Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Lefty Shooter Wants an 870 - Suggested Mods?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    44
    Feedback Score
    0

    Lefty Shooter Wants an 870 - Suggested Mods?

    Hi all,

    I am left handed and I currently have a Mossberg 590A1 18" (with Surefire fore-end) shotgun due to the ambidextrous safety and easy to reach carrier release button. But I find this gun to be quite heavy and the action rattles more than I expected.

    So I would like to buy an 870, but would like to find out if there are any mods suggested to make it more friendly for a left handed shooter.

    - Is the carrier release location an issue for lefty's?
    - Can the cross-bolt safety be reversed?

    I think these were the two features that drew me towards the 590A1 over an 870.

    Or are there techniques such that these aren't drawbacks for lefties?

    I do want ghost ring sights and a possible picatinny rail for an Aimpoint T-1, but I'd like to keep the weight down.

    Thanks in advance for your input!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    northern CA
    Posts
    428
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by 1022rimfire View Post
    - Is the carrier release location an issue for lefty's?
    - Can the cross-bolt safety be reversed?
    As a lefty ... carrier release is not an issue.
    The safety can be reversed - by a competent gunsmith - and I've got two 870s set up that way. A better suggestion, and the route I'll go if I need to set up another 870, is to buy a complete, new L/H fire control group and install it.
    (I did have a L/H 870 but I sold it)

    Or are there techniques such that these aren't drawbacks for lefties?
    There are ways to manipulate the safety w/the left hand. They involve rolling or positioning the L/h under the receiver.
    My personal preference is to make the weapon L/H friendly ... but that's just me.

    I do want ghost ring sights and a possible picatinny rail for an Aimpoint T-1, but I'd like to keep the weight down.
    I have a Mesa shell holder / rail combination specifically for a T-1 but I have not installed it yet.
    The T-1 was quite nice on a semi-auto I just finished playing with.
    Yup, I'm a Dinosaur!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Anna, TX
    Posts
    6,315
    Feedback Score
    26 (100%)
    This is actually one of the few times I agree it's better to make it lefty-friendly.

    The safety can be reversed by a competent gunsmith which is what I did on mine.

    VC Systems also makes a oversized ball safety which is also an option if you don't want to reverse it. Hans is also a hell of a guy and a genuine artisan if you want to have him modify your 870.
    It is bad policy to fear the resentment of an enemy. -Ethan Allen

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    A-stan or MI or _________
    Posts
    3,652
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by Erick Gelhaus View Post
    As a lefty ... carrier release is not an issue.
    The safety can be reversed - by a competent gunsmith - and I've got two 870s set up that way. A better suggestion, and the route I'll go if I need to set up another 870, is to buy a complete, new L/H fire control group and install it.
    (I did have a L/H 870 but I sold it)




    I have a Mesa shell holder / rail combination specifically for a T-1 but I have not installed it yet.
    The T-1 was quite nice on a semi-auto I just finished playing with.
    Where did you get your LH Fire control group? Can that be put on a LH 870?
    Also, where did you get the Mesa setup- I thought they only made the combo deal for the Benelli's.

    I have been using RH 870s since I was 12- Bird hunting really taught me how to manipulate the controls in a hurry- I wouldn't mind my primary home defense weapon having a LH safety though.
    Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. Psalm 144:1

    Owner of MI-TAC, LLC .

    @MichiganTactical

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Fayetteville, NC
    Posts
    4,079
    Feedback Score
    15 (100%)
    Concur.

    LH mods often aren't truly necessary, and one can easily learn to get around the manual of arms -- even on an 870 -- but there are some real advantages to converting the safety.

    As stated, you can buy the LH group, have a gunsmith do it for you, or Remington used to offer the service as well. It's worth the perceived hassle.

    Chief
    Stand your ground; don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here. -- Captain John Parker, Lexington, 1775.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    WNC - Smokies foothills
    Posts
    31
    Feedback Score
    0
    I think Remington still does the con.
    dit

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •