Remington 870 Express Tactical HD build

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10-23-12, 12:46
CLJ94104

Remington 870 Express Tactical HD build

This shotgun was purely built for home defense. This one is a little different mechanically than the regular express or express tactical. I looked everywhere for information on it and haven't really found much so I figured I would post my results here.

To start off this Remington 870 Express Tactical 12ga with an 18.5" barrel came from Wal-Mart. For $347.00 I couldn't help myself, I've been wanting a shotgun for a while now. I was pretty green when it came to shotguns at my time of purchase, all I knew was that I wanted an 870 with a shorter barrel.

The model number is 25077 from Remington. When searched on their website however, the firearm I purchased is not the one shown. The shotgun I purchased has a factory installed 2 round extension which brings the capacity to 6+1. The extension is integral and continuous (it cant be removed and is one solid piece) so you can't even tell its an extension to begin with. It just looks like they increased the length of the magazine tube at the factory to increase the capacity.

I could easily fit 6 rounds (2 3/4 slug) in the tube at first, almost 7. I then did some research and saw the flaws with the Express models and even the 870 in general. MIM extractors, plastic followers, weak magazine springs among them. You could really notice the weak magazine spring, when removing the last round from the magazine it came out at an alarmingly slow rate with alarmingly weak force. I do not want failures with this firearm.

I did my research, trying to find out what is best. Per Remington and their armorers, they recommend aluminum followers over stainless steel because the stainless steel ones can cause damage. Noted. I also did not want to lose a round in the magazine so I did not want a follower with a tail. I settled on the Brownells aluminum follower. I chose red, although they have them in green, black and orange as well. Product number 080-000-227WB for those interested. I got this product first and the fit was great, didn't snag on anything.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/...80000227_1.jpg
(This is the stock picture from Brownells. Must be a pretty used one because the one I received had no scratches or anything)
I knew I needed a stronger magazine spring, and I settled on the Wolff extra power 6&7 shot magazine spring. SKU was 32712 for those interested. I didn't know if this would make me lose a round or not because of its extra length. There was no information on modifying this firearm I could find. Once installed it could still fit 6 (2 3/4 slug) rounds in the magazine tube, but BARELY! The spring power is MUCH stronger and thus improved the loading of the weapon greatly.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/...4/IMG_0142.jpg
The extractor I wanted to use was the OEM stainless steel one used in the 870P. Manufacturer part number F16176 for those interested. I ordered it, and when it arrived I realized I hadn't even checked to see if my extractor was in fact MIM. Everything I had read about the Express series was that they all came with MIM extractors. Come to find out mine wasn't MIM, it didn't have the line from the mold. Anyways I just took the one off that came with my firearm and kept it for an extra. Took the stainless steel one I got from Brownells and polished it to a mirror finish. Installed it and its perfect.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_0148-1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_0149-1.jpg
Also placed an order for a new carrier dog spring. OEM part # F16966
10-23-12, 13:29
polymorpheous

Did you shoot the gun before making these mods?
10-23-12, 13:51
CLJ94104

Quote:

Originally Posted by polymorpheous

Did you shoot the gun before making these mods?

Not allowed to medically yet. Rehabbing a shoulder, had a torn rotator cuff. I can shoot my AR, and my pistols but not my shotgun yet. Physical therapist said I need to wait a couple weeks at my last visit, but hopefully she will clear me tomorrow.

The cost was minimal, and I got rid of what I thought to be a MIM extractor and underpowered springs. I like the stronger and more durable aluminum follower as well.

The Magpul furniture is just preference. It feels a lot more comfortable to hold up to my shoulder than the OEM (it doesn't hurt to do so with either, thats why its so hard to stop myself from shooting it) and love the ergonomics of the forend and stock as a whole.
10-23-12, 14:30
Cesiumsponge

Looks like a solid rig. The only downside with the tactical models is you're stuck with that barrel. The magazine lug is much further out than standard barrels. If you don't plan in trying other barrel or sight configurations, it isn't an issue.

I run the normal 870 with a +2 factory extension, a Wolff + spring, and a tailed S&J green reprint follower with a big cavity for tactile feel. I can still fit 6 rounds in my tube but I keep it downloaded to 5 so I can top the tube with a slug, if required.
10-23-12, 14:57
CLJ94104

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cesiumsponge

Looks like a solid rig. The only downside with the tactical models is you're stuck with that barrel. The magazine lug is much further out than standard barrels. If you don't plan in trying other barrel or sight configurations, it isn't an issue.

I run the normal 870 with a +2 factory extension, a Wolff + spring, and a tailed S&J green reprint follower with a big cavity for tactile feel. I can still fit 6 rounds in my tube but I keep it downloaded to 5 so I can top the tube with a slug, if required.

Thanks man. I don't plan to change the barrel out at this time, so it shouldn't be an issue.

