Some help with first shotgun?

[kkp]

I'm now the proud owner of a Remington 870 Express, which rounds out my collection nicely (only rifles and pistols, until now).

This came configured with the longer barrel, which will be nice for hunting clay pigeons at some point. But naturally, I want to swap it asap for a shorter barrel for HD, which is the primary reason I got it. (also on sale and in stock, and I have always liked my buddy's 870)

Anyone have any links to good shorter HD barrel? Something nice and simple, although I do see the practicality of a breaker barrel if that's available. I'd also like a +2 extension tube... and perhaps a sidesaddle to hold some extra shells, and a better buttpad to help take some of the edge off of recoil?

Also any recommended tactical lights that attach easily (and don't cost a fortune like Surefire and the like)? I don't want to weigh it down with tacticool crapola, but I can see the usefulness of a small, basic light to see what I'm aiming for in an HD scenario.

I intend to pick up some 00 buckshot to use in it. I'll get some cheap target stuff at some point, too, but meanwhile, this should be good for HD use, from what I've read here... right? Ammo is hard to come by these days, but I was able to grab some Fiocchi 2.75" #00 9pel 1150fps shells from Graf that should do the trick for starters... right?

I do intend to take a HD course to learn all the best practices at some point soon, but meanwhile, I'd like it to be useful as well as ornamental.

[350skylark]

barrels and accessories should be able to find them with just a google search, i would take it out with some birdshot and just get a feel for it, then get a few practices with the 00 buck and make sure your comfortable, its better to invest in training sooner rather then later..

[negolien]

Nice enjoy it

I might also like to suggest a shoulder stock+pistol grip. I find the control during firing and manipulation alot easier. Link is 1st one below. I also find reloading alot easier with that stock. I just flip it upside down with the stock resting on my shoulder with the gate sitting right there ready to load into it.

I use a UTG EL-338 for my AR light and as a handheld for use with my 1911. I left the mount and pressure switch on the AR and got another tailcap so I can run as a straight handheld. Not bad for the price 200 lumens 3 CR123 solidly built not plastic crapola.

As for side saddles I recommend them but you probably will have to get a shorter forend. I have an 870 clone (the Hawk 982) and I had to get a Hogue to have room for the sidesaddle.

Limbsaver buttpads are popular. As for ammo it really depends on your living situation and penetration requirements. I think the barrel could be gotten at bass pro? I had a catalogue that had barrels in it but I forget what it was from probably them though. Amazon and Ebay are your friends lol.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/advanced-technology-shotgun-buttstock-pistol-grip-12-20-ga.html

[jfifer]

Check the marketplace! I just saw a shoter barrel foreend combo. congrats on your purchase.
(didnt read any posts except op)

[kkp]

Jesse, where do you see a good surefire for $80?

Breaker barrel in case I ever want to shoot out a lock, as I understand it.

Sling- absolutely for target shooting, but I've seen it deprecated here for HD use, since it's one more thing to snag on stuff.

Interesting shooting technique... does Rob Haught teach in SoCal?

I live in a house, residential neighborhood, so while I'm not exactly 10 miles from the nearest neighbor (zero over-penetration worries), any missed shots would have to go through multiple exterior walls and fences, plus at least 20' between the houses, to get to a neighbor, so I think that's not hugely high on my list of concerns.

Thanks, all, keep 'em coming!

[zfields]

Every long gun should have a sling, every pistol a holster.


and no, I'm not saying that because we make slings.

[kkp]

Right here..

Sweet, thanks! I was looking at different models that were a lot spendier. Now how do I attach it to my Remy? No rails or picaninny attachment points.

Here's a video of the Marines practicing door breaching with their Benelli M4s. Note the complete absence of any sort of breaching doohickey. They do a lot more door breaching than you or I ever will..

Ok, possible without, but what's the downside to a breacher barrel? (Not the right link, btw but I'll take your word for it)

Your sling is the holster for your long gun. The chance of you getting snagged up on something in your house vs. needing your hands free? Walk around your house with your rifle and sling and see how many hours pass before you get hung up on something. If you're super paranoid, buy one of these quick release extensions and add them to your sling..

The only time this gun will be in my hands at home is when I'm staring down the barrel at a bad guy, or cleaning it. No need for a sling in either situation, IMO. I'm a big believer in them outside the home, and i use them with all my rifles, so I absolutely will buy one, but it may not be kept connected at all times. That said, storage location and method is still TBD (WAF factors to consider) so we'll see, could end up either way, I suppose.

He has.

Then I hope to catch one when he returns.

[negolien]

These aren't bad..

http://www.cdmgear.com/

[zfields]

Oh just incase you need one.


I have a nordic mag tube extension clamp w/ rail I just bought from brownells. It wont fit my briley extension ( briley is WAY thicker then most extensions I have seen ), and looking to try to pass on my vendor discount I get from them. Let me know if you can use it. Rather do that then just send it back.

[negolien]

Extensions in general are amazingly high priced. It boggles the mind how much they charge for such a simply item.

[JagerDog]

FWIW, I'm a big fan of AR style pistol grips on HD shotguns as it permits easy 1 hand muzzle control while the other hand is busy (911?). Mind you I'm not proposing shooting with 1 hand as the shotgun is likely to be removed from your hand upon firing. It also allows the stock to be easily tucked under an arm in close quarters. They look a bit funny on the skeet range though.

[Dattebayo]

For an HD barrel, there are a large selection of them found here.

http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/rem-bbl.htm

Because you have the 870 setup, it is much easier to get barrel combinations with a mag extensions vs. Mossberg.

If it were me, I'd probably try to grab that 21 inch smooth bore turkey barrel with the chokes and then play around grouping with the different chokes for the best patterns.

[osis32]

I think your shotgun might have the dimpled magazine. I picked on up to make a poor man's ksg and it has dimples I need to remove. Be aware of that when you try to install a mag extension.

[negolien]

I' am the same as far as pistol grips pics below. Using the grips+stock combo makes handling way easier and I just turn it upside down with the butt on my shoulder to load it. The gate is right there once you flip it over. I also agree with the dimple post mine had that. Just unscrew the cap and if you have to turn the plug for it to pop off you have the dimples that will need to be drilled out for an extension.

[negolien]

LOL figures

The flipping the gun upside down to load on the shoulder to load is gamer stuff, not for self defense. You're completely removing the gun from your firing hand grip and have it upside down; not good for needing to quickly get rounds down range.
Rounds brass down is a good way to lose ammo in a dynamic situation involving movement.

Umm whatever dude I have used this configuration for several rifle/shotgun classes. One of the instructers in a defense course actually recommended that way to load. This is for home defense not a 3gun course. small video example with me in it to better explain what I mean..

http://s1229.photobucket.com/user/Negolien/media/hd001_zps450acb14.mp4.html