AIP Tactical

[The New Guy]

Thinking of getting JD to build a HD/Deer hunting 870. Anyone here have any of his builds?

[bbull311]

I have never bought anything from him but his online rants about how much smarter he is then everyone else about shotgun configuration and the 870 has turned me off to him. As far as I can tell he isn't doing anything you can't do yourself and save some money. If you need help there are a number of people on here that will offer advise and not belittle you if you if you go a different direction. Good luck.

[Synchronizor]

There is something to be said for handing a build over to a very experienced gunsmith who knows all the little details of the platform and all the tricks to getting things done right the first time. Yes, it's more expensive, but you get a completed 870 right out of the box for a lot less time and effort.

If that sounds like the way you'd prefer to do things, AI&P is the builder I recommend. J.D. can be a bit abrasive, and he's definitely not the guy to talk to if you want some 14-pound range toy that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi flick, but he does know what he's talking about, and his finish work & custom 870s are very well spoken of. Most importantly, he doesn't sell smoke like many other shops who charge thousands for just a name. He keeps things simple and straightforward. You decide what you want on your gun, and you get it professionally and properly assembled for a fair price.

If you think you'd rather build your 870 with your own hands, that's also an option, and we can help you plan and execute your build. Bbull311 is correct that 870s are very simple to work on, but there are some mistakes you can make, and certain things like sight work or adapting a dimpled magazine tube for an extension can fall outside the comfort zone of novice 870 owners. But if you're willing to do your homework and ask for help when needed, you can certainly assemble something that functions just as well as an AI&P 870.

The main thing that separates AI&P shotguns from something you build yourself is J.D.'s own heavy-zinc Parkerizing, which is done professionally with proper prep and everything. That's something you won't be able to do yourself without a good chunk of know-how and a lot of specialized equipment. However, you can always build your 870, and then hand it off to J.D. or someone else for refinishing.

[bbull311]

Don't misunderstand my post. He is a good gunsmith. It is just his attitude about his knowledge and everyone else's lack of. I also don't agree with some of his set ups and the direction he tries to push you in. I do agree that he uses quality components and does good work. But if I were going to recommend a gunsmith, it would be (Steve Rose?) at roseactionsports. He does great work, is quick, and reasonably priced.

[The New Guy]

So after deliberating with JD, i have made my purchase and have recieved my 870 about a week ago. I dont think he is condesending at all. He can be a little "matter of fact." But to be honest, i like that. He has opinions and he stands by them, and backs them up with reasoning.

I dont have any previous 870 experience but i have no doubts in this gun whatsoever. With a few more rounds through it i will write up a review from the point of view of a beginner shotgunner. Overall couldnt be happier

[Synchronizor]

Glad you're happy with your purchase, and I look forward to hearing more about your new 870. Don't forget to take some pictures!

[Synchronizor]

But if I were going to recommend a gunsmith, it would be (Steve Rose?) at roseactionsports. He does great work, is quick, and reasonably priced.

It's funny, just this afternoon I remembered an email conversation I had with J.D. about one of my videos and some possible gunsmithing work a couple years back. He told me he actually has Steve Rose do all his barrel work for him. I do like Steve's listed prices for choke tube installation; just a little more than renting the tooling to do it yourself, and you'll know it's done properly.

[bbull311]

So after deliberating with JD, i have made my purchase and have recieved my 870 about a week ago. I dont think he is condesending at all. He can be a little "matter of fact." But to be honest, i like that. He has opinions and he stands by them, and backs them up with reasoning.

I dont have any previous 870 experience but i have no doubts in this gun whatsoever. With a few more rounds through it i will write up a review from the point of view of a beginner shotgunner. Overall couldnt be happier

I am glad it worked out for you and will be waiting on your review.

[deputy584]

I recently had JD build me an 870 to use on duty, I emailed him on the 6th of December and took possession of my shotgun on the 19th. I had it shipped to my agency and that's why I had to wait the extra two days to pick it up. JD knows what he's talking about and his rants in opinion are coming from someone who knows what he's ranting about. There is a big difference between someone who buys from Brownell's and builds his own and a guy that builds them professionally and has his guns shipped all over the country. I tried to make the gun have a failure when I took it to the range the first time, I couldn't. It's not a testament to JD( he said this to me himself) it's because the 870 is the Ferrari of the shotgun world. He built me a shotgun that I will depend on to save my life or another LEO's life. I couldn't find anyone locally that knows enough about building the shotgun that I could trust.

JD made buying the gun effortless, he listened to my suggestions and made recommendations based on his knowledge and experience. He wasn't pushy or arrogant in any way. If you get a chance let JD build you one.

[Synchronizor]

...it's because the 870 is the Ferrari of the shotgun world.

Nah, too European & fancy. If we're using automotive analogies, I prefer to think of the 870 as the Chevy small-block of shotguns.