Another thing I don't know if I mentioned, the magazine spring that came with the gun BARELY stuck out of the extended magazine tube. The Wolff spring is much longer. I am actually quite shocked they didn't put in an extra power spring from the factory.
10-23-12, 15:39
Cesiumsponge

I think the 870p and 870 have two different factory springs with the standard tube, but I'm unsure for the extended versions. Personally I like the idea behind the one-piece extended mag tube. Certainly much stouter than the extensions, especially if you run one of those sandwiched sling mounts on there which reduces your thread engagement on the extensions to barely 2 turns.
10-23-12, 17:32
CLJ94104

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cesiumsponge

I think the 870p and 870 have two different factory springs with the standard tube, but I'm unsure for the extended versions. Personally I like the idea behind the one-piece extended mag tube. Certainly much stouter than the extensions, especially if you run one of those sandwiched sling mounts on there which reduces your thread engagement on the extensions to barely 2 turns.

I love the extended mag tube. I need to refinish the gun though. It's terrible. With these few inexpensive modifications to an express I feel I got a shotgun that is as or very close to as reliable as an 870P.

Dura coating seems like the least expensive option for refinishing.
10-23-12, 17:58
Canonshooter

Nice find, nice job upgrading for the intended purpose. I used the same Wolff spring in my 11-87 with 2-round extension and it works fine.

I would stock up on Federal LE133 (00 buck, 8-pellet reduced recoil) and get some time behind the trigger.
10-23-12, 18:59
Cesiumsponge

If the Remington 870 Express/HD/Tacticals came in something other than that crappy bead-blasted blue finish, I'd never pony up the huge premium for the 870P when it's only about $30 in part differences. My Express is the only gun I've ever owned that will develop rust sitting inside a home kept at 65F.
10-23-12, 19:38
Kokopelli

My 870 HD model is getting an upgrade. A new 12" LOP Hogue stock and Amitech saddle mount. Possibly I'll try the MatchDotII on it; I have to keep it somewhere when not shooting the MKIII. I bought the 870 new in the early 80's and it's been everywhere and not babied.. No rust or corrosion yet.. Ron
10-24-12, 11:18
CLJ94104

And my physical therapist just cleared me to shoot it. Hell yeah!!!!!!!! I'll shoot it this weekend and give a report.
10-25-12, 18:29
CLJ94104

Replaced the carrier dog spring with OEM part # F16966 and it made a really nice improvement to the feeding action of the weapon. Feels much better. I see why Remington did this to the 870P.
10-26-12, 15:21
Cesiumsponge

Where did you end up ordering that part from? I'm trying to avoid paying $10 in UPS fees for a tiny part. I need a few for an express that's mostly up to 870p standards and as a spare
10-26-12, 21:28
CLJ94104

Brownells has a $5.95 shipping option that always gives tracking info and has been pretty fast for me.
10-27-12, 10:48
RWK

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLJ94104

I knew I needed a stronger magazine spring, and I settled on the Wolff extra power 6&7 shot magazine spring. SKU was 32712 for those interested. I didn't know if this would make me lose a round or not because of its extra length. There was no information on modifying this firearm I could find. Once installed it could still fit 6 (2 3/4 slug) rounds in the magazine tube, but BARELY! The spring power is MUCH stronger and thus improved the loading of the weapon greatly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLJ94104

Another thing I don't know if I mentioned, the magazine spring that came with the gun BARELY stuck out of the extended magazine tube. The Wolff spring is much longer. I am actually quite shocked they didn't put in an extra power spring from the factory.

Be careful that you don't have too much spring. The Wolff springs are "trim to fit". You can take off a few coils if it's too strong.
10-27-12, 14:22
deviljon

How does that magpul stock and fore end feel compared to the original synthetic furniture? It looks good but I haven't tried it myself.
10-27-12, 16:00
CLJ94104

Quote:

Originally Posted by deviljon

How does that magpul stock and fore end feel compared to the original synthetic furniture? It looks good but I haven't tried it myself.

The Magpul stock is a great addition. Feels like it is of a better quality material, but the biggest different for me is the ergonomic position it keeps your arm in. The OEM synthetic furniture was just uncomfortable for me. Also the forend is a nice touch as well. The integral hand stops feel really nice. The fit of both are top notch.
11-16-12, 21:30
JohnnyNumbers

I bought the exact same 870 yesterday.

Since I have rather short arms, the first thing I noticed was the length of pull is just a bit to long for me to comfortably shoulder the weapon...so right off the bat...I'm looking at getting the Magpul furniture (mainly the stock) due to it being shim adjustable. Yeah I'll get the forearm as well as I already have a couple of the small rail sections to fit my TLR-1, and I figure that's probably more cost effective than having to buy some overpriced mount. Mesa side saddle...then I'm calling it good.

Its been awhile since I've blasted a shotgun; it'll be fun to feel some recoil for a change.

Have you had a chance to shoot it yet?