View Full Version : 870p build... Comments & Criticism welcome.
Started with a Remington 870 Police Magnum, came with the Remington tube extension.
Starting up front, the front bead sight is covered with an XS Sight Systems BIG DOT front sight (http://www.xssights.com/store/shotgun.html). Front sight is still functional through the saddle.
Barrel clamp is Mesa Tactical (http://www.mesatactical.com/index.php?id=58) and doubles as my front sling point for two point use.
Forend is Surefire M69 (http://www.surefire.com/870-Shotgun-Forend) pic rail forend with stippled KAC rail panels, GearSector GS-3100 G2 mount (http://www.gearsector.com/browse/category/mounts/flashlight-mounts/surefire-g2-mounts/) with a Surefire G2 led light (http://www.surefire.com/G2-Led).
Rail/shell holder is the Mesa Tactical SureShell saddle (http://www.mesatactical.com/index.php?id=56) with an Aimpoint T-1 Micro (http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=11830) in it's original mount to keep it as low as possible. Knight's Armament (http://www.knightarmco.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=87) T-1 battery cover.
Wilson Combat Jumbo Head Safety. (http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Safeties/products/164/)
Behind the receiver QD point for single point use is aTactical Shotgunner (http://www.tacticalshotgunner.com/tsg-ambi-sling-plate-for-remington-870-p-262.html) Ambi sling plate with the right side ground smooth and refinished.
The stock is the original synthetic that came with the gun. LOP was cut down by 1". Accu-Riser (http://www.accu-riser.com/products/Accu%252dRiser-Ambidextrious-Comb-Raiser-Black-Finish.html) is used for proper cheek position with the T-1. IWC (http://store.impactweaponscomponents.com/roliqudeslmo.html) QD point was added to the rear right side for 2 point use. Original recoil pad was reused.
Color is Aervoe Light Coyote (http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/AE1076.aspx).
I'm pleased with this setup and all the components used. Comments & criticisms welcome.
http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/kdcgrohl/firearms/IMG_20101224_143756.jpg
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http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/kdcgrohl/firearms/IMG_20101224_144038.jpg
*New pics of revised light position.*
http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/kdcgrohl/firearms/IMG_20110115_132514.jpg
http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/kdcgrohl/firearms/IMG_20110115_132451.jpg
http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/kdcgrohl/firearms/IMG_20110115_132628.jpg
Overall, I think you have a good set up going. I am unsure as to the utility of optics on a shotgun of that nature, or any shotgun other than perhaps a slug gun for that matter. I prefer ghost ring sights myself but that is mainly to keep consistency between by SG, M4, and my side arm. What you have will work just fine as far as sights, my comment is more of a personal preference.
The internal workings of the 870P are a step up from the express so you are pretty much GTG as far as that goes. The only thing I would consider is a HiViz follower or something similar to enhance your ability to detect when you are getting low on rounds.
Out of curiosity, why did you chooses a railed forend for a shotgun? You could just as easily mount your light elsewhere and have a much more comfortable fore end to grip. Why not go with a Hogue forend or something similar rather than rails with rail covers on them? I'll be curious as to your thought process on this item.
Other than that, great job in my view! Enjoy it and thanks for posting.
Overall, I think you have a good set up going. I am unsure as to the utility of optics on a shotgun of that nature, or any shotgun other than perhaps a slug gun for that matter. I prefer ghost ring sights myself but that is mainly to keep consistency between by SG, M4, and my side arm. What you have will work just fine as far as sights, my comment is more of a personal preference.
I was unsure as well, I wanted one of my own to evaluate and so far I like it.
The internal workings of the 870P are a step up from the express so you are pretty much GTG as far as that goes. The only thing I would consider is a HiViz follower or something similar to enhance your ability to detect when you are getting low on rounds.
The follower is bright orange. Seems bright enough, should I go brighter?
Out of curiosity, why did you chooses a railed forend for a shotgun? You could just as easily mount your light elsewhere and have a much more comfortable fore end to grip. Why not go with a Hogue forend or something similar rather than rails with rail covers on them? I'll be curious as to your thought process on this item.
Other than that, great job in my view! Enjoy it and thanks for posting.
I wanted the light on the forend, and this I thought would be the simplest solution. I'm also considering a handstop as well, but am undecided on that. I like the feel of the stippled KAC panels as that's what I use on all my ARs. This feels familiar.
(I'm making lots of assumptions, especially that you are right handed based on your sling mount locations...)
