanks for all the help.

Stretch
Quit cigs 1M 1W 2D 14h 18m ago. So far saved $243.57, 1,623 cigs not smoked and counting ...
 
Nice and compact. How is that folding stock for recoil though?

I was reading a thread here, and someone ( I am terrible with names ) said that it is better to keep the regular stock on it in order to be able to tuck it under your arm, so you can fire one handed if you have to. Don't know if that's true, but I'd hate to see what a PG shottie would do if you held it like a pistol and pulled the trigger with only one hand. Might be fun to watch.
 
I Haven't got out to shoot it with the folding stock.
It dosent feel comfortable at all. It almost hurts when I hold it to my sholder to dry fire. I am getting a little afraid to shoot high brass/slugs/buckshot.:uhoh:
When I ordered the stock off the internet, they advised to buy a recoil pad also from the sight, I didn't listen:banghead:
 
Good choice Stretchman. :cool:

I patterned a few loads in my 18" 870 so maybe these pictures and observations will help you out.

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This is Remington's Managed Recoil 00 buckshot at 20 yards. It stays together very well and is easy on the shooter. I like to use it for practice.

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Federal Tactical 00 buckshot with Flite Control Wad at 20 yards. IMO, not quite as good as the Remington load but you get 9 pellets instead of 8. Recoil is also light.

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Hornady TAP 00 buckshot at 20 yards. This is a full power load so watch out! The pattern on this shot was kind of weird. I should have done another but I ran out of targets. I have this loaded in my 870 for home defense.

If you want to get a pistol grip stock I highly recommend the Knoxx SpecOps. It's a little pricey but it works very well.

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Good choice on the 870.
(See user name and image below.)

Yes, clean thoroughly before use
(as per Lee's suggestion).

Ah, and it seems that our Afghanistan emissary
is appreciative of shotguns after all (molly grease, eh?)
despite assertions about the superiority of rifles. ;)

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Shucks. Shotguns work okay at close range...long as you stoke 'em with slugs. ;)

John
 
John,

Buddy, let us know, please,
if you need any slugs over there.

'K?

FedX overnight to AFg
... ain't no thang.

Stay safe, friend.

Nem
 
Well, I might get another Wingmaster someday if I find one cheap at a gun show or something. It ain't a high priority, though, got plenty of good shotguns, but you know, you can never have enough.:D I sold a Wingmaster years ago. I didin't like it for ducks that much, prefer the Mossberg far as pumps go, but I'm more into my auto and doubles than the pump now days. But, the Wingmaster is a classic, a bazillion of 'em out there and not the classic that, say, a Winchester M12 is, but still a classic.
 
You made a good choice. I have an 870 express in the same config. and I am totally satisfied with my purchase.

It did take me little while to work out the problem with getting the extnded mag off so that I could break down the gun, But after doing it the first time it became much easier to do.
 
Yeah, first I had to figure out where it came apart. Then looseen the clamp holding the mag and extension together. I had to use lockjaws on the knurled thing on the mag. They're like vise grips, but self adjust. Used a rag so I wouldn't scratch it. Came right apart after figuring it out.

Looks like they're going to do another AWB bill. May make it with the democratic congress. Don't think they'll be banning shotties anytime soon though. I was looking at a Saiga 12, but because of the fact that it toes the line, I wasn't willing to risk it. Long as they don't ban hi cap pistol mags again, I don't care. But if they do, I know there'll be a lot of times when cops will find a reason to take the weapon simply to get the mags, then never give them back. Even if they are pre ban.

I still have my wheel guns too. Don't think they'll ban those either. And they work fine for SD and HD. But I still like the g19 better. And the 870.
 
Don't think they'll be banning shotties anytime soon though. I was looking at a Saiga 12, but because of the fact that it toes the line, I wasn't willing to risk it. Long as they don't ban hi cap pistol mags again, I don't care.
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I personally have no use for tacticool high cap shotguns or rifles, Saigas, etc. I'm a hunter. But, you can bet your bippy I CARE about the right to keep and bear arms, any arms, even class 3 weapons! Just because I don't own or use a certain type of weapon don't mean I'm willing to give up any of my second amendment rights! No sir! I hunt, but the second amendment ain't about hunting, it's about freedom. This is why when Rudy Guliani says he's "not against firearms for hunting, I lift an eyebrow to it as a guy that would erode our freedoms given a chance. Give up class three firearms today and that's one step closer to giving up all weapons in the future.

Steppin' off the soap box, now. Sorry.:eek: Just to add while some folks are avoiding those guns they think will get outlawed in the future, there are others who are snappin' 'em up along with desiccant and large diameter PVC piping and end caps, if you know what I mean. ;) Oh, and don't bet on 'em not at least controlling "shotties"......er shotguns, either. Just ask our British friends about that.

Sorry if I sound antisocial with this post, don't intend to be less than friendly at all. But, that hit a political nerve. LOL
 
The 870 is a great shotgun. It packs quite a punch, accessories are more than just readily available, and its affordable.

I even use it at the 100 yrd rifle range sometimes!

Mine isn't "tactical" or "riot" gun or anything. It's completely stock.
 
I do understand about RKBA, and title 3, etc. I also understand that a lot of the time people act irresponsibly with firearms. I agree that we should blame the person and not the tool, but it may be difficult to explain that to a lay person who really has no understanding of the current situation. 2nd amendment rights are what they are, but by no means do I feel that given the current climate that any convicted felon can walk into a gun store and buy a machine gun over the counter. By the same token, I also believe that it is the part of the responsible owner to secure his weapons to the best of his abilities so as not to provide easy access to a firearm, especially a type 3 firearm, regardless of whether the taking of such was wrong or not. In other words, don't leave machine guns lying around your house unsecured.

The 2nd amendment does specify a well regulated militia. So having regulations on firearms isn't the same as having laws against them. I think everyone who wants a machine gun should be able to get one, as long as certain regulatory criteria are met.

But Face it. Criminals who use these weapons in crimes are knowingly hurting us by being irresponsible with guns. They don't care. They know they are damaging our rights. In the eyes of a criminal, so what? Sociopaths don't like other people period, and never will.

And in the old days, someone like that would be taken to the town square and hanged, tarred and feathered, or burned at the stake. Now, rules that protect them prevent this. What we need are rules that really do something to protect us. Not meaningless words on paper. Which is why stripping criminals of their rights to do certain things is an integral part of the justice system. RKBA? Sure. But not the right to be irresponsible with it. And to regulate costs money. Unfair? To some degree. Alternatives? Suggest some.

As far as tacticool is concerned, I kind of agree, although shotties are about the most customizable weapon in existence, and barrels are readily available that can convert any type of shotgun to a different purpose. So tacticool done right is flexible, and functional. But I will be the first to tell you, that form follows function. And a lot of things don't make any sense to me at all.
Particularly overloading a shottie with un needed accesories.
 
The 2nd amendment does specify a well regulated militia. So having regulations on firearms isn't the same as having laws against them. I think everyone who wants a machine gun should be able to get one, as long as certain regulatory criteria are met.
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The well regulated militia is mentioned as a reason that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. It is NOT a stipulation and the right to keep and bear arms is a personal right, not a collective right.

although shotties are about the most customizable weapon in existence, and barrels are readily available that can convert any type of shotgun to a different purpose
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Awe, I donno about that. There are HUGE aftermarkets for the 1911 handgun, the 10/22 ruger, the SKS, even the AR7.

Wanna see "useless" ROFLMAO! But, it's kinda cool, kinda. I actually take this on bike trips for small game hunting and it's pretty danged accurate if a little stupid tacticool. Packed up in the case, it fits easily in the bags on my GoldWing. I have a buncha tacticool crap on an SKS, too, just for fun. I get carried away with these things sometimes. In the case of the tacticooled AR7, though, it does feel better and actually shoot better than stock with that goofy floating stock plastic thing and the bare barrel to grab on to. In the field, I carry it with 8 round standard mags. That hi cap is just for playing at the range with.

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That does look cool. And I can see that it serves a purpose. Like I said, form follows function. Barrel shround are a good thing if you are shooting a lot, because barrels do get hot. And a folding stock isn't bad either, if it isn't a recoil monster. On a shottie? Owwww.
 
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