Help w/ Remington 870 purchase and setup.

[cobrar97]

I've been looking to add a shotgun to my HD setup. I've been looking at the Remington 870 and the Mossberg versions. Seems like the Remington 870 is the prefered. Which 870 do I want to start with?

Now...how do I equip this thing? Anyone that has them setup, please post pics. I'm referring to what grip/stock? What extra ammo holder? What flashlight and/or laser?

I do want a pistol grip...that's the only thing I know. Any help beyond that would be appreciated. I know nothing about shotguns, so please be descriptive.
Any web links to places to purchase these items would be appreciated also.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[jwhite75]

U wont wanna pistol grip long after you get it...IMO. You'll want to get a decent side saddle carrier, stick with a regualr stock, and you'll need easy and maneuverable, like an 18" barrel. A bead front sight is very usable, but if you want something for S&G, I would go with a tritium front sight and ghost ring rears. The Express, is the entry level and will do what most people want while the Wingmaster is considered a little fancier made. I tend to thing the Police model is the best bang for your money and overall the best built. If Sixto chimes in he will definitely have some good common sense suggestions, as he is a big fan of the shottie.

[buckeye .45]

Heres what I did. I bought an 870 express HD model, the all black one with a 18.5 inch barrel and magazine extension (fulfilling the requirements of a short weapon, and extra capacity, don't get a barrel over 20 inches long for HD). Threw on a light mount, and a sling, which are probably the two most important parts after you actually get the shotgun. Side saddles are nice, I'd recommend a solid one as opposed to like an elastic cuff. I'd stay away from pistol grips, as they aren't very user friendly, and I see no value in them beyond on a breaching shottie.

I also see no need for a laser on a shotgun, but a good light is something you should have, and the light has to be shock resistant or the recoil will break it.

Or look around for used police magnums, sometimes they can be had for about the same price as the express models from police trade ins.

[Ram Rod]

My 870 Express HD I bought late last year before the election, and what I did to it.

Replaced the swan style fore end with a short tactical fore end. Then the Side Saddle shell holder. This model holds six 2 3/4" shells in the magazine.

Then I got the tactical hi-viz follower as opposed to the flimsy factory follower.



Then I found something interesting at my local gun shop's box-o-parts and used it for my Streamlight M-6



I'm not much on the pistol grips for the shotguns, but I've had one on my previous Mossberg 500 with option of pistol grip full butt stock.

[ibesarcasm]

Both the Rem 870 and mossberg 500/590 are GREAT guns!!

Heres a cpl of my Mossberg........
Ported & Rifled Barrel, Tac rail on top, thumb hole stock, & a 2.5x20 scope.

I'll tell you this.... you won't shoot a pistol grip for long..... I can shoot shot all day, but you put a heavy load in it, slugs specially, and it bucks like an angry mule!! Mine knocks my ear pieces loose from my ears when I aim through the scope! 10-20 slugs and my arm feels like I got tied up on an angry bronc!

Least get a folding stock if you want a pistol grip.......you'll thank me later for that bit of advice.......

Check cheaperthandirt.com ....... lots of acc. for both the Rem. & Moss. for a reasonable price.

[SIXTO]

Keep it simple!

RamRod made a great post, I suggest following his advice.

The newer HD models come with the older style short forearms making a side saddle much easier to deal with. I'd look for one of those. (you won't need to look much, they are everywhere.)

To many people but 10 tons of crap on their gun for no reason. Don't waste your money.

[varob]

Sorry no pics. Depending on your budget, you can start with an 870 express, then the add ons are endless.
The only thing I can recommend is the Knoxx Recoil Reducing Stock. It's worth the $100.00 bucks.

If money isn't an object, than get yourself a Hans Vang, Vangcomp, https://vangcomp.com/Home.html probably one of the top tactical shotguns made.

[cobrar97]

Why doesn't anybody like the pistol grip? I saw them on Remington's website with a regular stock. I thought it would make it easier to hold onto.

What is the high-visibility follower do?

I'll look for a short forearm for a sidesaddle.
Not sure which is better...the Remington or Mossberg, but there's alot more people that talk about the Remington on here.

Are there any recommended sites for getting the add-ons?

[Kenny256]

I have shot both the 870 and mossy, I own the 870.

Pistole grip is harder to aim, and you cant get as fast and accurate shots of with it at your waist. at least for me.

I have the knoxx stock and love it you get a pistol grip style and shoulder stock.

with a 150 lume flash light, hellfighter x-12.

[SubNine]

This is what I did to my 870 shortly after purchasing it. I had a side saddle on it but removed it figuring if I cannot defend my home with the 6 rounds in the tube, I have a Glock 17 and AR-15 to back it up. The Benelli sits in the safe most of the time.

[10thmtn]

I started with an 870 Express with a 26" barrel (what I had). Added a 20" barrel with rifle sights. Also, an elastic butt cuff for six extra shells - I like the weight of the shells on the butt, rather than more forward on the receiver, seems better balanced to me.

I did not add the mag extension, as it would require some drilling out of the dimple in the standard mag tube - and might raise some eyebrows at the trap field. So, I have it loaded with 4 shells of #1 buckshot (I keep the chamber empty).

I also did not add a light. My shotgun has one purpose - static defense when we are all in the "safe room." Lights will be on. If I need to move through the home, I will use my Glock 19, since a handgun allows you a free hand for doors, lights, phone, and grabbing the kids.

I considered the Knoxx stock, but figured in a defensive situation you will not notice or care about recoil - and hopefully you will only fire a few rounds. I've also read some reports of cheek-slap with it. I do have an extra slip-on rubber recoil pad for long days at the trap field - works well and only costs a few bucks.

So, that's it. Keep it light and simple.

[Snowman23]

I recently purchased the Remington 870 Tactical. It came with the Knox Spec Ops adjustable stock. Holds 6 + 1. Standard bead sight. It's drilled n tapped for optics...but not sure I'm going to do anything. Maybe a ghost ring...

We "recycled" some pumpkins last week and had both the Mossy 590 and my 870. After shooting both my friend is totally sold on the Knox stock. It really reduces the recoil.

Also, when I was at Impact finalizing my decision....I realized that the 870 was just a bit easier to break down for cleaning (for me).

[Siafu]

Give the Mossberg M590A1 a serious consideration. Model 51663 is the model that the Navy just ordered 15,000 units of. Built like a tank. One piece mag tube, heavy walled barrel and bayonet mount and ghost ring sights. After handling the M590A1 the Rem 870 feels like a toy.

[cobrar97]

Snowman 23...do you have any pics?

[cobrar97]

I saw that Mossberg M590A1...and I like the looks of that. I'm assuming the 18.5" barrel would be better for HD than the 20", correct?
I see it's available w/ and w/o pistol grip. Most here don't seem to like them. Is there any reason FOR the pistol grip?
Any more reviews on the M590A1?