Have you installed the two point sling and then tried to operate the shotgun with the light?
Seems that the light being so far back if the sling was taught it could obscure the light. Even without any interference that light location will have a lot of the usable light blocked by the barrel/tube. It would also be blocked if you were shooting strong side around a barricade.
Have you tried or considered trying mounting it on the opposite side with the light on the ring pointing down, where perhaps you could hit it with your first knuckle, vs. I assume your thumb as configured now.
Also, can you load a shell into the open ejection port over the top with the T1 in that location?
(I'm making lots of assumptions, especially that you are right handed based on your sling mount locations...)
Have you installed the two point sling and then tried to operate the shotgun with the light?
Seems that the light being so far back if the sling was taught it could obscure the light. Even without any interference that light location will have a lot of the usable light blocked by the barrel/tube. It would also be blocked if you were shooting strong side around a barricade.
Have you tried or considered trying mounting it on the opposite side with the light on the ring pointing down, where perhaps you could hit it with your first knuckle, vs. I assume your thumb as configured now.
Interesting idea, I may have to give that a try. Thanks.
Also, can you load a shell into the open ejection port over the top with the T1 in that location?
Yes I can. It works quite well.
Interesting idea, I may have to give that a try. Thanks.
Yes I can. It works quite well.
Cool. I forgot to mention, that is a very nice setup. Slings and lights are so much more a pain to get right on a pump-action weapon.
I was unsure as well, I wanted one of my own to evaluate and so far I like it. I'm glad it is working for you. I grew up shooting SG's with bead sights only so even a ghost ring seems like a luxury.
The follower is bright orange. Seems bright enough, should I go brighter? nope, that should be great. I didn't see that listed in your original post so I figured I would ask. Good stuff!
I wanted the light on the forend, and this I thought would be the simplest solution. I'm also considering a handstop as well, but am undecided on that. I like the feel of the stippled KAC panels as that's what I use on all my ARs. This feels familiar. If you want a light on the forend you might consider the surefire forend as well. But, if that works for you, great! I would second the comment made by another poster on the chances of a sling getting in the way of the light with that set up. I like my light way out front for that reason and because I get less shadowing from the barrel and magazine tube impacting the path of the light.
Like I said, overall I think it is great. Most things come down to personal preference and comfort under stress. If that works for you, rock on. You started with a solid product which is half of the battle. Everything else is gravy at that point.
Cheers!
Great looking shottie you have there! Good luck with ringing it out- should be a real blast. One question: What did cutting down the stock entail? How about fitting the original recoil pad? You made it look like a factory job...Thanks!
Great looking shottie you have there! Good luck with ringing it out- should be a real blast. One question: What did cutting down the stock entail? How about fitting the original recoil pad? You made it look like a factory job...Thanks!
The cut job was basically chuck the stock in the vise, measure and hacksaw off 1",file, drill top buttpad screw hole another ½", reinstall buttpad. The buttpad hangs a bit lower than the end of the stock but it doesn't bother me.
if you ever do any support should firing optics are your best friend.. It's real hard to find a bead or a ghost ring with your weak eye..
It is a nice looking gun, overall I like it. it has everything a man needs, plenty of ammo and a light.. the only thing I could see as an issue is the shadowing from the light being mounted how it is... but any light is better than no light..
if you ever do any support should firing optics are your best friend.. It's real hard to find a bead or a ghost ring with your weak eye..
Good point and I agree. For me personally, this is not an issue as I am cross eye dominant which is why ghost rings are so comfortable for me in the first place. Switching to my off hand for shooting does not affect my sight picture much at all. For others, that might be a difference but for many I see them having little or no trouble with ghost rings in that scenario.
Again, much of this is personal comfort and preference and as someone who grew up pheasant hunting with bead sights or even just the vent rib as an aiming point, I find ghost rings to be more than enough for me. I am at a point in life where my eye sight is starting to change for the worse (I got my first set of glasses this year for distance) so that might alter things. Heck, in 5 years I may be running optics on everything! LOL
Good discussion,
Great set up. MESA makes awesome gear. I love the cut job. I am going g to try that on mine which feels way too long now that I've been using my collapsible stocked AR's. The shotgun feels goofy long.
Dan Goodwin
12-28-10, 01:06
Your shotgun is outstanding. Did you stipple the KAC panels yourself?
Nice looking shotty! I recently purchased the express model, with what I think is the same synthetic stock. Do you find the balance of the guns weight favors the front due to the light weight, hollow stock? Also, are you considering changing out the butt pad for better recoil management?
