I am considering a SBS build and have found a few pics of 12.5" 870's with the Magpul forends but none have shown me the details I am after.

I'd like to see how close the muzzle, mag tube cap and forend are to being flush with one another. In some pics it appears the forend is extending past the muzzle, is that the case? It doesn't appear to be an issue for those running one like that but maybe the pics I have seen are more of a camera angle or optical illusion?

I am also considering chopping down a vent rib barrel to 12.5" (just the look I am after). What are the chances the vent rib supports will line up with the muzzle for a clean flush look, Maybe you can see what I am after here? I don't love the look when the rib is cut way back on the barrel at the last available vent rib to barrel support... I might have to silver solder a new post at the muzzle to get the look I am after.

Anyhow, any pics would be greatly appreciated! I am really hoping to understand that relationship of the mag tube, muzzle and forend right at the end of the gun.

Thanks in advance-

Mine is a 12". If you need other pics/angles let me know

Burnt Bronze Remington 870 Short Barrel Shotgun by Buffman RANGE, on Flickr
Burnt Bronze Remington 870 Short Barrel Shotgun by Buffman RANGE, on Flickr

Burnt Bronze Remington 870 Short Barrel Shotgun by Buffman RANGE, on Flickr

I don't know if this will help but here is what a Magpul forearm looks like on one of my basic 870 Express guns with factory ribbed barrel.  I've put the tape right at the end of the forearm fully extended.  I then show what it looks like with the action pulled back a bit.  Barrel length to the tape is right at 12-3/8".   Note that it is difficult to get a picture where the tape looks like it's square to the barrel.  In the pics it always looks like it is crooked but I assure you it is square when I'm looking at it straight on.

The tape in this pic is right at 12.5".   The forearm goes just a tiny bit past the cap - like between 1/16" and 1/8"

You're a hero, thank you. That really helps me out. It might be time to fabricate and turn down my own magazine tube nut to make everything flush how I'd like it.  I may let the vent rib idea die but I can see it in my mind and I think I gotta try.

Thanks again man, I appreciate you taking the time and effort!

You could "fix" the rib issue with something like the front sight below.  This shop can do that.  Probably others can as well.

That’s actually my shotgun. Josh Herring with Cotton Branch Customs did the work. He is the go-to guy for anything SBS! He can install a front sight post that will fix your vent rib dilemma.

I was going to talk to Josh about doing some work for me.  If you don't mind saying, how quick is his turn around on getting work done?

Took two to three weeks... but that was shortening an 870 down to about 10 inches, which required a lot more that just cutting the barrel down. I imagine your turnaround time would be much quicker if all you’re needing is the barrel cut down...

Looks like great work! I just got my stamp back and cut my 870 to 12.5 myself, might have to do something similar. Still making up my mind whether or not I'm going to have it threaded for chokes.

@norinco982lover

Does the salvo req the barrel to protrude past the mag cap or can it be flush/recessed a bit?

@buffman_lt1

Can you show a pic of the barrel end (lower the forend)?

Hopefully this helps give you an idea.  The Salvo adapter here is for RemChokes.  This is on my 14" 870 Marine SBS.

Sorry just saw this. Not sure why the tag didn't work

Do you happen to know what sight manufacture they used? That looks like a Trijicon but not sure. I’m looking to do something similar.

https://i.imgur.com/Nqc4Ju7.jpg

Trijicon Trak-Lock

That is my 870 in the photo you hyperlinked. The sights are manufactured by Scattergun Technologies... Trijicon installs tritium inserts and rebrands them. I recently changed up the furniture for a more tactical look:

Attached File


Here’s my 870 with 12.5” and magpul forend. Lmk if you need a different pic/angle.

I cut a Wingmaster down to 12.25" (4 round magazine).  I cut it at the nearest rib.  I also put a Magpul forend on it.  Not sure where to host photos anymore.

Wingmaster SBS