Rem 870 conversion for HD

[guitargeak99]

Hello all, new to the "shotgun" thread.
Other than buying another gun I would like get a short barrel for my old hunting 3" mag 12 gauge Rem 870 Wingmaster, for HD. Is it just a matter of finding a 18" or 20" barrel?
What kind of ammo should I use? OO Buck?

[Sicarius]

My ideal HD setup would be an 18 inch. You wouldn't imagine what 2 inches makes between an 18 and 20 inch barrel moving around the house. Magazine extension tube and side saddle and you should be set. Ammo depends on your house IMO. 00 is the typical ammo people use. There is a large following that use #4 buck and some that use Birdshot. You have to take in consideration your environment as far as shared walls and people.
Kevin

[HatersLOVEme : )]

They actually make 12GA ammo specifically home defense now days they come in two loadings - heavy-density BBs or Duplex load of No. 2 and No. 4 shot

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=114579

[Sicarius]

Almost forgot, Surefire Forend! Gotta see what you are shooting and recognize it as a threat.
Kevin

[guitargeak99]

Ok, an 18" barrel and a magazine extension tube (should I look for used)? Is this an easy swap? I know pistols, but not shotguns.

[Sicarius]

Extension tube is cake. the cap the holds the barrel untreads and the extension tube replaces it. There is sometimes a nub in the magazine tube you may need to dremel or file off.
Kevin

[AragornElessar86]

Ok, an 18" barrel and a magazine extension tube (should I look for used)? Is this an easy swap? I know pistols, but not shotguns.

I know on my 870 I had to have a 20" barrel to use the mag extension.

EDIT: Fail for me. 18.5" is the min for the mag extension.

[Subotai]

I just use buckshot. I don't see the need for anything else. My goal is to stop them as fast as possible.

[guitargeak99]

Great replies guys. Thanks

[BigDogatPlay]

Just about any mag extension for an 870 will work well for the purpose. Easy as pie to install, just make sure the threads are lined up right and take care removing the magazine spring retainer so that you don't get the mag spring in the face or eye when you take it down.

I use a Scattergun Technologies 2 shot extension on my 18.5 inch 870P. The Remington OEM unit will work very well also. The Wilson Combat is also an excellent extension. One thing to note... the only extension I know of which does not require the use of a separate barrel clamp to help support it is the Wilson. The others I mentioned will come with the clamp.

A 20 inch barrel versus an 18.5 inch barrel..... apples and oranges to me. The principle difference is that with a flush to the muzzle extension a 20 inch will give you three extra rounds compared to two extra n a flush to the muzzle extension on an 18.5 inch.

The only other extras I recommend for a dedicated HD 870 are:

** Some type of good quality LED light. CDM Gear makes really good mounts that sit between barrel and mag tube. A Sure Fire or Fenix light would be good first choices, there are others. I have a Sure Fire dedicated fore end on my 870 which aren't cheap but they are the best solution.

** Some type of spare ammo carrier... sidesaddle or butt cuff are, IMO, best suited. Butt cuff takes away the ability to properly shoulder on your weak side so I prefer a side saddle, 4-6 rounds and your choice depends on how much weight you want to add.

I've also come to swear by the Aippi method of cleaning / polishing the inside of the mag tube. Coupled with a good quality follower, you'll never have a failure to feed. A large head safety, such as from Vang, is not a bad thing, but it's not required.

HD guns are, IMO, best left simple and straightforward. The more stuff you hang on the gun, the heavier you make it and there is a point of negative return in the tradeoff between weight and features. Anyone in the home fit enough to heft and shoot a 12 gauge should be able to pick it up and run it if they have to without really thinking about it, and that's where the pump (and the 870) shines.

[5539]

Go to JD's website, www.aiptactical.com

One stop shop, plus How To Videos.

John

PS: Youtube/ Clint Smith (Thunder Ranch) 870 Shotgun, He will start you off on the right foot.

[i5warrior]

my 870 has always been loaded cruiser ready with 2 slugs and 4 00bucks on the side. after i did a class i took out all the 00 bucks and replaced it with bird shots. 00 bucks have 8 - 9 about 32 cal that will go through 2 walls in a standard home. unless you can be sure ALL bb's will hit your intended target, something or someone will get hit. in a hd shotgun, highly recommend bird shot with slugs on the side. a class did a world of difference for me in my thinking and setup. good luck.