870 Express convert to Tactical HD

[millerjoe]

So I have an old Remington 870 Express Youth Model 20 Gauge that was a gift many, many years ago...when I was a "youth." Unfortunately, now that I am a foot taller and a 100lbs heavier I don't have much use for it as is. But, I was thinking it sure would be fun to tear it down and make it a tactical HD shotgun. I am thinking about a pistol grip with or without a folding stock, some sort of railed fore end, a big light, and an extended mag tube, and so on and so forth. Anyhow, I have experience "tricking out" other firearms (AR's, 1911's, etc.) but have never really fooled with a shotgun in this fashion. I'm wondering the following:
Does anyone have suggestions.
Also, how big of an extended mag tube can I go considering the 21" barrel.
Which 20 gauge and 12 gauge will/will not be interchangeable?
Does anyone see any foreseeable issues I may have with this project?
And MOST importantly, if anyone wants to provide inspiration for additional goodies for this project I am all ears!!
Thanks!

[AEA]

I have no advice.

[RPB]

dunno nuttin bout 20s, but here's a 12
I did it back in the 1980s, Made quite a few for local Police Officers and this one was probably for either Officer Les Early or Jeff Ginn (both killed on duty) so I still have it, unfired.. This is an 870

IIRC, Butler Creek folding stock; http://www.butlercreek.com/products/sto ... steel.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Butler Creek also made the foregrip ( I just checked, Butler Creek Patent # 5,027, 542 Butler Creek Corporation )
I don't think the fore-grip (which is NOT a "pistol grip" fore-grip) is made any more but it is good for 1-handed/injured hand operation which is why I put it on the Police (home defense) Shotguns, but wouldn't surprise me if BATFE later regulated them out of production because they think it's a "handle" that has no "sporting purpose" or some silly reason. etc, thereby reducing the number of jobs in the USA at Butler Creek who produced that fine product and making it less possible for an Officer/home owner with an injured hand/arm to defend himself.


20" Bbl, extended mag tube, (holds 6 total in tube +1 chambered)
http://www.google.com/search?q=870+tube ... 24&bih=610" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

SideSaddle shell carrier, (holds 6 more total)
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SHT002-1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

heat shield (the "barrel Shroud" that BATFE says makes it a dangerous "assault weapon" with "no sporting purpose" ) so dashboard doesn't melt from a hot barrel,
http://www.valhallaarmory.com/Shotgun_B ... 081171.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I also changed out a few things like added/upgraded to a Safety hi-viz Orange follower,
http://www.google.com/search?q=870+tube ... 24&bih=610" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

an oversized safety button http://www.google.com/search?q=870+tube ... 24&bih=610" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

about 3 barrel to mag tube braces which have a thing to add a sling if desired, http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... CGcQ8wIwAg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and a couple other improvements which I forget. I guess I could add a rail and light now, but I'll probably trade it for a 20 ga before I ever do that as my old wrist/shoulder/back doesn't like recoil as much as they once did..I'm trying NOT to buy a .410 Saiga/Arsenal conversion with a 15 round mag because honestly for home I have to go through my 8 9mm rounds I sleep with on my hip, then the 21 9mm rounds in my nearby Glock on my way to the XD45 with it's 14 rounds to reach my shotgun closet .... so it probably won't ever get fired.
I'd probably prefer a similarly configured 20 ga. or .410, if you do yours you'll have to post pics

The only reason I still have it I guess is the fore grip. Having only 1 hand, on a "regular" pump shotgun, I'd have to use 2 screws and screw a leather strap or nylon webbing to slip my left wrist through to rack the thing ... I had a semi-auto, but sold it because I couldn't put a folding stock on it due to the recoil stuff being in the stock ... hence, my desire for a Saiga type Arsenal conversion, but I won't find a .20, and the BATF wants to violate the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and make those guns non-importable which are more suitable for disabled/handicapped persons to use for defense because they don't go hunting or Sporting with them since many "sporting" areas aren't "accessible"

[RECIT]

That is nice and good inspiration

[RPB]

LOL I'm sitting here with it and the action works so well and started sorting all my old 12 ga ammo and decided to go buy more Winchester DOUBLE-X (more pellets)

I have a lifetime fishing license, holding this fine machine makes me almost wish I hunted too.

Unscrew the mag tube/add a plug and it's a perfect Whitewing Dove hunting gun too ...

I got a guy who has bugged me for years to sell it, but the unavailability of that fore grip now and the impossibility of getting a reliable .20 ga Saiga conversion ... guess I'll still keep it, though it will probably never be fired.

I might trade one day for a .20/.410 converted Saiga/Arsenal or another similarly configured 870 in 20 ga if a fore grip I could use was on it.

[millerjoe]

RPB,
This is exactly the kind of information and inspiration I was looking for. I believe I am going to have to start this project sooner than initially expected now. Thanks!

[RPB]

RPB,
This is exactly the kind of information and inspiration I was looking for. I believe I am going to have to start this project sooner than initially expected now. Thanks!

Very Welcome


I'm afraid if I add a rail and flashlight (on the BATFE list of "evil things") so I see a burglar instead of a family member, the BATFE might bring helicopters and a SWAT team to raid my house unless there is a "sporting purpose" (kidding)

Another option is the top folder stock with shell carrier instead of a side-folder stock and sidesaddle shell carrier (I don't think they made those back in the 1980s or I might have used those instead)
http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... 8Q8wIwAjgU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[millerjoe]

Yeah, one way or another I'm sure most of us are on the BATFE list anyhow. Thanks for the suggestions.

[MoJo]

One suggestion, do not put a pistol grip only on your gun use either a side or top folder. PG shotguns although cool looking are notoriously famous for being almost impossible to shoot well with. That coupled with the horrific recoil of a gauge will have you crying "Uncle" after a couple of shots. The 20 gauge may be a little lighter in the recoil department - - - the lightness of a 20 may off set that. There are fewer tactical accessories for a 20 but you should be able to find what you want/need.

Good luck and let us see the finished product.

[LittleGun]

I'm trying to decide if I want one of these:

http://www.mesatactical.com/index.php?id=55" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[texasmusic]

I have an old youth 20ga as well. I have looked for stocks but no luck... I'm trying to find a standard length wood or camo synthetic furniture kit but... no luck. If you find a source for 20ga stock let me know

Edit to add, doing some more looking and found this.
Please Note: Remington 20 ga. guns with serial numbers ending in “K” or “U” are a small frame and require a 20 ga. stock set. 20 ga. guns with serial numbers ending in “X” or “N” are a large frame and require a 12 ga. stock set.