I just finished my 870, but I need your help with one last thing....

[Opie]

I have been shooting 870s now for a couple of years and finally built what is (for me) my ideal shotgun. I have played with several different configurations over the last few years and decided what I did need/didnt need and came up with this.

I started with a Remington 870 Police Magnum with factory ghost rings and added the following.....

Hogue Short Stock, 12" LOP

Vang Comp Big Head Safety

Surefire 918 9v Millenium forend

Wilson Combat +2 mag extension

2 point sling with quick detach mounts

and a 6rd Sidesaddle

Now I am ready to add the final touch....

What case should I get for it?

I have browsed the Blackhawk stuff but I cant make up my mind. My uses will be going to and from the range, and when I finally get on the Police Dept. I will be carrying the shotgun in the trunk so I want something with some padding in case it gets bumped around. I don't think I would want an aluminum case so I am thinking a well padded soft case is the best way to go. If you guys have links/pictures please add them to the responses for me.

Thanks in advance for you advice.

 

[Dave McCracken]

"What case should I get for it"?

A case of ammo. Followed by more cases. Put some wear marks on that mag tube and those action bars.

To really answer your question, most soft cases will do the job you want. I use an old military carbine case, just the right length.

OTOH,hard cases are well worth the money for peace of mind. Kolpin's will withstand anything this side of the baggage gorillas at BWI.

 

[Speed Racer]

Gorgeous SG, Opie.

I'm interested in building a similar 870 myself (see my newbie post elsewhere on this forum).
Could you comment on that short stock for me? Is it quicker to mount, move, etc. while still holding a good mount? Is it faster to run the bolt with the off-hand?

Anyway, cool shot-chucker!

 

[Al Thompson]

I like the Uncle Mike's line of cases. Best to check fit at a store though - that light may not fit a regular SG case.

 

[WJR]

Opie,

Your 870 looks great. Can you tell me what kind of sling you are using?

How do you like the factory ghost rings? Do they have tritium?

Thanks,

WJR

 

[Joe Mamma]

What kind of "quick detach" sling mounts are you using?

Joe Mamma

 

[rebbryan]

blackhawk is made in vietnam, eagle (if they offer cases, i dunno) is made in USA.

 

[Opie]

Thanks for the comments so far....

Dave, I have ammo ready to go and as soon as I get a day off and some nice weather I am going to get out there and blast away.

So far I only have about 250rd thru this particular 870, but I have shot tons out of others.....

As far as the sling and the mounts I just used uncle mikes quick detach mounts and a good old milspec 1 1/2 web sling. It works great for me, and the dept I am going with wants 2 point slings so that made the choice easy for me.

I love the factory ghostrings. They are not tritium but I really dont feel like I need it.

The short stock fits me well, and its what I will need if I am wearing a vest. Its quick and comfortable, not to mention it makes the gun easier to handle indoors.

 

[WJR]

Opie,

One more question, how do you like the Vang Safety?? I definitely want a bigger safety but cannot decide whether to go with Vang or Wilson.

Thank you,

WJR

 

[laynlow]

WJR,

I much prefer the Wilson safety. The Vang is dome shaped and feels harsh to me. The Wilson has a nice large flat top with a couple machined grooves. YMMV

 

[Opie]

Just the other way for me....

I played with the factory, the wilson, and the vang before building this shotgun. I personally prefer the Vang dome style, however try both and see what you like first. I feel they are both high quality parts and either will serve you better than the factory part under stress.

Remember, when bad things happen your fine motor skills will be out the window. LOTS practice can help overcome that, and big buttons can't hurt at all.

 

[WJR]

Thank you, gentlemen. How hard is this to switch out yourself? I do not have any reference manuals on this, such as Kuhnhausen on the 870. I guess I need to buy that at some point.

WJR

 

[laynlow]

It's not hard. Remove the trigger group, then cover the ball and spring hole on top while you push out the ball and spring retaining pin. With the pin out, carefully remove the ball and spring (they are very small). Slide the old safety out, and the new one in. Place the ball and then the spring back in their place. Using a small punch, compress the spring down below the pin hole. Reinsert the pin, pointed edge first, and you are finished. Check for function.

 

[Rat-30]

Don't know if this is verboten, here, but I have a NIW Vang safety available... PM me.

I just prefer the flat jumbo-head.

Thanks,

 

[Opie]

Ended up deciding to go with the blackhawk case. So far it is the only one not tapered at the end, the light wont fit in standard shotgun cases.

Thanks! Brian

 

[Dave McCracken]

As for big heads safeties....

Obviously, if it's easier to take off or on on purpose, it's also easier to get knocked off or on.

Some VERY shotgun cognizant folks I know use the big safety jobs. Some loathe them. Since these are not big ticket items, trying one under fast and stressed conditions like realistic training and/or competition can show one if the big safety is for that person.

I have little trouble finding the standard one quickly. YMMV...

 

[DontShootMe]

Safeties

Are safeties on shotguns more of a hunting practice as opposed to HD?

I can't recall when (or why) I've ever used the safety on my HD shotgun.

 

[Opie]

I always have the the tube full, chamber empty, and safety on for HD shotguns.

I have a youngster around and I feel more comfortable with it stored in that configuration. If I didnt have the kid it would probably be stored with the safety off, and the mag full (cruiser safe)

 

[9mmMike]

I shoot my 870's (& 1100's) so much that I do not even notice the engagement (or disengagement) of the safety. It is an automatic function of my hand now. When I pick it up the safety is on. I shoot and put it down and the safety is back on.
Oversized button is an unnecessary doodad in my opinion.
Of course, I also like hi-vis followers so what do I know?
Mike

 

[dustind]

I have the tube full, chamber half open with a round sittin on the bolt, and saftey on. I am so used to the type of safties on 870 and other firearms I will never forget.