870 add ons for a newbie

[greyhound]

Getting to the point where I want to start "adding" things to my 870, but I have to ask how hard it is to install a sling and a side saddle shell holder to it? I am aware that to install sling swivels I'll have to drill into the wood, but I am wondering how the side saddle holder is installed. I am aware that these are very basic mods but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[dfariswheel]

The side saddle uses bolts that go through the trigger group pin holes.
You simply push the pins out and run the bolts through the holes and tighten in place.

The only watch-outs are to be sure not to tighten the bolts too tight. If you really clamp the saddle down, it can squeeze the receiver together and cause feed problems.

The other watch-out is to be sure the saddle chosen will work with your fore end. Sporting fore ends are longer, and will bump into the saddle, preventing the gun from operating.

You will either need to buy a short side saddle, replace the fore end with a Police-type, or shorten the original.

For sling swivels, the method of installation depends on the swivels you want to use.
Some require not only drilling a hole, but also countersinking it. A special two-stepped drill/counter sink is sold for this.
Most quick-detach swivels need only a pilot hole in the butt.

Fore end swivels depend on whether you have a magazine extension. Swivels for extension mags usually attach to the bottom or side of the extension support bracket.

Swivels for standard guns attach to the hole in the magazine cap.
Most fore end swivels are attached with nothing more than a screwdriver.

 

[Smoke]

ammo.


seriously. thats all you need for the first year. then you will have figured out what other aadditions might help YOU.

 

[greyhound]

Yep, I don't think I want to mess with the side saddle thing right now. I think I will get a sling, though, just to make it easir to tote when I go shooting. I've looked around online, and only have two questions:

-does it matter where on the butt the swivel goes (i.e. 2" from the recoil pad, etc)

-I've seen ads where the swivels have 1 part which screws on (which I assume is for the butt), and 1 part that has a nut over it. I assume this nut is to attach it to the magazine cap?

Thanks!

 

[Dave McCracken]

Yup, magazine cap.

The big thing is to learn the weapon. BA/UU/R until you're deadly, then decide what addons and mods are good for you. I can give you a laundry list of stuff that may help a little, but the big thing is proficiency.

I'll forgive you for the sling studs, they ARE essentials. Hold off on the rest for now, please.

And enjoy this. Lots of fun await!

 

[Mannlicher]

Don't over look the newer combat style slings that require no drilling, but slip over the butt.

 

[greyhound]

I saw one of those at Uncle Mikes. I can understand how it fits on the butt of the weapon, but how the heck is it secured to the barrel? Seems to me it would have to slip around. It was advertised as special to shotguns, with some sort of "no slip" material. Anyone have any experience with these? Seemed like an easy way to tote the shotgun w/out any drilling but I'm kinda skeptical....

 

[CWL]

I'd suggest getting a sidesaddle or buttcuff rather than sling as first add-on.

Slings and usage of one can be touchy (even downright dangerous), with strong opinions either way about necessity or not.

It never hurts to have extra shells located on SG.

 

[Mute]

This will differ from person to person, but I find that the factor length-of-pull on the Remington 870s to be to long for a HD gun for most people. You might want to see if your shotgun mounts quickly and naturally. If not, chances are the stock is too long and you'll want to shorten it or replace it with a shorter stock. I find that to be the biggest factor for improving your skills with that gun that is a hardware and not a software issue.