Rem 870 Tactical Replacement Barrels

[Gsxr_707]

Need guidance, just got a Rem 870 tactical, went trap shooting with it and it was difficult to hit the clays as they went farther out. Looked online for a longer barrel but all the replacement barrels for 870 are interchangeable except the Tactical, which sucks. Am I SOL or are there other options other than getting another shotgun, which is not a bad idea, just rather change the barrel if I can. Thanks!!!!

[NapalmCheese]

IIRC you can buy any 870 barrel and, using a shim, make it work.

Or, instead of spending $150 - $200 dollars on a barrel, spend $350 on another 870 with a 28 inch barrel with threaded chokes. Or, instead of spending $350 on another 870 Express, spend $250 on a 50 year old 12 gauge that will handle better, feel better, exhibit better craftsmanship than anything you can buy new in that price range. If it isn't threaded for chokes, that'll cost another $100 if you feel a need.

Or rent one if you only shoot clays on occasion.

[bigbearbear]

I thought Remington 870 Tactical comes with Rem Choke compatibility? If that's the case, you might be able to buy a Modified or Improved Modified choke and use it for trap shooting.

The barrel length just makes it easier for some to swing the shotgun, some people find that a short barrel makes the shotgun "whippy". However, it will be the choke, shot size and powder charge that determines the pattern of your shot and the energy they carry at a distance.

I use a Modified choke on my shotgun and I prefer 1 1/8oz #7.5 shot loaded at around 1200 fps or 1145fps, because I've found that the clays break more dramatically using this combo at the 16 yard line and I'm not good enough to use a full choke or shoot handcap yet.

Another load I like is the Fiocchi Dove Loads, these are #7.5 or #8 1oz loads at 1250fps. They have low recoil but hit like thunderbolts, and pattern very nicely in my shotgun. Plus, the base is brass and not steel. The only problem is finding them in stock at a good price. So I'm forced to do without them most of the time.

[Gem1950]

Buy an old Wingmaster.

[aippi]

I believe he is stating he has the six shot one piece tube and the barrel that comes on his shotgun is the only one made for it.

You have a dedicated defense shotgun and it is not for sporting use. Your only option is to get another shotgun for that purpose.

[XVIga_Rob]

There is one other option I can think of. Not that I'd do it, but the mag tube could be changed to a "standard" tube, which would allow the use of "standard" 870 barrels.

I'd look for a different gun for clay games or hunting.

[haw1144]

I had the same dilemma. I also have the 870 Express with the 6shot single piece tube. I bought a Remington 28" vented-rib barrel off eBay for a pretty good price.

And while I'm not saying you should do this as well, but I didn't want to buy another shotgun. I went to Home Depot and bought a steel pipe (1" OD), cut it down to size as a spacer, and painted it black.

I took it out skeet shooting for the afternoon and had no issues... it shot great!

[aippi]

[QUOTE=haw1144;13931084]I had the same dilemma. I also have the 870 Express with the 6shot single piece tube. I bought a Remington 28" vented-rib barrel off eBay for a pretty good price.

And while I'm not saying you should do this as well, but I didn't want to buy another shotgun. I went to Home Depot and bought a steel pipe (1" OD), cut it down to size as a spacer, and painted it black.

I took it out skeet shooting for the afternoon and had no issues... it shot great!

On you own range that may work for you, however, I think on a public range the Range Master or Safety Officer would have an issue with that.

[jeffrice6]

Again, where are all those that said the six shot one piece tube tactical 870 was no big deal??? Seems that there are more and more people "new" to the 870 who are getting screwed. Its a shame, and even more of a shame for those rallied against the wisdom of a poster in this very thread.

[aippi]

Again, where are all those that said the six shot one piece tube tactical 870 was no big deal??? Seems that there are more and more people "new" to the 870 who are getting screwed. Its a shame, and even more of a shame for those rallied against the wisdom of a poster in this very thread.

I get plenty of calls from people who bought the 25077 without having the understanding that they could not change barrels. As a dedicate HD this model is fine, however, it does not have the versatility of the 870 that makes it so popular. There are over 110 barrels made for the 12ga 870. Given, many are the same barrel but in different finish but the point is with a barrel change you have another gun specific to the intended purpose. That is lost with the 25077 model and the other so called "Tactical" models that Freedom Group introduced into the Remington line. Also, the people selling these should explain it to the customer. They may loose a sale so they don't. Makes one question where they do business.

[elSquid]

Again, where are all those that said the six shot one piece tube tactical 870 was no big deal???

I'm here!

Its a shame, and even more of a shame for those rallied against the wisdom of a poster in this very thread.

Who "rallied?"

The Remington catalog has a broad array of choices in 870, I don't think that it's crazy that they have a couple of dedicated HD shotguns for those that want them.

And those that want a basic gun to build upon can start with this:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-synthetic-18inch.aspx

You want complexity...how many different barrel configs do Mossberg pumps have? IIRC, at least 4...5 and 7 shot 500, 5 and 7 shot 590...

Does anyone make a duck barrel for a 7 shot 590?

< shrug again >

-- Michael

[XVIga_Rob]

Personally, I love all the 870 choices, and actually wish they had a couple more offings. I own a few 870's, one being a dedicated HD gun!

[ronrichards64]

I built a 870 from a old Wingmaster Rec, bought the 18.5 at LGS for 130.00$ ,A Express 28 inch mint on E bay at 80.00 total cost was over 400.00$ , Very happy with this ,would not sell it , It will be passed to Family . Bolt and trigger were on Gun broker pins ebay spring ,ebay ,all new take offs .