What am I missing from my 870 overhaul?

[TonyBen]

I've been converting an old early 70's vintage 2-3/4" Wingmaster to a reliable 3" magnum HD/Tactical shotgun. Here's what I've done so far...

-Modified the ejector to eject 3" shells
-Replaced broken ejector spring
-Installed a black 870P bolt
-Installed the Flexi-tab shell lifter (not sure of the proper name here)
-Installed Magpul stock and forearm

I ordered an 870P gloss blue 18.5" barrel and a +2 mag extension kit from JD at AIP Tactical. It should be here tomorrow or Monday.

What about the magazine follower? What's the hands-down most reliable? My 870 is a pre-peen model and removing the old magazine spring, plug and follower was a snap.

Anything I'm missing?

Here's what I have for future plans:
-Drill/tap the receiver for top picatinny rail
-Install a side-saddle carrier
-Get a nice tactical sling of some sort
-Install a forward mounted light
-Install a Burris Fastfire III

I'll post pics of the build when the barrel and mag extension kit arrive.

Tony.

[Synchronizor]

You're going to need an updated slide assembly if you want the full flex-tab update. You can also replace the fore-end tube assembly if you want. It's an optional part of the flex-tab update, not necessary for preventing jams, but it does improve on the earlier version.

As for the follower, the Remington factory extensions like to have a cup-style follower that makes room for their spring's long solid length. Honestly, a factory blaze-orange plastic follower will work just fine, and it's what those kits were meant to use. If you want to go aftermarket though, the S&J Hardware Type 3 follower is a pretty good match for the factory extension kit, though you may have to take a couple spring coils off to keep from over-compressing it with the thicker S&J follower.

[John A.]

I've used the long Choate brand orange follower and didn't really care for it much.

I made my own follower based on the old factory plastic follower, but with a more defined "bump" in the center to fill the hull crimp better.

I know making your own is not feasible for most folks, but so far, it has worked flawlessly.







As for the light mount, I'm a big fan of Elzetta. I have one mounted on a Winchester 1300 and it's solid. Doesn't move around upon recoil. This is one of those times where paying a few dollars more was worth it. I've tried some of the 'el cheapos' light mounts and they moved around all over the place on some barrels.

[TonyBen]

I guess I should have been more specific; I installed an entire 870P bolt and slide. I bought them from JD as a whole Flexi-tab upgrade kit. The only modern part I didn't upgrade was the fore-end tube.

Right now the mag follower is a black plastic cup. Thanks for the scoop on the followers.

Tony.

[Goodgun]

I'm also a fan of the "Blaze Orange Factory Follower" they have NEVER let me down! Just saying? Don't get the Nordic follower.. they are a big " let DOWN "...

[Jbur]

Can't speak for long term reliability as I just installed it but I went with the Wilson combat spring and follower. Like it so far.

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