Thanks, and again, sweet lookin setup!
Looks fine, but...........
The only thing I would change, for me, I prefer the extra shells mounted on the butt stock, back side so you keep your cheek weld.
Mounted like this 500
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/500magnumnut/gun%20room/Mossberg50012gauge.jpg
Re: stippling. Yes, I do my own. You could have them done professionally and they'd be prettier, but mine work perfectly.
Re: buttpad. The original Remington limbsaver pad works well for me, even with slugs. I don't think I could gain much by switching.
Re: LOKNLOD's idea. I rearranged my forend today and the shadow is now minimized. Actuating the switch is easily done with my support hand index finger first knuckle. The two point should work much better like this as well. Thanks for the idea, pics to follow.
Damn dude, what did you want to be when you grew up? ~~~ I don't see how it could be any better. (BTW, don't rest your cheek on the receiver when you shoot it.)
Looks fine, but...........
The only thing I would change, for me, I prefer the extra shells mounted on the butt stock, back side so you keep your cheek weld.
I've never tried to combat load from a buttstock... hows it work?
thumbbreak
12-28-10, 22:02
I like it. Especially because you didn't cheap out with an 870 Express.
How much weight does the Surefire forend add? I have never seen one in person. Any slippages of the KAC panels during live fire?
Nice Job!:D
That is really a great looking gun.
The only thing I would change or add is the Surefire forend W/attached light (http://www.surefire.com/618FA-Shotgun-Forend).
And add some type of rear sight to the rail on the receiver as a back-up sight.
SkiDevil
P.S. Let us know how the Aimpoint works-out for you. I've thought of adding one to my 870 too.
Looks nice. I can tell you put a lot of time into it and take pride in your work. Solid move building in some commonality to your other long guns.
I'd be interested to know why you chose a straight stock over one with a pistol grip. (I'm trying to figure out my preferences. Data points help.)
What are you thinking as far as a sling (if any)?
The only criticism I have is that it's too clean. Needs some more character. ;-)
reccerecon
12-28-10, 23:00
That's nice looking. A personal preference of mine is the Wilson Combat spring/follower upgrade, and mag extintion. It might help with your light placement and the built in sling swivel can double as a handstop. I'm going to also try a stock chop now:D. Good job.
I like your setup. It may not be perfect, but I imagine that is better than the vast majority of peoples' primary self defense guns. I have an FN SLP set up very similarly and it has worked well.
I have an Aimpoint Micro on my SLP as well and it has sped up my times a bit. I have not tried using one on a pump so don't know if there are any advantages over a bead on one for me.
"The only thing I would change or add is the Surefire forend W/attached light (http://www.surefire.com/618FA-Shotgun-Forend)."
I agree, I have found that the Surefire is the only shotgun light that really works.
Also, You might try the SCTech extension with its integral sling mount, I don't have a lot of confidence in tube/barrel clamps under heavy use.
I am by NO means a Shotty expert.
However, after attending several combat shotty courses, I am not a fan of the extended magazine.
The last one I attended, was at Swat Roundup. In all things aside, it was a small, five hour course. However, we shot over 300 rounds during this course. I ran my Remmy 870 in this course, instead of my M2.
During the manipulation drills, I literally got my bags smoked. Shoot two, reload two, shoot two, reload two, shoot three, reload three... damn.
By the end of the course, my arms were noodles. In my opinion, and again... not a shotty expert... but a fighting shotty should be light. As light as you can get it... and have ammo readily accessible. Side saddles work, IF you train them. Practice ammo manipulation... practice going from condition one, to two, to three, back to one... and have a steady supply of ammo ready.
Your shotty looks awesome. But, take a tactical shotgun course, and see how you like it. I took my extended mag tube off, and installed a basic 5 round mag tube... after using one extensively on the range that day.
Give me my fighting carbine instead any day! Shotguns are for REAL men. ;)
Nice roscoe by the way.
Your shotty looks awesome. But, take a tactical shotgun course, and see how you like it. I took my extended mag tube off, and installed a basic 5 round mag tube... after using one extensively on the range that day.
x1mil
unless you run your weapon hard you are not going to know what works and what don't work for you.. I've gotten rid of more crap because I learned after a two day school that something is uncomfortable or it causes a damn blister than I would have if I just casually shot the weapon at the range.. you'll learn a whole lot more about your weapon... it will be worth the money.....
I am by NO means a Shotty expert.
However, after attending several combat shotty courses, I am not a fan of the extended magazine.
