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Posted: 3/26/2009 9:43:30 PM EDT
| is having a 26in 870 express as an HD/shtf/ all aroud shotty a good choice? or should i try to find one that can hold more rounds?? what does it take to add an extention tube too it and cost wise? i dont think i really can afford another gun right now. ( if i knew i could afford another i would, but im trying to save for a new pistol) do you guys think a 870 with a 26in, barrel at the ready is a good choice for a HD/shtf? |
| 18 or 20 inch barrel is ideally what you want for HD. Midway has barrels from Remington and Mossberg for about $130. Tacstar makes cheap magazine extensions for 870s that go for about $40. Installing the extension may be difficult on your Express if it has the magazine spring detents in the tube; these will have to be pressed out or ground out in order to install the extension. While your looking you might want to upgrade some of the internals if you want; just look for the police parts. The 870 will do the job for HD or SHTF, I have an 870P myself and it hasn't failed me yet. |
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I picked up a 18 or 18.5" barrel (It's been awhile can't remember for sure) from Cabelas for around $100-110. Picked up the Chote 2rd extension from Brownells pretty cheap. I also installed a single point sling adapter from Brownells as well. It's the small loop thing at the end of the stock.
To make the extension fit, you will need to get rid of the detents (as mentioned). I used a Wrench socket that fit the diameter of the tube and CAREFULLY tapped the sucker through bit by bit while gingerly tapping on the outside of the detents on the tube. Once it was free, I hit the inside with a Dremel tool to gind it down smooth then polished it up. Really sounds a lot harder than it is. Great handling with the shorter barrel. Put a cheap 5rd holder on the stock and it's good to go for home defense. 
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What they said.
Look at the sticky at the top of the forum, has all the info you need for installing the mag extension. I got a 20" barell and +3 extension and very happy. Light also helps, the Surefire forend is really nice. Some complain about it being heavy, but I think the extra heft to the gun helps, and it should also decrease muzzle rise. |
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I left the 26" barrel on my 870 Super Magnum, put on a 10 round mag extension tube, and put on a cheap 6 round holder that I got from Sportsmansguide.com. When I want to go hunt, I use my sling to loosen the clamp, take off the extension, replace the old spring, and put the old mag cap back on. Easy as pie!
I am still waiting for my light and mount to arrive, the light was on back order  ... Same as almost anything gun/tactical/military related... Very interesting...
Happy Shooting!! 
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