870 accessories for 3-gun

[elenius]

For my next gun purchase, I am thinking of getting a Remington 870P for 3-gun matches.

Some questions:

1) Are there any accessories that make it faster to load? Some modifications to the gun itself? I take it load time is the main thing in this kind of shotgun shooting.

2) I read someone say that the mossberg is faster to load. Is this right?

3) I want a 20" synthetic stock, but I also want the ghost ring sights. They only seem to sell the ghost rings on the 18" version though.

http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/870synthetic.htm

Is there a way to put those sights on a 20"?

4) What's a good place to get one in the bay area? (price-wise etc). How much should I expect to pay?

[DedEye]

Get a Mossberg 500/590 and a Knoxx Sidewinder if you want fast loads.

[gose]

You probably should consider getting a semi-auto instead. Used 1100s can be found pretty cheap and there are plenty of accessories for them.

Why put yourself at a disadvantage buy shooting a pump?

[ar15barrels]

I would recommend a remington 1100 over an 870 unless you are specifically going to shoot heavy metal pump.

Having a pump-action shotgun is a MAJOR detriment in 3gun.
Semi-auto is the way to go.

Benelli is the best, but if your budget only covers an 870, start looking for a good used 1100 to customize.

[elenius]

Get a Mossberg 500/590 and a Knoxx Sidewinder if you want fast loads.

Not allowed unless I shoot in Open division.

Plus, I've heard enough people praise the 870 over the mossberg, quality-wise, that I've started to believe it...

Are there 8+1 mossbergs? I need exactly this mag capacity. Easy to get any capacity with the 870 due to the exchangeable tubes.

[elenius]

I just really want a pump

Plus, yes, it's for heavy metal division, in case I ever go to a match where this is recognized. It would get along well with my M1A and my 1911. Gotta keep some harmony in the family

[ar15barrels]

In pumps, the 870 is surely the way to go.
I have built-up a nice 870 that matches my Benelli as for length, stock and sights.
The 870 is heavier and kicks more than the Benelli.

[marklbucla]

1) Are there any accessories that make it faster to load? Some modifications to the gun itself? I take it load time is the main thing in this kind of shotgun shooting.

You could get yourself one of those speed loaders. You stick a bunch of shells into a chute and ram them all into the magazine at once. They also have side saddles and armbands that hold shells.

2) I read someone say that the mossberg is faster to load. Is this right?

I agree. There's no exposed carrier to get in the way. I can load my formerly owned Mossberg much faster than I could an 870.

[3GunFunShooter]

Speed tubes will put you into open division. Race guns. Stay far away.Very $$$$ in open.
Get a side saddle, 3 gun gear has the cloth type, velcro.
Better in my mind. They also have the arm band style, get the 8 round ones. Mossbergs don't have removable chokes on most models. Changing chokes is great to have for different stages. Yes Mossbers do load easier, I just like the Remington 870, more options.

[ar15barrels]

1) You could get yourself one of those speed loaders. You stick a bunch of shells into a chute and ram them all into the magazine at once.

That puts you in open class.

[elenius]

Do I need some kind of recoil-reducing thingamabob, or is it feasible to run the stock stock?

[randy]

I looked at a Mossberg yesterday to see if it could be loaded quicker than an 870, I don't see how it could.

If you are going to shoot pump, stay with the 870. I have no idea where E P A is so I can't offer any help with your loading. Buy a video watch somebody good load.

There are two basic ways to load a shotgun. With the shell caddys or from all the canvas stuff attatched to your gun and your body. There are fast people doing it both ways. I like the caddys and grab 4 at a time weak hand.

Good luck. Welcome to 3 gun it's the best place to test your equipment without signing a 2 year commitment.

[wilit]

Are there 8+1 mossbergs? I need exactly this mag capacity. Easy to get any capacity with the 870 due to the exchangeable tubes.

The Mossberg 590 is an 8+1 straight off the shelf. You can also buy the 8 round mag tube from http://www.e-gunparts.com/ for the regular 500A shotguns that Big 5 has for $240. Only problem with putting a 8 round tube on a 500A is you need to use the 590's 20" barrel. The 500A 18.5" won't work.

[marklbucla]

I looked at a Mossberg yesterday to see if it could be loaded quicker than an 870, I don't see how it could.

There's no exposed carrier to resist against the loaded shell. It's also easier to find the loading area without the carrier in the way. With practice, the difference is minimized, but it's still there.

[elenius]

The Mossberg 590 is an 8+1 straight off the shelf. You can also buy the 8 round mag tube from http://www.e-gunparts.com/ for the regular 500A shotguns that Big 5 has for $240. Only problem with putting a 8 round tube on a 500A is you need to use the 590's 20" barrel. The 500A 18.5" won't work.

So this one is the 590?

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&storeid=2504020&rapid=0&pagenumber=0&listingid=-2092692556&offerid=&ref=%2fbig5%2fdefault.aspx%3faction%3dbrowsecategoryl2%26storeid%3d2504020%26CatTreeID%3d591161%26L2CatId%3d591161%26L1CatID%3d

$229, and I'd be good to go basically... interesting...

Does this one have the ghost ring sights?

I handled a 590 at Irvington arms, and it was $700, and they said it was 7+1. I'm confused... Are there radically different 590s?

I don't see the 500 on the Big 5 web page...