The last one I attended, was at Swat Roundup. In all things aside, it was a small, five hour course. However, we shot over 300 rounds during this course. I ran my Remmy 870 in this course, instead of my M2.
During the manipulation drills, I literally got my bags smoked. Shoot two, reload two, shoot two, reload two, shoot three, reload three... damn.
By the end of the course, my arms were noodles. In my opinion, and again... not a shotty expert... but a fighting shotty should be light. As light as you can get it... and have ammo readily accessible. Side saddles work, IF you train them. Practice ammo manipulation... practice going from condition one, to two, to three, back to one... and have a steady supply of ammo ready.
Your shotty looks awesome. But, take a tactical shotgun course, and see how you like it. I took my extended mag tube off, and installed a basic 5 round mag tube... after using one extensively on the range that day.
Give me my fighting carbine instead any day! Shotguns are for REAL men. ;)
Nice roscoe by the way.
Mac
I would say if it is a gun for self defense keep the extended magazine tube if it is a range toy keep it light. You're not going to shoot 300 rounds in a HD situation but a sixth or seventh round in the tube might be necessary.
One of you asked how to reload from the butstock. I have a Mesa side saddle and a five or six round d eleven on my shotgun.
The way I've been taught to reload from a butstock as a righty is to have the shells mounted on the right side upside down. You use your left hand to reload while keeping your weapon on target. You can go to the open chamber when empty and then fill up the tube. It is a lot smoother for me and you can keep your hand on fire control to get a round d of quickly.
x1mil
unless you run your weapon hard you are not going to know what works and what don't work for you.. I've gotten rid of more crap because I learned after a two day school that something is uncomfortable or it causes a damn blister than I would have if I just casually shot the weapon at the range.. you'll learn a whole lot more about your weapon... it will be worth the money.....
Againg not many blisters in a fight only in training.
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How much weight does the Surefire forend add? I have never seen one in person. Any slippages of the KAC panels during live fire?
Not sure on the weight, but the rail itself is very light. Rail+panels+light+light mount doesn't "feel" much different than the Surefire forend I have on my Mossberg.
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And add some type of rear sight to the rail on the receiver as a back-up sight.
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I considered that, but the Mesa saddle is clear underneath, and using the short Accu-Riser pad I can still see under the saddle to the front sight. Perhaps not ideal, but they're BUIS. The BigDot through the rail is pretty easy to sight.
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I'd be interested to know why you chose a straight stock over one with a pistol grip. (I'm trying to figure out my preferences. Data points help.)
What are you thinking as far as a sling (if any)?
The only criticism I have is that it's too clean. Needs some more character. ;-)
The stock... I tried the Mesa LEO adapter with a CTR+enhanced buttpad and a MIAD. I did NOT care for that at all. It looked cool(or tacticool) but it felt terrible to me, personal preference I guess. The angles presented with this combo lead to more felt recoil with slugs in my opinion. It was uncomfortable after 15-20 rounds. YMMV.
I didn't try any other pistol grip stocks since I didn't mind how the original felt, I was just trying the LEO setup since I'd already bought it. After cutting and comb adjustment, I'm pretty happy.
I have a GearSector single point and a VCAS two point for this gun.
RE: the extension. I haven't run this through any kind of course obviously, so it hasn't seen more than 60-70 rounds @ once. If/when I do a course, I'll re-evaluate if necessary.
Good deal, thanks for the info. Hows it pattern?
...Re: LOKNLOD's idea. I rearranged my forend today and the shadow is now minimized. Actuating the switch is easily done with my support hand index finger first knuckle. The two point should work much better like this as well. Thanks for the idea, pics to follow.
nice work! any chance you can put up a few pics of the repositioned light config?
I ran a Surefire forend on my Benelli M1 for a while and found 2 things that bugged me, so I removed it.
1. It had a terrible barrel shadow on an 18" barrel. It was very noticable. That and without spending big $$$ you were stuck with a 60 watt incan. I know you can swap out to a LED but you are adding a pretty penny to get a LED bulb that withstands shotgun recoil.
2. I couldn't get a tight fit. This may not apply being a pump, but the thing rattled and wiggled in every direction and I double checked twice it was installed correctly. It felt like a pump forend on a semi-auto gun...
Solution:
I added a SF Scout light mounted in a CDM gear clamp rail system. Similar to your setup.
All that to say, I would not spend the extra $$$ on a SF Forend till you run one and think it is worth it.
How well does the KAC T-1 battery cap work?
Was it worth the expense?
CharlieMike
01-12-11, 16:10
I like this very much and I'm contemplating a similar build. I was considering going with the Mako (http://www.opticsplanet.net/mako-group-fab-defense-handguard-w-rails-for-remington-model-870-56346.html) hand guard instead of the Surefire.
What I'd really like to know is: Where did you get the 870P?
I've been looking into one of those XS epoxy-on bead sights for a while now, but I'm curious as to how durable they are.
Caveat, I won't be using mine on a 'social' shotgun, but rather on a spare 28" vent-rib sporting barrel so I can use my 'social' shotgun to shoot clays and/or quail/pheasant/doves. I'm not going to bang it off doorways. I just don't want the recoil to detach it in the middle of a hunt.
Good deal, thanks for the info. Hows it pattern?
I need to get out and do some pattern work, but it's freakin' cold and always dark when I get off.
...Re: LOKNLOD's idea. I rearranged my forend today and the shadow is now minimized. Actuating the switch is easily done with my support hand index finger first knuckle. The two point should work much better like this as well. Thanks for the idea, pics to follow.
nice work! any chance you can put up a few pics of the repositioned light config?
Planning on it. Weather & daylight need to cooperate.
How well does the KAC T-1 battery cap work?
Was it worth the expense?
Works great. Carries a battery on a weapon that has no other battery-carrying location and it makes adjustment a little quicker.
I like this very much and I'm contemplating a similar build. I was considering going with the Mako hand guard instead of the Surefire.
What I'd really like to know is: Where did you get the 870P?
I went through my local dealer who is a Surefire dealer and got the M69 for about a bill.
Got the 870P from the same local dealer, in stock.
I've been looking into one of those XS epoxy-on bead sights for a while now, but I'm curious as to how durable they are.
Caveat, I won't be using mine on a 'social' shotgun, but rather on a spare 28" vent-rib sporting barrel so I can use my 'social' shotgun to shoot clays and/or quail/pheasant/doves. I'm not going to bang it off doorways. I just don't want the recoil to detach it in the middle of a hunt.
I'm not sure how durable it is, but I don't kick in doors for a living. At worst, I suppose it could fall off leaving the original bead sight exposed, which would not be the end of the world.
Thanks, so for 40 bucks I'll probably get one.
Btw how do you carry the spare battery? Do you reverse it?
Because I'm thinking, if you have both in the same direction, the voltage (or power, or whatever) may be too much for the T-1's circuits to handle?
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Btw how do you carry the spare battery? Do you reverse it?
***
Spare goes in opposite the functioning battery.
I'm not sure how durable it is, but I don't kick in doors for a living. At worst, I suppose it could fall off leaving the original bead sight exposed, which would not be the end of the world.
My only problem is that the bead is way too low to work with my ghost ring rear. Hence, why I want the XS :)
Looks good. After having it finished for a while now is there anything you'd change?
Also just curious but why the optic on a shotgun? I've never really understood that.
...Re: LOKNLOD's idea. I rearranged my forend today and the shadow is now minimized. Actuating the switch is easily done with my support hand index finger first knuckle. The two point should work much better like this as well. Thanks for the idea, pics to follow.
http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/kdcgrohl/firearms/IMG_20110115_132514.jpg
http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/kdcgrohl/firearms/IMG_20110115_132451.jpg
http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/kdcgrohl/firearms/IMG_20110115_132628.jpg
That looks great! Glad it worked out for you.
Did you pain the shotgun yourself or did you have someone do it for you?
Paint job looks real nice, how durable is it with cleaning and such?
I love the build and I want something just like it except I am going with the mesa LEO adapter and adding the magpul miad and moe stock.
I love the build and I want something just like it except I am going with the mesa LEO adapter and adding the magpul miad and moe stock.
Plato, that's how it was originally built. Exactly how you see it except using the MESA LEO, CTR with enhanced pad and a MIAD. Recoil was noticeably more harsh, and the cheekweld was horrible. I was considering getting the Magpul cheek piece, but decided to cut my losses and try shortening the original stock. My personal opinion, the inline stock is better for managing recoil. I still had to add a riser.
Did you pain the shotgun yourself or did you have someone do it for you?
Paint job looks real nice, how durable is it with cleaning and such?
Sorry for the late response bubba, didn't see your post.
Yes, painted myself, not much to it. The only damage I've noticed is from my impatient premature assembly. After that stuff dries a few days, it's pretty tough for rattlecan...
NICE! How much was build?
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